Olympus is getting ready to join the Micro Four Thirds brigade and has been showing off a new prototype camera at PMA. Small wonder, really, seeing as Olympus is one of the creators of the Micro Four Thirds standard. These retro beauties have been confirmed for a summer launch – more details after the jump.
Olympus is clearly taking a different angle on the Micro Four Thirds design. Unlike the recent surge of cut-size D-SLRs, such as the Samsung NX series and Panasonic Lumix GH1, this new model – expected to be christened the Olympus M1 or M100 – stands out by steering more towards the compact end of the camera spectrum.
Further specifications are still scarce, but the M1 / M100 is still a prototype right now. It’s going to be about the size of a chunky point and shoot cam but should appeal to demanding photo enthusiasts, thanks to its compatibility with lenses from a range of other manufacturers who subscribe to the Micro Four Thirds standard.
Prices and exact availability dates are currently under wraps, but a sign on Olympus’ non-working prototype display at PMA points to a release “this summer”. Looks like we’ll have to sit tight for another few months. Let’s hope in that time Olympus doesn’t to go all boring and drop the 1970’s stylings for a more conservative black or silver.
