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Olympus Pen E-PM1 hands-on (video)
Joining the family of Olympus Pen products is the lovingly nicknamed "PEN Mini," or E-PM1. Compared to its big brothers the PEN E-PL2 and E-PL3, this little guy packs some serious punch in a tiny body, with a similarly small price tag of $500. But can this ILC that Olympus claims offers "DSLR quality in a compact camera design" stack up against the big boys in the pit at the US Open? The 12.3 megapixel camera comes with a 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens and includes a Micro Four Thirds mount, enabling it to accept compatible lenses from both Olympus and Panasonic -- something that was really easy to get the hang of for speedy switching between sets. Check out our impressions as we go hands-on with the camera at one of the biggest tennis matches of the year. %Gallery-132239% %Gallery-132243%
Olympus PEN E-PL3 Micro Four Thirds camera review
Look, the Olympus PEN E-PL3 is cute. Adorable, even. In fact, those swayed by looks alone may be sold after whisking through our hands-on gallery below. But for those interested in more than a highly-capable fashion accessory, it's worth taking a deeper look into the latest member of the PEN Lite family. We'd strongly recommend reading over our PEN E-P3 review before continuing on, as a lot of what we found true there also applies here. 'Course, that's not at all unexpected given the wealth of shared resources: a new 12.3-megapixel Live MOS Image Sensor, TruePic VI Image Processor, an ISO range peaking at 12,800, a reengineered autofocus system, full 1080i HD video with Dolby Digital sound recording, newly designed user interfaces and a variety of Art Filters / built-in creative features. Now that you're in the know, let's continue. %Gallery-130070%
Olympus PEN E-P3 Micro Four Thirds camera review
Being the gadget hounds that we are, we're still struggling to fully digest the Micro Four Thirds / interchangeable lens camera market. The performance freak in us suggests that one simply buy a smaller DSLR given the parallel annoyance of carrying around a bag full of lenses, but the mobility junkie in us does appreciate the downsizing -- however minor. Olympus' PEN line has been a beautiful one from the start, but one that found itself out of consideration for many due to the poor value proposition. Even the newest PEN E-P3 isn't a bargain; at $900 with a somewhat versatile 14-42mm lens, it's well north of most entry-level DSLRs, and on-par with many mid-rangers. So, is it really worth splurging on a slightly more compact frame, devilishly good looks and "the world's fastest autofocus system?" Read on for our take. %Gallery-130071%
Panasonic shrinks its Micro Four Thirds lenses, launches X-series with wide-angle, telephoto zooms
Anyone who's used Panasonic's 14-42mm Micro Four Thirds zoom lens has probably noticed its relatively bulky design, especially when compared to Olympus's counterpart. Today, the company announced a new lens that offers the same zoom and f/3.5-5.6 aperture range in a housing less than half the size when closed, and still noticeably smaller when extended. The first of two optics in Panasonic's premium X-series -- the second is a 45-170mm f/4-5.6 zoom -- it's been billed as the world's smallest digital interchangeable power zoom lens, thanks to its internal zoom motor which lets you adjust the focal length using a side-mounted rocker -- the design is similar to the zoom toggle included with the company's new FX150 superzoom. Priced at $399, it also includes a metal lens mount, instead of the plastic mount used with the existing $199 14-42mm lens. That second 45-170mm zoom ($449) can replace Panasonic's 45-200mm lens ($349), and while the size difference isn't as dramatic is its smaller X-series sibling, it's still noticeably smaller and lighter. Both lenses include optical image stabilization and feature nano surface coatings, designed to reduce ghosting and lens flare. The 14-42mm lens will ship in October in black and white (for use with silver bodies), and the 45-170mm zoom will ship in September. They'll only be compatible with the GF-2, GF-3, and G3 at launch after downloading a firmware update -- Panasonic is leaving it up to Olympus to release supporting firmware for its own cameras be compatible with all G-series cameras at launch, without the need for a firmware update. Jump past the break for more details from Panasonic, and check out the gallery below -- complete with side-by-side shots for both lens classes.%Gallery-131060% Update: Panasonic issued a correction saying that both lens will be compatible with all G-series cameras without the need for a firmware update.
Olympus PEN E-PM1 Mini gets a $500 price tag, September release date
Remember that cute little Micro Four Thirds camera that Olympus unveiled in June? Well, we just got word that the PEN E-PM1 Mini will ship next month, with an equally petite $500 price tag -- including a 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens. The company is positioning the 12.3 megapixel camera as an upgrade for point-and-shoot users, as "the easiest PEN to use," thanks to a new, simpler user interface and 23 Scene-Select modes. Still, the E-PM1 is a very capable interchangeable lens camera (ILC), and includes a 3-inch 460k-dot LCD, 1080i HD video capture, RAW shooting and a maximum sensitivity of ISO 12,800, along with Manual, Aperture Priority, and Shutter Priority shooting modes. The Mini will be available in purple, pink, brown, white, silver, and black -- our color of choice. Jump past the break for the full scoop from Olympus.
Olympus launches SP-810UZ, packs 36x wide-angle zoom in a compact camera
Travelers often must choose between carrying a pair of powerful zoom lenses and tackling the weight of a full DSLR kit, or bringing along a point-and-shoot, in turn sacrificing image quality and versatility. The Olympus SP-810UZ sets out to eradicate that latter obstacle, pairing a 14-megapixel image sensor with a massive 24-864mm, f/2.9-5.7 optical zoom lens. The result is a 36x superzoom point-and-shoot camera, with 720p HD video, 3D image capture and a 3-inch LCD. Olympus hasn't hinted at a release date for the $330 cam, but you hit up the gallery below for a trio of glamour shots.%Gallery-129288%
Olympus PEN E-PL3 gets a price tag, release date
Last month, Olympus lifted the veil on a trio of 12.3-megapixel Micro Four Thirds cameras, replacing both models in its PEN line and adding the small and light E-PM1. We already knew to expect an August ship date for the $900 E-P3, but now the company filled us in on its tilt-enabled E-PL3, which will be available in black, white, red, and silver when it ships in September. Priced at $700, the kit will include either a 14-42mm zoom or 17mm fixed lens, and will retail for a full c-note higher than its predecessor, the E-PL2. Olympus also announced the VF-3 Electronic Viewfinder (EVF), which will feature a 100-percent field-of-view, 90-degree rotation, and brightness and color temperature adjustments -- though it sounds like that last feature could potentially leave you with off-color images if you mistake the EVF's white balance for what the camera will capture. We're still waiting on availability for the runt of the litter, but we imagine the E-PM1 will make its stateside debut soon -- perhaps even with a price tag lower than its rather pricey, beefier siblings.
Sony Alpha NEX-C3 review
Traditionally known as DSLRs, interchangeable lens cameras (ILC) have always promised excellent image quality, speed, and versatility. But their enormous size and weight, lofty price tags, and intimidating design have forced casual photographers to focus on compact and superzoom point-and-shoot cameras instead, often leaving those bulky, confusing monstrosities to the pros. Enter mirrorless models, which scrap an optical viewfinder in favor of shrinking both body size and price tag, have provided the rest of us with a welcome mat to the world of powerful sensors, high-speed shooting, and swappable lenses -- with relatively little sacrifice along the way.The 16-megapixel Alpha NEX-C3 builds upon the successes of its predecessor -- the NEX-3 -- sporting a slimmer body and redesigned APS-C sensor. It also adds a reported 20-percent boost in battery life, improved low light performance, and a slimmer, more attractive design. We spent well over a month using the NEX-C3 as our primary camera for product shoots, trade shows, hands-on videos, and vacations, and were blown away by its performance as both a versatile still snapper and a powerful video camera. It's important to note that while the C3 does capture 720p video, it can't shoot in 1080p, so you'll need to look elsewhere if you need full HD. Like all mirrorless cameras, there's also no optical viewfinder, nor is there a traditional hot shoe. Instead, Sony included the same propriety connector found on the NEX-3 and NEX-5, enabling connectivity with a dedicated external microphone and a limited variety of external flashes, including the compact strobe that ships in the box. While some photographers may find the NEX-C3 inadequate for their needs, we absolutely loved shooting with it, and we think you will too. Jump past the break to see why.%Gallery-128646%
Canon restores camera production in Japan, hints at mirrorless model in 2012
There's no question that Canon and Nikon still dominate the interchangeable lens camera (ILC) market, but with Olympus, Panasonic, Sony, and now Pentax all launching compact, inexpensive, mirrorless models in recent years, the legacy manufacturers have some catching up to do. In an interview confirming the restoration of pre-quake production levels in Japan, Canon camera division head Masaya Maeda told Reuters that the company is "considering the technical aspects" of creating a mirrorless camera, following up by saying "we will launch an interesting product next year." The comment doesn't exactly make a mirrorless Canon a sure thing, but it's as solid a commitment as we can expect for now. One possible concern for Canon is that entry into the new ILC category would cannibalize the company's higher-end point-and-shoot offerings, which likely offer higher margins. But if mirrorless models gain market share over traditional DSLRs and Canon doesn't have its own cam to match, the company could find itself racing to catch up, rather than dominating the ILC category as it has done in the past. Competition from Canon isn't likely to start a price war, since there isn't much elasticity at this point, but it could put pressure on other manufacturers to push the limits with image quality, accessory selection, and perhaps even lead to a future lens standard -- though we're probably more likely to see a Pentax Q that can actually capture DSLR-quality images far before manufacturers decide to adopt a universal lens mount.
Olympus PEN E-P3, PEN E-PL3, and PEN E-PM1 hands-on
Earlier today, Olympus announced its loosely veiled PEN E-PM1 (in the image above), along with the PEN E-P3 and PEN E-PL3. Our Chinese bureau had a chance to go hands-on with the trio of Micro Four Thirds cams at an event in Hong Kong, and walked away with some fairly positive impressions. The $900 E-P3 feels solidly built, and did appear to offer excellent autofocus performance, though we weren't able to verify Olympus's rather lofty claims that the new flagship model features "the world's fastest autofocus." We were able to capture an image within a second of tapping the shutter button, including the time required to refocus on a subject. The 3-inch OLED display was sufficiently bright for outdoor use, with noticeable improvements over its predecessor, and the touchscreen was a pleasure to use, offering three straightforward shooting functions -- focus, focus and shoot, and enlarge. We'll have additional details to share after spending more time with all three models, but our hands-on photos in the gallery below should help whet your appetite in the meantime.%Gallery-127483%
Olympus reveals PEN E-P3, PEN E-PL3, and PEN E-PM1 interchangeable lens cameras
You won't be coloring us surprised at the launch of the E-PM1, but those other two? Well, let's just say we've always been big fans of the elusive trifecta. Olympus just went live with the PEN E-P3 (shown above), PEN E-PL3, and PEN E-PM1, three 12.3 megapixel interchangeable lens cameras with Live MOS sensors, TruePic VI image processors and an ISO ceiling of 12,800. You'll also get a reengineered autofocus system, a 1080i HD video mode, newly designed user interfaces and a variety of Art Filters. The E-P3 is outfitted with an all-metal body and "the world's fastest autofocus" (really?), while the rear is dotted with a 614,000 pixel OLED touchscreen. The E-PL3 steps it up with a 3-inch tilting LCD, while the smallest and lightest of the PEN line (yeah, the E-PM1) will be shipping in a half-dozen hues. The outfit also revealed a new pair of prime lenses, a camera grip and a FL-300R flash, all of which are detailed in the source links below. The bad news? Only the P3 is being priced, with $900 landing you a fairly swank kit this August. Update: We got hands-on with these guys, and you can check it out right here. %Gallery-127498%
Olympus E-PM1's petite frame outed before launch
On the eve of its rumored launch, we've spotted what looks to be a leaked press shot of Olympus' new teensy micro-four-thirds camera. According to the folks at 4/3 Rumors, the miniature shooter is pegged to debut (alongside the E-PL3 and E-P3) with a 12 megapixel sensor and TruePic VI engine. Not making the jump however, are its brother's OLED screens, leaving the emaciated light-box to make do with just a regular LCD. Interest piqued? Start pinching those pennies now -- we hear tomorrow isn't far away.
Is this the Olympus E-P3?
There's only one way to make leaked blurrycam images appear even less legit: shoot 'em in black and white. That's exactly what we have here with the claimed leak of a new Olympus camera -- the E-P3, according to Photo Rumors -- in all its Micro Four Thirds glory. The camera appears to be a hybrid of both the E-P2 and E-PL2, including a P2-style button layout, but with a pop-up flash and sloping top plate reminiscent of the PL2. The new cam is also rumored to include a new 12 megapixel sensor, a max sensitivity of ISO 12,800, a high-res touchscreen, much-needed AF improvements, and an updated UI. Photo Rumors expects Olympus to announce the E-P3 on June 30th, along with an E-PL3 and E-PM1. That last model would be the first in the rumored Pen Mini series. We don't expect the E-PM1 to best the new Pentax Q's record-breaking small size, but with a significantly smaller sensor, the Q will be no match for any of Olympus's new Micro Four Thirds offerings. Update: Andrea wrote in to tell us that Mirrorless Rumors now has a much clearer publicity shot. Isn't it lovely?
Olympus' LS-20M boasts dual mics and 1080p recording, split personality
Cisco may have washed its hands of pocket camcorders, but Olympus is ready to dive into the market with gusto. The company, best known for its cameras and voice recorders, just brought those two worlds together by announcing the LS-20M, a handheld whose relatively high-end audio specs should help it go toe-to-toe with Zoom. In addition to 1080p video, the LS-20M records 24 bit / 96 hHz Linear PCM audio using a pair of condenser mics. Alas, at $300 it has a small 2-inch screen and no optical zoom, but at least Olympus borrowed four of the visual effects that make its PEN cameras so fun to use. Look for it in June, and in the meantime, hit the PR for more details.
Olympus still loving E-series DSLRs, but teases new Micro Four Thirds lenses to confuse you
The Micro Four Thirds form factor may be a compelling choice for those seeking portability with affordable prices and notable quality, but there's no doubt that many folks are still loyal to the conventional DSLRs. If you're one such Olympus fan who's concerned about the fate of the larger E-series lineup, fret not: Akira Watanabe, head of product development, reassured PCPOP that the E-series models are here to stay because of their unique features, though his team's still pondering over the idea of replacing the budget triple-digit line (like the E-620) with the PEN series, as suggested by his colleague previously. But shifting the focus back to PEN, Watanabe teased that his crew's developing some MFT lenses to boost the portfolio, though little is revealed other than that these will cater users who have specific photographic needs. Very intriguing indeed -- maybe some fisheye and tilt-shift love?
Olympus SZ-30MR shoots 1080p video and 16MP stills simultaneously; Tough TG-810 is 'crushproof'
Olympus just loosed a trio of compact cameras. Let's start big with the €329 SZ-30MR. According to Olympus, the 30MR packs a backlit CMOS sensor with 24x (25-600mm) optical zoom and Dual Engine TruePic III+ processing. It also lays claim to being the first to simultaneously record 1080p video while shooting 16 megapixel stills -- a feature Oly dubs, Multi Recording. The SZ-20 lacks the MR and dials back the zoom to 12.5x but costs a relatively modest €219. Olympus also announced a silver or black TG-810 compact for €299. First and foremost is the cam's claim for ruggedness: crushproof at a weight of 100kg (220 pounds); waterproof to 10 meters (32.8 feet); shockproof at a distance of 2 meters (6.56 feet); and freezeproof a temps to -10 degree celsius (14 degrees F). Otherwise, it boasts a 14 megapixel CCD sensor, a 5x (28-140mm) optical zoom, 720p movie mode, TAP control (for gloved use), GPS, and an electronic compass. All three cameras feature a 3-inch LCD; HDMI; high ISO and sensor-based mechanical image stabilization; smart panorama, 3D photo, pet detection, and beauty modes; and SDXC and Eye-Fi card compatibility. Look for them to hit retail in March.
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.
Olympus E-PL2 Micro Four Thirds camera now shipping, Penpal still has us buzzing
Right on cue, Olympus' latest entrant into the world of Micro Four Thirds is now shipping. Just a month after receiving its official unveil at CES, the E-PL2 is finally taking over for the E-PL1. Aside from an ISO range topping out at 6,400, a 3-inch rear LCD, an SDXC slot, RAW image support and a newfangled accessory port, this guy's also fully compatible with the Penpal Bluetooth dongle. For those unaware, that enables photos to be shared and uploaded on the fly so long as your BT-enabled, 3G-ready smartphone is by your side, though it looks as if the camera itself has beat said accessory to market. The camera's yours for the taking at $599.99 (bundled with a ED m14-42mm f3.5/5.6 zoom lens) at the source links below. [Thanks, Tom]
Olympus SZ-10 and 3D VR-330 superzooms announced alongside entry-level VG-110
What's your preference for getting up close to the action? 18x wide 28-504mm or 12.5x super-wide 24-300mm optical zoom? If it's the former then Olympus just announced its $249.99 (ships in March) SZ-10 ultra-zoomer pictured above, with 14 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor, 3-inch LCD, TruPic III+ image processing, and Eye-Fi Card support. Otherwise, Oly's new £159.99 3D VR-330 for Europe dials back the zoom to 12.5x and forgoes the newer image processing of the SZ-10 while boasting the same 14 megapixel sensor. Both cameras pack dual-image stabilization, 720p video capture, HDMI-out (with CEC support so that it works with your TV's existing remote control), and a dynamic "3D mode" that instructs you to pan and shoot a second image that will be combined into a .MPO file suitable for playback on a 3D display. The VR-330 is also available without the 3D mode as the $199.99 VR-320 which ships Stateside in February. Bringing up the rear is an entry-level $89.99 VG-110 with 12 megapixel sensor, 2.7-inch LCD, 4x zoom, and VGA video. Look for it sometime later this month. Update: Press releases for all three are after the break. %Gallery-115911%
Carl Zeiss joins the Micro Four Thirds revolution
Another big name is jumping headfirst into the increasingly popular Micro Four Thirds waters with the announcement from Olympus today that Carl Zeiss has signed up as a member of the MFT System Standard Group. What that basically entails is that the folks responsible for some of the finest optics in the world will start making lenses directly compatible with Olympus and Panasonic's camera standard. You could, of course, have tracked down adapters to get Distagon glass working with your GF2 before, but it sure is nice to see the big boys producing hardware designed specifically for this relatively new category of camera. Full press release after the break. [Thanks, Ken]
