Micro Four Thirds, Olympus PEN and Panasonic GF1 - an overview

Rik Fairlie had an article posted at NYTimes about the Micro Four Thirds standard, the Olympus E-P1, E-P2, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 and the other options currently available, here's what he has to say:

“The ‘R’ in D.S.L.R. refers to the reflex of the mirror,” said Sally Smith Clemens, a product manager for Olympus. “Without a mirror box, it’s not a D.S.L.R.”
The want of a mirror means that Micro Four Thirds cameras are more compact and lighter than D.S.L.R.’s, yet they produce better photographs than point-and-shoots because they have a larger image sensor. As a rule of thumb, larger sensors deliver better photos because they have greater light-gathering capabilities. But that generalization is not absolute, because factors like the camera’s image processor and lens quality also come into play.

Buy the Olympus PEN E-P1 12.3 MP Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens (Silver Body/Black Lens)

Read the full Micro Four Thirds article at NYTimes.com

EISA Award for Olympus PEN

Only shortly after its worldwide launch Olympus' first Micro Four Thirds camera, the E-P1, is able to convince the EISA jury as being the best 'European Camera 2009-2010'. Confirming the groundbreaking benefits of the E-P1's key features, they noted:"The Olympus PEN is an elegant camera with an appealing retro design. The camera utilizes the new mirror- and prism-less Micro Four Thirds system, which allows the E-P1 to be very compact and lightweight. Besides the compact Micro Four Thirds lenses, users can fit existing Four Thirds, OM and Leica M mount lenses to the body via an adaptor".
And in recognition that the image quality of the E-P1 matches D-SLR results, the esteemed EISA jury summed up by saying: "As the sensor is larger than that found in compact cameras better image quality and lower noise levels can be achieved". With a range of features to choose from, the Olympus E-P1 is also a dream for anyone with creative ambition.
Via Olympus

More Olympus E-P1 Micro Four Thirds photos

The Olympus E-P1 marks an innovative new era in digital imaging. Our new Micro Four Thirds camera upholds the legacy of the celebrated PEN family of cameras, with the photographic optics of an SLR and the size and simplicity of a point and shoot. Combining the still image quality of a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) with the A/V quality of both a High Definition camcorder and high-end audio recorder, the E-P1 is a virtual full-service imaging studio in one ultra-portable and stylishly retro body. With dozens of advanced features, the E-P1 makes documenting and sharing your everyday life easier and more creative than ever before.



ULTRA CONVENIENCE, MEGA FUNCTIONALITY
The E-P1 is the world's smallest 12.3-mexapixel interchangeable lens system camera, yet has the creative flexibility to give you a true professional experience with ease. A still photo, video and audio recorder in one, the E-P1 creates exceptional photos, inventive slide shows, and remarkable videos both for personal use or for posting on many of today's social networking websites. It delivers professional quality images without the bulk of a conventional DSLR, thanks to its slim body and advanced high-speed imager AF (Live View) technologies. The lens mount diameter has been reduced, enabling the use of smaller, lighter interchangeable lenses that perform at the same level as larger DSLR lenses. The camera fits easily in many pockets and purses.




Info via Olympus America, photos via zol.com.cn

Olympus Reveals PEN E-P1 Micro Four Thirds DSLR

Sporting the size of a small compact camera, Olympus sports a sleek and compact body as it uses the 4/3 sized image sensor. The internal structure eliminates the traditional digital-SLR quick-return mirror allowing a radical reduction in camera size without compromising the benefits of digital SLR photography with its high shooting performance and high quality images.

The new interchangeable lens system digital camera draws inspiration from the legendary "Olympus PEN" half-frame film camera range which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The Olympus PEN range made history by creating a fuss-free and unencumbered photography experience for the first time. Its success led to 17 million units being sold globally.

The imaging system uses a 4/3-inch type, 12.3-megapixel high speed Live MOS Sensor and a newly developed TruePic V image processing engine to provide high quality still images. This impressive processing engine also enables non-flash shooting up to ISO 6400.

The Olympus PEN E-P1 also boasts a 720p High-Definition movie recording capability. Its stereo audio recording in the linear PCM format allows movie recording with high quality sound.

The Powerful Art Filter effects can be used for both still shooting and movie capture modes, expanding photographic possibilities for the camera user.

Via Smarthouse.com.au

Olympus E-P1 Micro Four Thirds leaked

Based on the leaked Olympus E-P1 photo, the camera will be released with a 17mm, f2.8 prime lens. It will have the Art Filters introduced with the E-30 and now available on the E-620 as well, and also the Intelligent Auto mode.

Olympus’ E-P1 Micro Four Thirds camera has shown up in the wild, complete with a a 17mm f2.8 prime lens. Details regarding the camera are scant - in fact these images are pretty much all we have to go on - but it’s suggested that Olympus will release the E-P1 in July this year.

Via SlashGear, 43rumors

Micro Four Thirds vs. Four Thirds vs. dSLR - what?

Does anyone know of any P&S using any of the systems? How does a DSLR get to be compared "vs" Four Thirds?

Leonard Goh at Cnet Asia has a short comparison and some interesting notes around the Micro Four Thirds and Four Thirds lenses.


He also says "there are actually more variations between these three classes of cameras." Oh rly?

If you're tired of letting your point-and-shoot control your shots and want to upgrade to a more advanced camera, there are plenty of choices out there. You may have come across dSLRs such as the Canon EOS 500D and Nikon D5000. Then there are shooters like the Olympus E-620 which uses the Four Thirds System. Last but not least, there is the Micro Four Thirds System found on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1.

Read the article at asia.cnet.com

Panasonic Announces Pricing for Lumix GH1: MSRP $1499.95, wow

Secaucus, NJ (May 6, 2009) – Panasonic today announced pricing for the highly-anticipated LUMIX DMC-GH1, the new Micro Four Thirds digital camera with Full-High Definition (HD) video recording ability, which will be available in early June for a suggested retail price of $1499.95. The LUMIX DMC-GH1 includes the LUMIX G VARIO 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. lens as part of the kit. The new lens, designed to support HD movie recording, features a silent motor and continuous auto focusing (AF) capability – a differentiator from traditional DSLRs.

In the U.S., the LUMIX GH1 will be available in black and has advanced photography features, such as the ability to record AVCHD 1080p/24p High Definition video, yet is easy enough for entry-level users to understand and take beautiful photos and videos. With Panasonic’s iA (Intelligent Auto) mode* - a user-friendly setting made popular in the LUMIX line of digital point-and-shoot camera products, both entry-level and more experienced DSLR users can enjoy a complete suite of technologies that allow beautiful photo-taking and engage automatically – no setting adjustments needed.

For those looking for more creative control in their digital camera, the LUMIX GH1 can adjust shutter speed during motion recording, giving the videos a special look, particularly suitable for shooting fast-moving subjects. Also, the LUMIX GH1 allows users to control the aperture, which is convenient when there are several subjects at varying distances. By adjusting the aperture, the user can focus on the foreground and blur the background – or vice versa – even during video recording.

“Since redefining the traditional DSLR category last year with the LUMIX G1 – which eliminated the internal mirror and thus dramatically reduced size of the camera body and lenses – Panasonic has been working to expand its award-winning LUMIX G Micro Four Thirds System line. Panasonic wants to offer increasingly innovative products and features that make photography fun and easy,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The introduction of the LUMIX GH1, allows photographers of all levels to take superior quality photos and shoot HD video with a more compact, easy-to-use camera that provides increased creative capabilities.”

The LUMIX GH1 provides cutting-edge video recording features, including the ability to record high-resolution full HD (1920 x1080) video at 24 fps or smooth HD video (1280 x 720) at 60 fps using an AVCHD format (MPEG-4/H.264), which provides the important benefit of doubling the HD quality recording time compared with Motion JPEG. The LUMIX GH1 features a dedicated video record button on the back of the camera which lets users instantly start recording videos, even while shooting still photos – removing the fear of potentially missing a must-see video moment.

For more information about the Panasonic LUMIX G Micro Four Thirds System, including the award-winning LUMIX G1, and to place a pre-order for the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH1, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.

Source: Panasonic Press Release

Panasonic GH1 price revealed

Cnet's Crave senior editor Lori Grunin has a short post about the high price of the new Panasonic GH1, which is available for preorder for $1500 at J&R. Yes, that's 1.5 grand for the Micro Four Thirds camera with a kit lens.

Given that J&R doesn't generally offer the deepest discounts and that the camera isn't really shipping yet so competitive pricing hasn't kicked in, I expect the street price to be closer to $1,299--still pretty pricey, even with the bundled 14-140mm (28-280mm equivalent) lens.

Then again, it's a new technology and probably a new market segment, so who knows what price the market will bear. The question is, would you pay that much, assuming the photo quality and performance can match a similarly priced dSLR?

Via Crave, J&R via photorumors.com

Panasonic Announced Two New Micro Four Thirds Lenses

On March 3, 2009 Panasonic launched two new lenses for its LUMIX G Micro System – the innovative digital interchangeable lens camera system – the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. and the LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH. Both lenses are compatible with the newly announced LUMIX DMC-GH1 digital camera, which can record High Definition (HD) AVCHD 1080/24p video, and its award-winning sister camera, the LUMIX DMC-G1 digital camera.

The new LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S., available as part of the kit with the DMC-GH1, or separately, incorporates an inner focus direct-drive linear motor for focusing. This allows fast and accurate contrast auto focus (AF) to operate smoothly and silently – a necessity for video recording. Adopting the Micro Four Thirds System standard, the new LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. offers a long zoom of 14-140mm (35mm camera equivalent: 28-280mm), suitable for a wide range of shooting situations – from scenery to portraits to telephoto shots – all possible with a compact and lightweight lens.

The LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. uses four aspherical lenses and two ED lenses to achieves dramatic downsizing – despite its powerful 10x optical zoom – and still minimizes distortion and chromatic aberration. Panasonic's Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) is incorporated in the lens, making it easy to shoot clear shots even in telephoto shooting or in low-light situations – as this feature minimizes blur caused by hand shake.

Panasonic's other new lens, the ultra-wide-angle zoom interchangeable lens LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH features an astonishingly wide-angle zoom range of 7-14mm (35mm camera equivalent; 14-28mm). Its compact and lightweight size makes it easy for users to carry while they are on the go. Taking advantage of its 114-degree wide-angle view, users can fit more subjects in a frame – even when the shooting distance is limited, for example, while shooting indoors. This expansive view gives users great flexibility and a rich perspective when shooting photos or video.

The high-performing, yet lightweight LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH. achieves its compact size by incorporating two aspherical lenses and four ED lenses in a unit of 16 elements in 12 groups. The resolution of the images is high, even at its wide-end and features F4.0 brightness through its entire zoom range thanks to a large diameter glass-molded lens embedded within the body.

When both of these news lenses are mounted on the LUMIX DMC-GH1, users can take advantage of the advanced contrast AF system including Face Recognition, offering a variety of convenient and fun shooting. Seven aperture blades give the aperture a rounded shape that, when shooting at a larger aperture, produces an attractive smoothness in out-of-focus areas. Featuring highly-durable metal mounts, the new lenses use multicoated lens elements to reduce ghosting and flares, helping to deliver a positive user-experience – whether shooting HD videos or taking beautiful digital photos.

Via Panasonic press release

Buy a Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 12.1MP Digital SLR Camera with Lumix G Vario 14-45 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH Mega OIS Lens (Black)

Samsung launches NX Series to compete with Micro Four Thirds

Via PCMag:

Like the Micro Four-Thirds standard, the NX Series will not use a mirror box - the difference between these new compact DSLRs and a true DSLR, which uses a mirror box to reflect the image from the lens to the viewfinder. Like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, the Samsung NX Series will offer an electronic viewfinder (EVF) in place of a real viewfinder. The EVF is actually a tiny high resolution LCD screen placed in the viewfinder window.

Though Samsung's camera will have smaller dimensions, the NX series will not sacrifice image quality because it will use the same size image sensor that the company will use in its DSLR cameras. These larger sensors deliver lower amounts of noise and higher dynamic range when compared to smaller sensors found in point-and-shoot cameras. The Micro Four-Thirds standard also uses the same large image sensors found in Panasonic and Olympus DLSRs, which adhere to the older "Four Thirds" standard.

Samsung left a few unanswered questions about the new camera series. First, we don't know whether the NX series will support interchangeable lenses like both DSLRs and Micro Four-Thirds. There's also no word on what type of focusing system it will use. DSLR cameras use auto-focusing systems called "phase detection," which is typically faster than a point-and-shoot camera's auto-focusing systems which are called "contrast measurement." However the Micro Four-Thirds standard uses a new contrast measurement focusing system that can achieve focusing speeds that are competitive with phase detection.

Also check out the Samsung NX official page and press release info at Samsung.

Samsung Digital Imaging Co., Ltd. used PMA 2009 as the global launching pad for the NX Series, the company’s revolutionary new family of hybrid digital cameras. A new concept digital camera, the NX Series offers the performance and image quality of a DSLR and the portability and convenience of a compact point-and-shoot. With the NX Series, Samsung will become a global leader in the new hybrid market.

Samsung’s new NX Series bridges the gap between a DSLR and compact point-and-shoot digital camera by combining the benefits of both in one new model. Like conventional DSLRs, the NX Series utilizes an APS C sized image sensor providing a much larger surface area to gather light and produce higher-quality images than comparable digital camera systems. Unlike a DSLR, the NX Series does not feature a mirror box and employs an ultra-precise Electronic Viewfinder (EVF). The use of an EVF has allowed Samsung engineers to significantly reduce the size and weight of the new camera system by decreasing the distance between the lens and image sensor (flange back) by approximately 60% compared to traditional DSLRs. In addition to utilizing the EVF, consumers can also take advantage of the camera’s Live View functionality to frame their shots on the NX Series’ high resolution screen.

Samsung has recently intensified its focus on the digital imaging market and established a separate company dedicated exclusively to digital imaging in Samsung Digital Imaging Company. The new company was formed to focus on the development of its digital still cameras around world’s first and best in class features, design, and easy-to-use interfaces, and will work towards achieving the company’s stated goal of becoming the world’s leading digital imaging company.

Panasonic Lumix G Micro-System: Best Of Both Worlds

The Lumix G Micro-System combines the ease of use from ultrazoom and compact cameras and the interchangeability of lenses and power of DSLR cameras. The Micro Four Thirds standard offers a wide selection of lenses and good optical performance.

The models are based on the new Micro Four Thirds System standard that greatly reduces camera size and weight. The DMC-G1 with Full-time Live View LCD and Live View Finder bring you to the new horizons of creative possibilities.


Here is the list of compatible lenses:
"Even with their extremely small size, these high-performance lenses feature Panasonic's MEGA O.I.S. (optical image stabilizer), which makes it easy to shoot super-clear shots even in low lighting by suppressing hand-shake blur. Characterized by their compact size and light weight, both lenses bring out the full capabilities of the 4/3 image sensor, and support the Contrast AF function of the DMC-G1."

LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. (details)

• Minimum focus distance of 30 cm over the entire zoom range
• MEGA O.I.S. - Panasonic's advanced hand-shake correction technology
• Circular aperture diaphragm
• Multi-coated lens elements minimize ghosts and flare
• Contrast AF system support
• Utilizing a durable metal mounting

LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm/F4.0-5.6/MEGA O.I.S. (details)

• 3 ED lenses for a superb optical performance
• MEGA O.I.S. - Panasonic's advanced hand-shake correction technology
• Circular aperture diaphragm
• Multi-coated lens elements minimize ghosts and flare
• Contrast AF system support
• Utilizing a durable metal mounting

About the Micro Four Thirds System

The Micro Four Thirds System is an interchangeable lens camera system that was designed and developed to optimize the characteristics of digital technology. It carefully preserves the image quality of the 4/3-type image sensor, while reducing the size of the camera body and particularly the size of wide-angle lenses. The Micro Four Thirds System also offers excellent expandability and adaptability to future functions.

Visit the Micro Four Thirds System standard website