Skip to main content
Digital Camera World Digital Camera World THE HOME OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
Subscribe
(opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
flag of US
US
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of UK
UK
flag of Australia
Australia
Photography Magazines
(opens in new tab)
Photography Magazines (opens in new tab)
Why subscribe?
  • Try 3 issues for £/$/€3
  • Delivered to your door or device
  • Every issue is packed with photo tips, kit reviews and inspiration
From$3
(opens in new tab)
View (opens in new tab)
  • 3 mags for $3
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Tutorials
  • Buying Guides
  • Magazines
    • The Photography Show
    • Digital Camera
    • PhotoPlus
    • N-Photo
    • Digital Photographer
    • Australian Camera
    • Australian ProPhoto
    • Photography Week
    • Practical Photoshop
    • About us

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  1. Home
  2. Features
Sponsored

Behind the lens: A look inside Olympus’ iconic cameras

By Sponsored

Take a trip back in time to experience the evolution of this company’s innovative product line

(Image credit: Olympus UK)

A camera is only as good as the glass that’s attached to it.

This was one of the philosophies of Olympus’ long-time camera designer, Yoshihisa Maitani; but it’s also a phrase that encapsulates the company’s 100-year history. Though known today for being the go-to camera brand for photographers around the world, Olympus didn’t make cameras straight out of the gate: it made microscopes and the glass within them.

Founded in post-World War I Japan, the brand we now know as Olympus began in 1919 as Takachiho Seisakusho, an optics company focused primarily on making microscopes. While it was arguably a leader in the industry, Olympus had its sights set on a new business – and in 1936, the company made those dreams a reality.

From its first camera, the Semi-Olympus I, all the way to the newly released OM-D E-M1X, Olympus has exceled at creating an unmatched experience for photographers.

1936: Zuiko lenses and the Semi-Olympus I

It would be a little over 10 years before the company took on the Olympus name, but in 1936, it released its first camera: the Semi-Olympus I. Fitted with a 4.5-inch Zuiko lens – “Zuiko” translates to “light of the gods” in Japanese – the body of this landmark camera was supplied by Proud, another Japanese camera manufacturer. The impeccable image quality and lightness of this first Zuiko lens kickstarted a legacy that the company is still known for today.

1963: The golden age of film

The aforementioned famed Olympus designer Maitani once said: “If it's not there when I go to buy it, I should make it." Thus, the Pen F was born. Building upon the 1959 Olympus-Pen model, this revolutionary camera was equipped with a rotary titanium shutter, which was perfected through an enormous amount of effort of behalf of the company’s engineers. Hyper compact thanks to its sideways-flipping reflex mirror, the Pen F was the world’s first (and only) half-frame SLR. Despite its small stature, however, it had a dizzying range of interchangeable lenses, making a leader in portability, usability and, of course, optics.

1972: The introduction of the OM Series

The company’s first foray into the world of 35mm SLRs was worth the wait. The M-1, later renamed the OM-1, was a challenge for Maitani’s designers. They sought to reduce the weight of the traditionally bulky SLR and make it more durable. A typical SLR could last for 10,000 photos; Maitani wanted Olympus’ to make it to 100,000. This camera was smaller than its competitors without any compromise in quality, relying on innovative technology to prevent rust and reduce the noise and shock caused by shutter operation. The OM Series (now known as OM-D) remains a top choice for photographers to this day, and Maitani’s philosophies are still evident in the design.

1986: A camera that can withstand the elements

Image: Robert Wetzlmayr, Flickr

Image: Robert Wetzlmayr, Flickr

One of main obstacles facing photographers even today is the durability of their gear, especially in harsh weather conditions. Olympus tackled this problem head-on in 1986 with the AF-1, or Infinity, which was the world's first waterproof, fully automatic compact camera. Olympus' waterproofing has only improved in the decades since, and many of the technologies instituted in the AF-1 can still be seen in its cameras today. The company even has a Tough camera line that’s waterproof, crushproof, shockproof, freezeproof and dustproof.

2003: Zuiko goes digital

By the time 2003 rolled around, Olympus had been making digital cameras for nearly a decade. But with the introduction of the E-1 Digital SLR, it took its line to new heights. The E-1 was the first SLR camera with a with a four-thirds based CCD sensor, which allowed for the use of interchangeable digital lenses. The Four Thirds system was a revelation, as its 4:3 aspect ratio sensor made edge distortion a thing of the past.

2013: The lightweight mirrorless OM-D E-M1

With lightweight, compact bodies, mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras revolutionized the way that on-the-go photographers shoot; however, they also offered less options for lenses and accessories. Enter the Olympus OM-D E-M1. Its Micro Four Thirds System boasted the largest selection of compatible lenses in a mirrorless lineup, giving it a competitive edge over other models on the market. Thanks to its effective in-body image stabilization, contrast and phase detection autofocus and a fast TruePic VII image processor, this mighty little camera also offered the highest image quality in Olympus’ product lineup at the time of its release.

2019: With the E-M1X, OM-D goes pro

In many ways, the OM-D E-M1X feels like the culmination of a life’s work. In this case, that life is the collection of innovations that Olympus has put in motion over the past 100 years. Olympus’ sharp M.Zuiko lenses have never been in better company thanks to the E-M1X’s astonishingly fast and accurate dual autofocus system, and performance is taken to new heights with AI-based Intelligent Subject Detection. The E-M1X’s dust, splash and freezeproof IPX1-rated weather sealing makes other pro camera bodies red with envy.

This camera lives up to Maitani’s promise to build highly portable systems with the best stabilization technology and the most optically superior lenses. And since it’s a member of the long running OM family, it packs all these features into a frame that’s both compact and lightweight, with an integrated vertical grip and an image stabilization system that’ll have you shooting spectacularly detailed pictures without so much as glancing at a tripod.

Walking through Olympus’ history, it isn’t hard to see how the company came to develop the industry-leading cameras that it’s known for today. From their cutting-edge M.Zuiko lens technology to their rugged, weatherproof frames, Olympus cameras are a top pick for photographers who won’t let anything stop them from getting the perfect shot.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Already have an account ? Sign in here

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Already have an account ? Sign in here

Camera deals, prizes and latest news

Get the best camera deals, reviews, product advice, competitions, unmissable photography news and more!

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions (opens in new tab) and Privacy Policy (opens in new tab) and are aged 16 or over.
Sponsored
Sponsored

Digital Camera World is one of the leading authorities on camera and photography news, reviews, techniques, tutorials, comparisons, deals and industry analysis. The site doesn't just specialize in cameras, but all aspects of photography, videography and imaging – including camera phones, gimbals, lenses, lighting, editing software, filters, tripods, laptops, printers, photo books, desks, binoculars and more. 


Whether you're using, looking to buy or trying to get the most out of a compact camera, action camera, camera drone, cinema camera, beginner camera or professional camera, Digital Camera World has a roster of experts with combined experience of over 100 years when it comes to cameras, photography and imaging. 

Related articles

  • Irix makes high IQ move with its super-cool "Cine Matte box" Irix makes high IQ move with its super-cool "Cine Matte box"
  • Sony set to increase prices in Japan but for now the rest of the world seems safe Sony set to increase prices in Japan but for now the rest of the world seems safe
  • Want to win a share of $1 million? Enter GoPro's Million Dollar Challenge Want to win a share of $1 million? Enter GoPro's Million Dollar Challenge
  • Travel Photographer of the Year 2022 winners Travel Photographer of the Year 2022 winners
  1. Comet ISON passes through Virgo
    1
    Astrophotography in February 2023: what to shoot in the night sky this month
  2. 2
    Monopod vs Tripod – which is better?
  3. 3
    I'm a photographer, and I took STUNNING cinematic photos in The Last of Us game
  4. 4
    Shoot and design a stunning photo book with Affinity Version 2
  5. 5
    ANOTHER new camera delayed. What's the excuse now – nuts and bolts shortage?
  1. Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD
    1
    Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD review
  2. 2
    Canon's new camera sensor could revolutionize dynamic range
  3. 3
    Is Canon going to bring back mirror lenses?
  4. 4
    Best Leica camera alternatives in 2023
  5. 5
    6 years on, the Nikon D850 gets a firmware update

Digital Camera World is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab).

  • Terms and conditions (opens in new tab)
  • Privacy policy (opens in new tab)
  • Cookies policy (opens in new tab)
  • Advertise with us (opens in new tab)
  • About us (opens in new tab)
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers (opens in new tab)

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.