OM Digital goes infrared with IR versions of its E-M1X and E-M1 Mark III cameras

OM Digital has released two new cameras in Japan. Technically, they’ve released two new versions of two old cameras. Well, I say “old”. They’re the formerly known Olympus E-M1X (buy here), released in 2019, and the E-M1 Mark III (buy here), released in 2020. The first of those two was actually listed as discontinued at retailers last October.

The two new variants are the OM-D E-M1X IR and the OM-D E-M1 Mark III IR. If the names hadn’t given it away, these are essentially infrared versions of those same cameras. Infrared from the factory. No need for expensive conversions or messing around with filtered long exposures. Unfortunately, landscape photographers may not be able to get their hands on them.

It’s being sold solely in Japan, by the looks of things. It’s also only being sold to corporate and sole proprietorship customers, not consumers. Their launch announcement states that the cameras offer a good foundation for “surveying and shooting in places that are difficult to use large-scale equipment”. Essentially, OM Digital sees its uses as practical and not artistic – even though that was the original intent of the cameras on which they’re based.

There’s a magnetic detachable filter kit included with the camera. This allows you to switch between infrared and the visual spectrum at will. This makes it even more useful than just a regular  converted infrared camera. Those who’ve been through the infrared conversion process can no longer shoot visible light images.

The standard model E-M1X and E-M1 Mark III both have a sensitivity range in the visible light spectrum. That range goes from a little below 400nm up to around 760nm. The new infrared model versions of these cameras expand that range starting a hair lower than the standard at around 380nm and going up to a hair over 1100nm. That’s a pretty wide range allowing you to shoot both visible and infrared light images with the same camera just by swapping a filter.

The OM-D E-M1X is available body-only or in a kit with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4.0 Pro lens (buy here). The OM-D E-M1 Mark III body is only available in kit form with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40m f/2.8 Pro lens (buy here). No prices have been announced along with the cameras. But it doesn’t really matter for most of us anyway. They’re only available from the OMDS Business Store and not from regular retailers. So, your chances of getting your hands on one might be prettyslim if you’re not a business and not based in Japan.

It seems a shame to release this but not let it become an option worldwide and in consumer markets. It’s not like a niche sector is asking them to develop something new. It’s a product they’ve already made. Why not open it up to other markets and regions? I could see this becoming very popular with landscape photographers. And while neither might be a video powerhouse, they’re both capable of shooting 4K DCI at 24p or 4K UHD at up to 30fps.

As a Micro Four Thirds shooter myself, I’d actually consider picking one of these up if they ever make it to the UK.

[via 43Rumors]