Olympus launches a ‘smartphone camera’

Another smartphone camera system that can take any Micro Four Thirds lens is set to hit the market soon, as a direct challenger to Sony’s QX-1 interchangeable E-mount lens camera.

Olympus originally introduced the Olympus Air A01 ‘smartphone camera’ during Photo kina 2014, but now it has a live launch date in Japan set for this March. Basically the Air is capable of turning any Android or iOS smartphone into a ‘SLR-quality’ lens camera, the Air has a 16MP Live MOS sensor, 1/16000 ultra high-speed shutter, 3x digital zoom and a lens mount that can connect to any Micro Four Third lens. It’s also rated to be able to handle about 320 shots on a single charge as well as connect to your smartphone via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

On it’s body the Air will have a tripod mount, microSD card slot as well as a physical shutter button.

There will also be eight apps designed specially for the Air which will provide a variety of photography features once they are available and Olympus will be providing a software development kit for those who might want to develop apps for the camera. These apps will include direct uploads to social media and image manipulation as well as editing.

The camera is set to retail for 33,800 yen for the body only (approximately RM 1,025) and 49,800 yen for a 14-42mm lens kit (approximately RM 1,510) which looks pretty expensive, though the local pricing might be very different if it hits our shores.

[SOURCE]