Along with the launch of the new Olympus O-MD EM-5 camera, is an official O-MD website with full gallery and detailed specs.

For more up-to-date E-M5 launch information, visit 43rumors.com!

Minutes ago, Olympus announced the release of their all new OM-D E-M5 camera. The camera is built on the micro four-thirds system and includes an electronic viewfinder, while maintaining an extremely compact body.

Featuring an integrated 1.44 megapixel electronic viewfinder and 16 megapixel LiveMOS image sensor, the OM-D E-M5 is the world’s fastest auto-focusing camera and is equipped with the world’s first five-axis image stabiliser integrated into its weather-proof alloy body.

Leaked photos of Olympus’s new line of OM-D cameras has found it’s way onto DPReview. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 will come in black and silver variations. The m43 sensor should be same as used in the Panasonic G3. Here are the leaked specs courtesy of 43rumors:

- Camera has a classic OM design
- It has a magnesium body
- It is weathers sealed
- weight 373 g (body only).
- 16 megapixel sensor optimized for High Dynamic Range
- 200 up to 25.600 ISO
- Built-in electronic viewfinder 1.44 million dots (positioned in the center of the body like the old OM optical viewfinders and same resolution as the external VF-2 viewfinder (Click here to see on Amazon).
- 610.000 pixel OLED tilting 3 inch screen.
- Five-axis image stabilizer in body.
- FAST AF and 3D tracking
- Comes in Black or Silver.
- Price: Around $1.100 in USA or 1.000 Euro in Europe.

Olympus hired designer Chc to create a custom look for the recently announced Olympus PEN E-PL2 digital camera. For the Hong Kong campaign, he drew inspiration from a pair of Air Jordan III’s in classic black/grey/red and white/fire red. To complete the look he detailed the camera grip with elephant print.

Apparently, the entire custom design is pretty easy to replicate, with full instructions posted on his blog. I think I might give my E-PL2 this makeover when it arrives!

Rarely is there a camera released that makes me fall in love with photography all over again. But the Olympus E-P1 ($749) does just that. It’s not a point and shoot and it’s not an SLR. It’s a PEN. The first-generation Olympus PEN appeared in 1959 and led the way to high-quality images in a small package, matching SLR cameras’ performance of the era.

Today, Olympus utilized its miniaturizing and engineering expertise to create a slimmer body, removing the optical viewfinder and mirror box found inside a traditional DSLR, to create a small but high-quality interchangeable lens camera. By reducing its lens mount diameter, Olympus also enabled the production of smaller and lighter lenses to match the E-P1’s body size.

The new camera’s high-end, stainless-steel body is easy to handle and carry, and has the styling and refinement of a precision watch. Its retro-chic look turns heads, from tech aficionados and camera buffs to the fashion-conscious and everyday point-and-shooter. Built to be solid, it fits comfortably in a jacket pocket or a handbag for a night on the town, or to take on any spontaneous adventure. The E-P1 lets you do more and go more places while capturing your life, thanks to its compact size – 4.75″(W) x 2.75″ (H) x 1.43″ (D) – and light 11.8-ounce body. Attention to detail is visible in every aspect of the camera’s retro-style metal body design, available in either silver or white with accompanying new small and lightweight Olympus M. ZUIKO Micro Four Thirds lenses: 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 (28-84mm equivalent) and 17mm f2.8 (34mm equivalent).

The Olympus E-P1 will be available in July 2009. DPreview has a nice preview of the camera.