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Olympus Comes Clean With New Pen E-P5

PEN_E-P5_EZ-M1442IIR_silver_black__Product_010__x290

 

Back when Olympus launched their mirrorless Micro Four-Thirds system with the rebooted Pen brand and the Pen E-P1, it was one of the best looking cameras anyone had made in ages. Then, along came the rebooted OM series a few years later, and the bar for handsome retro was upped again with their attentive resurrection of the classic SLRs of yore. So, now the newest Pen takes even more retro cues from it’s bigger brother in the OM-D line, resurrecting a design style Olympus says is based directly off the original Pen F. Can’t say it’s too bad a plan, judging by how it turned out in the looks department.

Any way, the Pen E-P5 is now slated to be the second highest model in Olympus’ rather sizey Micro Four-Thirds system. it sits on the top of the Pen system, but still just below the OM-D E-M5 (most obviously through lack of integrated viewfinder and weather-sealing). However, that place blurs a little bit as you skim the specs sheet. The E-P5 sports a top shutter speed of 1/8000 of a second, and flash x-sync at an earnest 1/320, both of which tidily surpass even the E-M5. Other specs like 9fps shooting speed, 0.044 second lag speeds with AF, the E-P5′s AF system and 5-axis (compensating for shift in the X-Y-Z axes and also for pitch and yaw rotational shake), built-in wifi and an available app for select smartphone platforms, and a new switch that changes the dials from controling aperture and shutter to changing ISO and WB with a simple flick help reassure that this is quite a contender indeed.

The usual other specs are on board too, such as a 3″ high-rez tilting touch display, 16 megapixels, a virtual level, a built-in flash with Olympus’ usual advanced hotshoe that allows mounting both extenral flashes and an optional EVF, HD video, and so forth.

The Pen E-P5 sounds like quite a camera for those invested in the M4/3 system, and will come body only in black, silver or white for right at $1000, or with a 17mm f1.8 frime and the new VF-4 viewfinder for $1500 in only black or silver. Availability for all of it is slated as this month, but you could still go ahead and hit up our preorder pages to reserve one before then:

http://robertscamera.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=e-p5&archived=1776



Panasonic US Confirms G6 and LF1

ImageG6KK_lores

 

We’re going to be honest with you: we suspect we’re not the only camera blog you read. It’s OK. We understand. *sniff* So, we also assume most of you are probably by now already aware that Panasonic has announced a new G-series micro Four-Thirds mirrorless compact (their first one that’s just a “G” and not a “GH” or “GF” since 2008, says their graphic) dubbed the DMC-G6, and a somewhat more exciting new point-and-shoot called the DMC-LF1. I mean, every other tech blog in the world was talking about them Wednesday night (see, I read those other blogs too, it’s OK. Really). So, we’ll just do a quick recap here for anyone who does actually just follow us, but more in-depth stuff can be found other places quite easily. Mostly we’re just confirming that yes, finally, Panasonic US is showing that these will be officially coming over here, so now we can finally say something about them.

So, the one pictured above is the G6, and it’s a quasi-DLSR shaped mirrorless compact with a built-in EVF and a general design and feel made more for people used to DLSRs than people wanting a better point and shoot. It’s a 16 megapixel shooter with a newly designed processor and filter that offer increased performance and 3-5% gains in resolution over other Panasonic designs, as well as ISO up to 25,600 (extended) and 7 frames-per-second. It’s got wi-fi and NFC built-in, a 3″ tilt/swivel 1036k dot touch panel on the back, a new higher resolution OLED EVF, Panasonic’s well-respected movie mode and quality settings, and support for all the usual M4/3 accessories and lenses, including those made by Olympus, Metz, and Sigma. So far they’re only talking about it as a kit with a 14-42mm II lens, and no price has been mentioned yet.

LF1_F2_lores

 

More exciting is the new LF1 compact camera. It’s smaller and simpler than their awesome LX7, but has an EVF built-in for people who prefer a viewfinder at all to the arms-length LCD-only shooting of most modern compacts. It’s got a 12 megapixel 1/1.7″ sensor, a 28-200mm equivalent f2-5.9 zoom, a high-rez EVF and rear 3″ LCD, wi-fi and NFC, support for Panasonic’s RAW format, vHD video, and a control rign around the front lens (a la Canon and Olympus’ counterparts in this range). And did I mention it’s smaller all-around than the already not-chunky LX7? I did? Good! What i can’t mention is the price, because there isn’t one yet, but I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for you.



More CES: Nikon Bolsters Nikon 1 System with 2 Bodies, 2 Lenses (No Partridge Nor Pear Tree, However)

Tired of me yet? Yes? Well, tough, like Jon Davis I’m here to stay, and so long as CES continues to explode my feeds, my suffering is your suffering. So, let’s grab another cup of coffee and continue working our way through the deluge of cameras I’ve become wedged under. Next up is some stuff in Nikon’s not-so-new-anymore 1 system. For those of you just joining us, the Nikon 1 system is their series of interchangeable lens compacts. You know, those cameras that are like DSLRs except they don’t have mirrors or optical viewfinders, and which frequently work more like point-and-shoots. The 1 system is built around a custom-sized CX sensor that’s smaller than APS-C ones, but bigger than 2/3″ compact sensors, and which requires special CX-mount lenses designed just for it and it’s odd 2.7x crop factor.

J3_10_30_WH_front.low

So, while it feels like it’s only been just shy of 4 months since I announced the Nikon 1 J2, CES has graced us already with the Nikon 1 J3. While the J2 brought with it tweaked build quality, more colors, and a lower price point, the J3 rolls up with some actual improvements to show for itself. For example, it inherits the 12 megapixel sensor first seen in the more pro-oriented V2 model, as well as a new Expped 3A processor. If we break out my trusty comparison tables, things look sorta like this:

Spec J2 J3
Megapixels 10 12
Sensitivity 100-3200 (6400 push) 160-6400
Contiuous FPS 5 5
AF Points 135 area 135 area
X-Sync 1/60 1/60
Shutter Speeds 30 – 1/16,000 30 – 1/16,000

As you can see, things hit parity there near the end. But, the maximum shutter speed on these models is worth revisiting, since most consumer DSLRs top out at 1/4000, and pro ones at 1/8000. So, if you need action-stopping power in good light, the 1 series is certainly no slouch, which is a bit unexpected honestly.

Like the J2, the J3 will come in a one lens kit with the 10-30mm lens, or a two lens kit with the 10-30mm and the 30-110mm lens. Unlike the J2, it will come in a third kit with the new 10-100mm f4-5.6 lens I’ll talk about in a moment. There are also some color choices, but they vary by lens kit, so, have a table:

One Lens Two Lens All-in-One
Silver X
White X X X
Black X X
Red X X X
Beige X X

The one lens kit will run $599.95, the two lens is $849.95, and the all-in-one is $1,049.95.

J3 links:

Also, Nikon has expanded the body lineup. Since launch there has been the consumer-oriented J model, and the pro-oriented V model. But now there’s the beginner/entry-level S model being added below the J line. The first in this new line is logically named the Nikon 1 S1, and it looks like this:

S1_10_30_RD_front.low

The S1 is even more point-and-shoot-esque than the J series, ditching the mode dial off the shoulder and using a touch-interface for mode selection a la higher-end compacts. As far as guts go, the S1 is not too dissimilar from the J3, although it has the older 10 megapixel sensor. Combined with the new processor, though, that sensor realizes an ISO rage of 100-6400, better than the J3 above it.

The S1 will only come in kits with the alternate standard kit lens (11-27.5mm) or that plus the 30-110 as a two lens kit, but you do need another table to break down your many color options:

One Lens Two Lens
White X
Black X
Red X X
Pink X X
Khaki X X

The one lens kits will be $499.95, and the two lens ones will cost you $749.95.

S1 Links:

 

V0920_BK.low V0820_BK.low

 

Lastly, there are two new lenses. One, as mentioned, is a 10-100mm f4-5.6 all-in-one (not to be confused with the older, power-zoom 10-100mm f4.5-5.6 PD-ZOOM released back at the system launch.) Like most of the 1 lenses, it’s got VR baked in to steady up your shots, and really is pretty eensy at 2.7″ long. With the weird CX crop applied, it has a field of view similar to a traditional 27-270mm, making it a pretty versatile option. A la carte it’s going to run $549.95.

http://robertscamera.com/1-nikkor-10-100mm-f-4-0-5-6-vr.html

 

The other new lens is a 6.7-13mm f3.5-5.6 VR. While the fuky decimals in the focal lengths seem to reinforce how weird a 2.7x crop actually is, they do describe a very welcome end result: this lens is effectively similar to an 18-35, giving the 1 system a proper ultra-wide zoom now. But, making such tiny focal lengths isn’t cheap, and the wide zoom costs almost as much as the all-in-one above at $499.95.

http://robertscamera.com/1-nikkor-6-7-13mm-f-3-5-5-6-vr.html

 



Nikon 1 V2 Adds Well-Considered Enthusiast Features

Nikon has also today updated the Nikon 1 V1 with the new Nikon 1 V2 (whew, that’s a mouthful. I still vote we stop letting engineers name products. It goes badly). As with all Nikon 1 bodies, you’re looking at a sensor with a 2.7x crop factor which uses Nikon’s new CX mount lenses. It’s a mirrorless body designed to fill the gap between compacts and DSLRs. The V line is the one aimed more at professional shooters, with features like a built-in EVF in addition to the regular LCD.

The V2 upgrades the sensor from a 10 megapixel one to 14 megapixels, and it can now do 15 frames per second in continuous drive instead of 10, but most of the rest of the changes will be found on the outside. Right off the bat, the new chunkier grip is apparent. Sure, it messes with the “clean lines” the V1 sported, but pretty much everyone who’s had to use a camera seriously knows what a boon a big, chunky grip is to ergonomics. A serious camera isn’t much good if it leaves you with a serious case of claw-hand at the end of the day. You’ll probably also notice that a small pop-up flash has materialized, removing the need for the external one. Unless you want to use on-camera flash as a master for your other CLS lights. The pop-up can;t do that, and you’ll still need to attach either the SB-N5 or SB-N7 to get that job done. And, finally, there’s an actual mode dial up top now, and some extensive reworking of the controls on the back lend it a layout that’ll be more familiar to users of their DSLR system. All in all, a pretty solid refresh and a good effort for a second-gen body.

The V2 will come body only, or kitted with either just the 10-30 or with both the 10-30 and 30-110 lenses. The prices will be $799.95, $899.95, and $1,149.95 respectively. The new SB-N7 flash unit will run $159.95.

Preorders for the V2 can be found here: http://robertscamera.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=nikon+1+v2

Press release and more images after the jump. But, before you leave, one last thing. Nikon has also announced the development of three more lenses for the 1 system: a 32mm f1.2 (which works out to an 86mm equivalent portrait lens), a 6.7-13mm f3.5-5.6 VR (that’s an 18-35mm wide angle zoom equivalent), and a 10-100mm f4.5.6 (27-270mm equivalent superzoom). Prices and availability are not yet known for these three entries, but if you’re worried about Nikon’s devotion to their 1 line-up, I think these count as a good show of faith that the system is going to continue to grow quickly and nicely.

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Panasonic Announces new GH3 Video-Oriented Mirrorless and 70-200mm f2.8 Equiv

Well, now that the Olympics are over and the GH2 is no longer the official camera of a multi-billion dollar twice-a-decade franchise, Panasonic has dropped it like thousands of Americans convince themselves they’re going to drop smoking, and have announced the shiny-new GH3 for all your mirrorless still and video shooting needs. And, unlike the others in this market, the GH3 is definitely the one with the most focus on video. Sure, it has still-specs, like a completely redesigned 16 megapixel sensor which they claim to be their best yet (a claim few bother to make on a new model, but it’s reassuring to hear it asserted regardless), a 614,000 dot OLED touchscreen on the back and an integral OLED EVF of unspecified–but reportedly quite high–resolution, a magnesium chassis, redesigned controls with more of them existing in the “physical” sense, ISO ranging from 200-12,800, built-in WiFi, faster autofocus (speeds up to 70ms with the 12-35mm are being claimed), wireless flash control, 24 hour intervalometer,  and so on. So, it’s no slouch if your medium happens to not move.

But if you also shoot video, then things get more exciting. Starting with a specially designed heatsink system to keep that sensor cooler so you can record as long as you have card space left. No more clip limits. None. Nada. Zilch. Think Quentin is the master of the long-take? Well, with this, maybe not for long. Also, streaming video over HDMI out. And 1080p at 60fps. And slo-motion down to 40% of real time. And time stamps. And 3.5mm mic-in with levels. And 3.5mm headphone jack. And full-time AF with face-detection. And ALL-I recording modes. And full PASM in video. And so on.

Basically, it takes everything the GH2 had to offer (which was a lot, and even one in a blind taste test with some pretty big name directors against some much, much, much more expensive video rigs), and makes it better. No idea on pricing yet, we’ll be in touch.

Also without retail pricing, but in the exciting camp, Panasonic has announced a 35-100mm f2.8 Power OIS zoom for m4/3. That makes it a 70-200mm f2.8 stabilzed equivalent, and puts another pro lens in the m4/3 camp. We’ll keep you posted on it, as well.



Olympus Refreshes Pen Line with E-PM2 and E-PL5

Olympus has also announced two new additions to the Pen series, the entry-level E-PM2 (Pen Micro), and the mid-level E-PL5 (Pen Lite). Both models pack 16 megapixel 4/3 sensors with a 2x crop factor and TruePic VI engines, and have an ISO range of 200-1600, expandable to 25,600). They’ve got 3″ LCDs with 460,000 dots (the E-PL5′s is a tilting one, the E-PM2 is fixed), no EVF (buth they do have Oly’s advanced hotshoe, so, you could buy one), continuous shooting at 8fps, 1080p video, and art filters. The E-PM2 is a really stripped back affair, and the E-PL5 adds that tilt screen, a chunkier grip, and $100 to the price, so, there’s gotta be something else there I’m missing so far. The E-PM2 will come body only for $549.99 or with an MSC 14-42mm for $599.99. The E-PL5 will be $649.99 body only, or $699.99 with the better, newer 14-42mm kit lens.

Oh, and, also, Olympus has decided the body cap could use a refresh. So, they haven’t announced availability or pricing, but they have introduced an optional, additional new body cap that’s also a lens. Yup, it’s a 9mm thick body cap that’s also got a simple 3 element, 15mm f8 fixed focal length fixed aperture lens in it. You can manually focus it with a lever, too. So, for those times when you’ve just grabbed the body out of storage and haven’t had time to get a lens on it, you can still at least grab the shot, and not miss it fussing around. A really clever idea… depending on the price tag for the final product. It’s called the “BCL-15mm f8.0 Body Cap” and you can bet we’re keeping our ears pricked for any more details.

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Nikon Boosts 1 System With 18.5mm f1.4 Lens, 50mm Equivalent

So, yeah, after that other Nikon blog post, this one falls a bit flat, but hey! Nikon has made a fast, 50mm equivalent standard prime for their still-fledgling 1 system mirrorless line-up. There’s not really a lot else to say about it. It’s 18.5mm, which on the 1 system’s CX mount is a 50mm equivalent field of view, and f1.4 is no slouch for speed. It’s small, and light, and it’ll set you back $189.95 in November, which isn’t too bad at all.

NEW 1 NIKKOR 18.5MM F/1.8 OFFERS NIKON 1 SYSTEM SHOOTERS COMPACT PERFORMANCE AND CREATIVE CONTROL

Nikon Expands 1 NIKKOR Lens System with an Affordable Fast Aperture Prime Lens

MELVILLE, N.Y. (September 13, 2012) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the latest addition to the Nikon 1 system, the compact and lightweight 1 NIKKOR 18.5mm f/1.8, a fixed focal length addition to the 1 NIKKOR family of lenses. The 18.5mm f/1.8 gives Nikon 1 System shooters a fast prime lens that is consistently able to deliver outstanding image quality and sharpness for stills and HD video, whether shooting awe-inspiring landscapes, flattering portraits or documenting the family vacation in glorious HD video.

“Nikon’s new 1 NIKKOR 18.5mm offers extremely fast performance alongside the accuracy and image quality that photographers have come to expect from a NIKKOR lens,” said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience, Nikon Inc. “With the continuing expansion of the 1 NIKKOR line of lenses, Nikon is committed to ensuring every moment is captured with tremendous speed and amazing clarity.”

1 NIKKOR Speed and Versatility

The 1 NIKKOR 18.5mm f/1.8 prime lens features the popular yet versatile focal length of approximately 50mm (35mm equivalent) and a large f/1.8 aperture, making it ideal for portraiture and everyday shooting. With the large aperture, consumers can create a dramatic depth of field with beautiful image blur, or shoot with confidence in challenging lighting conditions.

Conveniently compact and crafted with eight optical elements in six groups, the 18.5mm fulfills the promise of NIKKOR quality with solid handling and optical excellence. The lens is lightweight, weighing in at a mere 2.5 ounces to further complement the portability of the Nikon 1 System. Seven aperture blades help to create a pleasing circular bokeh for a natural separation between subject and background.

Price and Availability

Compatible with the Nikon 1 J1, J2 and V1, the 1 NIKKOR 18.5mm f/1.8 will be available in early November 2012 in Black, White and Silver and will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $189.95*.

 



Sony’s NEX-6 Brings Standard ISO Hotshoe to Mirrorless

While not quite as exciting as its other, more full-frame announcements today, Sony has also announced some more product into its ever-burgeoning NEX line of mirrorless interchangeable lens compacts. Of note, there’s a new body in the form of the NEX-6, and there are also three new lenses: a 16-50mm f3.5-5.6 powered zoom with OSS, a 35mm f1.8 with OSS, and a 10-18mm f4 with OSS. All of those are as aimed at video as they are stills.

The NEX-6 itself continues to see an APS-C sensor, with a fairly standard 16 megapixel count. As always with the NEX’s, you get a compact body more in the spirit of a point-and-shoot than of a DSLR, but you do now get a physical mode dial, and an integral EVF as per the NEX-7. This EVF, like the others today, is an OLED XGA model, although this release finally clarifies you’re looking at 2.36 million dots comprising those pixels. The 3″ LCD around back has a by-now pedestrian 921,000 dots, but is still tilting. The release doesn’t cover the native ISO range, but extended it tops out at 25,600, so I’m putting my money on 6400 being the top native one. This model will also have the built-in wifi and camera apps like the other recently announced NEX. There’s 1080 HD video, and Sony’s pano and HDR and yadda yadda yadda, you know the drill by now, yeah?

What you don’t know is pricing. The NEX-6 will be around $850 body only, or about a grand with the new 16-50mm. The 16-50mm will be $350 if you want one without the camera, and the 35 prime will be $450 and the 10-18 will be $850.



Fuji Announces New X Body: X-E1, 2 Lenses

 

Fuji today has announced a nearly-identical “little” brother to its popular APS-C retro interchangeable lens compact, the X-Pro 1. Like big bro, it’s a very classic, rangefinder-inspired metal body around a mirrorless imaging system with a 16 megapixel 1.5x crop CMOS sensor. There’s also still an integral electronic viewfinder still built in. It’s about 30% smaller though, physically. And at launch it’ll come in $400 cheaper than it’s big bro’s current retail, and an astounding $700 less than the initial retail on the X-Pro 1. So, with so much seeming similar, just what had to give for that lower price? Well, let’s consult the table!

Spec X-Pro 1 X-E1
Imager 16.3 MP 1.5x X-TRANS CMOS 16.3 MP 1.5x X-TRANS CMOS
Screen 3″ 1,230,000 dots 2.8″ 460,000 dots
AF 49 points hybrid 49 points hybrid
ISO 200-6400 (25,600 expanded) 200-6400 (25,600 expanded)
Continuous Shooting 6/3 FPS 6/3 FPS
Shutter Range 30-1/4000 30-1/4000
EVF .47″ 1,440,000 dot LCD .5″ 2,360,000 dot OLED
Built-In Flash No Yes
Hotshoe Yes Yes
HD Video 1080p 1080p

So, what this tells us is… I have no idea. With the exception of the rear LCD, the XE-1 is actually equal to or better on paper than the X-Pro 1, 30% smaller, and notably cheaper. It has nearly identical physical controls and body build. I’m going to call it a confusing win. If you’ve been lusting after the X-Pro 1, but couldn’t swallow its rather salty price tag, you should have no excuses to not jump all over this little bro. And we’ll make it easier by pointing you to the preorder page here:

With new kit lens - http://robertscamera.com/x-e1-18-55.html

Body only - http://robertscamera.com/x-e1-body-only-28763.html

Also announced today are two more lenses for the line-up, a 14mm f2.8 prime that’ll set you back $900 when it lands later this year, and a nice 18-55mm zoom that lands at f2.8-4, reminding me of Olympus’ mid-range E-series zooms and not the more expecting Canikon-style kit zooms. Good show, Fuji. This nice standard zoom will also be a bit cheaper than it’s primey brethren, and only set you back $700 to own. As you’d expect, with have preorders for both.

14mm 2.8 - http://robertscamera.com/photo/lenses/for-interchangeable-lens-compacts/xf14mm-f-2-8-r.html

18-55mm f2.8-4 - http://robertscamera.com/photo/lenses/for-interchangeable-lens-compacts/xf18-55mm-f-2-8-4-r-lm-ois.html

 



Sony’s New NEX-5R Combines Excellent Silicon With Inventive Features

 

2012 is shaping up to be a good year for cameras. In addition to all those D800s and EOS-1D Xs and OM-D E-M5s trickling into people’s hands finally, we just keep getting more nice new cameras being announced. Including yesterday’s announcement of a new Sony NEX dubbed the “5r.” Now, the NEX series is Sony’s own mirrorless compact system, built around the same 1.5x APS-C sensor most of their Alpha DSLRs use. The 5 series is the middle of the road, above the 3 series and below the 7. This year’s refresh sees the sensor pushed to 16.2 megapixels with a maximum ISO of  25,600. And, before you start balking about how bad that’ll look, it’s worth remembering that Sony is currently the market leader in high-quality sensor production, and the crown kings of back-side illuminated designs. So, there’s every likelihood this will just be a stellar imager. But that’s not the exciting part. Also built-in to the 5r is WiFi (sadly, only b/g, no n here), through which you can upload and share pictures. And, striking a balance between traditional cameras and the handful of Android powered ones we’re seeing come out, Sony will also let you use that WiFi to download some new apps. Unlike Android apps, these apps are essentially firmware bolt-ons for the camera, let you choose whether or not you need things like bracketing, or multi-frame noise reduction, or photo editing. According to Sony, some of these will be free, some will cost a couple bucks. But, for anyone who’s ever asked “why can’t they just add ___________ via a firmware update?” even the idea of a couple bucks stings less than knowing your camera could do the feature if only someone would bother to code it.

Beyond that, you get the usual sort of quality you should expect from Sony compacts by now. The Fast-Hybrid AF system is here, promising DSLR speeds even without the mirror and offering up 99 contrast detect points and 25 phase detect ones working together. You’ll actually even need to update your lens firmwares to utilize this new AF. There’s a 3″ 921,000 touchscreen that can flip completely up or fifty degrees down. Shutter speeds range from 30-1/4000. You get 10 fps, Auto HDR, Sweep Panorama, virtual level, 1080 HD support, remote control via an Android or iOS app, and so forth. And all for $650 body only, $750 with a kit 18-55 IS and in your choice of silver, black, or white. Whew. None too shabby.

Interested? Maybe place a zero-commitment preorder on our site? You can always decline it once it comes in, and there’s no money up front. Come on… you know you wanna…

http://robertscamera.com/photo/interchangeable-lens-compacts/interchangeable-lens-compacts-and-evils/alpha-nex-5r-with-18-55mm-lens.html