With Photokina fast approaching rumors of new cameras from Nikon, Canon, Sony etc are running wild. In the meantime, the manufactures have announced some new products leading up to the show with several other brands expected to make announcements this week. While we can barely contain our excitement to share other news with you, for the time being we will have to restrain ourselves. While you wait with anticipation here are the latest releases from the past week or so.
Aug 232010
Olympus Europe has released a new online publication, entitled “PEN – The Magazine”. The first issue features six Olympus Micro Four Thirds camera users from all over Europe, including Tarjei Krogh from Norway, Britt Schepers and Eline Spanjaart from the Netherlands, Eduard Gimenez Cerda from Spain, Chris Mettraux from Switzerland and Björn Scheele from Bavaria. Aimed at popularising the new Olympus PEN E-PL1, the first issue of “PEN – The Magazine” offers interviews, photographs and videos plus links to the Flickr galleries and Facebook accounts of the six featured PEN users.
The Olympus PEN E-PL1 has just received a Red Dot award from a jury of internationally renowned designers. With more than 12,000 submissions from more than 60 countries, the international Red Dot design award is the largest and most renowned design competition in the world. The Olympus E-PL1 is a new affordable Micro Four Thirds camera with a built-in flash, sensor-shift image stabilisation and one-touch HD video recording.
On 13 Jan 2010 Olympus released a firmware update for the PEN E-P1. From what I have
been able to find out this update improves the MF Assist, making it faster and easier to use. It also enables REC View when the LCD backlight is set to zero.
This update version 1.2 includes update version 1.1 which improved the operation of the camera in Continuous AF mode.
You can find the update here at: http://www.olympus.co.jp/en/support/imsg/digicamera/download/software/firm/e1/
Nov 052009
A legend in the making
Even more possibilities with Olympus PEN
Hamburg, 5 November 2009 – Welcome to dimension PEN, where form and function unite to deliver the power and performance of an SLR with the ease and spontaneity of a compact. This latest retro-chic digital Olympus PEN builds on EISA’s 2009/2010 “Best Camera of the Year”, an icon of style and quality. To enrich photographic potential, the new E-P2 includes an accessory port to clip on the electronic viewfinder or other accessories. It also enlivens creative impulses through two additional Art Filters and supplements ease of use with further innovative options. Cloaked in classic black, the hybrid photo and HD movie Olympus PEN boldly brings fun and simplicity back in SLR quality. It’s a legend in the making – and available from January 2010 for €949 including the electronic viewfinder.
Jun 182009
A new era of digital imaging begins today with the launch of
the Olympus E-P1. The world’s smallest 12.3-megapixel interchangeable lens system camera blends the high-quality still images of a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) with High Definition (HD) video, stereo Linear PCM audio recording and In-Camera Creativity within an ultra-portable body. The easy-to-use E-P1 expands your creative horizons and its diverse multimedia features offer something for everyone.
Built for today’s visual generation who lead active lives online and offline, the E-P1 will make you rethink what you can do with a camera.
Press Release:
Hamburg, 16 June 2009 – When Olympus launched the legendary Pen series of cameras in 1959, this bold and revolutionary achievement rewrote the history of photography. Designed by renowned style guru Yoshihisa Maitani, the Pen represented the perfect marriage of simplicity, style and performance. Five decades later the Olympus passion for innovation is still setting the pace. With the release of the E-P1, the digital era’s next generation Olympus Pen has arrived: mirrors are no longer a necessary component for digital cameras with interchangeable lenses. The first groundbreaking Olympus Micro Four Thirds model impresses with its incredibly small size, retro style, and ease of use – without giving up any of the benefits of D-SLR quality. This new ultra-compact hybrid device can even record HD quality movies with depth of field and Art Filter effects familiar from still photography. Naturally, the E-P1 packs all the advantages of Olympus imaging technology e.g. image stabilisation, a dust reduction system, and bright interchangeable lenses. It will be available in July 2009.
Technology and design in perfect harmony
Combining modern technology with the timeless style of the classic Olympus Pen series, the removal of the mirror box allows the Olympus Pen E-P1 to be reduced to a remarkably compact size. Such mirror-less construction is also the foundation for a stunning new design. A stylish metal finish and the optional FL-14 flash give the camera a retro-look reminiscent of the classic Olympus Pen F. Through its compactness and usability this legendary camera became one of the most popular and revolutionary products in the history of photography.
Not just a pretty face: D-SLR quality in compact form
To match its high-end look, the E-P1 has been fitted with the latest innovative Olympus technologies to deliver D-SLR quality images. In addition to in-camera image stabilisation, it is accompanied by the first Olympus interchangeable lenses specially designed for the new Micro Four Thirds format: the M. ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm 1:2.8 Pancake (34mm*) and M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 (28-84mm*) lenses. To guarantee a wide range of shooting styles, the new model is compatible with all Micro Four Thirds lenses and, via an adapter, the full range of existing Four Thirds lenses. Adapters are also available for OM lenses and those made by other manufacturers. For unbeatable precision, a 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS sensor and the Olympus Pen E-P1’s new TruePic V image processor ensure all your precious memories are saved as crisp and clear images or movies. The new processing engine guarantees ultra-high processing speeds as well as professional image quality at up to an incredible ISO 6400. It also enables the application of Art Filters to both movies and still images.
New modes for unlimited self-expression
The E-P1 boasts a variety of creative E-System features allowing photographers to explore new artistic possibilities. Inspired by the semi-professional E-30, a choice of six Art Filters lends images a new flair. The Pop Art filter, for example, infuses a picture with colour in order to create a more intense, joyful feel. Further fantastic filters include Pin Hole, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Colour, Light Tone and Grainy Film. And so you’re never left wondering what your party would have looked like through a kaleidoscope, they can also be applied right in the camera after a picture has been taken. Other effects can be created using the Multi Exposure mode, which allows several RAW images to be superimposed in real-time. Multiple Exposure masterpieces can then be created on the fly in shooting mode, or later in editing mode. Creativity is further supported with a choice of four aspect ratios. What’s more, the E-P1 truly breaks new ground with the option of video recordings that were previously impossible.
Not only does the cutting-edge video function allow the application of Art Filters, but it also includes the ability to vary depth of field, angle of view, and autofocus during recording. And of course, this can be done with all lenses. It records up to an incredible 5 minutes of high-resolution HD (1280x720p) at 30fps in one single shot. The result? You’ll never miss a crucial moment – from the highlight of the party to that flashed smile on the catwalk. Movies can be recorded and played back in AVI format, at both standard 4:3 or wide screen 16:9 aspect ratios. To take the guesswork out of achieving sharp focus, shifting electronic image stabilisation (Digital IS) ensures perfect pictures every time. Convenient transfer and viewing on modern displays is no problem since the Olympus Pen E-P1 is HDMI compatible. And since some memories look particularly good framed on the wall, high-resolution still images can be shot at the touch of a button while recording movies.
The E-P1’s high quality stereo recording ability will ensure your movies sound crisp and clear, whether you want to film your own music video or send a heartfelt message to a friend. It benefits from Olympus’ latest audio technologies, including high quality PCM recording.
Effortless handling and full control
The newly developed Live Control interface ensures effortless operation: it is incredibly easy to use and the effects of selected functions can be viewed immediately on the 7.6cm/3.0” HyperCrystal LCD. In addition to easy focusing for sharp and crisp shots, an intelligent i-Auto option also allows the camera to automatically adjust to six common scene modes such as portrait, landscape and night. What’s more, subjects can be sure they will always look their best with e-Portrait – a practical option that smoothes away wrinkles and eliminates imperfections and blemishes. This way everyone can look like a top model, especially when they appear on TV via the practical HDMI output. SD card compatibility eliminates concerns about storage by providing ample space for recorded images and movies as well as convenient file storage and transfer.
A must have for style hounds and those seeking unbeatable performance without the weight and clumsiness of traditional D-SLRs, the Olympus Pen E-P1 is available in two stylish options: silver or white. The new model and its two accompanying Micro Four Thirds lenses will hit stores in July 2009.
The Olympus Pen E-P1 – main features:
Small & stylish design
• Extremely small and light-weight Micro Four Thirds System
• Stylish design with metal finish
• Two colours
SLR image quality
• 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor
• TruePic V image processor
• Built-in IS with max. 4 EV steps efficiency
• Adapter for all ZUIKO DIGITAL & OM lenses
Easy operation
• New developed GUI for easiest operation via Live Control
• Automatic recognition of common scenes possible with i-Auto
• Clear skin with e-Portrait
• Two dials for easy handling
• Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology
• 20 shooting modes (5 exposure modes, i-Auto mode, 14 scene modes)
Creativity & HD Movie
• HD Movie with stereo sound featuring depth of field and Art Filters
• Art Filters, Multi-Aspect ratios
• Multi Exposure function
• Art Filters can be applied to previously taken RAW images in the camera and with Olympus software
• Enhanced creativity with special lenses e.g. fisheye is available via Four Thirds lens adapter
Additional features of the Olympus Pen:
• HDMI TV interface
• Linear PCM sound recording
• Level gauge
• Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface
• Three frames per second with sequential shooting (max 14 in RAW mode)
• ISO 100-6400 for wide-ranging sensitivity
• Versatile bracketing functions for white balance and exposure
• Reliable Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction system
• Based on the Micro Four Thirds Standard
• Wide dynamic range in highly lit areas
• Simultaneous writing of RAW and JPEG
• SD memory card (SDHC compatible)
• High-speed data writing and lossless RAW compression for quick processing
• Large 7.6cm/3.0” HyperCrystal LCD
• AE/AF lock functionality for individual customisation
• Auto gradation adjustment to prevent blown highlights and
blocked-in shadows
• Remote release possible via the optional remote cable RM-UC1
Jun 042008
PhotoComment.co.za is pleased to introduce you to on of the first tests of the Olympus E-420, likely the worlds most compact digital SLR to date. My initial opinion of the Four Thirds system adopted by Olympus, Kodak, Panasonic and the like was rather negative, however with time comes wisdom and experience, and I shall be the first to admit that the Olympus E-420 has enhanced my experience and opinion of the Four Thirds system and concept.
A reminder to the reader that our approach to testing and subsequently reviewing a camera is focused predominantly on overall user experience, encompassing ergonomics and user friendliness, which is overlooked all to often in current tech talk circles.
Excitement and curiosity preceded the delivery of the Olympus E-420 from JEL Distributors for Photocomment’s first review of an Olympus camera. With a sense of urgency I signed for and took delivery of Olympus’s latest offering and what I found inside was a wonderfully compact, light and comfortable camera body with a standard 14-42mm Olympus zoom lens.
My Personal Camera, a Canon 350D, only really ergonomically suits my hand with the vertical grip attached which defeats the purpose it was initially chosen for – a compact travel worthy DSLR. Not so with the Olympus E-420. Side by side one would be hard pressed to notice a size difference between the 350D and the smaller body Olympus, however the E420 is ergonomically pleasing and ones hand fits perfectly onto the grip without the addition of a vertical grip. In short it is a Mighty Mouse. The Olympus E420 instantly instills a sense of confidence I have often found lacking in many of its contemporaries. Having worked in photographic retail extensively I can testify that this is often a factor in the buyers final decision.
The Gauteng Motor Show was calling and my trigger finger was itching. So I charged the camera battery assembled everything and headed out taking great care not to reveal my enthusiasm.
Olympus E420 Features
The Olympus E420 brochure reveals three main features, noticeable on the brochure cover and the camera’s box, namely Face Detection, AF Live View and Dust Removal System. Then there is still the 10MP Four Thirds sensor, TruePic III processing engine, 2.7 inch screen, 3-point standard AF and low light condition 11-point contrast AF system, 49 zone light metering system, in camera image editing and 18 different ‘Scene Selection’ metering modes including fireworks, sunsets, and candlelit scenes.
A novice or first time buyer might find him or herself utterly confused and frustrated looking at that long list of techno jargon, when all they want to do is get outside and start shooting. A seasoned, more ‘knowledgeable’ buyer might look on some features with disdain and consider them mere marketing ploys. These two varying viewpoints aside, I am of the opinion that one can’t really buy a bad DSLR camera, It really comes down to how much more one can get within the budget one has allocated, and the Olympus offers great value for money. All that being said, how well do the above mentioned features work?
Let me be clear that there is still no substitute for good photographic grounding and even basic instruction and understanding of photographic principle could turn any camera into an artisan’s tool in the hands of the novice buyer helping them learn the limits of their chosen camera.
Not much can be said about the dust removal system, a novel idea which is now nearly standard on all digital SLR cameras. The light meter is on par with most of it’s competitors and in all honesty, I forgot that I had different scenes selection modes to choose from when shooting in auto. White balance is wanting, struggling to correct the orange cast from the tungsten lights at dinner which seems to be an obstacle not only Olympus is battling with.
Auto Focus Live View?
Regular readers and personal acquaintances will know my aversion to live view as found in many DSLR cameras these days. Unfortunately the Olympus E-420’s Live View does little to sway me from my belief that this feature is a rather over rated marketing ploy opposed to a refined and useful tool – perhaps with time this will change. While the concept is great, the lack of full time auto focus and subsequent delay this causes at the moment of capture renders it almost entirely useless for many of the purposes one would foresee using Live View for. The lack of a flip out screen still renders live view inconvenient for macro photography purposes. The inverse is also true and portrait photographers shooting subjects in a studio may find the interaction of being away from the viewfinder beneficial. Landscape photographers may also enjoy the relief of not looking through a viewfinder for long periods of time.
Image Quality
The low noise levels of the E-420 was an unexpected surprise.
Clicking on the image at left will produce a 100% crop of the above dinner scene shot at ISO1600. Considering the E-420’s small, image sensor, the low noise levels equal or in some cases surpass it’s competitors.
The colour rendition is good and in general the detail is acute the sharpness high, and the overall satisfaction with the end result immense. The standard 14-42mm lens, disappointed with distortion, i.e. curvature, even in it’s mid range. While the sharpness was good falloff was apparent in the image corners. One would expect performance of this sort from a wide-angle lens and not from a standard zoom.
The only other complaint that I have with this little marvel is the menu interface. When first accessing the menu on the rear LCD display, the grid layout and scrolling system handles easily and logically. Sadly however this logic evaporates when one selects a submenu, for example, ISO selection options display in the same grid format but the ability to jump from the top row to the bottom row by simply pressing down on the toggle button falls away and one has to scroll through all the ISO values with the sideways toggle buttons. The menu layout is deceptively easy, but shows it’s shortcomings with the lack of information about the purpose of custom functions, a feature which other manufacturers have included to avoid the need of referencing the instruction manual. This slowed down the handling of the camera for me but it isn’t likely to be a hindrance to a first time buyer.
Conclusion
Having owned and used more cameras in my lifetime than I can remember, one has to consider the point of view of a first time buyer, purchasing from a little to no knowledge point of view
Olympus have a gem in the E-420 particularly if one needs to travel light or if one is buying for the first time. At under R10 000 the E420 is in the same value for money league as the Nikon D60 and Canon 400D. Consumers wanting a camera thats a step up from the E420 and offers Image Stabilization as well, may buy the Olympus E-510 or wait for the newer E-520 (to be tested or reviewed soon) which will likely hit the shelves at just over the R10 000 price bracket.
My concluding thoughts about the E420? Well I certainly wont overlook or under estimate Olympus again when shopping for a digital single lens reflex system.
Thanks to JEL Distributors for the Loan of the production version Olympus E-420 and to Wilhelmus Moller a PhotoComment contributor and member of the editing team.
Mar 052008
Guess What, Olympus has expanded it’s range of 4/3 cameras with – what they are claiming to be – the world’s smallest Digital SLR – the E-420. Part of the press release is given below with a link to all the info you need on Olympus’ site.
Olympus Imaging Corporation (President: Masaharu Okubo) today announced the upcoming launch of the world’s thinnest, smallest* interchangeable lens type digital SLR camera, the E-420, scheduled for release in the middle of April, 2008.
Main Features
1. World’s thinnest, smallest* camera body – ideal for travelling or just walking around town
2. “AF Live View” function that makes shooting as easy as a compact digital camera
3. “Face & Back Control” renders both human faces and the background more clearly
4. New large 2.7-inch HyperCrystal II LCD monitor with improved visibility in Live View shooting and picture playback
The E-420 is an upgraded version of the E-410 digital SLR camera (released in April 2007), which has received much praise for its excellent portability and picture quality. In keeping with the slim design, grip size has been minimized, while at the same time the grip design has been improved to fit more securely in the hand. Combining the world’s thinnest, smallest* body with the outstanding picture quality Olympus is renowned for, this camera makes it easy for anyone to enjoy the power of digital SLR performance and to capture and preserve the activities of everyday life or the memories of once-in-a-lifetime journey in beautiful pictures. Embodying the slogan of Olympus digital SLRs, “GO FIND YOUR WONDERS”, the E-420 is the ideal photographic companion as users set out to discover the wonder and joy that can be experienced through the act of “photographing”.
The E-420 features a new “AF Live View” that improves on conventional Live View by enabling autofocusing based on contrast detection. “Face & Back Control” is another special feature that optimizes exposure of human faces and the background. Using the face detection function, which is capable of detecting up to 8 different faces, this function assures clear, beautiful portraits and group shots even against strong backlight.
With its high picture quality, high functionality and high portability, the E-420 is not only a great choice for beginners who want to enter the world of digital SLR photography, it’s also an excellent choice for experienced photographers looking for a handy, reliable, go-anywhere digital SLR.
To complement the E-420, the ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm f2.8, a new pancake-type lens optimized for the E-420’s slim design, and Genuine Leather Bottom Case and two Front cases will be released at the same time.
Development Background
In the autumn of 2006, Olympus began writing Chapter Two in the story of the Olympus E-System with the declaration, “we will continue to develop revolutionary features that extend the frontiers of DSLR photography, and to strengthen the Olympus E-System body, lens, and accessory lineup. We will continue to develop Olympus E-System bodies, lenses, and accessories for a wide range of genres, so that even more people are able to take photographs that could never be taken before.” This declaration was embodied in the E-410, at the time the world’s thinnest, smallest, lightest digital SLR*, and the E-510, which marked the first time an image stabilization mechanism was incorporated in an SLR camera body. Both models were released in April and June 2007 respectively, setting the stage for the release of the E-3, the flagship model with the world’s fastest AF*, which came out in November of the same year. With each boasting its own unique features, these three models have obtained a high reputation from the market.
The newly announced E-420 is an advanced version of the E-410. While maintaining the same super-slim, highly portable design of the E-410, which was made possible by exploiting the miniaturization capabilities inherent in the Four Thirds System standard, the E-420 incorporates an impressive array of powerful new technologies such as “Auto Focus Live View”, Face Detection and “Shadow Adjustment Technology” that make it easy even for absolute beginners to obtain beautiful, natural-looking pictures.
In terms of its imaging capability, the E-420 offers the same outstanding quality as the E-3, our widely praised flagship model, released in November 2007.
Bringing the high picture quality of digital SLRs to anyone who wants to enjoy it, the E-420 offers the ideal combination of high quality, easy operation, and maximum versatility.
Other Features
* Reliable Dust Reduction System
* Fast 3.5 frames-per-sec. sequential shooting
* Built-in flash with wireless flash control
* More advanced, 10-megapixel new Live MOS Sensor and TruePic III image processing engine
* “Perfect Shot Preview” function to compare the results of various effects before actual shooting
* Super Control Panel with excellent visibility and operability
For more information follow this link to Olympus’ website
Jan 292008
Hamburg, 29 January 2008 – The latest firmware upgrade for Olympus’ flagship D-SLR, the E-3, is adding even more power and reliability to an already-impressive package. The upgrade is available for immediate download at no charge.Improvements featured in the firmware upgrade include the following:
* Dial operation on the power grip HLD-4 has been improved. The relationship between the rotation of the dial and the movement direction of the AF target has also been optimised.
* Battery check function has been improved to extend shooting time before the need to recharge when the power grip HLD-4 is attached.
* Focusing now stops immediately when the AF start button (AEL/AFL or Fn button) is released.
* Improved performance with the FL-50R or FL-36R flash units when undertaking bounce flashes at short distances.
* The selection and prioritisation of the central five ranging points when shooting in C-AF mode and dynamic-single target mode has been improved.
* The image stabilisation function is now also available with non-Four Thirds System interchangeable lenses by inputting a specific focal length.
To download and install this firmware update, simply open the Olympus Master software, connect the camera via USB to the computer and log onto the internet. Choose the Update Camera function from the Online Service menu in the Olympus Master software and the update will commence immediately.
For questions or additional information, please contact:
Franziska Jorke
Olympus Europa GmbHTel.: +49-40-237 73-4759Email: franziska.jorke@olympus-europa.com
Here at PhotoComment.co.za we are happy to kick off the Suppliers Spotlight category of our site with a feature on Jel Distribution, the company responsible for the Olympus brand here in South Africa. My thanks to Nicole Kam of Jel Corporation who responded to our invitation for local suppliers to use this platform as a means of further promoting their companies and products.
Introduction to Jel Distribution:
Jel Corporation was incorporated on 18 September 2001. Jel Distribution South Africa (Pty) Ltd is a subsidiary of Jel Corporation and is principally engaged in the trading and distribution of photographic products, writing instruments and fast-moving consumer goods in emerging markets. We have distribution agreements with reputable companies.
Product Range:
Jel Distribution SA (Pty) Ltd are the proud distributors of Olympus, Efiniti, Waterman, Parker and Paper mate
Jel’s key focus:
At JEL, we seek to bridge the world though our expanding networks in emerging markets. Committed to taking brands and businesses across the globe and ensuring their success, we constantly seek to establish distribution networks in new emerging markets and offer value-added services.
Key Dealers for Olympus:
Etkinds
The Digital Experince
Photo and Beyond
Whysalles
KPE Chatsworth
Pro Photo Trust
Shap’s Cameraland
Fotolens
Contact details:
Jel Distribution SA (Pty) Ltd 011 372 4000
Marketing :
Nicole 011 372 4031 (Olympus)
Sofia 011 372 4033 (Paper mate)
Lynnette 011 372 4036 (Parker & Waterman)
Sales:
Shaun 011 372 4000
Nick 011 372 4000
Christo 083 301 0748
Nicky 083 324 7831
Scott 082 774 8711
James 082 572 9783
Order Entry:
Jean 011 372 4060
Eliza 011 372 4053
Lebo 011 372 4050
Finance:
Ramu 011 372 4081
Michelle 011 372 4026
Sherwin 011 372 4024
Repairs:
Steve 011 372 4084
Sammy 011 372 4014
Website for Olympus: www.olympus.co.za
There has been a great deal of excitement – though nothing quite near that leading to Saturday’s Rugby World Cup Final – about the launch of Olympus’ new flag ship Four Thirds camera. Well it’s finally here, the new E3 and it looks like a superb machine, I wonder though how well it will be received here in SA.
Along with the launch of the new camera there is a range of new lenses which feature Olympus‘ own Supersonic Wave motors to answer the growing market of USM, HSM, AFS etc, from the competing brands. These lenses include a 14-35mm f/2 which on four thirds is equivalent to a 28-70mm f/2 in 35mm terms, a dream lens never achieved in the days of film.
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