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Japanese watchdog agency wants to fine Olympus $2.5 million
Wondering how this whole Olympus accounting scandal is gonna wrap up? Well, it might simply come to a close with a 200 million yen (about $2.5 million) fine. That's the seemingly tiny amount the Japanese SESC (Securities Exchange and Surveillance Commission) is recommending the company be fined. Ultimately the FSA (Financial Services Agency) will decide how large of a monetary punishment is appropriate for the $1.7 billion scandal. And, don't forget, there's still the drama of Olympus suing its own president and other executives to look forward to.
Lensbaby Composer Pro gets Samsung, Sony, Micro Four Thirds mirrorless mounts
Lensbaby faithfuls awaiting a mirrorless-compatible Composer Pro lens need not hold out any longer. The company's high-end creative optic is now shipping for mirrorless mounts of the Samsung NX, Sony NEX and Micro Four Thirds variety -- including the Panasonic Lumix G and Olympus PEN. These latest additions join Canon, Nikon, Sony Alpha, Pentax K and Four Thirds versions, which are all available for 300 bucks at the source link below.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Micro Four Thirds camera to ship on March 31st? (update: now April)
If a ship date pops up on Amazon for a date in the not-so-distant future, we're typically inclined to listen up -- after all, the world's largest e-tailer probably has a fairly good idea of when its products will first leave the warehouse. This time, it's the Olympus OM-D E-M5, which just appeared on the distributor's Japanese site with an estimated release date of March 31st. There's no mention of a date on the company's U.S. site, however, so it's still unclear whether or not the Micro Four Thirds cam will hit North American shores on the 31st as well. Still, unless a trip to Japan is in the cards for the end of Q1, your best bet for getting early access to the highly-anticipated mirrorless cam would probably be to get your pre-order on at our coverage link below.Update: We're now seeing US retailers listing the device with an April 10th release date. Check the More Coverage links below.
Olympus board announces chairman and president picks, resigns
Olympus's entire board handed in its resignation this week, but not before picking a new president and chairman to head up the scandal plagued imaging company. Hiroyuki Sasa, from its medical equipment marketing arm, has been named for the president spot, and Yasuyuki Kimoto, who served as an executive for the Olympus-connected Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp., has been picked for role of chairman. Both appointments are pending shareholder approval. Sasa, for his part, stated the importance of getting consumers back on board with the company in light recent controversies, telling the press, "My duty is to win back as soon as possible the trust from everyone and repair this damaged brand."
Former Olympus chairman Tsuyoshi Kikukawa comes down from the mount, into police custody
If you've been following the latest camera industry accounting scandal, then you're probably well aware that all is not well at Olympus. The Japanese company took its latest blow today when former chairman Tsuyoshi Kikukawa was arrested in Tokyo on suspicion of having falsified financial statements. The Tokyo prosecutor's office released a statement saying that two other former execs were also brought into police custody, including Hisashi Mori, a former executive vice president, and Hideo Yamada, a former auditor. Olympus is also faced with the possibility of being delisted from the Tokyo Stock Exchange -- the decision has been deferred awaiting further evidence. So what does all this mean for the scandal-ridden camera maker's position in the industry? Little, perhaps, from a consumer perspective, considering that Olympus has continued to announce and ship new products, including the well-received EM-5. The fate of its former executives, however, is less auspicious.
Olympus black E-M5 Micro Four Thirds camera and internals eyes-on
By now we're quite familiar with the Olympus E-M5's attractive external appearance, but what does it look like on the inside? The company carefully disassembled its new flagship model, and displayed the components in ten layers for us to examine at CP+ in Yokohama, Japan. The image sensor module is perhaps the most impressive component, due in part to its five-axis sensor-shift image stabilization. We can also spot the magnesium alloy shell, main system board and top plate. Another display encased a compete E-M5 kit, with a lens, split right down the middle. You'll find a variety of views in the gallery below, along with a special treat: the all-black version of the E-M5, in all its smooth metal glory.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 five-axis sensor-shift image stabilization hands-on (video)
Olympus's inaugural OM-D mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, the E-M5, boasts the world's fastest autofocus and a pretty fantastic design, but it's also the first camera to implement a new five-axis sensor-shift image stabilization technology, that allows the lens to compensate for camera shake. The company was on hand at CP+ 2012 to demo the new sensor, which really does shift every which way to keep your photos and video still. We'll of course need to spend some time shooting photos and video with the E-M5 before labeling the five-axis sensor a success, but from the demo we saw today, it looks pretty darn promising. Jump past the break for a video hands-on, and scroll through the photos below for an up-close view of Olympus's latest Micro Four Thirds masterpiece.
Olympus unveils SZ-31MR camera: 16 megapixels, 24x optical zoom
Japanese camera manufacturer Olympus has just introduced the successor to its SZ-30MR compact shooter. The new snapper not only sees a minimal increment on its stage name, SZ-31MR, but it also keeps the same 16-megapixel backlit sensor as its predecessor, as well as an identical 24x (25-600mm) optical zoom. Though, the newcomer does get a fresh image processor, making the jump from a TruePic III to a TruePic V, thus bringing along better low-light performance, scene enhancements and keeping high-quality shots while using the zoom feature. Amongst other traits, the device is packing a 3-inch (920,000-dot) LCD, 6400 ISO and 1080p video capture at 30fps. Olympus is also implementing a new technology dubbed iHS (Intelligent, High-Sensitivity and High-Speed), which the company claims will produce sharper and more vivid images. All this can be yours for a mere $399 this April when it's released, but if you want to know more before parting with that cash, check the pic gallery below and the PR after the break.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Micro Four Thirds camera preview (video)
Olympus has embraced the camera designs of yesteryear for several generations, from its first Micro Four Thirds models to last year's E-P3. But now the Japanese camera maker is stepping up its retro game, announcing a brand new line of Micro Four Thirds cams. Meet the OM-D. A dramatic departure from the more modern-looking PEN cameras, this new line of mirrorless models, specifically the E-M5, in many ways duplicates the design elements of the 1970s-era OM System. The first consumer camera in that SLR lineup, the OM-10, served as clear inspiration for the slightly boxy, black or silver and black magnesium alloy digital model we have today. We were able to spend some time with the Olympus E-M5 before tonight's announcement, and were very impressed with what we saw. Jump past the break for our impressions and an Olympus-guided video walkthrough, and thumb through the gallery below for a detailed look at the company's answer to the Fujifilm X-Pro1.
Olympus updates its Tough lineup, intros TG-820 ruggedized shooter
Olympus isn't planning on staying far behind its competition in the ruggedized camera department. That's why it's taking the wraps off its TG-820. The newest addition to the Tough lineup brings along predictable traits for a shooter of its kind, such as being waterproof up to 33 feet, shockproof, freezeproof and crushproof. All the "proofs" aren't the only set of features present amongst its offerings, the Tough TG-820 comes sporting a 12-megapixel, back-side illuminated CMOS sensor (compared to the 14-megapixel CCD on its predecessor), 1080p video recording capabilities, as well as a 5X optical and 4X digital zoom. Also included in the package is a 3-inch, HyperCrystal LCD, plus a plethora of shooting modes to choose from, some of which include: Panorama, Sensor-shift IS, Backlight HDR and a Pet mode. Olympus' new rugged shooter will hit shelves next month for $299, in the meantime you can pick which color best suits you by checking out the press shots below.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 leaks continue, 'super fast' AF and 3D tracking system on the way?
A certain purported Olympus Micro Four Thirds shooter has been anything but shy prior to its official unveiling (whenever that happens). Now, 43 Rumors is keeping the intel flowing with tidbits it received from a "super European source." The fresh bits suggest the E-M5 could sport a "super fast" autofocus and 3D tracking system, an external "weather-sealed" GN10 flash and additional filters. And, if rumors are to be believed, you'll be able to see the effects of the image stabilization through the electronic viewfinder. Though your skep-alarm should be on high alert, we can't keep you from believing, so hit up that source link to find the rest of the alleged details.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 shots orchestrally maneuver out of the dark
Would you look at that? According to PhotoRumors, that chunk of retro beauty is purportedly a full-on snap of Olympus' new OM-D Micro Four Thirds shooter (from an Amazon Japan listing that's since been pulled) affixed with its optional battery grip (adding what appears to be a secondary shutter button). That, or someone knows exactly what makes us go "Oooh." The chunky '70s stylings make us fear we'd abandon our career to go become a war photographer if one of those was placed in our hands. 43Rumors believes the unit will hold a 16.1 megapixel EDR CMOS, beefier than the 12.3 sensor inside the PEN E-PL3, but we hope this new body (however beautiful it is) doesn't spell the end for the dinky PEN series. If that wasn't enough, that Amazon listing we mentioned also pointed out a 1.44-megapixel electronic viewfinder, a tiltable OLED display on back and a total weight of 454 grams with its kit lens attached. We've got a few more shots in the gallery below, with others rocking some serious cropping, but each is more deliciously teasing than the last. Joe Pollicino contributed to this report.
Olympus turns to Sony to help it get its feet back on the ground (updated)
Olympus might have some good news soon: it might have found a hero to rescue it from its woes. The "troubled" (read: it hid $1.7 billion worth of accounting losses, was nearly de-listed from the Tokyo Stock Exchange and is currently suing its leadership team for fraud) company is reportedly about to negotiate a capital-and-business alliance with Sony. The TSE gave the optics-maker three years to clean up its act, which it's hoping Big S (that already owns a 0.03 percent stake in the company) will assist with some know-how, a big pot of cash, and maybe loaning them a competent accountant, or something. Whatever happens, the rumors are that all will be revealed at a press conference next week, we're just hoping Will Smith turns up to announce it. Update: The Nikkei is reporting that Sony could be interested in buying up between 20 and 30 percent of Olympus in order to get at its medical imaging business. It also mentioned that it's not a done-deal just yet, Fujifilm and (medical gear maker) Terumo are still circling in the hope of biting off a piece of the action.
Olympus teases with leaked image of OM-D camera, saves the best for last?
Some would say that "one picture is worth a thousand words," but all we're visualizing here are a few camera-driven buttons and a small portion of Olympus branding. Though, 43 Rumors is claiming that this is indeed the soon-to-be new addition to the OM series, which is expected to get unveiled next month. Olympus is no rookie in the Micro Four Thirds game, so it shouldn't come as a surprise for the rumored specs to be a decent upgrade in comparison to its PEN shooters. Allegedly, the rig may sport a magnesium chassis, 16 megapixel sensor with HDR optimization, up to 25600 ISO and a 3-inch OLED swivel display (because Olympus knows you love gadgets with rotating screens), amongst other features. Tickle your fancy? Well, best start saving now, as word on the web is that it'll set you back a cool $1,100 when it's revealed.
Olympus looking to Sony, Panasonic, Samsung and others to solve its money problems?
Olympus has had a rough go of it lately, what with a $1.7 billion accounting scandal that implicated its management on the highest levels and resulted in the company suing its own executives and president for fraud. Now, Reuters reports that the company in a financial pinch and may partner up with Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, Fujifilm or Terumo Corp. to get the cash it needs. Naturally, none of the companies in question are confirming that such a deal is imminent -- Samsung has even denied being interested -- but word on the street is that it'll be done by February. Now, the question is who'll be the rising tide that floats Olympus' sinking ship?
Olympus sues its own president, executives over accounting scandal
Remember that super crazy Olympus accounting scandal we told you about a couple of weeks back? Yeah, well, it just got a lot crazier. The camera maker filed suit in Japan yesterday against its own president, Shuichi Takayama and 18 other past and present executives over the deal in which it worked to conceal $1.7 billion in loses. On top of that, current board members have agreed to resign, moving aside for investors to vote on new management for the company.
Olympus unveils a cavalcade of point and shoot cameras and a PEN lens at CES
Another CES, another avalanche of camera announcements tumbling down from Olympus. Surprising? Not really, but who are we to argue with tradition? The outfit's latest in point-and-shoot technology kicks off with the VR-340, a 16-megapixel wonder that boasts a "cosmetic toolbox" of digital makeup -- letting you digitally paint your unsuspecting subjects with eyeliner, rouge and the most darling shades of eyeshadow. The 14-megapixel TG-320, on the other hand, drops the digital face painting in favor of durability, allowing you to shoot HD video up to 10 feet underwater. Rounding out pocketable shooters is the 14-megapixel VG-160, which packs a 5x optical zoom into a svelte 19.3mm frame. The beefier 14-megapixel SZ-12 sports a 24x optical zoom lens and a "reto-chic" grip, while the SP-620UZ knocks down the optical zoom a notch (to 21x), but kicks the sensor up to 16 megapixels. Not in the market for a point and shoot camera? That's okay too, the outfit is also announcing the M.Zuiko digital Ed 12-50mm micro four thirds lens for its PEN family of cameras. This F3.5-6.3 lens features a 4.2x zoom ratio and a macro mode that can focus up to 8-inches away from a subject. Hit the break for a press release overload.
Olympus' Tokyo offices raided over accounting scandal
Eke. A nearly-century old outfit is currently giving up office space to Japanese prosecutors, who today moved in on Olympus' Tokyo facilities in a raid surrounding an ongoing accounting investigation. According to reports from The Wall Street Journal and Reuters, the scandal involves many billions of dollars -- "irregularities" that have raised serious concerns about the outfit's handling of funds. It's bruited that the company has been running a scheme to conceal over $1.5 billion in investment losses, and we're told that the raid should pass right on through Olympus' headquarters and into the "homes of executives involved in the cover-up." All of this follows an admission last month that the firm had used "inflated payments made in acquisitions in recent years," and while it remains unclear what all of this means for its future, there's no doubt a few dark months are ahead as things sort themselves out. So much for looking pretty for the camera, eh?
How would you change Olympus' PEN E-PL3 and E-P3?
Canon's been focused solely on the top-end of things here recently, but it's obvious that the mirrorless and Micro Four Thirds markets are booming. Cute sells, right? And if you've taken the plunge on either of Olympus' newest PENs (that'd be the E-PL3 or E-P3), we're interested in knowing how you really feel about 'em. Would you have preferred a slightly larger casing? Still want it smaller? Cool with the kit lens? Any quibbles with the exterior? The UI? The company's made quite clear that the PEN line ain't going anywhere anytime soon, so speak up in comments below, won't you?
Panasonic G-series lenses get firmware update, performance boosts aplenty
Jonesin' to shoot some radder-than-usual HD video with that Lumix G-series lens? You're in luck. Panasonic released a firmware update for the family of lenses that gives them a needed level-up -- bringing 'em to version 1.1 -- to shoot higher quality video. Added features include enhanced tracking focus for videos, silent auto focus, improved stability for the optical image stabilizer and exposure control. The update applies to seven slabs of metal and glass, and every single unit in the 2011 line is also covered. Hit the source if you're ready to update, but don't expect that 720p ceiling to magically raise to 1080p -- it's just a poor attempt at marketing genius.
