Panasonic Announces Lumix G5 Micro Four Thirds Camera with Touch AF

Panasonic has announced the latest in their Lumix G lineup of mirrorless, interchangeable lens cameras---the Lumix DMC-G5. Among the updates from the G5's predecessor, the G3, is a 920,000 dot resolution, 3-inch, rotating rear LCD, which is equipped with a new Touch AF function that let's you set the focus on any point in the framed shot with a swipe of your finger. The camera also has an electronic viewfinder (EVF) that offers 100% field of view as well as a new Electronic Shutter mode for silent operation in quiet places. The 16-megapixel G5 also shoots full HD video and records to MP4 format, and the Touch AF function also works during video capture.

Though dates haven't been released, we know that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 will be available with a body color of either black, white or silver in various kit options. Currently, the G3 is listed at $599.99 (body only).

(Panasonic)

Panasonic Announces Lumix GX1Micro Four Thirds Camera

 

Panasonic has announced a new micro four thirds system camera that they're billing as an ideal daily use shooter due to its compact size and high quality image capture. The GX1 is being hinted at by Panasonic as basically being the "technology upgrade" successor to the popular Lumix GF1 (reviewed by DP here), even though the company has since released the GF2 and GF3. The GX1 features a 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor (as compared to the GF1's 12MP) and a maximum ISO sensitivity of 12800 (the GF1 topped out at 3200) for low-light capture.

The Lumix GX1 will be available in mid-December in the following kit options, according to Panasonic: DMC-GX1-X with the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S (H-PS14042) lens will have a suggested retail price  of $949.99; the DMC-GX1-K with the 14-42 standard zoom for $799.99; and the DMC-GX1, body only for $699.99. More from Panasonic below.

From Panasonic:

SECAUCUS, NJ (November 7, 2011) –Panasonic today announces its latest Compact System Camera (CSC), the LUMIX DMC-GX1, which joins Panasonic’s award-winning LUMIX G Series of digital cameras, which are acclaimed for their high image quality with small and compact body and lenses.  The new LUMIX GX1 features a 16.01-megapixel Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine, helping to ensure real-to-life images through excellent resolution, image rendering and color reproduction.  Even in low-light situations and at maximum 12800 high ISO sensitivity, the LUMIX GX1 can produce stunning photos and videos, and because of its compact size it can be easily carried for daily use.

“Panasonic expects the LUMIX GX1 to please a lot of photo enthusiasts who have been eager for a technology upgrade comparable to the LUMIX DMC-GF1, which continues to be a very popular digital camera with dedicated followers who appreciate the compact size, yet high quality of photos and video,” said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The LUMIX GX1 is an extremely flexible and capable digital camera with fast AF speeds and outstanding image quality.  Plus with a built-in flash and a hot shoe allowing for accessories like an external view finder, the GX1 is a powerful compact system camera that is small enough to be a photographer’s everyday camera choice.”

The LUMIX GX1, like all the models in Panasonic’s LUMIX G Series of CSC, adopts Contrast AF for its focus system, so focusing is controlled by the image sensor.  When compared with the Phase difference system AF, Contrast AF achieves higher accuracy especially when shooting with a bright lens with small F value. For instance, the accuracy of Contrast AF is approximately 90% while Phase difference AF is approximately 60% at F1.4. Additionally, with the precise Contrast AF system, the LUMIX GX1 achieves high resolution through an optimal balance of resolution and noise reduction, thus producing lifelike image rendering and highly precise Auto Exposure and white balance. To further advance the Contrast AF, the LUMIX GX1　incorporates full-area focusing, making it possible to set focus on any point in the field of view. With the LUMIX GX1’s 3.0-inch touch LCD screen, frame composition is intuitive and easy.

The LUMIX GX1 features an ultra high-speed Light Speed AF*, which means it can Auto Focus in approximately 0.09 second. This is achieved by reducing the detection time for focusing by the synchronizing the lens and sensor at 120 fps.  Plus, the newly-added focus mode AFF (AF Flexible) locks on the focus when the shutter button is half-pressed, however, if the subject moves, the focusing is reset to get the best results. Combined with the Touch AF control, setting and focusing on the subject is incredibly easy and quick.

The touch-control system of the LUMIX GX1 lets users set the focus on the subject by simply touching it on the large, 460,000-dot wide-viewing angle LCD.  Users can even release the shutter by touching the screen.  Once locked on the subject with a touch, the LUMIX GX1 tracks the subject, even when it moves, using the AF tracking function. With a touch on the screen, users can select the part and the size of the AF area, choosing from 1-area AF, Multi-area AF with 23 AF areas and Pinpoint AF, which allows extremely precise focus setting.

Despite its compact size, the LUMIX GX1 is extremely intuitive to operate, with an optimized layout of control buttons, a mode dial and dedicated function buttons. Users can customize the two external buttons and two menus tabs to settings they most frequently use so they are easily accessible.  In addition, a total of four custom setting patterns can be stored to the camera’s model dial – one on ‘C1’ and three on ‘C2.’  Furthermore, the LUMIX GX1 was designed to enhance its ergonomics, with a grip that fits naturally and comfortably in the hand, despite its flat profile and compact design.  Plus, the LUMIX GX1 has a more tactile texture and the mode dial is easy to turn and features print that is easy to read and won’t easily wear.

The LUMIX GX1 can record 1920 x 1080 at 60i, with sensor output of 30p, full-High Definition videos in the AVCHD format which excels in both compression efficiency and compatibility with AV equipment for playback.  In addition to the practical full-time AF, the Touch AF in video recording also lets users enjoy professional-like rack focusing. Just by pointing at the subject, the focus is shifted so it stands out. With a dedicated video record button on the top, users can instantly start recording videos while shooting photos without any having to make any extra setting adjustments. Along with the full-HD video capabilities, the LUMIX GX1 also features high-quality sound, recorded with Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator. Videos can also be recorded in MP4 format for playback on a PC or other portable electronic devices without having to convert the files.

Other features of the new Panasonic LUMIX GX1 compact system camera include:

• A new Level Gauge, which lets the camera detect the horizontal/vertical angle of view with its internal level working with the sensor. In addition, photos shot in portrait aspect will be automatically displayed vertically, regardless of which lens is used.
• One Push AE adjusts exposure with a single press of the “Fn” (Function) button when it is over/under exposed, which is especially useful when shooting outdoors with open aperture or indoors with fast shutter speed.　
• Dust Reduction System helps to eliminate dust or foreign matter getting inside the LUMIX GX1 when lenses are being changed.  By placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor that vibrates vertically around 50,000 times per second, the filter repels dust and other particles effectively.
• Zoom operation can be controlled with touch control when either of Panasonic’s new LUMIX X Power Zoom lenses are attached.  And the zoom speed can also be adjusted in two steps for more precise control.
• Popular iA and iA Plus modes for beginners looking for automatic shooting in both still and video modes.
• Increased energy consumption and an approximately 11%** longer battery life when compared to the LUMIX DMC-G3, which also uses the same battery pack DMW-BLD10.

The LUMIX G Series is a robust system of bodies and lenses, featuring a total of 14 Micro Four Thirds lenses including the new power zoom X lens – standard zoom lens, telephoto zoom lens, single focal length lens, wide-angle lens, fish-eye lens, macro lens, and even a 3D lens – to fit a variety of shooting scenarios and occasions.

The Micro Four Thirds System products are joining today's Four Thirds System products to provide customers with even higher levels of performance in a digital interchangeable lens camera. In addition to LUMIX G lenses, the LUMIX DMC-GX1 can use any interchangeable lens that complies with the Four Thirds System standard via an optional mount adapter for the unlimited number of lens properties.  The LUMIX GX1 system camera offers a wide variety of options to choose from to match every shooting situation and shooting style, including: external flashes, PL filters, ND filters, MC protectors, remote shutter, zoom level, battery packs, AC adaptor, DC coupler, straps, cases, bags and more.   Plus, with the LUMIX GX1’s hot shoe on the top, users can attach the optional tilt-shift Live View Finder (DMW-LVF2), with approximately 1.4x and 1,440,000-dot equivalent, 100% field of view.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX1 will be available in black and silver bodies in mid-December and in the following kit options: DMC-GX1-X with the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S (H-PS14042) lens will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $949.99; the DMC-GX1-K with the 14-42 standard zoom for an SRP of $799.99; and the DMC-GX1, body only for an SRP of $699.99.

* The time for focusing on the subject is measured with LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S (H-PS14042) to move the lens position to "2m" from the "infinity" position. The zoom is positioned at its widest end. Panasonic measurement method

**Based on a CIPA Standard.

(via Panasonic)

Micro Four Thirds With Full HD Video: Panasonic Lumix GH2 Review

Panasonic Lumix GH2 Review Text, Photos and Video by Jason Thompson

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 is the updated version of its predecessor, the GH1. While still utilizing the same Micro Four Thirds system (see more about Micro Four Thirds here), this new generation camera boasts several upgrades.  Panasonic redesigned the image sensor, increasing the maximum resolution to 16.05-megapixels. The GH2 also has a slightly faster contrast based auto focus, as well as a touchscreen display. The one touch video button allows for instant switches to and from High Definition video recording mode. The combination of Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds system and Electronic View Finder allow the GH2 to maintain a very lightweight form. Even when combined with the 14-140mm f/4.0-5.8 kit lens (with silent drive focusing) that I tested it with, this mirrorless camera maintains an overall weight below many in its class. The GH2 lens mount is also compatible with the 3D Lumix G 12.5mm f/12 3D-capable lens.

Panasonic Lumix GH2: click thumbnails to enlarge

HD Video & Auto Focus

http://vimeo.com/23593351

HD video recording on the GH2 rivals many prosumer camcorders currently on the market. Framing the video is easy thanks to the 270 degree 3-inch LCD display. The GH2 offers three aspect ratios and variable frame rate recording. Even in low-light conditions this camera delivers video with excellent color and detail. Panasonic revamped the contrast based auto focus system allowing for better focus tracking of moving subjects. However, I noticed the auto focus does wander a little at lower apertures and when recording during tight shots. The touch screen display does help alleviate some of the focus wandering by allowing the user to choose focus points within the frame. Unfortunately the GH2 does not provide a way of locking the focus via the touchscreen. Stereo microphones produce surprisingly crisp sound although they are sensitive to wind and high frequency.

Electronic View Finder & Low-light Performance

original shot and 100% crop: click thumbnails to enlarge to full size

Due to the mirrorless setup, the GH2 uses an Electronic View Finder, often referred to as a Live View Finder, to display what is seen through the lens. The mirrorless system allows the GH2 to maintain a compact form while still providing 100% frame coverage. This setup does have a few drawbacks though. When compared to a traditional mirrored DSLR, the EFV system will require additional battery power to operate. I found the refresh rate of the display to be a little choppy, and even more so in low-light situations. After capturing an image the EFV system has a slight lag time of roughly 1/3 of a second to display the view through the lens. As expected, framing became an issue during burst mode because the view was completely diminished.

The GH2 offers image capturing in both RAW and JPEG formats, but I would recommend shooting in RAW for post-processing flexibility. The 16MP sensor has decent picture quality up to ISO 1600, but does show some color artifacts and noise around ISO 800. There are 22 different exposure modes and three aspect ratios to choose from when shooting. The iAuto camera mode acts as a “point-and-shoot” function that allows even complete beginners to take well exposed images and video. Fluorescent lights do provide a challenge for the auto white balance function of the GH2, further emphasizing the need to shoot in RAW.

Conclusion

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 delivers excellent HD video and high resolution photos in a more compact body than nearly all of its competitors.  Combined with an array of features and flexible shooting modes, this camera provides a shooting experience that photo enthusiasts from the point-and-shoot end to the pro DSLR end can enjoy.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2

• MSRP:
• $899.95, body only; no longer available as a kit directly through Panasonic
• Size/Weight:
• 9.5" W x 6.75" H x 11.5" D; 13.82 oz. body only
• Image Sensor:
• 16.05-megapixels, Live MOS
• Image Sensor Size:
• 17.3 x 13.0 mm (in 4:3 aspect ratio)
• Still Recording Format:
• Still Image: JPEG(DCF, Exif 2.3), RAW, DPOF compatible MPO (When attaching 3D lens in Micro Four Thirds standard) Motion Image: AVCHD / QuickTime Motion JPEG
• Memory:
• SD, SDHC, SDXC memory card
• Display:
• 3-inch TFT LCD with Touch panel (460,000 pixels)
• Manual Exposure Control:
• Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual, Auto

• Shutter Speed Range:
• 60 - 1/4000 sec.
• Special Features:
• Micro Four Thirds Mount, free-angle LCD
• Video Recording Mode:
• Motion JPEG: [HD] 1280 x 720, 30fps
• Provided Accessories:
• Battery Charger, Battery Pack, Body Cap,AV Cable, USB Connection Cable, Shoulder Strap, Stylus pen, CD-ROM
• Power Source:
• ID-Security Li-ion Battery Pack
• Contact:
• www.panasonic.com

Olympus PEN E-PL2 Review

Olympus PEN E-PL2: Creative and Compact Interchangeable Lens Camera Text and Images by Allison Gibson

I first got a hands-on look at the Olympus PEN E-PL2 when it was announced at CES Las Vegas earlier this year. Even at first glance, I was impressed by the fourth generation compact, interchangeable lens PEN camera. The new exaggerated rubber hand grip and slightly smaller body (than that of its predecessor--the PEN E-PL1) make the camera more efficient, and updates like the new Live Guide feature for still and video preview, take this travel-friendly camera to a more professional level.

Operating on the Micro Four Thirds standard (read about mirrorless technology, and how it differs from single lens reflex, here), the PEN E-PL2 boasts a 12.3-megapixel Live MOS image sensor---the same size sensor as the one inside the Olympus E-30 and E-620 DSLRs. The most obvious advantage to the Micro Four Thirds camera is that it packs that large image sensor---with its enhanced low-light performance and image quality---into a more svelte and manageable body, while still allowing for interchangeable lenses.

Cosmetic and UI Upgrades

click thumbnails to enlarge

With the new E-PL2, Olympus has not only taken the body size down a fraction but also designed the camera to look less retro and more sleek, by omitting the metal piping on the body and streamlining the function buttons. The on/off button on top is now slightly recessed and a different shape than the larger, protruding shutter release so that there is never any doubt as to which function is being triggered. On the back, the four-way d-pad now sits inside a selection dial for much quicker selection of aperture, exposure, etc., and the menu button is set apart from other buttons, so that it can be quickly depressed for shooting options. The E-PL2 also features a wide 3-inch 460,000 dot LCD, as compared to the E-PL1's 2.7-inch, 230,000 dot monitor.

All of these upgrades add up to a more professional-feeling piece of equipment, while still remaining at a lower price than the camera at the top of the PEN lineup, the EP2. Apparently, however, it's my lot in life to bemoan the absence of viewfinders in the current mid-range digital camera market, so here I can't let the PEN E-PL2 (or the entire PEN lineup, for that matter) slide by unmentioned in this regard.  I know I am not alone in feeling more precise in my framing of a photograph when pressing my face to the viewfinder instead of holding it out, shakily, in front of me. I would take a slightly larger camera any time if it were included. The E-PL2 does include an accessory port, where you can attach a VF-2 detachable electronic viewfinder. The port can also be used to attach the PENPAL Bluetooth accessory for sharing images instantly, the MAL-1 accessory light, and the EMA-1 external mic adapter.

Functional Upgrades & Performance

Art Filters (clockwise from top left): Pop Art, Soft Focus, Grainy Film, Dramatic Tone, Diorama, Pin Hole click thumbnails to enlarge

This is a fun camera and a good image maker. The PEN E-PL2 features Olympus' long-admired Art Filter selection, which provides quick options for creative capture. The E-PL2 replaced its predecessor's Gentle Sepia Filter with the new Dramatic Tone selection---a filter that I found to produce exciting, almost HDR-like, tones. (See images above.) In addition to the Art Filters, the guts of the camera got some upgrades, including the new Truepic V Image Processor, which works with the image sensor to deliver high-quality, low-noise images, even in low-light, supporting ISOs up to 6400.

The compact ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 kit lens is "Movie & Still Compatible" (MSC), with an inner focus mechanism for speed and virtual silence during High Definition (720p/30fps) video capture. The E-PL2 also lets you toggle between still and video capture instantly, with the press of the red record button on the back of the camera, so that you record the scene in the best possible medium every time.

Conclusion

The E-PL2 is a smartly upgraded addition to the PEN series, and a good choice for the photographer who is looking for an advanced, interchangeable lens, image maker in a more compact size than even a lighter weight DSLR. The creative controls pair nicely with the low-light quality and advanced image processing to make this a fun and well-rounded piece of shooting equipment.

Olympus PEN E-PL2

• MSRP:
• $599.99 (comes with 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 zoom lens)
• Size/Weight:
• 115.4mm W x 72.7mm H x 42mm D; 362g loaded
• Image Sensor:
• 12.3-megapixels, High speed Live MOS
• Maximum Resolution:
• 4032 x 3024 pixels
• Still Recording Format:
• RAW (12-bit lossless compression), JPEG, RAW+JPEG
• Memory:
• SD Memory Card (SDHC, SDXCcompatible). Class 6 is recommended for Movie shooting
• Display:
• 3-inch LCD (460,000 pixels)
• Manual Exposure Control:
• Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual, Art Filter

• Shutter Speed Range:
• 60 - 1/4000 sec.
• Special Features:
• Live Guide system, MSC lens, Face Detection with Eye Detect AF, Acessory Port
• Video Recording Mode:
• HD: 1280x720, Aspect 16:9; SD: 640x480, Aspect 4:3 (VGA)
• Provided Accessories:
• Body, Li-ion battery BLS-5, Li-ion battery charger BCS-5, USB/Video Multi cable, Shoulder strap, OLYMPUS Viewer 2/ib CD-ROM, Instruction manual, Warranty card
• Power Source:
• BLS-5 Li-ion battery
• Contact:
• www.olympusamerica.com

Olympus PEN Your Short 48 Hour Film Contest

"The Colorado Film Institute today announces the launch of the Olympus PEN Your Short 48 Hour Film Contest as part of a new partnership between the 2011 Vail Film Festival, held March 31 through April 3, and Olympus. During the 2011 Vail Film Festival, filmmakers will be challenged to create a film, from start to finish, in a 48-hour timeframe.

Olympus will supply each registered filmmaker with a loaner Olympus PEN® camera, a variety of MICRO Four Thirds™ lenses and accessories and challenges them to create a film festival-ready short in just two days. The winning team of filmmakers (limit five per team) will receive a cash prize of $5,000, courtesy of Olympus, an Olympus PEN interchangeable lens camera kit, VIP passes to the 2012 Vail Film Festival and a private meet-and-greet with an award-winning Hollywood film producer."

For more information and to enter, visit the official contest website.

Hands-on with Panasonic Lumix GF2

CES 2011, Las Vegas---The Panasonic Lumix GF2, announced late this fall, is the successor to the GF1 which we were quite impressed with when we reviewed it. The Micro Four Thirds system camera is as lightweight as a compact digicam and shoots with DSLR quality. This new GF2 can now handle ISOs up to 6400 and has a slightly smaller, lighter body than its predecessor. Panasonic has still forgone a viewfinder, which would make this lady happy, though it can be fitted with an optional EVF accessory.I look forward to more time with this sleek little guy.

click thumbnails to enlarge

Micro Four Thirds: Panasonic Lumix GF1 Review

Panasonic Lumix GF1 Review and All About the Micro Four Thirds System Text and Photos by Allison Gibson

The Micro Four Thirds System

The Micro Four Thirds standard, co-developed by Olympus and Panasonic in 2008, has been gaining popularity since its inception. But many consumers (and manufacturers) are still hesitant to commit their money to the system. The advantage of the mirrorless Micro Four Thirds camera is that you get an interchangeable lens system on a more compact body, and with a smaller lens mount (about 6mm), than that of a D-SLR. Also, though the size of the image sensor is 30-40% less than the APS-C size sensors used in most D-SLRs, it’s about nine times larger than that of a point-and-shoot. The slimmer body of the Micro Four Thirds camera is achieved by abandoning the mirror box (which in a D-SLR is necessary for the viewfinder to see exactly what the lens sees), operating exclusively with Live View shooting. Essentially, Micro Four Thirds offers photographers the image quality—and freedom of interchangeable lenses—of a D-SLR, while at the same time allowing for the portability of compact fixed lens cameras.

However, the difference between Micro Four Thirds and D-SLR isn’t about the former having a lower price tag, necessarily. The eight Micro Four Thirds cameras on the market right now—the Panasonic G1, GH1, GF1, G10* and G2*, and the Olympus PEN EP1, EP2 and EPL1—are in the $600 to $1,500 price range (*the G10 and G2 were announced by Panasonic on 3/8/2010 but are not yet available to consumers). Meanwhile, entry-level D-SLRs can be found for under $500. There are also new competitors to the Micro Four Thirds genre, beyond the existing D-SLR. There have been a couple new advancements in the realm of compact interchangeable lens cameras since the beginning of 2010, including the Samsung NX10. Introduced in full at CES in January, the NX10 (not yet available to consumers) incorporates a 14.6-megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor with a mirrorless interchangeable lens, all in a package much smaller than a standard D-SLR. And at PMA in February, Sony announced a concept camera that will also rival the Micro Four Thirds genre in terms of what it offers—a larger than point-and-shoot image sensor, interchangeable lenses and a stealth body size.

Panasonic Lumix GF1

The latest addition to Panasonic’s Lumix G series lineup of Micro Four Thirds cameras is the Lumix DMC-GF1. At $899.95 (MSRP), the 12MP GF1 is at the middle price point of the three in the series. The kit comes with a 20mm f/1.7 Micro Four Thirds “pancake” lens, though I tested it with Panasonic’s Lumix G Vario14-45mm f/1:3.5-5.6.

The boxy retroish style of the GF1’s body makes the camera seem important, like a part of photographic history. And though the manufacturer markets the camera as, “the world’s smallest and lightest system camera,” it definitely feels solid in-hand. In fact, it seems too solid, and heavy really, to hold out in front of you to frame a shot with the LCD, but since there is no built-in viewfinder that’s what you’re left to. Panasonic does sell an optional external electric viewfinder (DMW-LVF1), which offers 100% field of view when attached to the hotshoe, and I regret that I didn’t test the camera with it.

The 3-inch wide angle LCD is nice and bright, but I had the urge to hold the camera up to my eye to frame each shot, the same way I would with a D-SLR. It’s funny that the key function buttons on the camera are even set up in such a way that they’d work fine if you had your eye to the viewfinder. The dial for adjusting the aperture and shutter speed hits right where the thumb can get to it, and there is even a dedicated video button on the top near the shutter release so that you can jump to video mode regardless of what shooting mode you’re currently in. Other external functions include: a drive mode lever (for burst, auto bracket and self-timer), and buttons for: playback, opening the pop-up flash, ISO control, White Balance and Auto Focus mode, among others. Within the digital menu, there are easy to navigate layers, including Film Mode (more on that later), Aspect Ratio choices and controls for video (“Motion Picture”) mode.

Shooting

With the GF1’s impressive full-time Live View, you’re able to see your real time adjustments to exposure, aperture and even shutter speed, so there are no surprises after you take a shot. And as soon as you press the shutter release, you’re taking your picture—there’s no lag time from shot-to-shot like with a point-and-shoot—which is another reason this camera feels on par with a D-SLR.

The GF1 shoots in RAW and JPEG, and offers full Manual shooting mode as well as Aperture and Shutter Priorities, Auto mode, 18 dedicated still image Scene modes and 11 movie Scene modes. The GF1 also boasts an interesting list of “Film modes,” including for color: Standard, Dynamic, Nature, Smooth, Nostalgic and Vibrant; and for black-and-white: Standard, Dynamic and Smooth, which emulate film effects. There are also options to create and save custom Film modes. The GF1’s available ISO sensitivity is from 100 to 3200 with Auto and Intelligent ISO. It shoots High Definition video (1280 x 720 at 30fps) in AVCHD Lite format (Motion JPEG).

Conclusion

You probably don’t know a lot of people who own a Micro Four Thirds camera, mainly because the standard is relatively new and there are so few models out there. If you’re looking into it now, it’s probably because you’re drawn to the interchangeable lens system, compact size and D-SLR-like image quality, and you’re excited by the technology of it all. The Panasonic Lumix GF1 will certainly set you apart, and you will have the tools to capture large, sharp and dynamic images. While the smaller lens mount size means you can’t use anything from an existing arsenal of D-SLR lenses, there are more than 20 available Leica M/R lenses and 30 Four Thirds lenses that can be used with the Micro Four Thirds System standard GF1 (with a lens mount).

Panasonic Lumix GF1

• MSRP:
• $899.95 (comes with a 20mm f/1.7 Micro Four Thirds “pancake” lens)
• Size/Weight:
• 4.69”W x 2.8”H x 1.43”D; 0.63 lbs.
• Image Sensor:
• 12.1-megapixels
• Image Sensor Size:
• 17.3 x 13.0mm
• Still Recording Format:
• JPEG(DCF, Exif 2.21), RAW, DPOF compatible
• Memory:
• SD/SDHC
• Display:
• 3-inch LCD (460,000 pixels)
• Manual Exposure Control:
• Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual

• ISO Sensitivity:
• Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, Intelligent ISO
• Special Features:
• Full-time Live View, Built-in Pop-up Flash, Hotshoe, Burst Shooting Mode, Scene Modes
• Video Recording Mode:
• 1280 x 720/30fps in AVCHD Lite format (Motion JPEG)
• Provided Accessories:
• PHOTOfunSTUDIO 4.0 HD Edition software, SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0 SE software, USB Driver, Battery Charger/AC Adapter, Battery Pack, Body Cap, AV Cable, USB Connection Cable, AC Cable, DC Cable, Shoulder Strap, CD-ROM
• Power Source:
• ID-Security Li-ion Battery Pack
• Contact:
• www.panasonic.com

Panasonic Announces DMC-G2

Along with the just announced  Micro Four-Thirds Lumix G10, Panasonic has introduced the DMC-G2---the "world's first digital interchangeable lens system camera with a touch control movable LCD." The 12.1 MP Live MOS sensor LUMIX G2 records 1280 x 720 HD videos in the AVCHD Lite format and features iA (Intelligent Auto) mode as well as full manual and aperture and shutter priority shooting modes. The G2 will be available in red, blue and black, though pricing and availablity won't be known until 30 days prior to shipping. See the press release below.

From Panasonic:

Secaucus, NJ (March 7, 2010) – Panasonic today announces the LUMIX DMC-G2, the world’s first* digital interchangeable lens system camera with a movable LCD that allows for touch-control, and the successor to the award-winning and revolutionary LUMIX G1, which was the world’s first Micro Four Thirds digital camera. The intuitive touch-control shooting elevates the camera’s operability, letting the user adjust auto focus (AF) simply by touching the subject on the large 3.0-inch 460,000-dot high- resolution LCD. The LUMIX G2, also shoots 720p High Definition video using the AVCHD Lite format, and joins the LUMIX G10, also introduced today, as the latest models in the LUMIX G Micro System. With the touch-screen operation, users can even snap a photo by touching the LUMIX G2’s screen.  Additionally, the touch-screen operation excels not only for shooting but also during playback.  Users can touch one thumbnail viewed among many to quickly and easily see the full size of the desired photo.  Also, to view images one-by-one, photos can be dragged across the screen to browse as though flipping the pages of a book. “With the LUMIX G2, Panasonic is pleased to continue to lead the evolution of the Micro Four Thirds platform and also be the first in the industry to offer a touch-screen interchangeable lens system camera,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Touch-operation is a user interface with which many consumers are both familiar and expect, and we think the LUMIX G2’s touch-operation makes it easier and quicker to take photos and videos that have professional-like effects.” Using the touch-screen operation, once a user locks onto a subject, the LUMIX G2 enables AF Tracking and will track the subject as it moves within the frame. Then, with a touch on the screen, users can select the part and the size of AF area with the 1-area AF.  The Multi-area AF sets a group of AF points according to the composition. While using the manual focus, users can enlarge a subject by touching it and then choosing to enlarge it by 1x, 5x or 10x and then smoothly moving the part by dragging it on the screen. With this touch operation, menu settings can be changed quickly; cutting the time it takes to navigate using standard cursors. However, all setting changes can still be done using the control pad, if preferred. The LUMIX G2 records 1280 x 720 HD videos in the AVCHD Lite format, which increases recording capacity and is highly compatible with audio-visual equipment. With a dedicated video record button, users can easily start recording a video. To complement its high-quality video capabilities, the LUMIX G2 features advanced audio options, as sound is recorded with Dolby Digital Creator and an optional accessory stereo microphone can be attached. A Wind Cut function further enhances the sound as it helps reduce noise caused from background wind. The 3.0-inch touch-operation LCD has a wide-viewing angle and rotates 180° from side to side and tilts 270° up and down, providing approximately 100% of field of view. This free-angle LCD with a touch-screen operation makes it possible to both view and touch the screen from any angle.  The double Live-View function offered by the high-resolution, 460,000-dot free-angle Intelligent LCD and 1,440,000-dot 1.4x (0.7x) Live View Finder allows users to see the settings’ results before pressing the shutter. The 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor featured in the LUMIX G2 offers the best of both worlds – the outstanding image quality of a CCD sensor, and the lower power consumption of a CMOS sensor. Advanced technology enables it to read four channels of data simultaneously, helping the LUMIX G2 to deliver 60 frames-per-second Full-time Live View images, while faithfully reproducing high-resolution images with fine detail and rich gradation. Plus, with the high-speed, high-performance Venus Engine HD II, which has been re-engineered to further improve image quality. The new high-speed, high-performance Venus Engine HD II supports the new image processing technology Intelligent Resolution, which enables the recording of beautiful photo and HD video with high quality signal processing. With Intelligent Resolution technology, three areas – outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation – are automatically detected. The outline parts are enhanced effectively to give edges increased clarity, while simultaneously giving a moderate accentuation to the textured areas so they look finely detailed. For the soft gradation areas, the improved noise reduction system of the Venus Engine HD II is applied to achieve a smoother effect. Apart from the uniform enhancement of sharpness, the innovative technology Intelligent Resolution precisely performs signal processing pixel by pixel in the most effective way, resulting in images that are naturally clear. For users looking for additional creative options for both photos and videos, the LUMIX G2 delivers.  While shooting HD video, users can set the camera in “P” mode – to change the aperture for professional-like movie effects where the images blur into focus. For still photos, the LUMIX G2 features the My Color mode with a total of seven preset effects – Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, and Silhouette while also keeping the Custom mode, which lets users manually set the color, brightness and saturation levels and save their favorite settings into memory. On the other hand, for beginner users not yet ready for manual modes – the LUMIX G2 features iA (Intelligent Auto), a popular setting in the LUMIX point-and-shoots that automatically engages features and settings for optimal image quality by detecting the shooting environment. Panasonic iA is available in both still photo and video recording settings and a new dedicated iA button, which illuminates in blue when engaged, makes it even easier to use this handy feature. Other features of the LUMIX G2 include: * Dust Reduction System: If dust or other foreign matter gets inside the camera when you're changing lenses, it could cling to the image sensor and show up as a spot in your photos. The Dust Reduction System in the G2 helps eliminate this possibility by placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor. Vibrating vertically around 50,000 times per second, the filter repels dust and other particles effectively. * Included Software: PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0 HD Edition makes it possible to sort and organize photos.  Videos can be uploaded directly to YouTube using the built-in YouTube uploader – even in HD quality. It also lets you create a 360-degree rotation panorama file in .MOV files. The software is compatible with the Windows 7. The Panasonic LUMIX G2 will come equipped as part of its kit, with the newly announced LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. lens. The new lens offers a versatile zoom range of 14-42mm (35mm camera equivalent: 28-84mm), making it suitable for a wide variety of scenes, everything from dynamic landscape to portrait.  Additionally, the LUMIX G2 is compatible with all Micro Four Thirds System lenses, allowing users even higher levels of performance in a digital interchangeable lens camera. The LUMIX DMC-G2 and other LUMIX G Micro System digital cameras can use any interchangeable lens that complies with the Four Thirds standard via an optional mount adaptor DMW-MA1 and with the prestigious Leica M/R Lenses via DMW-MA2M or MA3R.  Other accessories include external flashes, filters, a remote shutter, HDMI mini cables and a variety of stylish straps and bags. To learn about the Panasonic LUMIX Micro Four Thirds System and all the available accessories, visit www.panasonic.com/lumix. The Panasonic LUMIX G2 will be available in red, blue and black models and pricing and availability will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date. *As of March 7, 2010.

·     Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

·     Some functions may not be available depending on the lens that is mounted.

·     Use a card with SD Speed Class with "Class 4" or higher when recording motion pictures in [AVCHD Lite]. Also, use a card with SD Speed Class with "Class 6" or higher when recording motion pictures in [MOTION JPEG].

·     The "AVCHD Lite" and the "AVCHD Lite" logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.

·     Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.

·     YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.

·     Windows and the Windows logo are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

Panasonic Announces Lumix G10

Panasonic has announced the Lumix DMC-G10, a new addition to their G series lineup of compact, interchangeable lens Micro Four-Thirds cameras. It's being hailed by the manufacturer as "the world's lightest digital interchangeable lens camera with a [digital, with 100% field view] viewfinder." The G10, like its predecessors in the G series,  "uses a mirrorless structure as part of the Micro Four-Thirds standard, eliminating a number of components that are found in a conventional interchangeable lens camera, including the mirror box and optical viewfinder unit." The 12.1MP Live MOS sensor G10 will be available in black only, though there won't be word from Panasonic as to availablility or prices until 30 days before they ship. See the press release below.

From Panasonic:

Secaucus, NJ (March 7, 2010) – Panasonic today introduces an addition to its Panasonic LUMIX G Series, the LUMIX DMC-G10, the world’s lightest* digital interchangeable lens camera with a viewfinder, which packs a host of advanced digital camera functions designed to be easy-to-use for users new to system cameras. The new compact and portable LUMIX G10, which can record High Definition (HD) video in addition to high-quality still images, joins the LUMIX DMC-G2, also introduced today, as part of the Panasonic LUMIX G Series. “The LUMIX G Micro System has revolutionized the photography industry ever since the release of the Panasonic G1, the world’s first interchangeable lens system camera based on the Micro Four Thirds System standard,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company.  “We continue to expand this award-winning LUMIX G Series, and with its easy-to-use features and compact size, we expect the G10 to attract a lot of new users who want to step-up from their point-and-shoots.” The LUMIX G10, with its incredible compact body and portable design, uses a mirrorless structure as part the Micro Four Thirds System standard, eliminating a number of components that are found in a conventional interchangeable lens camera, including the mirror box and optical viewfinder unit. This innovative structure allows for the LUMIX G10 to be the world’s lightest system camera in a compact digital camera design that is a desired feature for new users.  Adding to its lightweight body, the LUMIX G10 will come equipped as part of its kit, with the newly announced LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. lens. The new lens offers a versatile zoom range of 14-42mm (35mm camera equivalent: 28-84mm), making it suitable for shooting a wide-range of scenes, from dynamic landscape to portrait. Panasonic designed the LUMIX G10 to be easy to use offers iA (Intelligent Auto) mode – with its shooting assist functions that have proven extremely popular in LUMIX compact cameras. Panasonic’s iA (Intelligent Auto), an easy shooting mode with automatic optimization according to the scene in either photo and video recording, is helpful to beginner users unfamiliar with an interchangeable lens system camera. With the new dedicated iA button, which illuminates in blue when engaged, activating this mode is even easier and can be used to shoot both photos and videos. When shooting still photos, iA offers the following: MEGA O.I.S., which helps prevent blurring from hand-shake; Intelligent ISO Control, which reduces motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves; Intelligent Exposure optimizes exposure for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights and helping ensure that gradation and details are reproduced properly; Intelligent Scene Selector detects the most common shooting situations – Portrait, Night Portrait, Scenery, Night Scenery, Close-up and Sunset – and switches to the appropriate Scene mode automatically – no setting changes needed. The LUMIX G10 can record 1280 x 720 HD video in Motion JPEG, QVGA, VGA and WVGA formats. Users can enjoy recording HD videos while taking advantage of the high quality lens and the flexibility to change to other lenses. Even users new to recording videos will find the LUMIX G10 makes it easy. Panasonic’s iA for video offers the following: Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) helps prevent handshake when using high-powered zoom; Face Detection** automatically detects a face in the frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion; Intelligent Exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions change to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows; Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Close-up, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the situation to optimize visual quality. With AF Tracking, the LUMIX G10 can lock onto any subject and keep it in focus even if it moves – making it easy to get beautiful, clear shots of moving subjects, such as children and pets. Simply aim, lock, and shoot. The Face Recognition function remembers registered faces to give an appropriate AF/AE on the people. In playback, you can choose to display only photos that contain a specific registered face using Category Playback.  The contrast AF system adopted by the LUMIX DMC-G10 is not only accurate and easy to use, but also very fast. Users can choose from a wide range of AF modes, including AF Tracking, 1-area AF, Face Detection AF/AE and 23-area AF. The LUMIX G10’s Live View Finder, with a resolution of 202,000-dot equivalent, 1.04x (0.52x*) retains the viewability of an optical viewfinder and displays information about its settings that users can see without removing their eye from the subject.  The 60 fps Live View is powered by the Live MOS sensor, which takes signals directly from the image sensor and sends them continuously to the LCD, in real time. Both the Live View Finder and LCD provide approximately 100% field of view. This allows the user, when composing a shot, to check the framing accurately from corner to corner. The 3.0-inch large 460,000-dot high-resolution LCD with wide viewing angle automatically controls the brightness according to the situation as an Intelligent LCD. The 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor and the new Venus Engine HD II help to separate chromatic noise from luminance noise and apply the optimal noise reduction to each, so users can capture clear and beautiful images even when shooting at high ISO sensitivity levels.  The high-speed, high-performance Venus Engine HD II, which has been re-engineered to incorporate the new image processing technology, Intelligent Resolution, enables the recording of beautiful photo and HD video with high quality signal processing. With Intelligent Resolution technology, three areas – outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation –are automatically detected. The outline parts are enhanced effectively to give edges increased clarity, while simultaneously giving a moderate accentuation to the textured areas so they look finely detailed. For the soft gradation areas, the improved noise reduction system of the Venus Engine HD II is applied to achiever a smoother effect.  Apart from the uniform enhancement of sharpness, the innovative technology Intelligent Resolution precisely performs signal processing pixel by pixel in the most effective way, resulting in images that are naturally clear. All Panasonic LUMIX G Series digital cameras are equipped with the highly-efficient Dust Reduction System. If dust or other foreign matter gets inside the LUMIX G10 while changing lenses, it could cling to the image sensor and show up as a spot in your photos. However, with the Dust Reduction System, it helps eliminate this possibility by placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor. Vibrating vertically around 50,000 times per second, the filter repels dust and other particles effectively. Other features of the LUMIX G10 include:

* My Color mode with a total of seven preset effects – Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, Silhouette. Also includes Custom mode, which lets users manually set the color, brightness and saturation levels. For beginners, the LUMIX G10’s full-time Live View function lets users see how these settings will affect the images before they shoot, making it easier to capture the exact mood or atmosphere desired. * Scene modes total 26, including the Peripheral Defocus mode, which lets users take a photo where the foreground is in focus and background is blurred – or vice versa.  This popular effect can be intimidating for a beginner, but in the Peripheral Defocus mode, by simply selecting the objects to be blurred and focused using the camera’s keypad, it is simple for photographers of any level. * Exposure meter can be displayed in the P/A/S/M shooting modes. The correlation between shutter speed and aperture is shown, with a color-coded warning system that alerts users when the settings are not in the proper range. For those new to system camera digital photography, this makes it easy to learn proper settings both visually and logically, enhancing their photography skills. The Panasonic LUMIX G10 is compatible with Micro Four Thirds System lenses, allowing users even higher levels of performance in a digital interchangeable lens camera. In addition to LUMIX G lenses, the LUMIX DMC-G10 and LUMIX G Micro System can use any interchangeable lens that complies with the Four Thirds standard via an optional mount adaptor DMW-MA1 and with the prestigious Leica M/R Lenses via DMW-MA2M or MA3R. Pricing and availability for the Panasonic LUMIX G10 will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date.  It will be available in black.  To learn about the Panasonic LUMIX Micro Four Thirds System and all the available accessories, visit www.panasonic.com/lumix. *As of March 7, 2010. **Turn Face Recognition item ON and register the person with full-face portrait on the shooting menu in advance.

·     Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

·     Some functions may not be available depending on the lens that is mounted.

·     Lenses that are not compatible with the contrast AF function can be used with manual focusing.

Hands on with the Olympus PEN E-PL1

Three weeks ago, Olympus announced their new Micro Four-Thirds format, interchangeable lens E-PL1 camera, and now we’ve gotten a chance here at PMA to get a closer look at it—and to compare it to its predecessors in the PEN line, the E-P1 and E-P2. The E-PL1 is much lighter than the E-P2 (and costs half as much—$599 to the E-P2’s $1099). It also offers some more entry-level features for people just moving into the format from a point-and-shoot. Intelligent Auto (IA) Mode offers a plain-speak menu of “Live Guide Control” options for easy enhancements, such as  "brighten subject" or “blur background.” The E-PL1 also lacks more accessible manual controls and dials on the body, as seen below compared to the E-P2, though it still features full Manual shooting modes.

Olympus PEN E-P2 (left) and PEN E-PL1 (right)

A standout feature that appears in the E-PL1 that was lacking in the E-P2 is a built-in flash. Neither camera has a viewfinder—which is unfortunate especially at $1099 for a more advanced camera like the E-P2—but they sell a separate electronic viewfinder that can be mounted to the accessory port. As you can see, Olympus offered us a bright pile of random objects---feathers and action figures---to test shoot with the E-PL1, and the resultant images were impressively sharp and bright. Olympus says the E-PL1 will be available within the next couple of weeks.

Olympus Announces PEN E-PL1

Last week, we mentioned that Olympus was teasing a new camera, and ventured to guess that it was a follow-up to the E-P1 and E-P2. Today Olympus announced their third generation PEN, the E-PL1---a Micro Four-Thirds camera that the manufacturer bills as ideal for "shutterbugs who always wanted better pictures and considered a DSLR, but were intimidated by the bulky size and complex interface." At $599.99, the 12.3MP Live-MOS sensor E-PL1 offers a retro body style, similar to that of its predecesors (but not quite as authentic looking), HD video (1280 x 720), built-in pop-up flash, Olympus' now signature in-camera Art Filters, AF Live View, and more.

From Olympus:

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., February 3, 2010 – The new Olympus PEN E-PL1 is truly greater than the sum of its parts, with a surprisingly small camera body packed with technology normally found in bigger, bulkier and heavier professional Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras and High-Definition (HD) camcorders. This third-generation PEN is built for shutterbugs who always wanted better pictures and considered a DSLR, but were intimidated by the bulky size and complex interface. The new camera’s simple design and easy interface enable consumers to easily create amazing images never dreamt possible. It will make you wonder how Olympus managed to put all of these powerful features inside such a compact camera for only $599.99.

The E-PL1 equals an affordable and powerfully simple all-in-one package that travels with you to capture life in the high quality that your memories deserve.

“Many of today’s consumers want a camera with the professional still image quality of a DSLR and HD video in a compact body that’s as easy to use as a point-and-shoot,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Digital SLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Thanks in part to an image sensor that’s approximately eight times larger in size than what’s inside the average point-and-shoot camera, the E-PL1 delivers outstanding high-quality images. Add the flexibility of high-quality interchangeable lenses, the convenience of a built-in pop-up flash, in-camera creative features and technology designed to produce images effortlessly, and the E-PL1 is the total consumer-friendly, multimedia package.”

EASILY PEN YOUR STORY WITH A BRAND NEW PEN

This third generation of the Olympus PEN series combines powerful features in an easy-to-use package that will make capturing your life more fun. The new direct record button makes taking videos easier than ever and the new Live Guide functionality makes it simple to learn photography techniques without requiring the skills of a pro shooter.

New Direct Button for HD Movies Recording HD movies with the E-PL1 is simple, thanks to an easy-to-reach red “direct button” (red record button) on the back of the camera body. If you’re about to snap a photo and you realize a video would capture the spirit of the scene even better, simply press the record button and instantly you’re capturing videos! Easily toggle back and forth between capturing stills and videos by using your index finger to press the shutter button or your thumb to press the red record button. Having the ability to shoot still images and videos opens up a world of imaging possibilities.

New Live Guide Sets the Scene Before You Shoot The E-PL1’s new Live Guide interface simplifies great photography and gets the results you desire at the touch of a button. Want more vivid or muted color in your shot? Want warmer or cooler color? Want a brighter or darker subject, or a sharper or softer background? Or maybe you want to capture the fast-moving action of your subject with a little artistic blur, or perhaps freeze the action? Simply select Live Guide and press the up and down arrows on the back of the camera to slide through numerous photographic effects. Make adjustments and watch the LCD as the effects are made live – before the image is captured! Don’t worry about learning technical things like f-stops, shutter speed and white balance; jump right in by composing, adjusting exposure and more before the shot is taken.

Seeing the results before snapping the image ensures you are getting the shots you want, and it will change the way you photograph. Shooting Tips are also included with Live Guide, so you can leave the manual at home.

Automate Everything Live Guide is just the start of automated technologies on the E-PL1 designed to free you up to focus on your subjects instead of focusing on your camera’s settings.

* 19 Scene-Select Modes: From portraits to sunset shots, the E-PL1 is equipped with 19 Scene-Select modes for effortless picture taking, including Fireworks, Sunset, Children, Macro and Panorama, to name a few. Capturing beautiful portraits is easy with the ePortrait Mode that enables you to smooth your subject’s complexion. * Intelligent Auto (iAuto) Mode: When you don’t want to use the scene-select modes, the iAuto mode automatically identifies what you’re shooting and adjusts settings for you to capture the best result depending on the situation. * Face Detection: Reduce the chance of blurred subjects in images by recognizing up to eight faces, tracking them within the image area, and automatically focusing and optimizing exposure for sharp portraits. * In-Camera Panorama: Capture three images and stitch them together to create one amazing, seamless panoramic picture. Or use the included OLYMPUS [ib] software to stitch up to 10 images together for the ultimate panorama. * iEnhance: With this mode the warm yellow and orange colors of a sunset are heightened to a dramatically lifelike color that’s truer to what you see with the naked eye. iEnhance can be used in any mode, and automatically engages when using iAuto to enrich color in any subject. * Share: Just connect the camera to an HDTV with an optional HDMI cable and use your TV remote to control playback functions and navigate the camera’s menus from the comfort of your personal front-row seat. The E-PL1 records to SDHC (Class 6 recommended) media cards that can be plugged directly into many devices and accommodate large files, including videos.

New Powerfully Simple Pop-Up Flash The E-PL1 is the first camera in the Olympus PEN series with a built-in pop-up flash that makes it easy to illuminate low-light subjects, reduce red-eye and fill in dark areas. The camera is also compatible with a range of optional external flashes, including the Olympus FL-36R and FL-50R, which can be controlled wirelessly by the E-PL1 so you can dynamically control lighting as your photography skills grow.

PRO-QUALITY IMAGES

How do professional photographers capture the stunning images you see in the pages of glossy magazines and coffee-table books? Talent matters, of course, but you also need the right equipment. Rest assured that the E-PL1 has everything you need to produce vibrant, professional-quality images: a large image sensor, in-body Image Stabilization, Imager Autofocus, the proven Olympus Dust Reduction System and the TruePic™ V Image Processor.

Big Sensor, Not a Big Body At the heart of the E-PL1 is a large-size image sensor that’s the same sensor as the one inside the Olympus E-30 and E-620 DSLR models. The only difference between this sensor and what the pros use is that this big sensor is inside the much smaller body of the E-PL1. This high-performance 12.3-megapixel Live MOS image sensor (eight times larger than the average point-and-shoot camera sensor) delivers excellent dynamic range, accurate color fidelity, and a state-of-the-art amplifier circuit to reduce noise and capture fine image details in both highlight and shadow areas.

Stabilize All of Your Lenses Instead of selling more expensive lenses that have image stabilization inside them, Olympus takes a different approach by having image stabilization built right into the body of the E-PL1. This means that any lens (Micro Four Thirds™, Four Thirds and any third-party lens) attached to the E-PL1 will deliver blur-free images thanks to three modes of In-body Image Stabilization that automatically compensate for camera shake, including in low-light situations or when shooting without a tripod. Since the PEN cameras are the world’s smallest interchangeable-lens cameras with image stabilization built inside the body, you can take the E-PL1 with you and capture great images, and it won’t weigh you down.

Track Your Subjects Wherever They Roam The E-PL1’s Continuous Autofocus (C-AF) Tracking and Autofocus (AF) Target Registration locks your subject into focus and constantly adjusts focus and brightness whether you or your subject is moving. With this mode, a simple push of the shutter release enables you to keep moving subjects in focus – tracking them from left to right and from front to back – within the frame, automatically ensuring that even active subjects, like kids playing sports, are captured clearly.

The E-PL1’s Imager Autofocus in Live View enables you to compose, focus and capture the shot quickly and easily without ever taking your eyes off the camera’s large, 2.7-inch full-color, high-contrast HyperCrystal LCD for an easy, seamless viewing experience when shooting still images or videos. The LCD also provides a wide viewing angle of 176 degrees, which ensures that images can be composed from even the most obscure angles.

This Camera Leaves Others in the Dust If you’re just starting out with a camera that has interchangeable lenses, you don’t have to worry about dust spots on your sensor ruining the perfect image every time you change lenses. Spend more time shooting with the E-PL1 and less time worrying about dust with the proven Olympus Dust Reduction System that produces spot-free photos with the exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter™, a patented ultrasonic technology that vibrates to remove dust and other particles from the front of the image sensor, capturing them on a special adhesive membrane every time the camera is turned on.

True-to-Life Color The E-PL1’s Live MOS image sensor is complemented by Olympus’ TruePic™ V Image Processor, which produces clear and colorful photos using all the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible. The image processor is noted for accurate natural color, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue skies and precise tonal expression; it also lowers image noise in photos shot at higher ISO settings (ISO 100 to ISO 3200), enabling great results in low-light situations.

EASILY EXPAND YOUR CREATIVE HORIZONS WITH BUILT-IN EFFECTS

Express yourself with in-camera creative features. Professional images are rarely unedited images. Video and still image pros use computer-editing software to render their images with effects that set their shots apart from the pack. Olympus appreciates that you may not have hours to spend retouching your images at the computer, so the E-PL1 incorporates editing effects inside the camera to save you time. Whether you apply in-camera creative effects while shooting an image, or apply them later to images captured without the effects, all are inside the E-PL1, so you can achieve dramatic results on the go without a computer or editing software.

The E-PL1 has six in-camera Art Filters, including a new filter called Gentle Sepia. This filter gives your images and videos a soft, warm sepia cast similar to historical images from the early days of photography. The sepia tones are softer and the blacks are a true black, unlike traditional sepia images. The new filter joins Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pin Hole, Grainy Film and Diorama (the filter that makes everything look as small as the E-PL1).

With the E-PL1’s Multiple Exposure function available for still image capture, you are free to tell a visual story your way. The image capture options enable you to shoot one shot, then another and combine them in real time, or capture both shots separately and combine them within the camera later. Take a shot of your significant other, and overlay your self-portrait on top to figure out what your kids will look like. If you have kids already, overlay your kid’s face on top of a shot of his or her favorite cartoon character for laughs. Your ability to manipulate space and time makes this new creative multimedia device a veritable time machine.

You often can achieve greater photographic expression by framing a scene in a unique way. The E-PL1 provides four aspect ratios that serve as masks to frame your image to the desired proportions, including the standard 4:3 aspect ratio that is suited to an 8 x 10-inch enlargement; the 16:9 aspect ratio that will display beautifully on a widescreen television; and other popular aspect ratios, such as 3:2 and 6:6. The Multi-Aspect Shooting further expresses your creative vision when combined with in-camera Art Filters and Multiple Exposures.

With the E-PL1, you have your own living library of still images, HD video and audio to remix at your command. In playback mode, you can seamlessly mix stills and movies inside the camera to create a multimedia slideshow, and dub in one of three built-in dramatic background music options to provide a soundtrack for your cinematic creation. With so many creative options, there’s no limit to what you can create. Choose whether or not you want to play back just pictures, just movies or a combination; also control playing back the whole movie or just a clip.

OPEN SYSTEM EASILY GROWS WITH YOUR ABILITY

With a basic point-and-shoot camera, you get one lens built into the camera. One lens, that’s it. And it’s likely a small lens, which doesn’t allow a lot of light through to hit the image sensor. So, you may have a difficult time in low-light conditions. And without the option of adding more lenses, you’re limited to what that one point-and-shoot lens can do. The E-PL1 solves these issues by accepting a variety of lenses to maximize its functionality. Whether shooting still images or HD video, you can add everything from an extreme wide-angle fisheye lens to a super-telephoto lens for a wide range of expressive options.

The M. ZUIKO DIGITAL Micro Four Thirds lenses are designed to be more compact and portable like the E-PL1. Choose from the ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 zoom lens (28-84mm equivalent in 35mm cameras) sold with the E-PL1, the ED 17mm f2.8 lens (34mm equivalent), the new super wide-angle zoom ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 lens (18-36mm equivalent) or the high-power wide to telephoto zoom ED 14-150mm f4.0-5.6 lens (28-300mm equivalent).

If you want to have even more options, the MMF-2 Four Thirds System Lens Adapter makes the E-PL1 compatible with all Olympus ZUIKO Digital Specific™ lenses and other Four Thirds System lenses from Sigma, Panasonic and Leica. Olympus OM film-based lenses can be attached to the E-PL1 with the MF-2 OM Lens Adapter, and there are third-party adapters developed for lenses from most other manufacturers.

SOFTWARE AND ACCESSORY OPTIONS WHEN YOU’RE READY

The E-PL1 incorporates an accessory port for connecting the optional VF-2 live-finder, a detachable electronic viewfinder, or the new optional SEMA-1 external microphone adapter set (which includes the EMA-1 adapter, the ME-51S stereo microphone and a cord) for those who want to capture enhanced audio with any microphone that has a 3.5mm plug. These optional accessories easily slide into the camera’s accessory port and hot shoe.

Consumers who wish to hold the E-PL1 up to their eye rather than use the LCD will appreciate that the optional VF-2, which provides 1.15x magnification and a 100 percent field of view with sharp resolution, brightness and contrast. The viewfinder refreshes quickly to minimize image ghosting on fast-moving subjects. It also rotates up to 90 degrees to enable photographers to look down into it, which is useful when shooting subjects from challenging angles. The built-in diopter adjustment and high magnification offer easy viewing with and without glasses.

The E-PL1 offers OLYMPUS [ib] software that includes photography workflow, browsing, editing and unique photo-organizing functions. You can organize your photos by person with automatic face-recognition technology, by location with a Geotagging function or by event. You can easily view photos on an HDTV or on the camera’s LCD with the Photo Surfing or Slideshow functions. The name [ib] stands for image bridging, image browsing and image brightening. The software will be available for Windows operating systems only.

Underwater Housing for Aquatic Adventures The new camera’s compact design makes it the perfect companion for all of your dive trips. The PT-EP01 underwater case has been specially customized for the Olympus E-PL1 and is waterproof to a depth of 40 meters (approximately 130 feet). With its durable, high-quality polycarbonate construction, this Olympus housing protects the camera from water while also cushioning it from knocks and bumps on land. The housing enables viewing from either the camera’s LCD screen or an optional electronic viewfinder. The flash connectors allow optional use of up to two UFL-2 underwater flash units via fiber optic cable. A nonremovable front lens port accommodates multiple Micro Four Thirds lenses.

New Exterior Design, Same PEN DNA The E-PL1 streamlines the Olympus Micro Four Thirds PEN series form and is available in three new body colors, including Black, Champagne Gold and Slate Blue. Thanks to its compact size (4.51" W x 2.84" H x 1.63" D excluding protrusions) and light 10.4-ounce body, the E-PL1 won’t weigh you down when you’re on the go.

AVAILABILITY

The Olympus E-PL1 will be available in March 2010. It includes the E-PL1 Body, M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zoom, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLS-1), Li-Ion Battery Charger (BCS-1), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS [ib] software CD-ROM, Manuals and Registration card.

U.S. Pricing / Product Configurations E-PL1 Body with M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zoom Lens Estimated Street Price: $599.99

Coming Soon: Olympus E-P3?

Olympus is teasing a new camera on their website now, just in time for the fast approaching PMA show. We'll bring you the announcement when it happens at PMA, or sooner, but it may well be the update to the Micro Four-Thirds format E-P2. As Electronista speculates, "The image doesn't provide many hard details but appears to show a camera much like (but different than) the E-P1 and E-P2." [via Electronista and Gizmodo]

CES Day One

After a whirlwind opening day at CES, I have reports on brand new products from Sony, DXG, Digital Foci, HP, iomega and an up close look at a revolutionary Panasonic camera. My favorite product of the day was Sony's just announced Cybershot G3 point-and-shoot camera. The big deal about it is that it's the world's first Wi-Fi enabled camera, so you can immediately upload your photos to a photo sharing site, such as Picasa, rather than making the usual empty promise to a friend about "sending them that picture" right after it is taken at a party, and then never following through. It's a 10 MP camera with a 4x optical zoom Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens and it comes with complimentary AT&T Wi-Fi access to Sony’s Easy Upload Home Page until Jan. 31, 2012. I'm sure you have a million questions about the Wi-Fi access and uploading, as I had for our Sony contact, so I'll just tell you that they have partnered with a few photo sharing sites, including Picasa, Shutterfly and a few others, but if you prefer a site that they haven't yet partnered with, like Flickr, you can use the web browser to head straight to that site and upload the same way you can from your computer. The partnered sites just work better because they will fit to the screen. Of course this is all done through touch screen technology with a stylus. They already have plenty of input (from me and others) about who else they should partner with, including Facebook, so they will be upgrading these choices, which will appear to a Cybershot G3 owner periodically.

Another great product that I got to finally see in person today was the Panasonic Lumix G1. You'll see more about this in our next issue of DP (our first all digital issue through Zinio.com), but let's just say it's pretty amazing. The format is different than anything else, as a Micro Four Thirds Standard. It can be a pro's alternative camera, or a beginner's first camera. Either way, the ability to easily interchange lenses and the full time Live-View will make sure you get the best shot, not matter what your background in photography.

A few other notable products from today were iomega's line up of sleek, but tough, new eGo portable hard drives and DXG's just announced HD camcorder A80. As they transition into solely camcorders, and away from still cams, I think this new DXG really puts them up there with the bigger name competitors in the field. Digital Foci also has a brand new portable digital photo storer/viewer, called the Picture Porter 35, with the capability to connect with USB and almost any CF,SD/HC,MMC,mimiSD,MS/Duo,xD card you can imagine. This product is ideal for the pro out on the field. HP also has a new 512 MB digital keychain, which we're seeing a lot of this year, in stylish options that would make a great gift, and a brilliantly stylish new Netbook. Sony also showed us a few more of their just announced HD camcorders and their Webbie HD camcorders, which are ideal for uploading straight to sites like YouTube.

Note: We are having issues with our image loading for the blog (a cruel fate for a photography magazine, I know). So, hold tight for photos to come.