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Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 leaked, expected to launch tomorrow
Panasonic is rumored to be launching the Lumix DMC-G3 tomorrow, the update to its Micro Four Thirds G2. According to 43 Rumors, the new cam will be 25 percent smaller than its predecessor, and will include a 15.8 megapixel sensor and a 3-inch articulating LCD. Overall, the camera appears to have a very similar form factor to the G2, but scraps the left dial, presumably shifting those controls to the touch-enabled display. The site lists the launch rumor at its highest accuracy level (think DHS threat levels, but for camera rumors), so they're pretty sure we'll have all the details come tomorrow morning.
Images leak out of Pentax NC mirrorless camera system, makes us long for summertime
At this point, we're guessing that it's just a matter of time before the likes of Pentax and Nikon toss their hat into the ever-expanding mirrorless camera ring, and at least for the former, it looks as if that could come sooner rather than later. If the (predictably grainy) image above is to be believed, the NC-1 is dangerously close to being ready for primetime, and according to leaked materials, it'll be the world's smallest mirrorless camera when it gets official in May / June. Purportedly, we'll find a 14 megapixel sensor and a pair of lenses to choose from -- an 8.5mm f/1.9 prime lens as well as a 5-15mm f/2.8-4.5 standard zoom. Crazier still, the NC system could be followed by a larger system in the summer, with that fellow sporting an APS-C sized sensor and compatibility with K-mount lenses. 'Course, we'd invite you to chase all of this with a dash of salt for now, but you can bet we'll be scrounging for more. [Thanks, Andrea]
Panasonic Lumix GH2 review roundup: impressive video recording, murky still images
In case you're still wondering if Panasonic's mirrorless Lumix GH2 is worth your $900, we've rounded up a handful of reviews to provide a pointer for your next big purchase. While most reviewers agree that this Micro Four Thirds camera appears to be very similar to its predecessor, they universally praise the subtly improved ergonomics, speedy liveview autofocusing, and refined image quality, especially with its 1080p AVCHD video recording (although Digital Camera Resource Page did notice some artifacting in its clips). Noise is also a non-issue up to about ISO 800 or 1600, though it's apparent that the 16 megapixel stills are comparatively dull and, like those from many other MFTs, aren't quite on par with DSLRs -- expect plenty of manual processing work here, as demoed by the good folks over at Digital Photography Review. All in all, the GH2 is a great kit for high quality video capturing, bundled with a pretty good still performance that requires some extra TLC afterwards -- kinda ironic in a way, but hey, this isn't a problem for lovers of video bokeh. Head over to the links below for some in-depth analysis and walk-through before you leave a small dent on your bank account. Read - Digital Photography Review Read - Photography Blog Read - Camera Labs Read - Digital Camera Resource Page Read - Let's Go Digital
Sony's NXCAM HD is the NEX-FS100, brings Super 35mm sensor pricetag down to $5,850
Sony may have discontinued the NEX-3, but the future of those interchangeable E-mount lenses seems downright secure -- after all, they'll fit quite nicely on this new NEX-FS100. The NXCAM HD that Sony teased last November is what you're gawking at right now, which is either the pro alternative to the NEX-VG10 or the far-more-affordable PMW-F3, depending on whether you typically tote camcorders or tend to shoot professional film. Either way, $5,850 buys you a Super 35mm sensor that shoots 1080p60 content at up to 28Mbps to SD, Memory Stick (or an optional 128GB SSD) or output uncompressed 4:2:2 footage over HDMI, monitoring the lot on a swiveling 3.5-inch LCD display. The package doesn't include the 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 lens pictured above -- that's an extra $700 on top of the price -- but Sony will throw in that viewfinder tube and shotgun mic. While we all look forward to online availability and some thorough reviews, why not join us after the break for video? Then, scoot on over to F-Stop Academy for the very first footage shot with the unit. [Thanks, Nate W.]
How would you change Panasonic's Lumix DFC-GF2?
We're drowning in interchangeable lens options, but that's far from being a bad thing. For those that finally caved and picked up Panasonic's Lumix DFC-GF2, we're interested to see how you'd change things if given that golden opportunity. Are you satisfied with the size, weight and design? How's the low-light performance? Would you alter anything about the lens selection? Introduce a version that changes colors with the seasons? Go on and get creative in comments below -- the GF3 needs some ideas, you know?
Sony NEX-3 discontinued, probably has NEX-5 to blame
A dark shadow has befallen the Sony NEX-3 interchangeable lens camera, the shadow of being described as "no longer in production" by its maker's official website. Coming out in June of last year alongside its more celebrated NEX-5 brother, the NEX-3 enjoyed some decent success with critics, mostly owing to its oversized 14.2 megapixel sensor, and showed no signs of struggling commercially, however Sony has seen fit to halt production within eight months of its introduction. Reasons haven't yet been given, though we imagine people were willing to spend the extra cash to upgrade to 1080p video recording and a magnesium alloy body on the NEX-5, which is what rendered the NEX-3 expendable. At least we know the NEX-5 and the NEX-VG10 will keep E-mount lenses going into the future, so current NEX-3 owners should have little to worry about. If anything, their camera just became that extra bit more exclusive. [Thanks, Gavin]
Samsung launches five more i-Function NX Series lenses, we long for broader compatibility
Outside of the D3S's ridiculous low-light performance, Samsung's i-Function lenses just might be the best thing to happen to digital photography in the past five years. Sure, some of you are probably spitting out your morning Cup of Joe at the thought, but it's one of those things that you truly have to use to appreciate. For those out of the loop, have a peek back at our NX100 preview, and once you're sold, feast your eyes on five new ones in the 2011 NX Series stable. The new range is comprised of Samsung's 18-200mm multi-purpose Long Zoom Lens, a light, compact 16mm F2.4 ultra-wide pancake lens, a 60mm macro, 85mm F1.4 CSC lens (for those low-light shoots needing plenty of bokeh) and a 16-80mm standard zoom. Hit the source link for all of the specifics, but don't go hunting for prices or release dates -- those are still hidden in the background, regrettably.
Olympus E-PL2 reviewed, deemed another solid but not groundbreaking Micro Four Thirds entry
The best thing about the new E-PL2 from Olympus, the company's latest Micro Four Thirds addition? The 14 - 42mm kit lens that comes with it, apparently. It's 30 percent faster to focus and, on top of that, much quieter when getting its AF on. Moving beyond that, the new shooter offers a built-in flash, ISO support up to 6,400 when you need extra help in the dark, a much higher resolution screen on the back and, if you're into pushing photos wirelessly, the Penpal Bluetooth dongle will do so. Digital Photography Review found it to be a good performer, on-par with the earlier E-PL1 but a bit clumsier to change exposure settings than on the E-P2. So, not exactly a clear-cut recommendation for this $599 shooter, meaning you might want to read the full text if you're still on the fence.
Sony releases specifications for E-mount lenses, desperately wants you to build some
Some interchangeable lens standards have been around for ages. Others, however, are rather more modern contrivances, and Sony's E-mount definitely falls in that latter category. We've seen it hit HD camcorders as well as the NEX-3 and NEX-5 compacts, but so far the greatest selections of lenses we've yet seen has come courtesy of a simple adapter. Sony wants that to change, releasing the "basic" specifications for its E-mount interchangeable lens system and doing so for free, a move that lens makers like Carl Zeiss and Sigma have all lauded -- though none went so far as to say they'd actually start making this particular flavor of glass. Oh, and the specs for the NEX-5 Lego viewfinder? Still totally free.
Kenko shows off C-Mount-based compact camera with interchangeable lenses
C-Mount lenses (commonly used on 16mm film cameras) have already found a bit of new life on Micro Four Thirds cameras thanks to adapters, and it look like the compact lenses are now also found another fan in the form of Japanese camera manufacturer Kenko. It's now showing a new compact camera that will apparently accommodate C-mount lenses directly, and be available in Japan this summer for ¥32,000, or about $370 (it's not clear if that includes any lenses). Details are still fairly light beyond that, unfortunately, but it looks like you'll at least have plenty of lenses to choose from if the company's display at the Tokyo International Gift Show is any indication.
Ricoh GXR will swap out lenses with Leica M mount, make Micro Four Thirds mildly jealous
Ricoh's sensor-swapping GXR camera is getting more interchangeable than ever before -- this fall, the company plans to introduce a APS-C sized 12.9 megapixel CMOS module that lets you pop out lenses too. Rather than building a new set of macros and zooms, though, the new unit will serve as an adapter for the vast hoard of Leica M glass you've been stockpiling for a rainy day, and sport a new focal plane shutter too. No word on price, but considering Leica M adapters for Micro Four Thirds can be had for a reasonable $200 and an APS-C GXR package runs about $700 on the street, you can probably do the math.
Panasonic announces Lumix GF2 pricing and availability, plenty of other models too
Today is the day that budget-minded Panasonic lovers have been waiting for, when the company finally announces what it's going to charge domestically for the Lumix GF2 and a suite of other models it's announced in the past months. The Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens GF2 will ship this month for an MSRP of $499.95, body alone. If you want the new 14 - 42mm GF2K lens you'll be looking at $599.95, the 14mm prime GF2C lens will cost $699.95, while the 12.5mm/F12 Lumix G, which captures pictures in 3D, is a relative bargain at $259.95. Pansonic also unleashed a flurry of MSRPs for other Lumix compact models unveiled at CES, with the FP5 and FP7 costing $200 and $230 respectively, the FH2 and FH5 priced at $140 and $150. More details and numbers in the pair of PR after the break.
Nikon rumor mill spins tales of manual superzooms this February and EVIL in April
Remember that patent for a manual-and-electronically-zooming Nikon lens? The rumor mill thinks it knows where it belongs: in Nikon's unannounced CoolPix P500, an update to the company's already-ludicrously-lengthy P100 that adds a 36x optical magnifying glass and bumps the backside-illuminated sensor to a full 12 megapixels of resolution. That camera will reportedly bow in February, but April is when Nikon will allegedly bring out the big guns -- the EVIL, market-molding monster of a mirrorless camera it's been teasing since last summer. Hit up our source links for all the scuttlebutt you need.
Sony A580 reviewed: 16.2 megapixels of mid-range DSLR goodness
Like the Sony A560 DSLR but need a few million more pixels at your disposal? That's basically what you get with the A580, a successor to the A550 and doing basically everything the A560 does -- but with a 16.2 megapixel sensor. So it sports 1080i recording, a 3-inch tilting LCD, and 7fps burst shooting, but can't match the continuous autofocus of the funky A55 and its mystical, magical, translucent mirror and overheating sensor. Overall performance and image quality are said to be good, with minimal noise up to ISO 1600 and fancy modes like HDR built in. All yours for about $899.
Sony's NEX-5, now available in gold!
Do you feel constrained by the drabness of silver and black cameras? Well its time to let your fashionable freak flag fly, because Sony has announced that it'll now offer its NEX-5 camera in gold. The camera remains otherwise unchanged since its debut this past summer, and unfortunately the company hasn't released the other colors seen at Photokina, but hey, a little bling is better than none.
Fujifilm's X100 hybrid viewfinder demoed on video, gets us all sorts of excited
Imagine a retro-styled, Micro Four Thirds-sized compact camera with an optical viewfinder. Now, imagine that same camera having a switch that throws all sorts of useful data into your line of sight. That camera is Fujifilm's Finepix X100, and that viewfinder is real. Back at Photokina, the mockup we ran into didn't have a functioning viewfinder, but with just two months until the $1,000 beaut is released into the wilds of America, it's not too shocking that our brethren over at Engadget Spanish managed to come across a (mostly) functional one at CES last week. Eager to show the world exactly what a hybrid viewfinder looks like when being flipped on and off, they shoved a camera up against the OVF and toggled the new mechanism -- it's downright luscious, and it's waiting for you in the video just past the break.
Samsung unveils i-Functional NX11 mirrorless camera, WB700 with 24x zoom (update: pictures)
Just when you thought it'd be a week devoid of notable announcements -- what, with CES less than a week away -- along comes Samsung with two new cameras. The first one is an upgrade to the mirrorless NX10, naturally called the NX11, that boasts a change in grip design and compatibility with the i-Function lens found on the NX100. The other nitty-gritty details for the 14.6 megapixel shooter: a 3-inch AMOLED LCD screen, VGA viewfinder, 720p 30fps HD recording, and an APS-C sensor. Price and date? $649 with a bundled 18-55mm zoom lens, available in February. In smaller news -- volumetrically, at least -- the 16 megapixel Samsung WB700 sports a 24x zoom (that's 18x optical and 1.3x smart zoom), a 24mm ultra-wide Schneider Kreuznach lens, CCD sensor, and 1080p 720p HD video. You're gonna have to wait a little bit longer for that one -- April, to be more specific -- for a penny under $300. Press releases are after the break, and we'll get you the pictures as soon as Sammy sends 'em. Update: We found the pictures! Update 2: Samsung just informed us of an error in the WB700 press release. It records 720p, not 1080p as first written. Also, it doesn't shoot RAW. First the words giveth, then they taketh away. %Gallery-112146%
Ask Engadget: best Micro Four Thirds / interchangeable lens camera on a budget?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Terrillo, who seems eager and excited to make the leap up from the point-and-shoot universe. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "I really want a new camera, but not a point and shoot -- more like a DSLR or a Micro Four Thirds. My budget is $300 but I can go up to $400 if there's sufficient reason. I really want to get a new camera before Christmas. Any suggestions?" Suggestions? Boy, are there. The interchangeable lens / Micro Four Thirds market has exploded this year, making up nearly all of the news that flowed from Photokina in September. Panasonic's GF2 has seen glowing reviews, as has Sony's NEX line. So, readers, what do you recommend? Speak out in comments below.
Sigma's mirrorless camera spotted, announcement coming later today? (Update: just a mod)
Is Sigma announcing an EVIL (as in Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens, not malevolent) camera today? Digital Photography Review forum member Ryan Shine seems to think so, and says it's "here" in China. As if to prove his point, we've got a trio of pictures for the mirrorless shooter. Hey, don't say we didn't warn you -- and if it doesn't become official soon, at least there's pictures to enjoy. Update: We tracked down the source and turns out this is just an enthusiast's modded Sigma DP1, which has been given a Leica M mount. Quite a daring mod, if we may say so.
Nikon concept cameras surface, spark rumor mill
Is the future of photography painted in Kubrick white? It is if you believe Nikon and Canon. We've seen the latter's concept in much more detail, and now a handful of pics from the Nikon Sapporo Showroom have surfaced, showcasing at least one similarly unpigmented design. The other two models, snapped and found via burner-images, look like more run-of-the-mill DSLRs, but the one that's causing a stir online is the all-white model that originated from DCHome forums. The original poster chimes in to say it might be the EVIL camera, but we're not exactly convinced. For starters, the body doesn't look much smaller or different than the rest of its lineup -- not exactly what we'd expect for a "new market" product, as the company reportedly wants its mirrorless shooter to be. Additionally, as noted by a number of Nikon Rumors commenters, that apparently 18-55mm lens implies it's rocking an APS-C sensor. Of course, if we saw the other side, we could see whether or not it had a viewfinder, which does narrow down the possibilities. So in conclusion, we still don't know what it is, or if we ever will with any certainty, but we're making an educated guess as to what it isn't. Got that? Good.
