Mobile Magazine » digital camera

Nikon Coolpix P510 Sports (42x) 1000mm Zoom

Leslie Pulipa — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:42:30 +0000

The amateur shutterbug in us all have at one point or another wished we had one of those big zoom lens DSLRs to capture a nice eagle in the distance, a bit beyond the abilities of our point-and-shoot cameras don’t ya think?

Those days will be a thing of the past with Nikons launch of their Coolpix P series; including a Nikon Coolpix P-510 and Coolpix P-310. The P-510, with its unprecedented super zoom (42x optical), doesn’t compromise image quality at all. Its Nikkor glass lens is capable of capturing action from a wide 24mm to an amazing 1000mm focal range and the 16.1 MP CMOS sensor will ensure nothing is lost in transit from the lens to the memory stick.

But zoom is the real selling feature of this model. The P510 replaces the P500 which has a zoom of 36X while the nearest competition in the segment, Canon’s Powershot SX40 HS comes with a 35x zoom. The P510 can also capture 1080 videos and its purpose-built supercharged image stabilizing system practically reduces blur to a minimum even with the zoom pushed to its limits.

The P310 on the other hand comes alive in the night. It tackles demanding low- light conditions with ease with a 16.1-megapixel backside Illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor and a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture lens.

Both the cameras are set to be out in the market by the middle of February with the P310 likely to cost around $350 USD while the P510 will come with a price tag of $430 USD.

Kodak Preparing To File For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Michael Kwan — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 03:40:30 +0000

I think we all knew that Kodak had fallen on tough times these last few years, but we always had this hope in the back of our minds that the once iconic brand would be able to bounce back. Apparently not. Things are so bad that Kodak is reportedly getting ready to file for bankruptcy.

The news comes by way of a report from the Wall Street Journal, saying that Kodak’s future is “looking less promising by the day.” Word on the street is that Kodak could file for chapter 11 bankruptcy “in the coming weeks.” I guess the switch of focus (no pun intended) from film cameras to cheap photo printers didn’t quite pan out; Kodak’s company value has dropped 95 percent since 2001.

Given the current economic climate, Kodak apparently only has one way out: to sell off a bunch of its 1000+ digital imaging patents from its 100+ year history. These patents could be very valuable, estimated at between $2 billion and $3 billion, but Kodak has been looking to offload these for months already. In the last 12 quarters, Kodak has posted a loss in nine of them.

Shoot First Focus Later: Lytro Light Field Camera Has “Four Dimensions”

Radu Tyrsina — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:36:32 +0000

I’ve always wanted to just be able to snap a picture whenever I wanted to, without having my friends freeze their smiles on their faces until the focus was complete. And now, that’s a possibility. The new Lytro pocket-sized cameras let you snap pictures whenever you want, letting you focus on whatever you want, later.

How it works, you wonder. Well, apparently the Lytro camera captures all the light rays flowing in its direction, an average of about 11 million, and captures the scene in “four dimensions”, unlike any other camera out there.

So, you, or someone else you share you picture with will be able to refocus and explore the entire scene from different vantage points after you’ve already taken the photo.

Considering the possibilities it offers, the $399 asked for an 8 GB unit (capable of storing 350 pictures) and $499 for the 16 GB unit, don’t seem that much.

Cameras can be preordered at lytro.com and they’re expected out in early 2012, much to the delight of those of us who are eager to try it out.

JVC Announces Hybrid Photo HD Video Camera Pegged at $900

Radu Tyrsina — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 17:12:34 +0000

If you’ve been looking for a balanced photo and video camera, JVC promises the new GC-PX 10 — a true hybrid of both video and still — with an ability to capture 12 megapixel photos and full HD video recording at 36 Mbps will satiate your needs.

The camera features a tilting LCD monitor and has a 10x optical zoom, while the controls are set on the lens housing and not on the rear of the main body, usual for these types of cameras. While the PASM mode dial, the exposure/focus controls and power buttons are set on the side, the top of the lens housing has the external microphone, HDMI-out and USB port. On the right you can find the compartment for media cards and the built-in flash, along with the shutter release button on top of the body grip.

According to JVC, the camera can provide a maximum of 19x dynamic zoom on top of the 10x optical one, while keeping the image quality perfect. As usual, there’s an Intelligent Auto feature, face recognition software and a feature that permits 60 shots per second at 8.3 megapixels or 30 frames per second at full resolution.

At a price of $899.95, the GC-PX10 will be available this month along with a LoiLoScope FX software designed for Windows. Reminds me of the older Sony DSC-F717 from nearly a decade ago.

Are you ready for the CLAP?

Michael Kwan — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 02:35:25 +0000

I’m not entirely sure why someone would want this aside from the novelty factor, but the novelty factor has been enough to sell a whole whack of other products already. What you have here is a very simple digital camera that is quite small.

They’ve shaped it to look like a conventional camera, including the “bump” where you might normally find a hot shoe, but that’s not really a functional bump. It’s just for look. You can then pop out the side cap to reveal a USB connector, which is used both for transfering images and video off the camera and for charging its internal lithium-ion battery. It takes microSD cards up to 16GB.

The images can be up to 1.3MP (1280×1024) and the videos can be up to 720×480 in resolution, despite the CLAP having a 2MP F2.8 lens. You can expect image quality to be similar to that of an entry-level webcam, it seems, so it’s probably a better idea to whip out your iPhone or Droid instead. I don’t see this tiny camera being all that more discreet, considering it’s shaped like a camera and has a very obvious lens too. It also doesn’t help that you have no viewfinder to frame your shot.

Shrug. I guess there’s a place in the market for almost anything and there are certainly worse ways to spend $49.95. I can think of lots of better ways though.

Olympus PEN E-P3 micro four-thirds camera gets priced and dated

Michael Kwan — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:59:58 +0000

The micro four-thirds format pioneered by Panasonic and Olympus is just trucking along with incremental advancements and enhancements. The latest to join the bunch is the Olympus PEN E-P3, which has now received official pricing and release date information.

I use the Olympus E-PL1 myself, which is a little more consumer-oriented, but they both use the same 12.3 MP sensor and the same basic form factor. One feature that the new E-P3 is borrowing from the E-PL1 (and E-PL2) is the pop-up flash, a feature that was missing on the E-P1 and E-P2.

The autofocus time on the PEN series hasn’t always been fantastic, but Olympus says that the E-P3 fixes that with the “world’s fastest AF” in its class. They’re also bumping ISO to 12,800, tacking on full HD video recording, and adding a 3-inch OLED touchscreen. The good news is that the manual buttons are still there if you don’t like the touchscreen.

In any case, you can expect the Olympus PEN E-P3 to sell for $900 when it ships this August. At that price, you can choose from the Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm II R f3.5/5.6 optical zoom lens or the Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f2.8 prime lens. That’s not particularly cheap, considering I got my E-PL1 last year for $450 (including the 14-42mm kit lens) and that was before the E-PL2 showed up.

Olympus® Launches the PEN® E-P3: Are You PEN Ready?

Compact, All-Metal, Premium, Classic-Style Camera Delivers Incredible Power, Amazing Image Quality with Record-Breaking Autofocus and Touch Display

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., June 30, 2011 – Today Olympus announces a new flagship PEN camera designed for the hobbyist or advanced photographer who desires superior image quality, FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology) Autofocus Tracking System and total creative control in a body portable enough to travel the world: the PEN E-P3.

The powerful Olympus PEN® E-P3 is the ultimate PEN camera for visual expression, delivering professional image quality, the World’s Fastest AF** speed, a huge selection of built-in creative features and an easy-to-use interface, all elegantly packaged in a classic, all-metal body with full-advanced controls. Two new M. Zuiko prime lenses also join the family of six MICRO Four Thirds® lenses, to expand the broad options offered to imaging enthusiasts.

Look what you can do with the new Olympus PEN E-P3. It blends high-quality still images expected of a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera with high-definition (HD) video, AC3 Dolby Digital audio (comparable to studio recordings) and In-Camera Creativity in an ultra-portable body. The PEN E-P3 has it all.

Outstanding New Features:
12.3 MP Live MOS Sensor – Utilizing new Fine Detail Processing Technology for greater detail in the photograph, the sensor is optimized to maximize the performance of all M. Zuiko digital lenses in all shooting conditions;
TruePic VI Image Processor – This new image engine, designed specifically for the Olympus PEN, features Real Color Technology for improved color reproduction and faster speeds;
FAST AF – To meet the demand for focusing speed, Olympus has introduced the new FAST AF Tracking System. The FAST AF Tracking System features 35 focus points as well as new Tracking AF to ensure fast & accurate focus each and every time;
Low Light Performance – AF Illuminator / Built In Flash / ISO to 12,800;
Fast Shutter Response – Never miss a shot again with fast shutter response time of less than 60 milliseconds;
Full HD Movie – Shoot up to 29 minutes of full 1080i HD video in either AVCHD or AVI formats; and
3-inch 614,000 pixel OLED Touch screen – Bright high-resolution screen features a newly-designed touch interface that provides an innovative touch display solution.
“With a classic, compact, all-metal body reminiscent of the Olympus PEN E-P1, the PEN E-P3 offers an unprecedented level of portability to help you capture great images and videos on the go,” said Katie Roseman, senior product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “This camera has the creative flexibility to give you a true professional experience.”

Superior Image Quality
A large 12.3-megapixel Live MOS Image Sensor delivers the highest quality images. Take great photos in low-light environments thanks to the camera’s built-in flash, AF illuminator and ISO up to 12,800. To improve color and speed, the Olympus PEN E-P3 features the new TruePic VI Image Processing Engine. Photos and HD videos taken with the PEN E-P3 will be crisp and clear thanks to three modes of in-body image stabilization. Image stabilization built into the camera’s body enables photographers to take advantage of this feature with every lens. The camera’s award-winning Supersonic Wave Filter™ patented Dust Reduction System vibrates to remove dust and other particles from the front of the image sensor, capturing it on an adhesive membrane every time the camera is turned on.

Blazing Speed
The Olympus PEN E-P3 uses a variety of features to achieve speed rivaling that of the professional Olympus E-5 DSLR. Focus and shoot faster with the camera’s new 12.3-megapixel Live MOS Image Sensor, TruePic VI Image Processor and new FAST AF Tracking System. The Olympus PEN E-P3 offers 35 separate focus points spread over nearly the entire sensor, enabling the camera to pin-point focus accuracy on small subjects wherever they appear in the frame. Selectable 3×3 groups within the 35-point area are especially effective when shooting active subjects. The camera’s fast shutter response time ensures that you will never miss the shot, even in the toughest shooting environments.

Creative Freedom
Olympus PEN series cameras put you in the director’s chair, offering a new level of freedom to the creative shooting experience and enabling instant experimentation, feedback and gratification. For the first time, the Olympus PEN E-P3 features full 1080 60i HD Video. Push the direct HD video button to instantly start filming your HD video with a choice between ACVHD and AVI formats with uncompressed CD-quality 16 bit/44.1kHz Linear PCM stereo recording or AC3 Dolby Digital Audio.

In-camera features such as Art Filters, Multiple Exposure and In-Camera Editing enable photographers to capture the world as they see it. The Olympus PEN E-P3 features 10 Art Filters: Diorama, Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Color, Light Tone, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Cross Process, Gentle Sepia and Dramatic Tone. The camera also features nine Art Filter variations and enhancements, including new Pale & Light Color II, and five Art Filter Effects, including new Star Light and White Edge. The new Art Filter Bracketing function helps you develop multiple pictures utilizing different Art Filters with a single shot, making it possible to experiment with several different photographic effects at the same time. Photographers can use Art Filters in all shooting modes: shutter priority, aperture priority, manual and program auto modes for expanded control. All Art Filters can be applied to both still shots and Standard Definition or HD movies. Art Filters set the Olympus PEN E-P3‘s images and videos apart from the pack. Since they’re built into the camera, Art Filters can help you achieve dramatic results on the go without the need for a computer or editing software.

The Olympus PEN E-P3 adds a new dimension to photographs by shooting dynamic 3D photos in any situation from macro to landscape. Recreate a sense of depth like that of the original scene. Simply select the 3D Photo Mode, release the shutter, and slowly pan until the camera automatically takes a second image from a slightly different perspective. The 3D data is processed in-camera resulting in an .MPO file, the universal industry 3D format for easy display on 3D televisions or laptops.

Expanded Control Combined with Ease of Use
Controlling the Olympus PEN E-P3 is simple with its next-generation, three-inch, touch-sensitive 614,000 pixel OLED display. Consuming much less energy than the traditional LCD, this display has a wide 176-degree angle of view and is bright enough to compose images even in harsh midday light. With the camera’s new intuitive graphic user interface and touchscreen, it is easy to capture a picture, change camera settings or navigate the Live Guide controls by simply touching the screen. Going through a day’s photos is easy by scrolling through and enlarging photos with the tap of a finger.

The Olympus PEN E-P3’s built-in, pop-up flash makes it easy to illuminate low-light subjects, reduce red-eye and fill in dark areas. The camera is compatible with SDHC, SDXC and UHS-1 memory cards for greater speed and capacity and can be utilized with the Olympus PENPAL® or various Eye-Fi™ cards for instant wireless uploads to your favorite social or photo sharing websites.

Olympus has added a rotational dial, sub-dial and two new function buttons to the back of the PEN E-P3 so photographers can make rapid changes to menu settings and maximize the camera’s performance. With a thumb, photographers can adjust aperture and exposure time in an instant without switching between menu selections. Hands-on shooters will appreciate the two customizable buttons they can assign to favorite functions. Photographers will appreciate how the camera’s mode dial enables access to basic settings.

The Level Gauge in the Olympus PEN E-P3 is a tremendous benefit for architectural photographers who must ensure that images of buildings are as centered and true as the walls of the buildings themselves. This feature detects the camera’s pitch and roll during Live View operation so photographers can make sure subjects appear where they should in the frame.

New Lenses and Accessories for Every Shooting Challenge
The Olympus PEN MICRO Four Thirds family features eight fully-compatible MICRO Four Thirds lenses. The legendary Olympus Zuiko® Digital Four Thirds range of 27 high-quality lenses, OM-series and other manufacturers’ lenses can be attached to Olympus PEN cameras with optional adapters. The Olympus PEN E-P3 comes packaged with the Movie & Still Compatible (MSC) ED m14-42mm II R f3.5/5.6 zoom lens (28mm-84mm equivalent) or the m17mm f2.8 (34mm equivalent). Today, Olympus is proud to announce several new Movie & Still Compatible (MSC) lenses with high-speed, near-silent autofocus during still shooting and high-definition (HD) video capture. Also, several new accessories will complement the PEN E-P3 perfectly and broaden the creative horizons for all PEN photographers.

M. Zuiko Digital ED 12m f2.0 lens (24mm equivalent): This high-speed, single-focal–length, wide-angle lens is ideal for shooting everything from dramatic landscapes in low-light conditions to hard-to-get, spontaneous street shots. It has a beautiful full-metal body and a snap ring that enables photographers to pan focus with a distance indicator.
M. Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f1.8 lens (90mm equivalent): This single focal length portrait lens has a beautiful shallow depth of field, which enables the background blurring effects not possible with the 14-42mm kit zoom lens. The MSC mechanism is great for tracking a moving child or pet, and provides a quick and silent focus mechanism for movies and still photography.
FL-300R Compact Flash: This flash functions as a bounce flash and wireless remote flash with enough power for nearly any shooting situation. Photographers can use it in tandem with the camera’s built in pop-up flash, or as an alternative to it. It is designed in silver to match the new PEN lineup.
MCG-2 Exchangeable Camera Grip: Available exclusively for the PEN E-P3, this comfortable grip enhances the grip area of the camera to fit any photographer’s hands perfectly. It is available in black and beige.
Availability
The Olympus PEN E-P3 kit will be available in stylish black, white and silver, starting in August 2011. It includes the PEN E-P3 body, lens, USB cable, video cable, BLS-1 Li-Ion battery pack, Li-Ion battery charger, shoulder strap, OLYMPUS [ib] software CD-ROM, manuals and registration card.

U.S. Pricing / Product Configurations
Olympus PEN E-P3 Body with MSC M. Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm II R f3.5/5.6 Zoom Lens
Estimated Street Price: $899.99

Olympus PEN E-P3 Body with MSC M. Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f2.8 Prime Lens
Estimated Street Price: $899.99

Journalists interested in more information, review units and high-resolution images of the Olympus PEN E-P3 camera, lenses and accessories should contact Keith Gordon, Mullen Public Relations, 212-885-3218, keith.gordon@mullen.com, or Jennifer Colucci, Olympus Imaging America Inc., 484-896-5719, jennifer.colucci@olympus.com, or visit the Olympus website: http://www.getolympus.com.

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances people’s lives every day. These include:

Digital Cameras
Professional and Interchangeable Lens System Cameras
Related Underwater Products and Accessories
Digital and Microcassette Recorders
Digital Media
Binoculars
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com.

*Specifications and design are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. All trademarks and registered trademarks listed herein are the property of their respective holders, in the US and/or other countries.

Pentax Q offers interchangeable lenses in tiniest package ever

Michael Kwan — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:51:37 +0000

The idea of being able to swap out your lens for certain purposes had previously been restricted to people who rock the SLR. That changed with the arrival of the NEX series from Sony and the micro four-thirds cameras from Olympus and Panasonic. Now, Pentax is taking that philosophy and going even smaller with the Pentax Q.

The Pentax Q is realistically the same size as a regular point-and-shoot. The trouble is that it’s 1/2.3″ image sensor is about the same size as a point and shoot too. Yes, you get 12.4MP of resolution, but it’s the size of the sensor that matters when it comes to image quality. In this way, the Pentax Q offers some added flexibility, but you probably shouldn’t expect to get the same deal as you would with a SLR or even with a M4/3 or NEX.

Rounding out the specs are a magnesium alloy body, 3-inch 460k pixel LCD, no optical viewfinder, and pop-up flash. The kit lens is a 35mm F1.9, but other Q-mount lenses include a f2.8-f4.5 zoom lens and a 160-degree fisheye, as well as a couple of “toy” lenses for deliberate aberrations.

The biggest hurdle I think the Pentax Q will face? Price. It’s going to sell for around $800 when it ships this fall. For that money, you can get well on your way into NEX or M4/3, both of which can likely give you better image quality than the Q…. and the E-PL2 or GF2 is a tad bigger.

Olympus TOUGH TG-810 Camera Withstands 100kg of Crushing Force

Michael Kwan — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:47:03 +0000

Have you ever accidentally sat on your phone, camera, MP3 player, or other portable electronic device? There’s a possibility that you broke something. With the Olympus TOUGH TG-810, apparently you don’t have to worry as much about that kind of thing.

Continuing with the rugged pedigree of the TOUGH line, the TG-810 will reportedly hold up to 100kg of crushing force. They’re saying that it’s a crushproof camera, thanks to things like the double-durable lens (and metal lens barrier) and port technology. It’s also scratch resistant, waterproof, shockproof, and freezeproof.

The usual slate of technical specs runs like this: 14 megapixels, 5x wide zoom, ISO 80-1600, 720p HD video, manometer (checking water depth), GPS, electronic compass, TAP control mode, four underwater scene modes, 3D photo shooting mode, Pet Detection Mode, 3.0-inch display, SDXC support, and HDMI connectivity.

The styling cues won’t be for everyone and the picture quality likely won’t rival the company’s micro four-thirds offerings, but at least you can go snorkeling with the TOUGH TG-810 and get it trapped under a rock. Expect to see it this month for $400.

State-of-the-art TOUGH flagship is world’s first 100kg crushproof* camera
Crushproof OLYMPUS TOUGH is world record holder
TG-810 has 3-sensor compass for outdoor action

Hamburg, 2 March 2011 – Just when everyone thought the TOUGH range couldn’t get any tougher, Olympus launches the ultimate indestructible camera. The new OLYMPUS TOUGH TG-810 delivers fabulous-quality HD movies and stills – and something just as valuable: unlimited peace of mind. This state-of-the-art TOUGH blows the competition away with record-breaking ruggedness and unique TOUGH technology. The stats speak for themselves. The TOUGH flagship is the world’s first camera that’s crushproof* to a weight of 100kg, so an adult can tread on it and it’ll keep going fine. Thanks to double-durable lens and port technology, the TG-810 is also waterproof*, shockproof*, freezeproof* and scratch resistant to an unprecedented degree. With its built-in manometer, unique three-sensor GPS & Electronic Compass and high-resolution,
glare-resistant HyperCrystal III LCD, this stylish camera is the ideal companion for an active lifestyle – from home to hotel to a hike through the Himalayas. Packed with advanced automatic features for easy shooting in tricky conditions, the new TOUGH captures memories just like they happened, and keeps them extra safe for sharing wirelessly with friends and family. The OLYMPUS TOUGH TG-810 is available for €299 from mid-March 2011.

The toughest ever TOUGH
You don’t have to live like a stuntman to abuse a camera. But with the OLYMPUS TOUGH flagship, you could. It’s the world’s first camera that’s crushproof up to a weight of 100kg. But that’s just the start. A sliding double lock mechanism and additional metal lens barrier ensure the TG-810 is waterproof to a huge depth of 10m, shockproof to a height of 2m and freezeproof to -10°C. There’s even a built-in manometer to make sure you don’t dive too deep. Just as well. Because this camera is packed with ingenious technology that’s hard to find elsewhere – and makes it a joy to capture photos and HD movies, whatever the weather, wherever you are.

The safest and smartest
The best cameras (and mobile phones) often come with GPS. But only Olympus’ GPS & Electronic Compass has three sensors to record the direction the camera is pointing (even when it’s turned off). That makes it an excellent piece of kit for finding your way in unfamiliar surroundings. It displays more than 700,000 nearby geographic and natural points of interest – the maximum for a GPS-equipped camera. At a glance, users can check their latitude, longitude and altitude, shooting direction, the date and time or air and water pressure. In the water, the TG-810 really comes into its own. i-Underwater Snapshot, one of four underwater settings, detects when the camera is submerged and adjusts white balance automatically to ensure beautiful, worry-free shots – even in optional 3D. No matter the element, the 5x wide optical zoom lens (28-140mm**) provides precision and flexibility, while the large, three inch 920,000 dot high-definition HyperCrystal III LCD reproduces images on the spot in very high quality.

The best of the best
Like the other two OLYMPUS TOUGH cameras, the TG-810 offers high-end features that make editing and sharing a breeze, for example Eye-Fi card compatibility that lets users automatically transfer images wirelessly to a website or PC.

The TG-810 is available in silver and black for €299 from mid-March 2011.

OLYMPUS TOUGH TG-810
Toughness

• Crushproof* up to the world-record weight of 100kg
• Waterproof* to 10m, shockproof* to 2m and freezeproof* to -10°C for worry-free use anytime anywhere
• Metal lens barrier for extra-tough lens protection
• Sliding double lock mechanism for optimum protection of battery, card slots and ports
• Water-repellent and scratch-resistant double seal technology
• Built-in manometer for checking depth underwater
• GPS & Electronic Compass with unique three-sensor technology for orientation and key information at a glance
• Improved TAP Control Mode for controlling the camera by tapping or tilting the body, ideal when wearing gloves
Image Quality

• Four underwater scene modes, including i-Underwater Snapshot (with the camera set to i-Auto) for worry-free underwater shooting
• 5x wide optical zoom (28-140mm**) for shooting flexibility
• 3D photo shooting mode for striking stills
• Dual Image Stabilisation for reducing blur with fast-moving shots
• TruePic III+ processor for ideal colour reproduction and low noise
• 720p HD Movie with sound for capturing movies in excellent quality
• 14 Megapixels for high-quality full-size movies, stills and prints
• ISO 80 to 1600
• Magic Filters for adding creative effects to HD movies and/or stills: Punk, Pop Art, Pin Hole, Drawing, Soft Focus, Fish Eye (photos only), plus new Sparkle (photos only) and Watercolour
• Beauty Mode for hiding unwanted blemishes
• Intelligent Auto Mode (i-Auto) and AF Tracking for easy setting and focussing
• Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology for capturing people’s faces just as you want them
• Pet Detection Mode for automatically capturing dog’s or cat’s faces when they look at the camera
• Scene Mode for automatic settings that suit specific conditions (e.g., Landscape, Night)
• In-Camera Panorama for quick and easy panorama shots
• Built-in flash
Storage & Sharing

• 3.0” 920,000 dot Super Precision HyperCrystal III LCD for TOUGH, generating clearer images and reducing reflection even in direct sunlight
• SDHC and SDXC memory card compatible***
• Photo Surfing and [ib] software for browsing, organising and viewing images by person, place, location or event
Connectivity

• Eye-Fi Card compatibility for automatic wireless uploading of images to a website or PC
• HDMI technology for controlling your camera from one remote when it’s connected to HD equipment
Other

• USB charging

* Crushproof according to Olympus test conditions. Waterproof according to IEC standard publication 529 IPX8. Shockproof figures equivalent to MIL Standard (Olympus test conditions). Freezeproof according to Olympus test conditions.
** 35mm camera equivalent.
*** SD is a trademark of SD Card Association.

[via Olympus]

Panasonic GF2 vs. Olympus E-PL2: Which micro four-thirds is for you?

Michael Kwan — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 15:34:25 +0000

I’m a big fan of the micro four-thirds format. You get the flexibility of interchangeable lenses, a larger sensor, and all kinds of SLR-like controls in a package that isn’t much bigger than a point-and-shoot. But which camera reigns supreme?

Kai from Digital Rev has put together a fun comparison video between the two newest entrants in this realm: the Panasonic GF2 and the Olympus E-PL2. As is the case with all of Kai’s videos, he’s pretty lighthearted about the whole thing, but there are some good points raised.

In terms of the JPEGs that these cameras spit out, the Oly came out on top with better detail at higher ISOs. The Oly also has those fun art filters, which Kai reminds us are good for the hipster crowd. The Panny, by contrast, is more on the serious side.

At the end of the day, the question of GF2 or E-PL2 is basically the same as the question of GF1 or E-PL1. Except, well, the GF2 has a touchscreen that, like so many other touchscreen cameras, works terribly. For the record, I have an E-PL1 and I love it. I just need to get me one of those Panasonic 20mm pancake lenses!

Introducing the Olympus E-PL2 micro four-thirds digital camera

Michael Kwan — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 15:50:58 +0000

Those of you who read my personal blog will know that I recently picked up the Olympus E-PL1. I need a replacement camera after my Canon got stolen and the E-PL1 offers SLR-like functionality with interchangeable lenses and a larger sensor, while being not that much bigger than a point-and-shoot. We’ve already seen the pseudo-update called the E-PL1s, but a true successor is reportedly making its debut next week at CES.

Of course, fans of the micro four-thirds format probably could have predicted that an Olympus E-PL2 was in the works. After all, Panasonic just recently announced the pending availability of its GF2 to follow up on the GF1. So, what is new with the upcoming Olympus E-PL2? Well, aesthetically, it looks pretty much the same as the E-PL1.

That is to say that it’s still taller but not as wide as the E-P1 and E-P2. From what I can see, it retains the pop-up flash and the slight bulge of a hand grip on the side. While the standard E-PL2 kit will reportedly still come with a 14-42mm F3.5/5.6 kit lens, this one is a slightly different breed than the kit lens that came with the current Olympus PEN series.

There’s still a direct movie button too, but the max ISO has been bumped to 6400, a new Dramatic Tone art filter has been added, and the LCD has been upgraded to a 3.0-inch 460k dot display. A “PENPAL” external Bluetooth module is being announced too, which attaches to the hotshoe and allows you to instantly send pictures via your Android or Windows smartphone to Flickr, Facebook, and other social networks. I’d imagine this is an optional accessory, much like the electronic viewfinder and mic adapter.

No word on price, but the Olympus E-PL2 is expected to make its official debut at CES before going on sale in February.

[43rumors]