After using the Olympus “Try Before You Buy” scheme in August 2016, I finally made the decision to purchase the Olympus OM-D E-M1 (Mark I). Although there were rumours circulating about the upcoming Mark II, the improvement in image quality compared with my E-30 was so dramatic that I didn’t want to wait. The responsiveness, clarity, and overall handling of the E-M1 were in a completely different league. I paired it with the M.Zuiko 12–40mm f/2.8 PRO lens, which transformed the system into a fast, versatile, and highly capable photographic tool.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 (Mark I) – Technical Overview
The E-M1 represented a major leap forward for Olympus and for the Micro Four Thirds system as a whole. Key features included:
16.3-megapixel Live MOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter for maximum sharpness
TruePic VII image processor, offering improved noise control and colour accuracy
Dual FAST AF system combining phase-detect and contrast-detect autofocus
81-point contrast AF grid plus 37 phase-detect points for fast, accurate focusing
5-axis in-body image stabilisation, effective for both stills and video
10 frames per second burst shooting (6.5 fps with continuous AF)
Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, resistant to dust, splash, and freezing conditions
2.36-million-dot electronic viewfinder with 0.74× magnification
1/8000s maximum shutter speed
Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control and image transfer
Compared with the E-30, the E-M1 felt modern, fast, and incredibly responsive. The autofocus alone was a revelation, especially when paired with high-quality lenses.
M.Zuiko 12–40mm f/2.8 PRO – Technical Overview
The 12–40mm f/2.8 PRO lens was the perfect companion for the E-M1. It offered:
Constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range
Equivalent focal length of 24–80mm in full-frame terms
Weather-sealed construction to match the E-M1 body
Manual Focus Clutch for instant switching between AF and MF
MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) focusing motor for silent, smooth autofocus
Excellent optical performance, with sharpness from corner to corner
Minimum focusing distance of 20cm, allowing near-macro close-ups
This combination delivered outstanding image quality, superb handling, and the flexibility to shoot landscapes, portraits, close-ups, and everyday scenes with equal confidence. It was the first time I felt I had a truly professional-grade system in my hands.