Olympus E-M1 Announced – 4/3 Compatible Phase Detect AF

Uncategorized

Olympus EM1 cameraToday, Olympus announces the new E-M1 professional-level Micro Four Thirds camera. This camera represents a combination of features and is fully capable of using legacy Four Thirds with phase detect auto focus. The body is slightly larger than the E-M5, with a deeper grip and improved button and dial layout for one-handed operation. The E-M1 marks the end of the Four Thirds camera line, there will be no E-7 or any further camera past the the E-5.

The E-M1 has a new 16MP Live MOS Image Sensor with Dual Fast AF both phase and contrast detect.  The sensor has 37 focus areas which use phase detect and 81 areas that use contrast detect. The sensor has no anti-aliasing filter to provide the ultimate contrast and sharpness. The shutter speed is 60 seconds to 1/8,000 second and can shoot a continuous 10 frames per second.

Olympus EM1 camera backThe electronic view finder (EVF) is all-new with 2.36 million dots and 1.48X magnification. The refresh rate is quick, with only 29 millisecond display lag. The built-in eye sensor switches between EVF and LCD rear tilting display.

The body of the E-M1 is made of magnesium and features full weather and dust sealing. It is built to withstand freezing temperatures experienced by professional photographers. There is an optional grip to improve handling and shooting in portrait orientation.Olympus E-M1 Grip

The E-M1 shares some features and functions with the E-M5 including 5-axis stabilization, but improves with automatic detection of horizontal and vertical panning. It also adds WiFi connectivity including an OI.Share app that shows a live view on a wireless device and allows control of AF point and shutter.

The E-M1 is truly a pro-level camera, including a PC-sync (X-Sync) socket on the front of the camera. It also has an external microphone input, HDMI output.

It is priced at $1399 US Dollars for the EM-1 Body Only and $2199 with the 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO Lens. The E-M1 will ship in early October 2013.

Olympus 12-40mm f2.8 PRO LensAlong with the E-M1, Olympus announces the Micro Four Thirds PRO lens line. The first lens is the Olympus M Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO Lens which will retail at $995 US Dollars. The lens features a 3.3X zoom range which is equivalent to 24-80mm in 35mm terms. The lens features an all-metal construction with 14 elements in nine groups. The lenses include two aspherical elements (one one-sided and one dual-sided), 2 ED glass elements, 2 HR glass elements, 1 EDA glass element and 1 HD glass element. The lens has a function button and uses a 62mm filter thread. The fast aperture of f2.8 is constant throughout the zoom range. The lens is fully weather sealed for splash and dust protection in addition to freeze-proof like the E-M1 body. The lens is movie and still (MSC) compatible with quiet auto focus for HD movies. The seven curved aperture blades produce pleasing out of focus backgrounds. Unlike lower-end Olympus lenses, the PRO line includes accessories. The 12-40mm includes  a petal lens hood (LH-66) and aluminum lens cap (LC-62D), rear cap (R-2) and lens pouch (LSC 0918).  A one-year warranty is included.

 

Panasonic GH3 16MP, 1080p 60 fps video & Weatherproof Magnesium Body!

Micro 4/3rds, Uncategorized

Panasonic GH3Complete Panasonic GH3 specifications and details have been released ahead of schedule. The newest version of the original mirrorless interchangable camera line introduced is the GH3. This is the most advanced and professional Micro 43rds body to date. Featuring a 16MP high dynamic range sensor, capable of HD video 1080p at 60fps packed in a larger, weather-sealed magnesium-alloy body, the DMC-GH3 offers the best of both still photography and video.

When the GH1 debuted four years ago with the 4/3rds inch sensor and interchangeable lens, it instantly opened a new segment of compact camera. Subsequently, the GH2 has been adopted by filmmakers who prize its size, features and wide array of lens options. Continuing in the tradition of offering a combination of video and still image capabilities, the GH3 pushes the envelope further introducting internal WiFi and GPS, while expanding the video capabilities and packaging it all in a more ergonomic body with a more professional build.

The Panasonic GH3 uses a 17.3×13.0mm Live MOS sensor with a total of 17.20 megapixels (16.05 MP in 4:3 aspect ratio). Built-in flash and electronic viewfinder give the GH3 a traditional DSLR shape, without the added weight and bulk of a mirror. Shutter speeds vary from 1/4000 second to 60 seconds. Contrast auto focus provides increased target acquisition and high accuracy even at the largest apertures. Maximum continuous shooting of 6fps for still images. The weight of the GH3 is 470 grams  (16.58 oz) for the body only.

The GH3 provides a new 3.0-inch OLED touch screen monitor with tilt and swivel. Video capabilities include HD video now up to 1080p 60p and 50p. A new Venus engine using 4 CPUs and a new low pass filter improve speed and clarity. The magnesium alloy frame provides increased durability and uses weather sealing for splash and dust resistance. The GH3 now provides a full professional quality build.

WiFi functionality allows you to control the GH3 remotely using a smartphone or tablet. You can also automatically transfer photos from the camera to your WiFi device. GPS automatically tags the images with the precise time and location. A new battery with increased capacity to 1860 mAh provides more shots per charge (CIPA standard).

Type Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera
Recording Media SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory Card (Compatible with UHS-I standard SDHC / SDXC Memory Cards)
Image Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm (in 4:3 aspect ratio)
Lens Mount Micro Four Thirds mount
Type Live MOS Sensor
Total Pixels 17.20 Megapixels
Camera Effective Pixels 16.05 Megapixels
Color Filter Primary color filter
Dust Reduction System Supersonic wave filter
Recording File Format
Still Image: JPEG (DCF, Exif 2.3), RAW

MPO (When attaching 3D lens in Micro Four Thirds System standard)
Motion Image: AVCHD Ver 2.0 compliant (AVCHD Progressive),

MPEG4-AVC (H.264). (MOV, MP4)
Aspect Ratio 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 1:1
Image Quality RAW, RAW+Fine, RAW+Standard, Fine, Standard

MPO+Fine, MPO+Standard (When attaching 3D lens in Micro Four Thirds System standard)
Color Space sRGB, Adobe RGB
File Size (Pixels) Still Image [4:3] 4,608 x 3,456 (L), 3,264 x 2,448 (M), 2,336 x 1,752 (S), 1,824 x 1,368 (When attaching 3D lens in Micro Four Thirds System standard)

[3:2] 4,608 x 3,072 (L), 3,264 x 2,176 (M), 2,336 x 1,560 (S), 1,824 x 1,216 (When attaching 3D lens in Micro Four Thirds System standard)

[16:9] 4,608 x 2,592 (L), 3,264 x 1,840 (M), 1,920 x 1,080 (S), 1,824 x 1,024 (When attaching 3D lens in Micro Four Thirds System standard)

[1:1] 3,456 x 3,456 (L), 2,448 x 2,448 (M), 1,744 x 1,744 (S), 1,712 x 1,712 (When attaching 3D lens in Micro Four Thirds System standard)
Motion Image MOV*1 NTSC [Full HD] 1,920 x 1,080, 30p (sensor output is 30p, 72Mbps (ALL-Intra))

[Full HD] 1,920 x 1,080, 24p (sensor output is 24p, 72Mbps (ALL-Intra))

[HD] 1,280 x 720, 60p (sensor output is 60p, 72Mbps (ALL-Intra))

[Full HD] 1,920 x 1,080, 60p (sensor output is 60p, 50Mbps (IPB))

[Full HD] 1,920 x 1,080, 30p (sensor output is 30p, 50Mbps (IPB))

[Full HD] 1,920 x 1,080, 24p (sensor output is 24p, 50Mbps (IPB))
PAL*3 [Full HD] 1,920 x 1,080, 25p (sensor output is 25p, 72Mbps (ALL-Intra))

[Full HD] 1,920 x 1,080, 24p (sensor output is 24p, 72Mbps (ALL-Intra))

[HD] 1,280 x 720, 50p (sensor output is 50p, 72Mbps (ALL-Intra))

[Full HD] 1,920 x 1,080, 50p (sensor output is 50p, 50Mbps (IPB))

[Full HD] 1,920 x 1,080, 25p (sensor output is 25p, 50Mbps (IPB))

[Full HD] 1,920 x 1,080, 24p (sensor output is 24p, 50Mbps (IPB))
MP4*2 NTSC [Full HD] 1,920 x 1,080, 30fps (sensor output is 30p, 20Mbps)

[HD] 1,280 x 720, 30fps (sensor output is 30p, 10Mbps)

[VGA] 640 x 480, 30fps (sensor output is 30p, 4Mbps)
PAL*3 [Full HD] 1,920 x 1,080, 25fps (sensor output is 25p, 20Mbps)

[HD] 1,280 x 720, 25fps (sensor output is 25p, 10Mbps)

[VGA] 640 x 480, 25fps (sensor output is 25p, 4Mbps)
AVCHD Progressive*2 NTSC [Full HD] 1,920 x 1,080, 60p (sensor output is 60p, 28Mbps)
PAL*3 [Full HD] 1,920 x 1,080, 50p (sensor output is 50p, 28Mbps)
AVCHD*2 NTSC [Full HD] 1,920 x 1,080, 24p (sensor output is 24p, 24Mbps)

[Full HD] 1,920 x 1,080, 60i (sensor output is 30p, 24Mbps)

[Full HD] 1,920 x 1,080, 60i (sensor output is 60p, 17Mbps)
PAL*3 [Full HD] 1,920 x 1,080, 24p (sensor output is 24p, 24Mbps)

[Full HD] 1,920 x 1,080, 50i (sensor output is 25p, 24Mbps)

[Full HD] 1,920 x 1,080, 50i (sensor output is 50p, 17Mbps)
Continuous Recordable Time (Motion Image)*4 AVCHD: Approx. 240 min with H-HS12035 / Approx. 220 min with H-VS014140
Actual Recordable Time

(Motion Image)*4

 AVCHD: Approx. 120 min with H-HS12035 / Approx. 110 min with H-VS014140
Flicker Reduction [1/50] [1/60] [1/100] [1/120] / OFF
Time Code (Motion Image)

(Except MP4)

 ON / OFF, Count Up: Rec Run / Free Run selectable, Time Code Mode: Drop Frame / Non-drop Frame selectable (NTSC only)
Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11b/g/n, 2412 MHz – 2462 MHz (11 ch), Wi-Fi / WPA / WPA2, Infrastructure mode
Type OLED Live View Finder (1,744K dots equivalent)
Field of View Approx. 100%
Magnification Approx. 1.34x / 0.67x (35 mm camera equivalent)
Eye Point Approx. 21 mm from eyepiece lens
Diopter Adjustment -4.0 – +4.0 (dpt)
Auto Eye Sensor Yes
Focus Type Contrast AF system
Focus Mode AFS (Single) / AFF (Flexible) / AFC (Continuous) / MF
AF Mode Face detection / AF Tracking / 23-area-focusing / 1-area-focusing / Pinpoint

(Full area touch is available)
AF Assist Lamp YES (ON / OFF)
AF Lock Yes (AF/AE LOCK button)
Others Quick AF, Continuous AF (during motion image recording), AF+MF, Eye Sensor AF, Touch AF, Touch Pad AF, Touch shutter, Touch MF Assist, Shutter AF, Half Press Release
Light Metering System 144-zone multi-pattern sensing system
Light Metering Mode Intelligent Multiple / Center Weighted / Spot
Metering Range EV 0 – 18 (F2.0 lens, ISO100 equivalent)
Exposure Mode Program AE / Aperture Priority AE / Shutter
Priority AE / Manual
ISO Sensitivity
(Standard Output Sensitivity)		 Auto / Intelligent ISO / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 / 6400 / 12800 (Changeable to 1/3, 1 EV step)

(Extended ISO125 – less under 200, ISO more over 12800 – 25600 available) (Up to ISO3200 in Auto)
Exposure Compensation 1/3 EV Step, ±5 EV (±3 EV for motion image)
AE Lock AF/AE LOCK button
AE Bracket 3, 5, 7 frames, in 1/3, 2/3 or 1 EV Step, single / burst
White Balance Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Incandescent / Flash / White Set 1, 2 / Color temperature setting
White Balance Adjustment Blue/amber bias, Magenta/green bias
Color Temperature Setting 2,500 K – 10,000 K in 100 K
White Balance Bracket 3 exposures in blue/amber axis or in magenta/green axis
Type Focal-plane shutter
Shutter Speed Still Images: 1/4,000 – 60 and Bulb

Motion Images: 1/16,000 – 1/30 (NTSC), 1/16,000 – 1/25 (PAL)
Self Timer 10 sec, 3 images after 10 sec, 2 sec
Remote Control Remote control with Bulb function by DMW-RSL1 (Optional)
Still Image Clear Portrait / Silky Skin / Backlit Softness / Clear in Backlight / Relaxing Tone / Sweet Child’s Face / Distinct Scenery / Bright Blue Sky / Romantic Sunset Glow / Vivid Sunset Glow / Glistening Water / Clear Nightscape / Cool Night Sky / Warm Glowing Nightscape / Artistic Nightscape / Glittering Illuminations / Clear Night Portrait / Soft Image of a Flower / Appetizing Food / Cute Dessert / Freeze Animal Motion / Clear Sports Shot / Monochrome
Motion Image Clear Portrait / Silky Skin / Backlit Softness / Clear in Backlight / Relaxing Tone / Sweet Child’s Face / Distinct Scenery / Bright Blue Sky / Romantic Sunset Glow / Vivid Sunset Glow / Clear Nightscape / Cool Night Sky / Warm Glowing Nightscape / Artistic Nightscape / Clear Night Portrait / Appetizing Food / Cute Dessert / Freeze Animal Motion / Clear Sports Shot / Monochrome
Burst Speed SH: 20 frames/sec (4M), H: 6 frames/sec, M: 4 frames/sec (with Live View), L: 2 frames/sec (with Live View)
Built-in Flash TTL Built-in-Flash, GN12.0 equivalent (ISO100 · m), GN17.0 (ISO200 · m), Built-in
Pop-up (Reference)
Flash Mode Auto, Auto / Red-eye Reduction (when iA, iA+), Forced ON, Forced ON / Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync. / Red-eye Reduction
Synchronization Speed Less than 1/160 second
Flash Output Adjustment 1/3 EV Step ±3 EV
Flash Synchronization 1st Curtain Sync., 2nd Curtain Sync.
Synchronization for Flash Dimming and Exposure Compensation Yes (ON / OFF)
Flash Sync Socket Yes
Monitor Type OLED monitor with static touch control
Monitor Size Free-angle 3.0 inch (7.5 cm) / 3:2 Aspect / Wide-viewing angle
Pixels 614K dots
Field of View Approx. 100%
Monitor Adjustment Brightness (7 levels), Color (7 levels), Red-Green (11 levels), Blue-Yellow (11 levels)
Live View Digital Zoom 2x, 4x
Extra Tele Conversion Still Image: Max. 2x (Not effective with L size recording. Magnification ratio depends on the recording pixels and aspect ratio.)

Motion Image: 2.4x, 3.6x, 4.8x (Magnification ratio depends on the recording quality and aspect ratio.)
Other Functions Guide Lines (3 patterns)

Real-time Histogram
LEVEL GAUGE Yes
VERTICAL SHOOTING DETECTION Yes
Photo Sytle
Still Image and Motion Image		 Standard / Vivid / Natural / Monochrome / Scenery / Portrait / Custom
Creative control
Still Image		 Expressive / Retro / High Key / Low Key / Sepia / Dynamic Monochrome / Impressive Art / High Dynamic / Cross Process / Toy Effect / Miniature Effect / Soft Focus / Star Filter / One Point Color
Creative Control
Motion Image		 Expressive / Retro / High Key / Low Key / Sepia / Dynamic Monochrome / Impressive Art / High Dynamic / Cross Process / Toy Effect / Miniature Effect / One Point Color
Video Exposure Mode Program AE / Aperture-Priority / Sutter-Priority / Manual Exposure
Slow and Fast Motion 40% / 48% / 80% (Records 0.4 times, 0.48 times, 0.8 times slower)

160% / 200% / 300% (Records 1.6 times, 2.0 times, 3.0 times faster)

(1,920 x 1,080, 24p, 24Mbps in MOV, MP4, AVCHD)
Playback Mode Normal playback, 30-thumbnail display, 12-thumbnail display, Calendar display, Zoomed playback (Max. 16x), Slideshow (All / Picture Only / Video Only / 3D / Category Selection / Favorite, duration & effect is selectable), Playback Mode (Normal / Picture / Video / 3D Play / Category / Favorite), Title Edit, Text Stamp, Video Divide, Resize, Cropping, Rotate, Favorite, DPOF Print Set, Protect, Face Recognition Edit
Image Protection Single / Multi, Cancel
Image Erase Single / Multi / All / Except Favorite
USB USB 2.0 High Speed
HDMI mini HDMI TypeC

Video: Auto / 1080p / 1080i / 720p / 480p (576p in PAL system)

Audio: Dolby® Digital
Audio Video Output Monaural Type, NTSC / PAL, NTSC only for North America

* Check the website of the Panasonic sales company in your country or region for details on the products that are available in your market.
Remote Input φ2.5mm for remote
External Microphone Input φ3.5mm for external microphone
Headphone Output φ3.5mm for headphone
Microphone Stereo, Wind-cut: OFF / Low / Standard / High / Auto
Speaker Monaural
OSD Language English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Russian, Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Simplified), Dutch, Thai, Korean, Turkish, Portuguese, Arabic, Persian, Japanese, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, Greek, Vietnamese

* Check the website of Panasonic sales company in your country / region or ask customer support for details of the OSD language available on the products sold in your country / region.
Battery Li-ion Battery Pack (7.2V, 1,860mAh) (Included)

Battery Charger
Battery Life (CIPA Standard)*5 Approx. 540 images with H-HS12035

Approx. 500 images with H-VS014140
Dimensions (W x H x D) 132.9 x 93.4 x 82.0 mm / 5.23 x 3.68 x 3.23 inch (excluding protrusions)
Weight Approx. 550 g / 19.40 oz (SD card, Battery, Body)

Approx. 470 g / 16.58 oz (Body only)

Approx. 855 g / 30.16 oz (SD card, Battery, H-HS12035 lens included)

Approx. 1,010 g / 35.62 oz (SD card, Battery, H-VS014140 lens included)

New Panasonic GH3 Preview

Uncategorized

Information about the new Panasonic GH3 has been hard to find, but a few recent sources have revealed some interesting information about the camera. The follow-up to the wildly popular micro4/3rds Panasonic GH2 has been anticipated for over a year. All signs point to the GH3 being announced at Photokina 2012 in Germany in September, 2012. The new GH3 is sure to improve on features of its predecessor by improving the in-camera video features.

While we don’t expect 2k or 4k HD video just yet, the Panasonic GH3 will deliver the best in 1080p HD video. Sources have told 43rumors to expect improved dynamic range from a new 16 megapixel sensor. The GH3 will also deliver intraframe (ALL-I) 72Mbps video and ISO 12,800. Previously, the GH2 could only achieve 24 Mbps and ISO 3200 in video unless third party modifications or hacks to the firmware were done.

Schneider Announces 14mm f/2.0 Super Angulon Lens for Micro 4/3

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Schneider 14mm f/2.0 Super Angulon for Micro 4/3

Schneider, German manufacturer of high-end lenses for medium format and full-frame cameras, will soon enter the Micro Four Thirds market with the introduction of the 14mm f/2.0 Super Angulon. The company announced at its annual press conference that it will manufacture the lens at its factory in Germany. Unlike many other 3rd party lenses for M4/3, this lens will be fully compatible with the Micro Four Thirds system, and will feature auto focus and aperture control through the camera.

The lens features 10 elements including four aspherical surfaces. The lens will also use nano-coatings as found on B+W lens filters. The Schneider 14mm f/2.0 lens will make its debut at Photokina 2012 and will be available on the market in early 2013. Schneider expects to price the lens under $1500 Euros. Schneider plans to release two additional Micro Four Thirds lenses in 2013.

Olympus Announces 75mm f 1.8 M.Zuiko Lens for Micro 4/3 Cameras

Micro 4/3rds, Uncategorized

Olympus 75mm f 1.8 Lens for Micro 4/3rds

May 24, 2012 – Olympus annouces the M.Zuiko 75mm f/1.8 lens for Micro 4/3rds mount. This mid-tele lens provides a fast aperture for low-light and portrait photography. The 35mm equivalent focal length of 150mm provides pleasing background blur and amazing sharpness. Curved aperture blades produce smooth bokeh for outstanding portraiture, fashion and sports photography. Premium multi-coating with 3 ED elements and 2 HR elements increase contrast and reduce ghosting and flare.

Fast focusing and quiet auto focus operation are provided by MSC lens drive technology. The build quality is truly pro-grade with all metal barrel construction and a precision manual focus ring. The Olympus 75mm f1.8 is compatible with all Micro Four Thirds mount cameras. A metal hood is available separately.

The Olympus 75mm 1.8 is expected to be released in late June to early July 2012. Retail price is expected to be $899 US Dollars, and $799 Euros.

Manufacturer Part Number: V311040SU000

Find the Olympus M.Zuiko 75mm f/1.8 lens Available for Pre-Order NOW! Buy it online at:

Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm f1.8 Lens at Amazon

Olympus M.Zuiko 75mm f/1.8 lens at B&H Photo

Olympus M.Zuiko 75mm f/1.8 lens at Adorama

Olympus 75mm f1.8-on OM-D

Panasonic Announces 12-35mm f/2.8 Zoom Lumix G X Vario H-HS12035

Micro 4/3rds, Uncategorized

Panasonic 12-35mm f2.8 Zoom Lens

May 21, 2012 – Today Panasonic announces a weather-sealed professional quality normal zoom lens in the Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 H-HS12035. This new lens is a fixed f2.8 aperture to provide low light capabilities and shallow depth of field to render beautiful images. The new zoom lens also features image stabilization dubbed Mega O.I.S. by Panasonic.

The lens features weather sealing and may hint at that a new pro-level Micro 3/4rds camera such as the GH3 will be announced soon by Panasonic, perhaps before Photokina this fall.

The Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm lens features a rubberized zoom ring, manual zoom, and a machined focus ring. Seven rounded aperture blades provide smooth background bokeh. Minimum aperture is f/22. The range is equivalent to that of 24-70mm on a full frame 35mm camera. The lens measures 2.7 inches in diameter and 2.9 inches in length at wide angle. The outer barrel extends when zooming, but does not rotate. Construction is top notch, featuring a metal barrel and 14 lens elements in 9 groups. There are a total of 4 aspherical elements. The lens also uses Nano Surface Coating to reduce ghosts and flare. Outer filter thread diameter is 58mm.

The lens features the HD designation, meaning it is optimized for video use. The internal focus motor is a stepper design for nearly silent focus operation. Total weight is only 10.8 ounces (305 grams) and is much more compact and lightweight than its APS-C or full frame equivalents. Price at introduction is $1295 US Dollars, $1100 Euros.

Minimum focusing distance is 9 inches (0.25m) and provides a maximum ratio of 1:5.9 magnification. The lens includes a storage bag and hood. It will be available starting August 2012.

Pre-Order the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm/F2.8 ASPH X Series Lens at Amazon 

Pre-Order at Adorama

Pre-Order at BH Photo

Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 Lens Reviews:

Olympus introduces the E-M5

Micro 4/3rds, Uncategorized

Olympus OM-D E-M5

Olympus Announces the OM-D, the modern digital version of the legendary OM-camera line. The new E-M5 represents the first camera of the OM-D, combining traditional looks like modern functionality. The 16MP Micro Four Thirds format camera features a tilting OLED touchscreen with 610,000 pixels as well as a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 1.4 million pixels. All-new 5-axis image stabilization in the camera body will hold your shots steady from camera shake and movement. The body has weather seals to protect against dust and rain.

The E-M5’s 16.1MP sensor provides for increased dynamic range, resolution and low noise even at high-ISO. Additionally, the high-speed processing provides up to 9fps continuous shooting.

Many accessories are available for the E-M5, including a wide variety of m4/3rds lenses, external flash units, lens mount adapters, grip and extended power battery holder.

The Olympus E-M5 is scheduled to be released April, 2012.

Pre-order the Olympus E-M5 (Body Only) at Amazon

Pre-order the Olympus E-M5 with 12-50mm lens at Amazon

Panasonic to Offer New High-end m4/3rds Camera

Micro 4/3rds, Uncategorized

Panasonic is currently developing a new high-end model that will use their Micro Four Thirds format sensor. This was revealed during an in interview by Amateur Photographer with Ichiro Kitao, director of Panasonic’s Digital Stills Camera business unit. “We are currently restructuring the range of products that we offer to include a very high-end model,” said Kitao.

Michiharu Uematsu, product planning group manager told AP, “Our sensors are 60% of the size of APS-C units, which is less than one step behind,” said Uematsu. “A larger sensor means we’d have to compromise on the size of our lenses, and thus the size of our system. MFT cameras need to be smaller.”

Kitao added that because of advancing technology, image quality has more to do with processing and optical quality than the sensor size. He further explained larger APS-C format sensors “in very small bodies have optical problems in the corners of their pictures.” They are limited by the relatively the short distance from the rear element of the lens to the sensor.

With a firm dedication to the Micro Four Thirds format, Panasonic is focusing on developing high-end lenses for the system. Two of these were on display at CP+ Show in Japan and are scheduled to be released later this year. The prototype lenses represent Panasonic’s commitment to high-end products in the m4/3rds system.

One of the lenses is a 35-100mm f/2.8 zoom, equivalent to 70-200mm in full frame format, a range that most professional photographers consider to be essential. The other lens is a 12-35mm f/2.8, a standard zoom that matches a 24-70mm in 35mm format. Both lenses are designed with optical quality in mind, using numerous aspherical elements to reduce number of elements necessary which helps reduce flare and improves resolution.

Regarding the Panasonic mirrorless camera line, Kitao states, “We want to become known as a high-quality camera brand, and this will be our concentration this year. We will aim for a high-end camera to demonstrate that mirrorless cameras can be alternatives to DSLR cameras, not just a step-up from compact cameras.”

Source: Amateur Photographer