Olympus XZ compact camera with 50mm f/1 lens is in the works

Olympus is rumored to be working on a new XZ-series compact camera with a 1/1.7-inch-type image sensor and a fixed 50mm f/1 lens (35mm focal length equivalent).

Most camera makers are based in Japan. This is why it makes sense for the latest patents to be submitted to Japanese regulatory commissions.

Olympus is not an exception, meaning that the company must patent its products in Japan before announcing and releasing them. People who keep a close eye on such matters have discovered a new camera and lens submitted by the manufacturer.

The patent is mainly focused on the lens, which will certainly make a lot of people drool over it. The patent is describing an amazing i.Zuiko Digital 11mm f/1 lens for compact cameras with a 1/1.7-inch-type image sensor.

New Olympus XZ compact camera to feature impressive 50mm f/1 lens

Olympus 11mm f/1 patent is describing a fixed-lens for compact cameras with a 1/1.7-inch-type image sensor.

There are plenty of great fixed-lens cameras available on the market. One example is the Sony RX1, a compact with a full frame sensor. Olympus, though, seems to have chosen a different route by opting for a smaller sensor and a much more impressive optic.

Since the patented lens is aimed at 1/1.7-inch-type shooters, the device in question may be a new Olympus XZ compact camera. Regardless of shooter’s specs list, the main attraction will definitely be the 11mm f/1 lens, which will provide a 35mm equivalent of 50mm.

The fixed optic will offer an angle of view of approximately 47 degrees and an image height of 4.63mm, respectively. It will measure about 33mm, so it will be a very compact optic.

Upcoming Olympus XZ shooter could borrow 12-megapixel sensor from Stylus 1

The high-end compact camera in the company’s line-up is currently taken by the Olympus Stylus 1, which has been announced in late 2013.

This device features a 35mm equivalent lens of 28-300mm with a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8. A 12-megapixel 1/1.7-inch-type image sensor captures the photos and it would not be so surprising if the new XZ shooter will employ an identical sensor.

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see which camera will be considered top of the line, although the more important question is whether or not the new model will be cheaper than the Stylus 1.

In the meantime, Amazon is selling the Olympus Stylus 1 for a price around $650. Add about $50 and you get the device’s price at both Adorama and B&H PhotoVideo.