DEMA: Housing Previews for the new Olympus OM-D E-M1

The new Olympus OM-D E-M1 camera is the talk of the mirrorless world. A new small mirrorless camera that further closes the gap between these small cameras and much larger dSLR's. This is great for us underwater folks, as travel restrictions and heavy camera rigs can make things aggrevating. This week at DEMA both Olympus and Nauticam have revealed the first look at the new underwater housings for the E-M1.

Olympus PT-EP11

The Olympus housing follows the line of the previous E-M5 housing, looking very much like a fancy PEN housing. Polycarbonate in signature Olympus Red & Black, the housing has a clear back cover and features the same removable port system as the E-M5. The locking bayonet is an easy to change port system and allows full use of the many micro four thirds lenses available.

Large control dials, and nicely labeled buttoms make the housing easy to use. All camera controls are accessible, including the really nice programmable 2 option switch. Look for this housing to hit the shelves around January, maybe late December if we're lucky.

http://www.bluewaterphotostore.com/olympus-omd-em1-housing

Nauticam NA-EM1

The Nauticam housing for the E-M1 has grown a little in size from the E-M5, pushing it more into the mid range size of the Panasonic GH3 camera - however this is because the E-M1 camera is also a bit larger with in molded grip and slightly thicker body. Still maintain a much smaller than dSLR body size the housing incorporates all of Nauticams great features, including easy to use push on port lock, large selection of ports and zoom gear to match the ever increasing line of lenses and more.

The first protype model was showing here at DEMA this week, and it looks impressive. Nauticam explained that there will be a few changes to several buttons, that just were not working as well as they would like in the original location. As always the ergonomics and ease of use play a big role in their housing design. All the features of the camera are accessible, easy to read labels, and tiered buttons as in all their housings. Like the E-M5 there will be the option to use Nauticam's external viewfinder.

The three big changes on the housing are that they have redesigned the shutter lever, which now looks and functions much more like a dSLR, designed to push back naturally when holding on the grips. Speaking of grips, Nauticam is including thier molded grips on the E-M1 housing just like a dSLR, with added brackets on the top of the housing for support. Lastly as with all of the new housings, the E-M1 will include the electronics for the vacuum system. Look for the Nauticam housing to be available near the end of December.

http://www.bluewaterphotostore.com/nauticam-omd-em1-housing

Aquatica E-M1

That's right! Aquatica is stepping up and planning a housing for the new E-M1 camera. This will be thier first venture into the Micro-four thirds and we're very excited to see what they come out with. Stay tuned for more information early next year.