In a move that further steps up Olympus' retro fixation, the Japanese camera-maker has recently announced a new OM-D line of its Micro Four Thirds cameras; with the first offering in this lineup being the new E-M5.

The stylistic cues of the E-M5 are largely inspired by Olympus' OM line of SLR cameras; and the new camera is part of the camera-maker's PEN series of Micro Four Thirds cameras which essentially comprise a compact line of interchangeable lens shooters that have their designs drawn from the classic half-frame 35mm PEN.

The new Olympus OM-D E-M5 boasts the addition of a horde of new features which had thus far not come aboard the Micro Four Thirds system. Some of these features include a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, the weather sealing advantage, and high-quality in-body image stabilization.

Furthermore, the 16-megapixel CMOS sensor of the new E-M5 is capable of ISO settings up to 25600 for low-light shooting; and the OLED touch variety of rear tilting 3-inch display has a faster refresh rate and a wider viewing angle than its LCD equivalent. The eye-level electronic viewfinder is in-built in the camera, which features a 1.44-megapixel resolution, 18mm eye point, and a 1.15x magnification factor.

The retro-styled, high-end functionality E-M5 is likely to hit the markets in April; and the cost of its magnesium alloy body will be $999.99. The E-M5 model with the M. Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II R lens will cost $1,099.99; while the model with weather-sealed M. Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ lens will be priced at $1299.99.