Why is there a mirror in a 4\3 camera like the Olly EP1?

[Maiku]

Why is there a reflective mirror in a 4\3 camera like the Olly EP1?

I ask this question because the other day I was playing the new Panasonic and Olly 4/3 cameras. To compose the test photos I had to use the live view option or an accessory viewfinder. There was no pentaprism for the mirror to reflect the compose image to. I was left scratching my had and thinking why not put a plastic cover over the sensor to protect it from dust and do away with the mirror all together.

There are no mirrors in compacts like a Canon G10, so why in a Olly EP1?

Please inform as I am totally clueless here.

Mike

 

[mawz]

Why is there a reflective mirror in a 4\3 camera like the Olly EP1?

I ask this question because the other day I was playing the new Panasonic and Olly 4/3 cameras. To compose the test photos I had to use the live view option or an accessory viewfinder. There was no pentaprism for the mirror to reflect the compose image to. I was left scratching my had and thinking why not put a plastic cover over the sensor to protect it from dust and do away with the mirror all together.

There are no mirrors in compacts like a Canon G10, so why in a Olly EP1?

Please inform as I am totally clueless here.

Mike

The E-P1 does not have a mirror, nor do any other Micro-4/3rds cameras. What you are seeing is the glass low-pass filter mounted on the sensor which provides the AA filter, IR-cut filter and dust protection.

 

[rover]

No mirror in the EP-1 or any M43 camera

from DPreview

 

[payasam]

The Micro Four Thirds design is not a reflex one: no reflection, no mirror. This has been widely described as the reason for its relatively small size.

 

[Dwig]

True...

The header description of this forum is somewhat incorrect. Micro4/3rds cameras are not "evil digital SLRs", although the regular 4/3rds models that they evolved from are. Micro4/3rds are just EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens) cameras.

Its the lack of a reflex finder is the reason that the micro4/3rds models are of such interest on these forums. While micro4/3rds are not RF cameras either, they are very RF-like in many ways and, via adapters, can use most classic and current RF lenses.

 

[payasam]

Thank you, Dwig, for teaching me a new word or acronym or whatever it is. That's a fine puppy picture you have in your "avatar".

 

[ruben]

True...
......
Its the lack of a reflex finder is the reason that the micro4/3rds models are of such interest on these forums. While micro4/3rds are not RF cameras either, they are very RF-like in many ways and, via adapters, can use most classic and current RF lenses.

If clarity a accuracy is our target, then whe should state that the Oly EP1 has no mirror, and no Electronic View Finder - just a fixed LCD back.

In contrast, the Panasonic G1 has the most depeloped up to day EVF, and a flippable LCD back.

I would like to disagree a bit about the angle from which Dwig and many other sources judge these cameras. True bodth the Oly and the Panasonic and every following m4/3 are and will be mirrorless cameras.

But in practical terms, for the user, the highest achievement is not so much the real shrinking of camera size (as some new dslrs are closing the gap - mirror included) - but the design of the G-1 Electronic Viewfinder, a powerfull new device enabling a whole series of new possibilites for picture making.

These new possibilites are:
a) enhancing human vision at night
b) enabling 10 X image enlargement for manual focus
c) enabling AF correction by slight touch of correction ring at the lense, which will automatically enlarge the image by 10X.

Cheers,
Ruben

 

[JoeV]

These new possibilites are:
a) enhancing human vision at night
b) enabling 10 X image enlargement for manual focus
c) enabling AF correction by slight touch of correction ring at the lense, which will automatically enlarge the image by 10X.

Cheers,
Ruben

I would state that possibilities "a", "b" and "c" are visible also on the LCD screen in the back of the G1, such that these are not specific to just the EVF itself.

That said, I find myself using the EVF almost exclusively; the only time the LCD gets used are in situations like shooting from overhead, or near ground level, where the articulating LCD screen is invaluable.

~Joe

 

[250swb]

These new possibilites are:
a) enhancing human vision at night
b) enabling 10 X image enlargement for manual focus
c) enabling AF correction by slight touch of correction ring at the lense, which will automatically enlarge the image by 10X.

There are three other advancements, one of which I think ranks higher than all others, and that is the 100% view and large image in the EVF, an otherwise unheard of technical feat in such a small package. And the second would be the possibility to customize information on the EVF like you can on the LCD. The third is to see directly in the viewfinder any effects you are using, like high contrast, B&W, etc., and previously only possible by taking the eye away and refering to the LCD.

Steve

 

[ruben]

I would state that possibilities "a", "b" and "c" are visible also on the LCD screen in the back of the G1, such that these are not specific to just the EVF itself.

That said, I find myself using the EVF almost exclusively; the only time the LCD gets used are in situations like shooting from overhead, or near ground level, where the articulating LCD screen is invaluable.

~Joe

Hi Joe,

I am curious, what is the device that mediates between the subject and what you see in the G1 EVF/LCD ?

Thanks,
Ruben

 

[JoeV]

Ruben, I was merely attempting to state that the LCD on the G1 shows all of the capabilities that are available on the G1's EVF (your "A", "B" and "C" options listed above).

Implying that the real revolution to the EVF on the G1 is not that it's giving you access to information not already available on the LCD, but that it's doing so in an eye-level finder. And one which also has an adjustable diopter (important for us eyeglass wearers).

I think we are in agreement that the G1's EVF is a great feature; I use mine almost exclusively, with the LCD really only being used for playback (so-called "chimping").

~Joe