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Olympus E-3 DSLR gets the hands-on treatment
Olympus' E-3 DSLR may not have been released yet, but that hasn't stopped the folks at LetsGoDigital from getting a hands-on with the camera, which they got to check out at an Olympus junket in Istanbul, Turkey. More specifically, they got to check out a pre-production model of the camera, although judging from the picture above and the sample shots at the read link below, it sure appears to be pretty close to the real thing. They are still reserving final judgment 'til they get their hands on a production model, however, but sure do seem to have been impressed by the camera, saying that while it's not a professional DSLR camera, "it certainly has the features of a professional one." They were also especially impressed with the camera's waterproof construction and, most importantly, the quality of the images captured, which you can check out for yourself at the link below.[Thanks, David]
Olympus creates 360-degree HD camera and projector
Sure, regular HD is nice -- you really get a gander at an anchorman's makeup, and the stars' wrinkles are shocking -- but does it go far enough? Olympus doesn't think so. The camera company -- long known to bring the goods on the picture-takin' end -- has just created the first 360-degree, 1080i camera and projection solution. Utilizing a proprietary system based around an "axisymmetric free-form-surface lens," the camera can shoot video at horizontal and vertical viewing angles of 360-and-50-degrees, respectively; the images can then be projected in the same range by a separate unit. Obviously, you won't see this in the consumer sector any time soon, but it does open some pretty interesting opportunities for installations and security alike.
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 creates 'world's smallest questionnaire' on specimen slide
We've seen ways in which quite a few marketers earned their bonus, but the bright lad (or dame) who dreamed this one up deserves a serious promotion. In what's likely to be confirmed as the "world's smallest questionnaire," Olympus sent out slides with questions to valued high-end microscope customers in order to boost awareness and hopefully drum up more business. The survey was shipped just like any other specimen slide, and it reportedly drove up traffic to the firm's website by around 24-percent. Click on for a closeup of the actual questions.[Via OhGizmo]
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]
Olympus' semi-rugged Stylus series bumped to 12 megapixels
If ruggedness is your primary consideration when buying a camera then by all means, look no further than Olympus' latest lineup of Stylus (AKA, Mju outside the US) shooters. The $300 Stylus 790SW is the most like, totally extreme of the bunch dude, offering waterproofing up to 3-meters and shockproofiness from a height of 5 feet. Oh, and it also just happens to include a 7.1 megapixel sensor, 3x non-protruding zoom lens, 2.5-inch LCD, a 30fps VGA video mode, and ISO sensitivity up to 1600. Olympus also rolled out a trio of less rugged, "weatherproof" cameras: the 12 megapixel Stylus 1200 ($350); the 8 megapixel, image-stabilized Stylus 830 ($350), and 8 megapixel Stylus 820 ($300) with 5x zoom. All loose on the mean retail streets starting in September and October. %Gallery-6282%Read -- 790 SW Read -- 1200, 830, 820
Olympus' SP-560 UZ 18x superzoom
There's another super zoom shooter joining the game this AM with the intro of this, the SP-560 UZ from Olympus. Besides featuring the latest TruePic III image processor found in their other compacts, the 8 megapixel (1/2.35-inch CCD) SP-560 brings an 18x wide angle lens shored up with mechanical image stabilization and ISO 6400, 15fps bursting, 2.5-inch LCD, xD expansion, and face detection with that kinda freaky "Smile Shot" mode. All powered by 4x AA batteries which is a nice safety net in a holiday pinch. Available in October for $450.%Gallery-6279%
Olympus' FE-Series of shooters detect smiles, not snark
Olympus is in a tizzy this morning with four new shooters from their FE-series of compact digital cameras. The 12 megapixel (1/1.72-inch CCD) FE-300 is the big pixel-huntin' dog of the bunch packing a TruePic III image processor, 17 scene modes, xD expansion, and 2.5-inch LCD in a 22.1-mm thick package. Next up is the 7.1 megapixel (1/2.5-inch CCD) FE-290 which lacks the face detection of the FE-300 but squeezes in a 3-inch LCD and 4x wide angle optical zoom lens. The FE-280 then, crams 8 megapixels into a 1/2.35-inch CCD and super slim 19.1-mm body. Ammusingly, it features a "Smile Shot" mode which automatically tracks faces and then throws the shutter when your subject smiles, or grimaces presumably, when snuggled up with aunt vinegar. Bringing up the tail-end is the ho hum 7.1 megapixel FE-270. Look for 'em all to ship starting September.%Gallery-6275%[Via Impress]Read -- FE-300Read -- FE-290Read -- FE-280Read -- FE-270
Olympus intros six new digital voice recorders
Keepin' things fresh in the digital voice recorder realm is Olympus, which just unveiled six new devices on the European frontier. The compact WS-311M and WS-321M units sport 512MB and 1GB (respectively) of internal memory for loading up music files when not playing back lecturers, boast USB 2.0 connectivity, and offer up six recording qualities to boot. The 256MB WS-110 and 512MB WS-210S simply double as a LCD-equipped USB flash drive when not tuning into voices, and the 256MB VN-4100 and VN-4100PC flavors throw in voice activation, four recording options, a built-in display, and a recording timer for good measure. Granted, the September launch dates keep them from being of any real value during the earlier parts of next semester, but be sure and click through to take a look at the rest of the family.[Via Pocket-Lint]Read - VN-4100 and VN-4100PCRead - WS-110 and WS-210SRead - WS-311M and WS-321M
Olympus E-P1 DSLR leaked, slated for fall release?
Oh, how we adore leaked PowerPoint presentations. Fresh off of discovering that Timex is indeed releasing a Made for iPod watch, it looks like that Olympus E-1 successor will soon become a reality -- we're talking October / November soon. While the 27-page document detailing the E-P1 has since been removed at the request of Olympus, a good amount of details were extracted beforehand. Reportedly, the DSLR will feature a 10-megapixel sensor, dust reduction, splash-proof body, swiveling LCD, image sensor stabilization, eleven-point autofocus, and a weather-sealed extra battery compartment for good measure. So if you're as giddy as we are about finally getting a followup to the aging E-1, give the links below a bit of your time and start pinching those pennies.[Via CNET]
Olympus developing completely wireless head-mounted displays
Olympus is planning on taking head-mounted displays out of the "giant nerd" category and into the "scary dystopian future" realm with a new project to develop a completely wireless system that can also double as eyeglasses. While most other HMDs we've seen feature a cable snaking across your body to an external power pack, Olympus has expanded on its previous efforts (pictured) and is already prototyping a 3-ounce unit with an internal power source powering two side-mounted 110,000-pixel displays that project email onto the lenses. Olympus is optimistically hoping to bring the tech to market in 2012 -- looks like wannabe Terminators are going to be lugging those battery packs around for a while yet.
Olympus E-410 EVOLT DSLR gets reviewed
It's tough to not get all worked up about a live LCD on a DSLR, but if you've managed to hold off until a thorough review came your way, your patience has paid off. The discerning folks over at DPReview were able to crack the whip on the E-410 EVOLT, and after the dust settled, it seemed like a pretty good buy. Initial praises included its light weight, outstanding out-of-the-box results, effective dust remover, low noise across the ISO spectrum, and the speedy auto focus / shutter performance. Notably, the list of digs was rather puny compared to the cheers, as the disappointing dynamic range performance and counterproductive Noise Filter were the only major qualms that reviewers felt were worth mentioning in detail. Overall, it seems the E-410 should fit the bill quite nicely if you're looking for a relatively advanced entry-level DSLR, but be sure and visit the read link to make absolutely sure this is where you want your $800 or so to go.
Olympus teases with E-1 DSLR followup?
Four years in the making, Olympus looks set to finally launch the successor to their E-1 digital -- the first camera designed as a DSLR from art-to-part. Swaddled in silk with a "coming soon" teaser tagged on Olympus' European site is what can only be the new flagship shooter they've been dribbling out at tradeshows under the "P-1" codename. No specs of course, only that the E-1's successor will take "the excellent picture quality, mobility, and reliability of the E-1 to new and unprecedented levels." Hey, that's what Olympus says. Still, until they take off the veil, well, anything goes.[Via Impress]
Olympus intros X-775, X-785 digital cameras
Olympus has busted out a pair of new digital cameras for those who prefer to keep things on the point-and-shoot level, with its new X-775 (seen at right) and X-785 models each boasting similar mid-range specs. Both cameras will give you an adequate 7.1 megapixels, along with a 3x optical zoom, a 2.4-inch LCD, and an xD slot for storage. Opting for the X-785 will give you a few advantages over the lower-end model, however, including higher ISO settings (up to ISO 640), an image stabilization mode, and a "super" macro mode. The same camera is also apparently available under the FE-220 model name in certain parts of the world. While there doesn't appear to be any word on pricing from Olympus, both cams look to be already available at a number of European retails for between $200 and $260.Read - LetsGoDigital, Olympus X-775Read - LetsGoDigital, Olympus X-785
Olympus Stylus 1000 digicam gets reviewed
Olympus' Stylus 1000 quickly got lost in the mishmash of other digicams that the company unleashed alongside of it, but if you came away less than enthralled about the lower-end units of the bunch, fret not, as Imaging-Resource took time to single out the flagship device just for you. The ultracompact 1000 boldly proclaims its built-in Digital Image Stabilization care of a highly obvious sticker on the front of the enclosure, but reviewers found that the feature proved more like a gimmick, and deemed it quite the "disappointment." Nevertheless, the control interface, button layout, size, in-camera editing, and all-weather operation received a fair amount of praise, but the run-of-the-mill perks still didn't seem to outweigh the digs. Most importantly, the cam tended to produce "oversaturated colors and blow out highlights," didn't fare well in macro mode, and the paltry internal storage may as well have been excluded to save a few bucks. Still, the Stylus 1000 was dubbed the best of the lineup, but considering all the quirks that even this unit has, we'd highly recommend reading the in-depth analysis before plunking down your $400.[Via Digital Photography Blog]
DSLR dust removal / sensor cleaning shootout
We already know that megapixels don't matter (right?), but an oft hyped (but untested) feature that has emerged on DSLRs is automatic sensor cleaning. The anti-dust capabilities (or lack thereof) of Canon's EOS-400D, Olympus' E-300, Pentax's K10D, and Sony's Alpha A100 were put to the test, and although the methodology was less than scientific, the results were intriguing nonetheless. Essentially, each camera was given a before / after test shot in order to judge the results, and after the digicams sat through a dirtying process, they were "self-cleaned" 25 times and finally rated. Considering that Olympus was given credit as being the first manufacturer to include dust cleaning technology in its products, it's not too surprising that it took home the gold, but even sitting in first place, the E-300's effectiveness was only rated at 50-percent. Canon's EOS-400D came in with high expectations, but received a "poor" rating as the cleaning effectiveness clocked in a paltry five-percent. If you thought these two were bad, it only got worse when the Pentax K10D and Alpha A100 stepped to the plate, as both highly-regarded cams were deemed "useless" in the anti-dust department. So if your number one priority in a new DSLR is how well it cleans up after itself, there doesn't seem to be a standout option just yet, but feel free to hit the read link and decide for yourself.[Thanks, Romain B.]
Hands-on with Olympus's SP-550UZ, Stylus 780, 770SW, 760, and FE-230, FE-240, and FE-250
Home stretch, camera nerds; last up is our photo gallery of hands-ons with all of Olympus's non-DSLR shooters (for the DSLRs, check out the E-510 and E-410 and hands-ons). We caught the SP-550UZ prosumer hybrid -- a very solid piece of machinery -- as well as their new Stylus 780, 770SW, 760, and the lower end but still very respectable FE-230, FE-240, and FE-250. Check 'em out, and wash yourselves of all the digital camera news for a short while as the world recovers from all the new photographic equipment its been asked to process.%Gallery-2043%
Hands-on with Olympus's E-410 and E-510 DSLRs
No real surprise but Olympus was showing off those new DSLRs of theirs, the E-410 and E510. The live LCD thing is a trend we can certainly grow to love, but we'll be honest, the interface wasn't doing much for us, and since we're not talking about full frame DSLRs, it's often going to be more about the glass you slap on your DSLR than the DSLR itself -- especially in the budget consumer range like these two. But hey, inquiring minds, so check out the gallery.P.S. -We also got some shots of their unnamed high-end DSLR prototype (aka what we've been calling the P-1).%Gallery-1992%
Olympus teases with more P-1 information
With all the new love for Olympus' new E-510 and E-410 DSLRs, many of us were left wondering about the supposed successor to the E-1 professional model we peeped in prototype back in September. Well, in hopes of alleviating our angst, Olympus dropped a few hints and pictures of their new professional Four Thirds system coming "later this year." Expected to carry a P-1 moniker, the new shooter brings a rotating/flip-out screen, chunky grip, and lower height accompanied by four new lenses, three of which will feature the new ultra-high speed Supersonic Wave Drive focusing system. Unfortunately, we still don't have pricing or any real specifications to bring you. And with Olympus unable to even settle on a final product name, well, maybe we shouldn't get our hopes up for anything too soon. [Via PhotographyBLOG]
