Initial Olympus E-M1 analysis: Does Oly’s new flagship camera make the grade?

posted Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at 9:34 AM EST

Earlier this year, we said that we'd like to do a better job of bringing our readers along the journey with us as we review the latest digital cameras to hit the IR Lab. That includes sharing image comparisons and print quality analysis earlier in the review process. After all, we know you're hungry for information on these hot new models.

In that spirit, we've just published our initial Olympus E-M1 image comparisons and print quality analysis of the company's yet-to-be-released flagship mirrorless camera.

Click here to see a series of side-by-side image comparisons of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 against the Olympus OM-D E-M5, Canon 70D, Fuji X-Pro1, Nikon D7100 and Panasonic GH3 at several different ISOs. The results are very revealing, with at least one pleasant surprise for the E-M1. You can then also read how this pro-level Micro Four Thirds camera fared in our print test.

If that's not enough info for you, you can use our image quality Comparometer™ to pit sample pictures taken with the E-M1 against any other camera we've tested. Go check them out, then come back here and post in the comments section below what you think about them. We have a few dozen real-world gallery images that you can analyze to your heart's content, too.

Be sure to read our first impressions Olympus E-M1 review for a closer look at the camera's new features and technology. We'll be publishing our complete, in-depth Olympus E-M1 review very soon.

The E-M1 will be available for sale next Monday, Oct. 14. You can place your pre-order with trusted Imaging Resource affiliates Adorama or B&H now:

Adorama: