Olympus and Panasonic announce new Micro Four Thirds System

When compared to the Four Thirds System standard, the primary distinguishing characteristics of the Micro Four Thirds System standard are:

1) Approximately 50% shorter flangeback distance (mount-to-sensor distance)

2) 6mm smaller lens mount outer diameter

3) Electrical contacts in mount increased from 9 to 11, enabling support for new features and increased system functionality in the future, the companies said.

According to a press release, image sensor diagonal dimensions are the same for both the existing Four Thirds System and the new Micro Four Thirds Standard. Olympus and Panasonic pointed out that they will continue to develop Four Thirds System interchangeable lens type digital camera system products, in addition to the new generation of compact, lightweight, interchangeable lens type digital camera system products of the Micro Four Thirds standard.