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The Daily Roundup for 05.10.2013
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Olympus PEN Lite E-PL6 brings OM-D focusing to lower-cost cameras
Sure, Olympus' PEN E-P5 brings the OM-D E-M5's fast autofocusing to a smaller body, but it's not really cheaper when both cameras cost $1,000 lens-free in the US. Thankfully, the PEN Lite E-PL6 is on the way to democratize the technology in earnest. The new Micro Four Thirds model shares the 16-megapixel sensor, TruePic VI engine and fast focusing of its cutting-edge cousins, but makes a few sacrifices to keep the cost in check. The E-P5's built-in WiFi and five-axis stabilization are missing, and the camera otherwise behaves more like its E-PL5 ancestor: it shoots at a slower 8 frames per second with a lower-resolution 460,000-pixel, 3-inch swiveling touchscreen. Not that Americans comfortable with the E-PL6's frugal features can pick one up, mind you. To date, Olympus has only committed to a Japanese launch in late June. %Gallery-187995%
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%
Olympus PEN E-P5 mirrorless camera leak suggests 16-megapixel, WiFi flagship
Olympus is about to add another branch to your camera-buying decision tree judging by new images and specs that leaked out showing a new PEN E-P5 model. The classically shaped Micro Four Thirds flagship was shown in leaked photos along with specs pointing to a 16-megapixel sensor, WiFi, a 1.04 million dot tilt screen, 5-axis stabilization, 5fps burst shooting and a 1/8000 shutter speed -- if accurate. While an earlier teaser from Olympus suggests it'll launch around May 11th in China, none of the tea-leaf readers have divined a price yet -- though a look at the company's last mirrorless flagship, the PEN E-P3, might give a clue. You can catch several more photos after the break.
Olympus teases new flagship PEN camera, tours it around China on May 11th
Last year, Olympus' release schedule danced around the E-P3: the camera maker launched the semi-pro OM-D E-M5 and refreshed its smaller PEN bodies, but didn't touch its original mirrorless form factor. We know the company won't be forgetting its roots this year, as its Chinese branch has posted a teaser for a next-generation, flagship PEN camera. There are no official details beyond superlatives about "classic" textures and "unprecedented control," but rumors suggest it will be called the E-P5 (E-P4 skipped due to superstitions) and might be joined by the mid-tier E-PL6. We won't have long to learn the full story when Olympus is showing off its new PEN in four Chinese cities between May 11th and June 1st -- in-person demos require more than just a silhouette, after all.
Olympus confirms that Sony is now its largest shareholder
Sony got a stake in Olympus' future when it made a $645 million investment into the troubled camera firm last September, getting a board representative and a controlling share of a medical imaging project. As of this weekend, however, the foot is that much further in the door: it's now Olympus' largest shareholder. A share transfer promised alongside the investment, and officially completed on the 22nd, has boosted Sony's stake from 4.7 percent to just under 11.5 percent. The share switch doesn't give Sony enough influence to dictate Olympus' day-to-day affairs, but Sony won't have to do as much to rally support if it wants action. Olympus isn't in the best position to kick such a large investor to the curb, either. We'd expect the company to at least listen more closely to what its major funding source has to say.
Olympus Stylus XZ-10 packs control ring and PEN-like AF, we go hands-on at CP+ (video)
We have to say, Olympus has a very compelling point-and-shoot to show off at CP+. The Stylus XZ-10, which launched just this week, includes a small arsenal of features that you wouldn't normally find on a pocketable cam, including incredibly fast autofocus, a control ring around the lens, a dedicated mode dial and a very sharp (920k-dot) 3-inch LCD. The autofocus is the standout here, however -- Olympus describes it as being on-par with its PEN Micro Four Thirds models, and as compacts go, it feels just about as speedy as Sony's RX100. The 5x, 26-130mm lens offers a maximum aperture range of f/1.8-2.7, which should have you covered in most lighting situations. There's a 12-megapixel CMOS chip on board, with sensor-shift image stabilization, and support for 1080/30p video as well. The camera itself feels very much like a premium device, and it's attractive to boot. There's no built-in WiFi, which we've been seeing embedded with quite a few pocketable models this year, but you can take advantage of some smartphone sharing and editing features if you add on an optional Toshiba FlashAir card. Sadly, there's still no US pricing to speak of, but Olympus reps here in Japan quoted a retail price of ¥40,000 (about $440), plus tax, when the camera hits stores beginning in February. Take a closer look in our hands-on after the break.
Olympus unveils Stylus XZ-10 with f/1.8-2.7 zoom, smartphone sharing app
Olympus is carrying on the recent compact camera trend of fast-ish zoom lenses and wireless sharing capability with the launch of the 12-megapixel Stylus XZ-10. The new model follows in the footsteps of the company's top compact dog XZ-2 model, sporting a slightly smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor and a wider range 5x optical zoom with a similar f/1.8-2.7 iris. Otherwise, it's aimed more at the casual carry-around crowd with a 40 percent smaller body, touch-screen focus selection, control ring exposure adjustment, a 3-inch 920k dot TFT LCD, art filters (in the smartphone app), image (or film) stabilization and 1080P 30 fps HD video. Olympus is also trumpeting its smartphone OI.Share capability, allowing images to be sent wirelessly to an iOS or Android device and edited with the included app -- provided you have the optional Toshiba FlashAir card. It'll be arriving in March in black, brown or white at a rather steep-sounding £349, which equates to $550, though exact US pricing hasn't been revealed yet. See the PR after the break for more nitty-gritty.
Olympus reveals SZ-15, SZ-16 superzoom cameras with upgraded sensors
It almost wouldn't be a camera introduction without a couple of superzooms, would it? Appropriately, Olympus is updating its lower-cost SZ models at CES with new sensors and a handful of extras to match the long-distance optics. The 24X zoom SZ-16 iHS makes the undeniably larger leap: its 14-megapixel sensor now relies on low light-friendly CMOS (instead of the SZ-12's CCD) and introduces a quicker TruePic VI processor. The added power leads to a multi-shot Hand-Held Starlight mode for would-be astrophotographers as well as 1080p video. Not that the very entry level isn't getting some love, however. The SZ-15 is a meaningful upgrade in its own right, extending to the same 24X zoom as the SZ-16 while replacing the SZ-10's 14-megapixel CCD with a 16-megapixel CMOS imager. Olympus includes a handful of options that the SZ-15's older TruePic III engine can handle, such as a Beauty Mode and SR Zoom (read: digital zoom). Both models ship in March, although the narrow pricing spread between the $200 SZ-15 and $230 SZ-16 leaves us leaning heavily toward the higher-end camera. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Olympus SH-50 iHS touts 5-axis video stabilization in a compact, $300 camera (update: hands-on pics)
Olympus helped conquer shakycam videos first in the OM-D, but not everyone has $1,300 to throw at a high-end mirrorless body. It's clearly aware of our plight in launching the SH-50 iHS at CES. Despite the 16-megapixel camera's PEN-like looks, it sits squarely in the point-and-shoot category with a matching $300 price, even while it borrows the OM-D's 5-axis stabilization to fight unwanted jolts while making movies. We'll have to make do with 3-axis work on our still photos, although we won't mind as much when there's full-resolution photo capture in mid-video, 1080i video at 60FPS and 720p slow-motion video at 120FPS. A 24X, 25-600mm equivalent lens certainly doesn't hurt, either. Aspiring video producers will only have to wait until the SH-50's March availability to cut out the jitter. Update: We got a chance to see the SH-50 in person, so check out our hands-on photos in the gallery below. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Olympus intros upgraded Stylus Tough TG-2, TG-830 and TG-630 rugged cameras
Olympus knows many of us will be jonesing for a rugged camera once the weather warms up, and it's more than happy to deliver with a trio of refreshed Stylus Tough point-and-shoots. The TG-2 iHS flagship is all about going closer and deeper than before: it preserves the 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, 25-100mm equivalent f/2.0 lens and 1080p video of its predecessor, but introduces a new Microscopic Macro mode that Olympus claims can provide extreme detail from as little as 1cm (0.4 inches) away. The body's waterproofing is also resilient enough to survive at a deeper 50 feet, just in case the TG-1 isn't quite a match for that upcoming reef expedition. The TG-2 will arrive in March, and it should undercut its predecessor's original asking price at $380. Those who aren't quite so committed to rough-and-tumble photography still get a few updates of their own. The TG-830 iHS adds geolocation to the TG-820's formula with both GPS and an electronic compass to show the way; its 16-megapixel CMOS sensor is also new, although we're more interested in a newfound option to shoot stills while recording video. At the entry level, the TG-630 iHS is a close cousin of the recent TG-625, adding a front metal plate to the 12-megapixel model we know. The two will ship alongside their bigger sibling in March with respective prices of $280 for the TG-830 and $200 for the TG-630. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Another former Olympus executive arrested in accounting scandal
As a dreaded accounting scandal continues to drag Olympus' name through the mud, federal agents in the United States arrested yet another gentleman in connection with the firm's alleged fraud. Chan Ming Fon, a citizen of Taiwan, was reportedly arrested in Los Angeles today. As the story goes, he was a former bank executive in the company, and he received some $10 million for his assistance in keeping nearly $2 billion in losses from surfacing. Preet Bharara, the United States attorney in Manhattan, said the following: "As alleged, Chan Ming Fon was handsomely paid to play an international shell game with hundreds of millions of dollars of assets in order to allow Olympus to keep a massive accounting fraud going for years." But hey, troubles aside, at least we've got an E-5 sequel coming next year! Distractions! Huzzah!
Olympus execs: E-5 sequel due in 2013, mates Micro Four Thirds with Four Thirds
Photographers invested in the Four Thirds system haven't had many options lately, most of all if they prefer Olympus camera bodies -- the E-5 arrived in 2010, and hasn't really had company since. Olympus imaging president Haruo Ogawa and the company's Spanish lead, Miquel Angel Garcia (seen above), are both promising interviewers an E-5 sequel by the end of 2013, but it may not be what some expect. Both executives say the camera will support Micro Four Thirds lenses, yet take full advantage of the Four Thirds system. Based on earlier remarks and patents, DSLR Magazine speculates that it's a Micro Four Thirds camera that can mount the larger glass through a converter. Garcia may have hinted as much by telling Quesabesde that the mystery shooter ends a "transition period" that began in 2009: when nearly all of the company's interchangeable lens-based lineup has shifted to Micro Four Thirds over that time, there's only so much room left for interpretation. There's months to wait before we know precisely what's underway, but the clues suggest Olympus may bid farewell to the traditional DSLR within a year's time. [Image credit: Quesabesde]
Engadget's holiday gift guide 2012: digital cameras
Welcome to the Engadget holiday gift guide! Picking presents for friends and loved ones is never a simple task, and with thousands of options for each category, buying technology can be an especially frustrating experience. We're here to help. Below you'll find today's bevy of curated picks, and you can head back to our hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the holiday season. We've also teamed up with AT&T to give away one hot smartphone with each and every guide, so scroll to the end for today's prize, then leave a comment to submit your entry! For digital cameras, 2012 has been an interesting year indeed. IFA in Berlin brought the first compelling Android-powered model, the Samsung Galaxy Camera, while Photokina delivered a handful of full-frame DSLRs and Sony's jaw-dropping Cyber-shot RX1. As smartphone cameras have evolved, dedicated snappers have, too -- this year's models are far more powerful than any we've seen before, and if you've been holding out for a significant advancement, now's the time to buy. We've sorted the top models for every budget, which you'll find gathered in our guide just past the break.
Sony makes Olympus rescue pact official with $645 million investment
After months of speculation about who would step in to save the scandal-ridden Olympus' rocky fortunes, Sony has finally opened up its checkbook. The two companies are entering into a "business and capital alliance," with Sony pumping in $650 million to its former rival. In exchange, it's gaining a seat on the company's board and a 51 percent stake in a new joint venture based on Olympus's coveted medical imaging tech -- something Kaz Hirai outlined in his "One Sony" strategy. The deal also includes a component-sharing agreement in the photography space, with Olympus mirror cells and camera lenses being given to Sony, while image sensors (where Sony is very strong) will go the other way.
Former Olympus executives plead guilty in accounting fraud trial
Three executives from troubled imaging giant Olympus have pleaded guilty to artificially boosting the company's true value in 2007 and 2008 by concealing losses in financial statements. Former chairman Tsuyoshi Kikukawa, ex-auditor Hideo Yamada and former VP Hisashi Mori were charged with fraud in the scandal, which was brought to light last year by ex-CEO Michael Woodford. He was fired by the Olympus board for blowing the whistle, but reportedly received a large settlement for his troubles. The company has since confessed to cooking the books as far back as the '90s to hide investment losses, and revealed in 2011 that it had a billion dollars less in value than previously stated. That, along with the poor performance of its camera division, has forced Olympus to seek a partner or raise capital to survive.
Panasonic teases 42.5mm f/1.2 and 150mm f/2.8 MFT lenses, slated for release by 2014
Panasonic further reinforced its commitment to the Micro Four Thirds form factor when it released the Lumix GH3 mirrorless camera today, but the company also announced the development of a pair of prime lenses, set to ship next year or in 2014. Details are spotty at this point (limited to what you see in that slide above, in fact), but you can expect a 42.5mm f/1.2 optic (85mm equivalent) and a 150mm f/2.8 lens, which offers a 35mm equivalent of 300mm. There wasn't even a hint of pricing, but we'd expect both of these offerings to be quite costly, though they'll likely be significantly less expensive than DSLR equivalents.
Olympus Stylus XZ-2 is a digital compact stuck in a mirrorless camera's body, we go hands-on
Looking to boost your compact capabilities, but don't want to deal with the hassle of swapping lenses? You might take interest with the Stylus XZ-2 -- Olympus' most powerful point-and-shoot model. Admittedly, we're having a bit of difficultly working through the appeal of this latest fixed-lens snapper, given the $600 price tag and a body that's comparable in size to the PEN E-PL5 and even larger than the E-PM2. In the model's defense, it does include an impressive f/1.8-2.5, 28-112mm 4x optical zoom lens, though its 12-megapixel 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor is smaller than what's included with its interchangeable-lens cousins, and the camera's sensitivity tops out at ISO 12,800. It does, however, offer 1080p shooting and a higher-res swivel 3-inch 920k-dot LCD with Touch AF Shutter control. Still, we would have liked to see these features included with the company's latest Micro Four Thirds cameras, rather than on a model with a smaller sensor and no interchangeable lens. If you're set on the XZ-2, you'll be plenty pleased with the design -- it's quite similar to the E-PL5, and therefore quite capable. There's an option to swap in red, beige and purple grips (the camera body itself is only available in black), and you can add a body jacket and an underwater housing. There's also a built-in flash, which pops up from the top left corner, and you'll find PEN-like controls, to boot. We spent a few minutes with the XZ-2, though the battery was dead during our demo, unfortunately, so we weren't able to shoot. Still, the design felt practical, and the camera seemed solid overall. The hybrid control ring is a "world's first," according to Olympus, and offers the same functionality in both a click mode, which provides feedback, and a smoother silent mode, which won't produce any noise or vibration when shooting videos. The Stylus XZ-2 will ship a bit after the new PEN models, in November, but you can take a peek now in our gallery just below.%Gallery-165433%
Olympus E-PL5 and E-PM2: Micro Four Thirds cameras with OM-D-like focusing, performance boosts (hands-on)
We've been very impressed with Olympus' first OM-D camera, the EM-5. That model's 5-axis image stabilization and super-fast autofocus won us over, while the retro design appeased nostalgics as well. Now, it's time for that speedy shooting to make its way to the company's other Micro Four Thirds models -- the E-PL5 and E-PM2. Both models, announced today, offer nearly identical specifications, with notable differences on the form-factor front. The E-PL5 is the premium model of this bunch, coming in at $700 with a 12-42mm f/3.5-5.6 lens or $650 for the body only, while the E-PM2 will run you 100 bucks less for both configurations. Both cameras include 16.1-megapixel Live MOS sensors, top ISO of 25,600, 3-inch 460k-dot touch-enabled LCDs, 1080i video and an 8fps continuous shooting mode. The EM-5's five-axis stabilization is absent here, though a three-axis version should suffice in low light. Each model also includes an external flash and a rebate offer for a free Toshiba FlashAir 802.11b/g/n card, which enables connectivity with the OI Share apps for Android and iOS. We had a chance to check both cameras out just before Photokina, and were quite pleased with the design, along with that OM-D-like focusing performance, which really is as speedy as Olympus claims. The camera focused instantaneously with almost all of the lenses we tried, though it was a bit sluggish, understandably, when paired with the 60mm f/2.8 macro. The displays were equally sharp, though the PL5 packs a nifty articulating version, which can tilt up, down or face forward for self-portraits. We also enjoyed shooting with the super-slim 15mm f/8 body cap lens, which features a tiny front element with a slide-over cover -- while it's limited on the aperture front and includes fixed focus, it's arguably more useful than a traditional cap (Olympus hasn't confirmed pricing for that optic, though it'll likely come in below the $100 mark). That aforementioned dust-and-splash-proof macro will retail for $500 in early October, while a new 12mm f/2 lens will ship during the same time for $1,100. The "Mini" E-PM2 will be available in silver, black, white and red, while the E-PL5 will ship in silver, black and white -- both versions will be available in October. You can take a closer look at each of the offerings in the gallery below, then jump past the break for the full rundown from Olympus.%Gallery-165432%
Olympus E-PL5 and E-PM2 interchangeable lens cameras leak into view
Secrets have been hard to keep in the camera world lately, and now Olympus has undergone its second leak in as many days, but this time with a couple of higher-profile actors -- the E-PL5 and E-PM2 mirrorless cameras. Both will use the Olympus E-M5 sensor with TruePic VI image engine and touchscreen, and are reported to be priced at €399 ($520) for the E-PM2 with a 14-42mm kit lens (in silver, below the break) and €599 ($780) for the E-PL5 with the same lens, shown above. That follows earlier leaks from Sony, Fujifilm and others, along with two upcoming lenses from Olympus that were also outed ahead of time. Hopefully, there'll still be a couple of surprises left when Photokina rolls around next week. [Image credit: Digicam Info]
