AOI revealed new housing for high-end Micro Four Thirds OM System OM-1. The camera features “Olympus” glass, has a 20.4MP stacked CMOS sensor and TruePic X Dual Quad Core processor, can shoot 50fps with the electronic shutter — with autofocus and autofocus dynamic exposure — and record 4K/60p video without cropping.
As you might expect, the new UH-OM1 housing shares very similar features with the recently announced AOI housing for Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III, which includes a compact polycarbonate design, integrated optical trigger, and AOI’s Vacuum Analyzer & Wet Detection System as standard. As with the case E-M1 III, the trigger works in Super FP mode, a high-speed flash sync option that makes it possible to use shutter speeds faster than the maximum sync speed is 1/200 of a second.
Shipping now, housing available for $999 from retailers like Backscatter.
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PRESS PRESS
AOI announces UH-OM1 housing for OM1
It’s been 50 years since Olympus (now known as the OM System) launched the original OM-1. Olympus was able to do what no other camera manufacturer could do at the time – it packed the specs of a professional SLR into a rangefinder-sized body. It has revolutionized what an SLR camera can be or should be. Fast forward to the present day, OM System’s OM-1 is a digital tribute to the original camera. In keeping with the spirit of Yoshihisa Maitani’s design philosophy, the OM-1 today is no stranger to receiving rave reviews to match its legacy.
The OM-1 offers extraordinary features, such as an improved user interface, excellent ergonomics, superb color and image quality, and all the other small improvements that make this camera become a hit with serious enthusiasts and professionals. But one aspect of the camera that users have always been fascinated with is how compact the entire system is. The combination of available lenses and the OM-1 body make it an attractive choice, especially for enthusiasts who want quality in a small and light package.
However, compactness and ergonomics are often put off when it is used for underwater photography. Most of the underwater housings supplied for the OM-1 are heavy, bulky, and difficult to handle. Now imagine if there was a housing, only slightly larger than the camera itself but with features and functions that let you get the most out of the OM-1 while underwater.
When smaller is better
Don’t be fooled by the rugged indicators of the UH-OM1. Although it weighs only 1079 grams, it comes with a smart control box that manages the built-in flash trigger, Vacuum Analysis & Wet Detection System and it is fully rechargeable. External dimensions are only 195.9mm (W) x 129.7mm (H) x 149.7mm (D) and it is fully compatible with legacy gateway systems from Olympus and as well as ports from AOI. Its ergonomic design fits comfortably in the hand, making it a favorite among freestylers or surfers. For example, when paired with a 7-14mm PRO lens, using the PEN To OMD Adapter Extension Ring and 8″ Glass Dome on the UH-OM1, the entire mount remains buoyant in water. Or when using the new plastic Macro Port with the 60mm Macro Lens, it has a positive buoyancy of 90gm, which is almost neutral in water. Make the whole system with lenses and ports a joy to handle.
Big Features Inside
One of the ‘biggest’ features in the case is the built-in optical trigger. Made from the AOI UH-EM1iii, the optical trigger is compatible with the camera’s RC mode. The optical trigger will allow photographers to use Super FP, TTL, or Manual Mode. On a compatible strobe system such as the AOI UCS-Q1RC (currently available in Japan only), images will be well exposed with consistently vibrant colors without having to manipulate the flicker output.
The optical trigger also means that fast shutter speeds can be used when a compatible flash is used. Be it difficult macro creatures, fast-moving (think Idiomlysis) or creating compelling compositions, using the fast shutter speeds currently available to underwater photographers. Opens up a wide range of possibilities and options for underwater photographers.
Peaceful
Although the OM-1 has an IP53 rating, that doesn’t mean it’s waterproof. The house benefits from the integration of a Vacuum Analyzer and a Wet Detection System, an early warning and prevention system. Before diving, the shell is vacuum sealed and an internal pressure monitoring system. If there is a change in pressure in the house, there may be a leak; audible and visual warnings will go off. Gives the user plenty of time to safely ascend after diving, avoiding very costly mishaps.
Legacy compatibility
AOI understands that many existing Olympus users will likely upgrade from their old system to the new OM-1, and although the UH-OM1 uses a PEN port mounting system, a PEN to OMD Conversion Extension Ring will be offered to those who want to use their OMD port mounting system on the UH-OM1 enclosure. The Converter expansion ring, a range of ports, and corresponding zoom/focus gears will be available at launch. Make the transition to the new system simple.
User Focus
The purpose of UH-OM1housing is to provide users of the OM System OM-1a with a way to enjoy the camera as it was designed. If OM Systems takes the time and resources to make cameras (and systems) a joy to handle, why should underwater housing be the exception? As the saying goes “good things come in small packages”. Or, in AOI, we say “Smaller is better”.
Contact your local AOI distributor or dealer for more information or to visit www.aoi-uw.com
