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Do Micro Four Thirds cameras have a future?
For years, photographers and industry pundits have predicted the demise of the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera system. Many believe that the smaller sensor has been superseded by APS-C cameras and the ever-growing lineup of full-frame mirrorless shooters. "Not suddenly, but slowly over the course of the next couple of years," photographer and author Tony Northrup said in a YouTube video last October. The upload, which attracted more than 200,000 views, triggered a wage of counterarguments from prominent MFT users like Peter Forsgård, Joseph Ellis and others. Six months later, there's still no consensus.
A brief history of mirrorless cameras
Mirrorless cameras are here to stay. The argument to own one isn't only about them being small and lightweight anymore, because nowadays many mirrorless shooters rival DSLRs in image quality -- something that would've been unimaginable a decade or so ago. Today, the likes of the Sony A7 III, Nikon Z7, Canon EOS R and Panasonic S1R are some of the best cameras, period. But none of these flagships would exist today if it weren't for the hundreds of Micro Four Thirds and APS-C models that came before them, some of which are still popular and have paved the way for manufacturers to turn photographers and videographers alike into mirrorless fans.
Insta360 Titan is an 11K, eight-lens beast of a VR camera
Insta360 already has a line of 8K professional VR cameras, but apparently there's demand for an even higher resolution. After the teaser at last year's CES, this time the company is officially bringing out the Titan, an 11K VR camera consisting of eight lenses. Not only that, but the device also uses Micro Four Thirds sensors -- the largest available on any standalone VR camera -- with 10-bit color support. Priced at $14,999, this device is clearly aimed at folks who take VR cinematography very seriously.
Windows metadata bug has been waiting to cripple older machines (updated)
If you're still using Windows 7 or Windows 8, there's another security issue you need to be aware of aside from Wannacry. This one won't hold your computer ransom for bitcoin, though. Actually, it might be more annoying than it is dangerous. Researchers from Aladdin RD, an information security company, recently discovered (translated) that a bad image call embedded into a website can bring older computers to a grinding halt. In this case, it's filename "$mft."
Olympus' PEN E-PL8 is a stylish Micro Four Thirds camera
It wasn't too long ago that Olympus introduced its PEN-F camera, and now the company is following that up with a less expensive retro-looking model. Meet the PEN E-PL8, a Micro Four Thirds shooter with a 16.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor, a new TruePicTM VII sensor, 3-axis image stabilization and an ISO range of 100-25,600. Since it is an entry-level PEN, the E-PL8 doesn't capture videos in 4K, although you can record 1080p at 24 and 30 fps. You also have WiFi connectivity, which will let you transfer images to a smartphone or tablet through Olympus' mobile app. It'll hit stores in October for $550 body-only, or $100 for the kit with a 14-42mm lens. Not bad if you want a stylish, compact camera.
Panasonic targets budget 4K videographers with the Lumix G85
Video shooters were excited about Panasonic's Lumix G7 camera when it launched last year as an $800 alternative to the lovely, but pricey GH4. Just over a year later, the company has launched a successor, the G85. Like the last model, it captures 4K video, has an OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF), a 16-megapixel sensor and a tilt-and-swivel screen. The big change is a new shutter that cuts vibration 90 percent, along with a 5-axis optical image stabilizer that further reduces the odds of blurry photos or shaky video.
Tiny drone-friendly 4K camera lets you swap lenses
If you want to fly an interchangeable-lens camera on a DJI Phantom-sized drone, Blackmagic has two options coming soon, the 1080p Micro Cinema Camera and the 4K Micro Studio Camera. Now there's another one -- the E1, a Micro Four Thirds (MFT) interchangeable-lens camera small enough replace a GoPro in many cases. There is a catch, however. The company that's building it (Z Camera) is a startup and the camera is launching on Kickstarter, making any purchase a roll of the dice. However, it is fully funded and being produced in cooperation with Panasonic, which built the 4K sensor and is supplying the bundled 14mm f/2.5 lens.
Panasonic's LX100 makes huge compact leap with 4K video, MFT sensor
If you're thinking about buying Sony's sublime RX100 III compact camera, Panasonic has just made that decision a lot more difficult. The new $899 Lumix DMC-LX100 is leaps and bounds ahead of its LX7 predecessor and the most sophisticated compact the Japanese company has ever built. For starters, Panasonic has trumped the RX100's 1-inch sensor by equipping the new model with a Micro Four Thirds-sized, 12.8-megapixel MOS chip, the same size used on its big-boy interchangeable-lens models. Though it's cropped compared to its mirrorless models to allow for different aspect ratios, the sensor is still 50 percent larger than the LX7's 1-inch model. It's also got a fast Leica 24-75mm (35mm equivalent) f/1.7-2.8 lens, a wide-screen, 2,764K dot LVF (live viewfinder) and 4K video capture. Some of those specs put it on par with the company's flagship GH4, and well ahead of all its other interchangeable MFT models.
Panasonic's Lumix GM1 looks classy, adds WiFi to your 16-megapixel shots (update: hands-on)
In an age of megapixel-heavy camera phones, the Micro Four Thirds format is becoming increasingly popular with those who don't want the trappings of a full DSLR, but want to take their photos more seriously. Panasonic, one of the pioneers of the MFT system, has today announced its latest offering in this category -- the Lumix GM1. The sleek GM1 is remarkably small in physical size, and comes with a 16-megapixel sensor, a 3-inch tilting LCD, 1 / 16,000 shutter speed, 1080p video recording, electric shutter plus built-in wireless to help get your snaps out into the wild. It's all enveloped in a metal alloy frame, with aluminum dials and a brushed-steel finish to keep things looking classy. The sensor is actually the same as that found in the GX7, and has high ISO 25600 support. The kit lens is a 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 affair, custom designed to fit the GM1s small form. This sort of class will cost £629 in the UK, where it launches in black, and curiously, orange on November 8th, we'll add the US price once we get it. We're hoping to hear more on that from Panasonic later today.
Olympus' OMD E-M1 flagship ILC arrives with new sensor, Four Thirds lens support for $1,399
Olympus has just announced its top-of-the-line OMD E-M1 camera that squeezes the ruggedness of its E-M5 predecessor into a smaller package, while adding some tempting new capabilities. There's a brand new 16.3-megapixel sensor, for starters, that dispenses with the optical low-pass filter of the previous model and uses the new TruePic VII image engine to kill artifacts, instead. Olympus claims that results in more resolution and sharpness, while also keeping noise and color fading to a minimum at high ISOs. Another big addition is the "Dual Fast" autofocus system that permits faster focusing and 6.5 fps shooting in continuous focus mode (10 fps with single AF). Also, you can now autofocus with non-native Four Thirds lenses using phase detection, and there's better support for Olympus' Zuiko lenses -- like the new M.Zuiko 12-40mm f2.8 model shown above. Other features include 1080p/30fps video, an updated 2.36 million-dot EVF, a tweaked 5-axis image stabilizer and built-in WiFi. Though more compact than before, the new body has extra dials and switches, including a dedicated HDR button with two selectable modes (one or two stops above and below normal). On top of remaining dust- and waterproof, the E-M1 is now also freezeproof and guaranteed to function down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. As before, that'll let you take it into dusty, wet and now cold environments without fear of damaging sensitive optics or electronics. That aspect may have been the OMD E-M5's killer feature, and with numerous performance improvements and those classic good looks, the E-M1 may actually top its forerunner -- no mean feat. It'll arrive next month for $1,399 (body only).
Panasonic unveils 16MP Lumix GX7 Micro Four Thirds camera, 42.5mm f/1.2 lens
There's not much to reveal about Panasonic's Lumix DMC-GX7 since it leaked (nearly) in full just days ago, but now it's official. This 16-megapixel Live MOS shooter is Panny's latest Micro Four Thirds offering aimed squarely at prosumers. This retro-styled camera is a much svelter option than the video-focused GH-3 ($1,500) thanks to its magnesium alloy casing. Along with in-body image stabilization and a swift shutter that tops out at 1/8000th of a second, the ISO tops out at 25,600. If video is your concern, it'll capture 1080p footage at 60 fps (24 Mbps) in AVCHD. While the GX7 will burst shoot with autofocus tracking at 4.3 fps, its electronic shutter lets it hit 40 fps if pure speed is what you're after -- while we're on it, the shutter will also operate in a silent mode. Notably, a vertically-tiltable 16:9 Live View Finder is onboard, packing a resolution of 2.76 million dots and the ability to fire off the autofocus once it detects an eye. Two control dials aid in manual settings along with a rear-facing LCD touchscreen, which tilts up to 80-degrees. If all that wasn't enough, built-in WiFi and NFC allow for the likes of remote viewfinder apps and sharing media.%Gallery-195145% The GX7 will hit the US this November in a silver and black colorway priced at $1,100 with a 14-42mm kit lens, and $1,000 for just the body itself. A sleathier all-black variant will also be available, though only in Japan. Aside from the camera, a new Lumix lens with Leica tech will also hit shelves, offering a 45mm 42.5mm focal length with a speedy f/1.2 aperture -- the fastest in the lineup to date. Hit the press releases after the break for more details. Update: We've corrected the focal length of the fast prime lens, which is 42.5mm rather than the 45mm we originally reported.
Panasonic GX7 specs and images leak, show tiltable 2.76 million dot EVF
Prolific leaker Digicame Info has just showed off new images of Panasonic's likely new 16-megapixel Lumix GX7, along with full specs that place it squarely in the high-end, if accurate. Those include a 2.76 million dot EVF that can be tilted 90 degrees, 1/8000th of a second shutter speed, and in-body image stabilization -- all of which exceed the company's $1,500 GH-3 flagship. Other features include a 25,600 max ISO, silent mode shooting, NFC, WiFi, focus peaking, an 80-degree tiltable LCD and full HD, 60 fps video. If 43 Rumors is to be believed, all of that will cost around €1,000 in Europe for the body only (around $1,325). There's no word on an official arrival yet, but if you're in the market for a GH-3 and were hoping for something lighter (and cheaper), you may want to hang on. Head after the break to see the tilt EVF, or check the source for more pics.
Olympus PEN E-P5 sports impressive specs and classic good looks, we go hands-on (video)
Last spring, we trekked two hours north of Vancouver to the bustling ski town of Whistler. Olympus, we were told, would be making a very significant announcement, and we needed to make our way to British Columbia to check it out. The product sample we walked away with, the OM-D E-M5, was indeed worth the trip -- we quickly recognized the potential, and later dubbed the mirrorless shooter the "company's best camera yet." Its image quality, unique five-axis image stabilization and shockingly fast autofocus represented just some of the device's most impressive features -- we were smitten. So, when Olympus reached out with a similar teaser last month, we didn't hesitate to make the same journey yet again to spend a day with this year's MFT master. It's the PEN E-P5, and you probably knew it was coming. Details and even a few product shots leaked to the web last week, revealing a gorgeous, classic design, and some pretty impressive specifications, many of which have made their way from the E-M5. There's a 16-megapixel sensor with five-axis stabilization, 1080/30p video, a 1.04M-dot 3-inch touchscreen that tilts up and down, a 1/8000-second maximum shutter speed (enabling more shallow depth of field in sunlight), an ISO range of 100-25,600, a 0.5-second start-up time and OM-D-like autofocus speeds that let the camera adjust for a subject quickly regardless of the lighting conditions. It's plenty impressive on paper, but how did it hold up during our test? Read on to find out.%Gallery-187651%
Panasonic's 16-megapixel Lumix G6 unveiled with 7fps burst, NFC, WiFi
Panasonic has just announced a new mid-range Micro Four Thirds camera, the Lumix G6, that brings a solid list of specs for a mid-range camera. The 16-megapixel shooter can fire at a respectable 7fps in burst mode, has a top sensitivity of ISO 25,600 and like the recently launched Lumix GF6, has WiFi and NFC for device syncing. It also sports a 1,440K-dot OLED LVF, 0.5 second startup time, 3-inch, 1,036K-dot touchscreen with a 180 degree swivel and 270 degrees of tilt, new Venus image engine and full-area touch AF. It'll likely cheer hard-core video fans as well since it packs a similar sensor to the popular GH2 / GH3 models, along with 1080/60p video, AVCHD or MP4 recording, stereo audio, live autofocus and Touch AF that allows "professional-like rack focusing." There's no pricing or availability yet, but expect it to cost considerably less than the flagship Lumix GH-3's $1,500 sticker -- which may pose a quandary for shoppers on the fence about that model. %Gallery-186679% %Gallery-186681%
Panasonic Lumix GF6 announced for the US, shipping in June for $600
Panasonic's latest entry-level Micro Four Thirds cam appears to follow the design language (and perhaps usability) of its GF predecessors, but at least it's got WiFi, right? We'll hold out on passing further judgement until we have the camera in hand, but if past models are any indication, you'll definitely want to try the Lumix GF6 on for size in a retail store before handing over a cool 600 bucks. That said, there are some major improvements here -- there's NFC and WiFi functionality, as we mentioned, and the 1,040k-dot LCD is certainly a step up from the GF5, as is the top sensitivity of ISO 25,600. There's also a dedicated mode dial (always a plus), a pop-up flash and a bundled manual-zoom 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. The new MFT camera, which was announced for Japan just last week, will be hitting US retailers in June.
Panasonic's 16-megapixel Lumix DMC-GF6 official with wireless sharing, flip screen
Panasonic's micro four-thirds Lumix DMC-GF6 is finally official after a leaky start, and the news is good for social types with high photo standards. The mirrorless cam's standout feature is without a doubt its connectivity, letting you pair it to a smartphone or tablet via NFC, then transfer photos and video automatically over WiFi with an included app -- which can also remotely control the camera. The GF6 also sports an updated 1,040k-dot screen that can tilt and flip 180 degrees for self-portraits, along with a new mode dial from its GF5 predecessor, a welcome change for more serious shooters. Other highlights include 1080/60i full-HD AVCHD video, a 25,600 ISO range, JPEG and RAW shooting, built-in flash, a new Venus Engine image processor, 3.7 fps burst shooting, low-light autofocus and a 0.5-second start-up time. You'll be able to grab one in black, white, brown or red, and while Panasonic hasn't officially announced a price or arrival date, it's expected to hit shelves in the next month or so for around £449 with a 14-42mm kit lens ($680). Check the PR after the break for the full dope.
Blackmagic announces Production Camera 4K, $995 Pocket Cinema Camera with MFT mount (hands-on)
A sub-$1,000 price tag makes any product a relative steal on the floor of NAB -- impressive specs and industry standard compatibility are just icing on the cake. If such figures are any indication, however, Blackmagic's new Pocket Cinema Camera, which leaked earlier today and ships in July, is potentially a very solid buy at $995, with a Super-16 Cinema 1080HD sensor with 13 stops of dynamic range, CinemaDNG RAW recording, SD card storage, Micro HDMI monitoring and a Micro Four Thirds lens mount. We got an early look at the shooter on the showroom floor, and the compact size is truly striking -- the body is comparable in size to any other mirrorless camera, though it definitely pushes the limits of what we'd consider pocketable. The design is very similar to Blackmagic's larger Cinema Camera launched at last year's NAB, with the same Micro Four Thirds lens mount. There's a very sharp built-in matte LCD for viewing footage and adjusting settings, and the build is quite solid -- it's significantly heavier than you'd expect. Naturally, the camera isn't as capable as Blackmagic's pricier NAB model, the Production Camera 4K, which also made its debut today and ships in July. With that flavor, $3,995 buys you a Super 35 sensor with native Ultra HD and 4K support, a built-in SSD recorder, compressed CinemaDNG RAW and compatibility with EF lenses. We spent a few minutes with that model as well, and were equally impressed. The screen was very bright, sharp and not at all reflective, and the camera includes your standard array of inputs and outputs, including dual mic jacks, an SDI port, power and control. Both models are very competitively priced, as you might expect from Blackmagic, and with this wide range of appeal, there's now a little something for everyone. Be sure to head past the break to check out our hands-on video as we take a closer look at both models. Update: B&H Photo now has both cameras up for pre-order with an expected availability of July 25th. Bearing in mind previous delays for BlackMagic Design's past model, you can place your order at the More Coverage links below. %Gallery-185012%
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6 leaks out in white ahead of April 9 launch
After a review was published prematurely on another site revealing specs of Panasonic's Lumix DMC-GF6, Digicam Info has leaked press images of the upcoming model in white. As noted before, the stylish-looking micro four thirds will pack 16-megapixels, a new Venus image engine, low light AF system, 4.2 fps burst speed, 1080-60i video, WiFi, NFC and up to 25,600 ISO, among other features -- if the leaks pan out, of course. We noted earlier that the GF6 would start at around $680 with a 14-42mm kit lens, and sources also claim the camera will be launched early tomorrow morning -- though at this point, there's very little left to actually announce.
'Machine vision' MFT cam arrives for robotics, remote photography, special effects
If you're asking yourself "where's the shutter button on that thing?" then a new machine vision camera from SVS-Vistek, the SVCam-evo "Tracer" is probably not for you. However, it may spark tinkerers or other niches as the boxy look belies its capabilities. For starters, it packs a micro four thirds mount with a Truesense CCD sensor, opening the door to lenses a cut above the usual industrial fare. You'll also get frame rates of 146, 85, 40 and 21 fps at 1, 2, 4 and 8-megapixels, respectively, along with auto gain; exposure, focus and electric zoom control; PC software for basic image capture; and a GigE Vision interface. The latter -- along with a Windows and Linux SDK -- will make the device ideal for those who don't mind digging into code for applications like robotics, aerial and remote imaging or even "special effects and unique POV" cinematography. The rest of us won't be able to just fire it up and take pictures, however, and as for the price? There's no word yet on that or availability, but don't expect a consumer-friendly figure.
Sigma unveils three new MFT and Sony E-Mount lenses
Despite the raves that recent micro four-thirds and Sony E-Mount cameras have received of late, there's still a dearth of lenses for the fledgeling systems compared to their more entrenched counterparts. Luckily, Sigma's just added to the pool of autofocus-equipped models for each system: updated 19mm F2.8 DN and 30mm F2.8 DN models along with an all-new 60mm F2.8 DN telephoto lens. Each Japan-made model has a "telecentric" optical design to minimize CMOS color issues, a metal exterior with silver or black color options, and a linear autofocus motor that Sigma claims is quiet enough to use for video. Meanwhile, the imaging outfit also announced an updated 30mm, F1.4 DC HSM model for Canon APS-C, Nikon DX and its own Sigma mount. All that's great news, though we're still waiting for an AF/electronic F1.4 or faster lens for E-Mount (there's only one on MFT as well) -- though this might tide us over, in the meantime. See the PR after the break for more info.
