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Olympus E-5 leaks point to September 15th launch, familiar design
We've already heard a few rumors about Olympus's supposed E-3 successor, the E-5, and the folks at 4/3 Rumors have now turned up another pair of leaks ahead of the DSLR's expected launch later this month. That includes a teaser that seemingly confirms that the camera will be announced on September 15th (just a day off the earlier rumor), and what appears to be the first image of the camera itself -- or a tiny corner of it, anyway. Those both suggest that the camera will sport a strikingly similar design to the E-3 it's replacing (something backed up by 4/3 Rumors' "trusted sources"), and the camera's specs also seem to be in line with what we've heard before -- including a bump from ten to twelve megapixels, and new 720p/30fps recording mode.
Olympus' E-3 DSLR gets reviewed
As seems to be the case with most new DSLRs these days (regardless of manufacturer), there was quite a bit of buzz behind the E-3. On paper, Olympus' latest big boy was fairly impressive, but we all know it's the real-world results that matter. Thankfully, the kind folks over at PhotographyBLOG grabbed hold of the admittedly hefty shooter and put it through a few paces to see how it stacked up. Design wise, it was deemed a "chunky monkey," and if too many buttons have a tendency to overwhelm you, we'd suggest stopping here and looking elsewhere. Performance wise, however, the E-3 seemed to be a winner. The built-in image stabilization, Supersonic Wave Filter and general speed of operation were all highly praised, and the "true-to-nature" image results were also smiled upon. Overall, we'd say the 4.5 out of 5 star rating pretty much sums it up, but we noticed enough quirks to recommend that you still give the read link a look before buying blind.
Olympus E-3 DSLR is officially official
Yeah, we've been hearing about this one for quite some time, but just as expected Olympus is making its mid-range E-3 DSLR official. Starting at $1,700, you get: 10 megapixel sensor 2.5-inch 230k pixel live view display "World's fastest autofocus" with 11-point biaxial AF system Image stabilization, sonic dust cleaning on sensor, shoots up to ISO 3200 3/4 lens mount, takes CF and xD media We haven't heard when it'll be available, but you can surely expect it in short order. [Thanks, Zo]
Olympus launching E-1 successor on October 17th?
If it feels like we've been here before, you're not losing it. However, it sounds like Olympus' much-anticipated E-1 followup may be (finally) arriving sooner rather than later. DPReview has reportedly "received official word" that Olympus will be launching the E-1's successor -- currently codenamed the EP-1 / E-3, depending on who you ask -- on the 17th of October. Not surprisingly, there's no hard details in regard to the specs, but if this date sticks, we've just over a month to find out for ourselves.[Thanks, Zo]
Olympus launches the E-3 DSLR?
Remember the unnamed Olympus DSLR of with multiple monickers? We've seen it as the E-P1 and P-1, but now, after what seems like countless months brand-free glass-encased trade show appearances it looks like Olympus has officially titled launched it's E-1 DSLR successor, the E-3. We don't yet know much about it, but we understand it will have a live view LCD, work on the 3/4ths mount standard, and be available at least somewhere in November. (That in addition to the other stuff we heard, like it having a 10 megapixel sensor, 11 point autofocus, etc.) We'll update with information as it continues to trickle out.[Thanks, Adam]
We're off to E3, twittering away
So, today two thirds of our intrepid trio of X3F journalists are headed off to the ever elusive Electronic Entertainment Expo taking place this week. For the sake of keeping our readership in the loop, we're going to track half of our trek on twitter, which you are more than welcome to follow. It may even bleed over into updates of some of the events attended during the show. That being said, another twitter account worth following is Gamertag Radio's E3 account. Meanwhile, the remaining reporter will continue to keep a keen eye over Fanboy Towers, and take over some of the lesser known custodial tasks whilst holding down the fort. This includes, but is not limited to feeding the cat, oiling the NERF automated turrets, and cleaning out the moat. Oh, and covering news, too. That's a big one. Either way, we have a lot in store for you this week, so keep your eyes peeled, and as we said before, check out the twitter account for mini-updates today and potentially throughout E3.
Every Extend Extra Extreme Arcade bound
According to the 'stiq, the next title from Tetsuya Mizuguchi expected to hit XBLA is Every Extend Extra Extreme. E4 is going to be an updated version of the PSP's E3. The freebie PC version of Every Extend was originally developed by Omega. From the sounds of the press release, it looks like you'll be able to play with your own music, along with playing a versus mode online. Unfortunately, the schedule for the release is later this year, so don't expect it to be showing up as a surprise download during GDC. Have you played Every Extend before, on either the PC or PSP?[Thanks, Jonah Falcon]
CEA's E3 replacement that never was
Today in a parallel universe, the Consumer Electronics Association announced their own gaming event in the ashes of E3. It takes place at the Los Angeles Convention Center (the old home of E3) from July 11 to 14 with one day devoted to press, a day and a half devoted to trade audience, and a day and a half for the general public.The difference between this world and our own, however, is that the CEA decided at the last minute to cancel its plans for said expo. Prompted by Min-E3's recent announcements and the overlapping dates, Senior VP of Events and Conferences Karen Chupka decided that the industry did not need their help right now, but would consider returning if future intervention was needed. She then grabbed her bottomless purse and with her magic umbrella flew up and away from the gaming industry's villa at Number Seventeen Cherry-Tree Lane.The CEA, a trade organization best known for the Consumer Electronics Expo, had already reserved floor space for Atlantic Inc., Auravision, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, and Intel. The World Series of Video Games was to host an event that placed its 2006 champions against members of the press. Too bad the event is canceled; we would have made them cry over a game of Super Smash Bros. Melee.** Don't hold us to that.
