Cameras » Echenique dot com

Olympus Unveils Prototype Micro-4/3 Camera

Sep 222008

Olympus Imaging Corporation (President: Masaharu Okubo) today announced that it has begun development of an interchangeable lens type digital camera based on the “Micro Four Thirds System.”

Development of the camera will bring dramatic reductions in size and weight to the Olympus E-System, and will comply with the new Micro Four Thirds System standard jointly announced with Matsushita Industrial Co., Ltd.(Panasonic) on August 5. From September 23 through 28, a concept mock-up of the camera will be exhibited at “Photokina 2008″, the world’s biggest trade fair for the photographic and imaging industries held at Köln Messe, Cologne, Germany.

The global market for interchangeable lens type digital cameras is growing steadily, but still only accounts for a 7% share of the total digital camera market. Considering the much larger share held by interchangeable lens type digital cameras when film was the dominant imaging medium, it seems that there is still ample room for sales growth in this category. Market surveys, however, indicate that more than a few customers choose compact models because they find digital SLR cameras to be “big, heavy, and difficult to operate.”

The Micro Four Thirds System standard was established to meet this need by enabling the development of radically more compact and lightweight interchangeable lens type digital camera systems. The camera currently under development will be the first Olympus camera to comply with the Micro Four Thirds System standard, and interchangeable lenses that comply with the standard are also moving ahead. In addition, users will be able to mount existing Four Thirds System wide-angle, telephoto, and macro lenses on Micro Four Thirds System bodies via an adapter.

Product name, launch date and retail price of an interchangeable lens type digital camera based on the “Micro Four Thirds System” are not determined now.

Olympus Imaging is also committed to the Four Thirds System, and will continue to expand its line-up of digital SLR cameras to satisfy a broad spectrum of customer needs. This includes the professional photographer, aspiring artist, hobbyist, and everyday consumer.

Outline of the Micro Four Thirds standard
The Micro Four Thirds standard was designed and developed to maximize the performance potential of digital imaging technology, and to extend the benefits of the Four Thirds System standard for digital camera systems.
When compared to the Four Thirds System standard, the primary distinguishing features of the Micro Four Thirds standard are:

Approximately 50% shorter flangeback distance (mount-to-sensor distance)
Lens mount outer diameter approximately 6mm smaller
Electrical contacts in mount increased from 9 to 11

* Image sensor diagonal dimensions are the same for both Four Thirds System and Micro Four Thirds System standards.

The Micro Four Thirds System enables users to enjoy the same high image quality of the Four Thirds System’s 4/3-type image sensor in a much more compact body, and also take advantage of significantly more compact lenses, particularly in the wide-angle and high-power zoom range. The Four Thirds System offers the benefits of compact, lightweight performance, and the new Micro Four Thirds System takes this still further to enable development of ultra-compact interchangeable lens type digital camera systems unlike anything seen before. The new Micro Four Thirds System also incorporates a greater number of lens-mount electrical contacts for the support of new features and expanded system functionality in the future.

* The company names and product names specified in this release are the trademarks or registered trademarks of each company.

Leica Updates M8 Firmware

Cameras No Responses »

Sep 202008

I was cruising through the newly revamped Leica website trawling for info on the last big announcement they are saving for Photokina when I came upon this little nugget:

Leica has updated the M8 Classic firmware to v2.0 which adds the following features to the original Leica digital rangefinder:

* Auto ISO – The M8 Classic can now automatically adjust ISO settings to maintain a minimum shutter speed. This is activated from the M8′s SET menu. Parameters are adjusted on the MENU menu which include making the Auto ISO parameters lens dependent.

* SDHC Support – Gone are the manacles of 2GB SD cards! The M8 Classic now supports higher capacity SDHC cards. I tested with a 4GB PNY SDHC card and reported space for 370 RAW images. Sweetness!

What’s not there (that requires upgrading to the M8.2):

* Hardware updates – No amount of firmware updates will replace the shutter mechanism, add sapphire glass, or provide a method to alter shutter cocking behaviors. That requires that new bits be installed in the camera.

The firmware update is a welcome bit of news to Leica M8 owners who have been complaining about lack of SDHC support and Auto ISO since Day One. It will also allow Leica M8 owners to make a better choice about upgrading to the new model by virtue of providing two of the major features of the new version for free to existing customers.

You can download the update from Leica here.
I have mirrored the update here.

UPDATE: Leica recommends that Lexar & Sandisk SDHC be used for maximum compatibility. I can report that PNY cards up to 8GB work just fine. 8GB PNY SDHC = 753 RAW images. All for $34.99 from Best Buy.

Leica Unveils M8.2

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Sep 142008

Evolution of the LEICA M8 digital rangefinder camera

* New metal blade focal plane shutter
* Ultra scratch-resistant sapphire crystal as coverglass
* New snapshot mode
* Quick override setting
* Leica dot and accessory also in black
* Robust “vulcanite“ finish
* New compact charger

The new LEICA M8.2 is a significant development of Leica Camera AG’s German-made digital rangefinder camera for professionals. While important LEICA M8 attributes such as discretion, intuitive work and robustness have been further improved, the new model retains the key characteristics of the Leica reportage camera such as the compact shape, the exceptional image quality in connection with Leica M lenses and the unique picture composition with the Leica rangefinder that show it to be a genuine M camera. The LEICA M8.2 complements the M8, and many elements of the M8.2 can be integrated into the M8 if desired. With this parallel marketing, Leica Camera AG is underlining yet again the full system compatibility and high value retention of its M series.

The LEICA M8.2 integrates a new extra-quiet, low-vibration metal blade focal plane shutter which allows the photographer to determine the right moment for cocking. This brings the digital LEICA M8.2 extremely close to the ideal of the famous rubber cloth focal plane shutter of its analog sisters. Responding to the request of many professional photographers, the new black model has been given an even more inconspicuous design: the Leica dot and the accessory shoe now blend in with the color of the camera. The black version of the camera boasts a new extra durable high-quality deep black finish.

The new snapshot mode will appeal to all those who want good results right away without knowing a lot about photography. If the shutter speed dial is turned to the new “S“ setting, the camera controls all the key features automatically, such as automatic exposure (aperture priority), automatic ISO speed setting and automatic white balance. For the three most commonly used subject modes, the LEICA M8.2 gives hints on aperture and focus settings, which are displayed when the “INFO” button on the camera monitor is pressed. The photographer can obtain further information from the new brief waterproof instructions which can be folded to the size of a credit card.

The automatic ISO setting can be selected in all operation modes of the LEICA M8.2. Another new feature is a quick override setting: When the shutter release button is sustained as far as the first pressure point, a correction of +/- 3 stops in 1/3 steps can be made with the dial on the back of the camera. The setting is shown in the viewfinder. Further modifications include a more pronounced detent mechanism of the main switch of the camera to prevent inadvertent activation of the self-timer, and redesign of the bright line frames in the viewfinder to allow more precise determination of the picture frame for longer distances.

The new LEICA M8.2 is the very first professional digital camera to use an ultra scratch- resistant sapphire crystal as coverglass for the camera monitor. It is so hard that it can be exclusively worked with special diamond tools and is permanently resistant to all mechanical or abrasive stress. The camera also sports a new easy-grip and specially robust “vulcanite“ finish.

The new compact charger unit is designed to take up a minimum of space in the photograper’s bag, and charges the lithium ion battery to 80% in only an hour and a half. This is already sufficient for about 400 exposures, so if the full capacity of about 500 exposures is not required, the camera can always be recharged in a very short time.

The new LEICA M8.2 has inherited the superlative image quality of the LEICA M8, resulting from the combination of the legendary M lenses with a CCD image sensor specially designed for the requirements of the Leica M system and high-performance image processing. The new Capture One 4 raw data converter of the Danish manufacturer Phase One ensures the best possible picture quality in the camera’s DNG mode. Unlike any other digital camera, the LEICA M8.2 is able to use almost all Leica M system lenses produced since 1954 due to their high standard of performance.

Like its predecessors, the new LEICA M8.2 continues in the tradition of easy operation, concentration on the essential, few controls and logical, easy-to-follow menus.

The LEICA M8 launched in the fall of 2006 is still available as an alternative to the new LEICA M8.2. Following a tradition of the Leica company that is unique in the world of digital photography, many elements of the new LEICA M8.2 can even be integrated into the LEICA M8: the shutter, the sapphire coverglass or the new viewfinder frames can be retrofitted by Customer Service.

The LEICA M8.2 is available now at Leica stockists.

Panasonic Announces Micro Four-Thirds Camera

Cameras No Responses »

Sep 122008

PANASONIC LUMIX DMC-G1: WORLD’S SMALLEST AND LIGHTEST DIGITAL INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERA ¹

World’s First Micro Four Thirds System Camera Features Portability, Ease-of-Use and Colorful Blue and Red Models For Personalized Style and Active Lifestyles

Secaucus, NJ (September 12, 2008) – Panasonic today announced the world’s first Micro Four Thirds system camera, the LUMIX DMC-G1, the world’s smallest and lightest digital interchangeable lens camera, weighing in at approximately 385 grams (0.85 lbs).¹ Based on the new Micro Four Thirds System standard, the LUMIX G1 eliminates the internal mirror structure that defines digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras, thus reducing the size and weight by nearly half.² With the mirror-less system, the G1’s flange back, which is the distance between the mount and the image sensor, has been reduced from 40 mm – as specified in the Four Thirds System – to approximately 20 mm.

The new Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G1 will enhance the advanced photo quality and flexibility made possible by the Four Thirds System, and with its innovative design, consumers will appreciate the portability of a smaller camera body and lenses. The G1 will be available in mid-November as a kit with the new LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S lens. Also available in November, and announced today, is the LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm/F4.0-5.6/MEGA O.I.S.lens.

“With the LUMIX G1, we are filling a void that has existed for a long time in the digital camera market, because consumers wanted the power of an SLR, but previous models were bulky and inconvenient,” said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The LUMIX G answers this challenge as consumers can benefit from the flexibility of changing lenses; a quick Auto Focus; and a sensor that produces high-quality photos. By packing all those powerful assets into an extremely compact body with easy-to-use features familiar to point-and-shoot users, we are excited about G, as it brings new possibilities to the consumer.”

The LUMIX G1 is also the world’s first interchangeable lens camera that will come with color variety – with availability in black, blue and red models – allowing consumers to personalize their style through color, something very popular with point-and-shoot camera models.

For current Four Thirds users with a collection of lenses, an optional mount adapter will allow Four Thirds lenses to be compatible with the LUMIX G1.³ Also, today, with the introduction of the Micro Four Thirds System, Panasonic is announcing a wide-variety of accessories including:

External Flash DMW-FL220(GN22);
PL Filter: DMW-LPL52;
Mount Adapter: DMW-MA1;
Battery Pack: DMW-BLB13;
DC Cable: DMW-DCC3;
Soft Case: DMW-CG1;
Soft Bag: DMW-BAG1;
Shoulder Strap (Stylish) DMW-SSTG1-A/C/R;
Shoulder Strap (Woven) DMW-SSTG2-W;
Shoulder Strap (Leather) DMW-SSTG3-T.

The G1 is also compatible with current accessories:

External Flash: DMW-FL360(GN36)/DMW-FL500(GN50);
ND Filter: DMW-LND52;
MC Protector: DMW-LMC52;
Remote Shutter: DMW-RSL1;
HDMI mini Cable: RP-CDHM15(1.5m), RP-CDHM30(3.0m).

The G1’s compact size can also be attributed to its electronic full-time Live View Finder, as opposed to a conventional optical viewfinder. The electronic Live View Finder, with an impressive and high-resolution 1,440,000-dot equivalent, allows the user to shoot the exact image the camera sees while also displaying information about the camera’s settings through the view finder. The G1 also features a clever built-in eye sensor, so the camera can detect when the user is nearing the view finder and automatically switches off the LCD, thus conserving battery life. Also, the Live View Finder has a large 1.4x (0.7x on a 35mm equivalent) magnification and when using the G1 in manual focus mode, the frame in the view finder or LCD will enlarge by 5x or 10x (can adjust using the dial).

The Live View Finder and the bright 460,000-dot resolution, 3.0-inch LCD provide a 100% field of view, letting the user adjust settings before taking a shot, which is a great learning tool for consumers beginning to use manual controls, as they can visually confirm the effects of changed settings. The LCD can also swivel 180 degrees horizontally and 270 degrees vertically, giving the consumer flexibility to take high- and low-angle shots, and its Auto Power technology will automatically boost brightness by as much as 40% depending on the shooting condition so it remains visible in all lighting environments.

The G1 introduces a new Contrast AF (Auto Focus) function that is not only accurate and easy to use, but also very fast. Users can choose from a wide-range of AF modes, including multiple-area AF with up to 23 focus areas, 1-area AF with a selectable focus area, Face Detection, and AF Tracking. In the 1-area AF mode, the AF frame size can be changed by simply turning a dial. The G1 also has a Quick AF function that begins focusing as soon as the user aims the camera – no need to wait to press the shutter button halfway. This provides quicker focusing that can help capture the subject before the crucial moment passes.

Users familiar with point-and-shoot digital cameras, and new to the world of advanced interchangeable lens cameras, will benefit from Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto (iA) mode. When in iA mode, the G1 will detect the shooting condition and automatically adjust for the ultimate shooting results. Panasonic’s iA includes the following intuitive technologies.

* AF Tracking – Automatically tracks the subject as it moves, keeping it in focus without the need to hold the shutter halfway down.
* Intelligent Exposure – Helps prevents photos from being under- or over-exposed by analyzing the framed image and adjusting the brightness in areas that are too dark because of dim lighting, backlighting or the use of the flash.
* MEGA O.I.S. – Gyrosensors detect hand-shake and the lens system shifts to compensate, helping to prevent hand movement from creating a blurry image.
* Intelligent ISO – Determines if the photo subject is moving and changes the ISO setting and shutter speed accordingly, thus giving a blur-free photo.
* Intelligent Scene Selector – Senses the ambient conditions and will automatically select the appropriate mode from Scenery, Portrait, Close-up, Night Portrait or Night Scenery.
* Face Detection – Detects faces in the frame (up to 15 faces), even if they are moving, and selects optimal focus and exposure settings so portraits come out clear. Also features Digital Red-Eye correction.

The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G1, a 12.1 Megapixel camera, also includes the following advanced features.

* Live MOS Sensor – Provides the best of both worlds with high image quality from a CCD sensor, and the lower-power consumption of a CMOS sensor. New technology makes it possible to read four channels of data simultaneously and deliver 60 frames-per-second full-time Live View images.
* Venus Engine HD – New imaging processor enhances noise reduction and provides independent gradation control for each of the R, G and B colors.
* Supersonic Wave Filter Dust Reduction System – Designed to prevent dust from adhering to the image sensor by vibrating 50,000 times per second, the filter repels dust and other particles.
* My Color Mode – Users can freely adjust the color, brightness and saturation while composing shots, allowing for more expressive and creative shots.
* HDMI Output – With an optional HDMI cable, the G1 can connect to an HDMI-capable High Definition television, such as a Panasonic VIERA Plasma or LCD. When connected to a VIERA, using VIERA Link capability, the TV’s remote control can direct the slideshow on the G1.
* My Menu – This new tab automatically stores the five most recently used menu selections for quick, convenient retrieval. The custom-setting can also be used to program a frequently-used function which can be activated by pressing the down arrow on the cursor key. The color of the menu viewed on LCD can also be changed to three different colors: black, red, blue.

Pricing for the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G1 and its Micro Four Thirds accessories will be announced in early October.

¹ As of September 12, 2008.
² Compared to the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-L10.
³ Needs an adapter (available as an optional accessory) to use Four Thirds lenses. Lenses that are not compatible with the Contrast AF function can be used with manual focusing. There are also some limitations to other functions. For details, see the following customer support site: http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/index.htm

Leica D-Lux 4 leaked?

Cameras, Rumors No Responses »

Sep 112008

Leicarumors has just posted some images and specs for the upcoming Leica D-Lux 4.

Leica_D_Lux4_small.jnc77wucv69z.jpg

They also report that is has the following specifications:

Leica D-Lux4 on sale from mid-October

The first digital Leica systemkompaktkameraet on sale from mid-October. Read pressmeldingen from Leica / Lars Farnes AS here.

Published: 3.9. Last updated at 3.9. 15:57.
Category: Press Release
Directed by: Løwe Per Kristian

The first digital Leica systemkompaktkameraet.

Leica D-Lux4 is a compact digital camera from the Leica Camera AG, Solmar with bright optics and a wider variety of settings. The camera is the sequel to the very popular Leica D-Lux3. New with the D-Lux4 is a wide range of accessories that increase the photographic potential for creative photography. A 1/1.63 “CCD is an unusually large sensor for this type of camera and allows the Leica D-Lux4 want to make pictures in excellent quality.

It nykonstruerte zoom lens, LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON 5.1-12.8mm f/2-2.8 ASPH has a zoomområde which is equivalent to 24-60mm in 35mm format. In addition to the very high brightness is, in extreme wide-angle 24mm on the new creative options open in connection with the landscape, architecture, travel and report photography. The high brightness makes Leica D-Lux4 ideal for photography in the existing light, without using a flash. Whether it is low light or selective use of depth of field gives Leica D-Lux4 photographer new creative options to create individual images. An integrated image stabilizer compensate for the camera in all photographic conditions, even in low light.

Leica D-Lux4 offers a wide range of optional accessories that increase the camera’s application: an adapter to mount such as an E46 UVa filter or a 18mm vidvinkelforsats. A brilliant optical searches with 24mm frame can be set in blitsskoen so that the photographer can compose the subject without having to prey on the battery. New kompaktblits, LEICA CF22, delivered to the Leica D-Lux4. Håndgrepet make the camera easier to hold. This camera is ready for pictures in HDTV format. By connecting the camera’s HD port to an HD television sets with a component cable, the slides shown in the “high defenition.” In conclusion comes lærvesker stylish in black and brown to the protection of the LEICA D-LUX4.

“With the additional accessories, bright optics and an intelligent operativkonsept is Leica D-Lux4 a proper little systemkamera services with absolutely comparable to a professional camera. An unlimited potential for creative photography, very fast image processing and a compact, classic camera allows the user of the Leica D-Lux4 the additional flexibility to capture the unique moments in the camera, “says Stefan Trippe, vice president of Leica Production and Engineering at Leica Camera AG.

Leica D-Lux 4 has an unusually large CCD sensor for this type of camera, measures the 1/1.63 “and has 10.1-megapixel resolution. It can therefore distinguish the finest details and get into the tonevalørene correct. The new D-Lux 4 can take pictures in all three formats (4:3, 3:2, 16:9) in order to satisfy a particular recording or framvisning. Thanks to the large sensor, it is possible to cover the 24mm wide-angle completely. Monitor has 460,000 pixels and covers wide-angle fully, the brilliant images in which the photographer can easily compose the image and view it afterwards. Monitor can be considered from oblique angles with a good picture.

The bright zoom lens LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON 5.1-12.8mm f/2.0-2, 8 ASPH consists of eight items (four are asfæriske) in the six groups. Visuals are specially adapted to kamerasensoren, working together with the electronics and software to create makeløse pictures in natural colors. Mht colour correction, contrast and resolution, as Leica Camera AG has developed its own profile. This is added emphasis on the images are to have the same characteristics as Leica customers have come to when they use file and get the professional framkalt.

Leica D-Lux 4 has a design in which a stilren has concentrated on the essentials show the camera append themselves into the typical of Leica cameras. Ergometrisk placement of control buttons and intuitive operering makes it good to use. The focus, lukkertid, diaphragm and exposure compensation can be set manually with “joystikken”. For those who want the actual photography to be as easy as possible for the camera more automatic features. When they are turned on, it is only to press the button to get a perfectly exposed and focused image. The new and intelligent autofunksjoner analyze scenes, select the best exposure that protects the information in høylys and shadows. It’s just press the button to get a perfectly exposed and focused image. With its intelligent scene selection, the camera determines the correct motivtypen whether it’s Portrait, Macro, Nattportrett, Landscape or Nattlandskap.

Leica D-Lux 4 comes with a battery charger, rechargeable batteries and a comprehensive suite of applications. Lekker lærveske in the classical style, delivered as options.

Leica D-Lux 4 is on sale in mid-October 2008. The recommended retail price $. 5.995,00 ink.mva.
_______________________________________________________

Specifications LEICA D-LUX 4

Lens: LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON5.1-12.8 mm f/2.0-2.8 ASPH.
8 elements in 6 groups
4 aspherical elements / 4 aspherical surfaces
2.5x optical zoom:
digital zoom max. 4x
Integrated optical image stabilizer

Focal length: 5.1 – 12.8 mm (= 24-60 mm in 35 mm photography)

Aperture: Wide-angle: f2/f8.0 (1 / 3 EV steps)
Telephoto: f2.8/f8.0 (1 / 3 EV steps)

Focusing: AF: Face recognition, AF tracking, 11-field, 1-field-high-speed, 1-field, 1-spot

Image sensor: 1:1.63 “CCD sensor with 11.3 million total pixels

Effective pixels: 10.1 million

Sensitivity setting: Auto/80/100/200/400/800/1600/3200

White balance: Auto, sun, overcast sky, shade, flash lighting, halogen lighting, White Set 1, White Set 2
Exposure: Automatic program, shutter speed priority, aperture priority, manual;
manual override ± 2 EV in 1 / 3 steps, automatic bracketing (3 exposures with ± 1 / 3 to 1 EV steps)

Exposure metering: Choice of multi-field metering, center-weighted averaging, spot metering

Programs: P / A / S / M / Custom 1/Custom2/iA/Scene/Video

Scene modes: Portrait, soft skin, self-portrait, landscape, sports, night portrait, night landscape, food, party, candlelight, baby1, baby 2, sunset, high-sensitivity, starry sky, fireworks, beach, snow, aerial photo , High-speed series, flash series, film grain, pinhole camera

Shutter speed range: 60 – 1 / 2000 s,

Self-timer: 2 s or 10 s countdown

Movie modes: Standard, dynamic, natural, soft, decorative, nostalgic, b / w standard, b / w dynamic, b / w soft, My Movie 1, My Movie 2, Multi Film

Image sizes: 4:3 format (max. 10MP): 3648x 2736, 3072 x 2304, 2560 x 1920, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480

3:2 format (max. 9.5MP): 3776 x 2520, 3168 x 2112, 2656 x 1768, 2112 x 1048, 2048 x 1360
16:9 format (max. 9MP): 3968 x 2232, 3328 x 1872, 2784 x 1568, 2208 x 1248, 1920 x 1080

Video recording: 16:9 format: HD 1280×720 (24 fps), 848×480 (30 fps)
4:3 format: 640×480 (30 fps), 320×240 (30 fps, 10 fps)

Data recording: Fine / Standard
RAW / RAW + standard / RAW + fine

Series exposures: 2.5 fps
Max. 8 images (standard), 4 images (fine), 3 images (RAW)

High-speed series mode: Approx. 6 photos (3 MP with 4:3), (2.5 MP with 3:2), (2 MP with 16:9)

Flash: Auto / Auto + Anti-red-eye / Long-time Synchro + Anti-red-eye / Flash always / Flash off, 1st / 2nd shutter curtain

Monitor: 3 “TFT-LCD (3:2), 460000 pixel, wide-angle field of view approx. 100 per cent

Monitor playback: Overview (12/30 images, calendar), zoom, favorites, categories, slide show, picture rotation, alteration of resolution and cropping, deletion protection, photo from video, double image, larger focus field, horizon correction

Storage media: Built-in memory (50 M, SD memory card, SD memory card and MultiMedia card

Microphone / Loudspeaker: Built-in

Ports: DC input / AV output (NTSC / PAL), USB 2.0 high-speed, mains unit

Printer compatibility: PictBridge

Power supply: Lithium-ion battery or optional mains unit / charger

Battery capacity: 380 photos (as per CIPA Standard)

Dimensions (wxhxd): 108.7 x 59.5 x 27.1 mm

Weight: 228 g

Scope of delivery: Camera with lens cap (incl. loop) and wriststrap, battery charger, lithium-ion battery, battery case, A / V cable, USB cable, DVD with comprehensive software package

Nikon MX Rangefinder musings…

Cameras, Rumors No Responses »

Sep 062008

Rumors have been flying about the blogosphere regarding an earthshaking product introduction by Nikon. Nikon took out a half-page ad in Rangefinder Magazine about “Something Big” to be announced at the WPPI convention in February 2009.NikonRumors has been tracking this for quite a while and even Wired picked up on this.

So far the rumors have Nikon introducing a new format sensor called MX. The MX sensor is 48 mm x 48 mm and has 40.7 megapixels. These pixels are the same size and pitch as the ones in the D3/D700 so the camera should have spectacular low-light capabilities. The sensor can be masked for portrait or landscaped images without having to rotate the camera. The camera will be able to mount DX and FX lenses with and adapter.

Here are some observations and deductions I have made:

1. Nikon wants in on the lucrative MF/Wedding market and will lowball the competition severely. Phase One is currently offering a P45+ back for $29,990 and they are throwing in the rest of the camera kit (Body, Viewfinder, & 80mm Lens – an $11,000 value) for free. Rumors place the price of the MX in the sub $10k range.

2. The RF in this system will likely be a refined version of the ERF in the D700. If the MX uses a optical viewfinder, it may not couple with the focus mechanism (ie, will only be used for framing the image and will always be in focus) while the lens AF handles the actual focusing. If they take the path of EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens), then they can simulate SLR-like framing, focus and composition in an RF style body.

3. It will likely be way smaller than current DMF systems. Especially if they use EVIL.

4. FX lenses will have a .5x magnification crop. Wides will be wider and and teles will be shorter. This will target the Alpa/Cambo/Horseman shooters who are looking for a smaller landscape/architecture rigs. The MX would offer superior features over those systems as they are all scale-focus cameras.

UPDATE: Nikonrumors has posted another update. It looks like the MX (codename “Otoji”) will be a mirrorless design. Here is the quote:

The initial problem of the difference in flange register between both standards is addressed by the automatic repositioning of the focal plane of the sensor unit. The adjustment is made automatically when the adapter is mounted. The mirrorless design allows for adequate space to accomplish this while electronic masking ensures accuracy while still keeping the unit size very compact.

The keywords here are:

automatic repositioning of the focal plane of the sensor unit when the adapter is mounted

mirrorless design

UPDATE 2: Matt over at Nikonwatch has received the following anonymous tip:

Dear Matt

FYI:
On speaking with Nikon [in country unnamed], this came to light with various questions – they already had development plans for a new Nikon digital rangefinder with approx 48mmx48mm size sensor inside it, tentatively called the “MX” format, the camera is not to dissimilar to the older film Mamiya 6 camera philosophy.

The new camera will be backward compatible with DX and FX lenses (via mount adaptor), therefore the lens factor (based on using a FX lens) will be worked out like this:

DX = 1.5x (Half frame)
FX = 1.0x (Full frame)
MX = 0.5x

Custom format choice:
When shooting in FX mode with this camera, you will be able to “rotate” the sensor crop from landscape to portrait rather than turn the camera as well as be able to shoot the full square resolution this camera provides. options for 5:4 etc will also be available.

Viewfinder/Live View:
For more critical cropping (like for still-life and macro work) you will be able to use the live view function for exact framing rather than the rangefinder component.

Sensor:
about 48 megapixels, similar to the Nikon D3 design.

Lenses:
New range of lenses required for the full MX format, zoom option available covering different ranges on different formats, lenses relatively compact for format size.

Summary
A relatively compact traditional “medium format-esque” camera in a new camera line that will be aimed at studio, portrait, landscape and wedding photographers needs, with a more affordable price point than present larger format digital backs. This will allow the continuation of the D line as the sports and news photographers choice, expanding on the D3 with an upgrade to a 24mp sensor (hopefully available for the D3 body!) and future plans for 60 frame rate video recording modes in future models.

Please keep my name, email and location anonymous.

This certainly fleshes out more details about this rumored camera. But several questions remained unanswered:

How big will this camera be? Medium Format cameras are large and boxy due to their modular nature. Will this system be smaller than current MF offerings or will it be about the size of the old Mamiya 6?

This brings up an interesting point: There is another, parallel rumor circulating that the “MX” moniker only means “modular” or “multi-format”.

So will this be a “classic” rangefinder or MF SLR style body or a mutant mirrorless design? I myself favor the mutant mirrorless version as this would allow Nikon to really shrink the body and still provide such goodies as TTL framing and focusing as well as electronic masking and would cut down on the mechanical complexity of the camera.

Panasonic Micro 4/3 camera image spotted in the wild.

Cameras, Rumors No Responses »

Aug 262008

As we head into Photokina, the images and spyshots start to crop up with greater frequency as NDA’s and people’s ability to keep their mouth’s shut are strained to the breaking point. Here we see a picture of a Panasonic Micro 4/3′s interchangeable lens camera. I believe the image is a computer generated model (albeit, a good one). But whether it escaped from a PanOLeica engineer’s laptop or someone’s fertile imagination remains to be seen.

The image evokes all of the design principles put forth in the recent Panasonic/Olympus Micro Four/Thirds announcement and the inclusion of Leica glass is very welcome (even if it is built by Panasonic) but I wouldn’t be put off by some Zuiko glass well.

This next image shows the body with the lens removed exposing the 11 electrical contacts (up from 9 contacts in the standard Four Thirds mount). This brings up the mystery of the increase in contacts. For what purpose? Fear not! Our intrepid engineer (artist?) provides us with an answer: a shoe mounted electronic viewfinder (EVF)! Once again, the design specs of Micro Four Thirds are followed. The spec calls for no mirror box in this design. This leads one to believe that the camera would be Live View (on a rather generous rear LCD panel) or some sort of rangefinder affair. A high resolution EVF is an elegant compromise that allows SLR-like framing and maintaining the small size demanded by the spec. This ties in with the increase in electrical contacts between the lens and body.

Panasonic Micro 4/3 with lens and EVF (rear view)

So, is this image real or fake? I say fake inasmuch as it is a computer model of a camera that I fervently hope they will really build. If the sensor is as good as those offered in recent Olympus SLR offerings, this camera would make an excellent travel camera and backup for a full sized DSLR. Hopefully there will be a Leica version of it.

Big thanks to Leicarumors.com for the heads up about the images. Images courtesy of zuiko.exblog.jp.

Phase One Announces Full Frame Medium Format Camera

Cameras, Industry news No Responses »

Aug 192008

While rummaging around the Photokina 2008 Press site (see link below), I came across this little tidbit. Phase One A/S (makers of medium format digital cameras/backs and the CaptureOne RAW Converter) have leapfrogged Hasselblad by releasing a 60.5 megapixel digital camera system!

Digital Medium Format cameras are fully upgradeable. Owners can update any of the system modules to keep their investment current. Such modularity comes with a price however. The Phase One P65+ digital back starts at $39,900 USD and the P65+ Camera System starts at $41,990.

So what does a camera that costs as much as a loaded Audi A4 bring to the table?

The Phase One P 65+ is the first digital back and camera system to take advantage of the new Sensor+ design and is the world’s first full-frame capture system based on actual 645 film format. The P 65+ provides the largest live capture area available with coverage of 53.9mm x 40.4mm – enabling full viewfinder coverage thus no need for lens magnification. “What you see is what you get.” The P 65+ sensor format provides 20 percent more live area compared to 39 or 50 Megapixel, 48mm x 36mm chips currently delivering or announced. Sensor resolution is 60.5 Megapixel with 8984 x 6732 active pixels achieving 180 MB, 8 bit RGB files.

In addition to offering the industry’s largest live capture area and highest resolution, the P 65+ offers captures at 1 frame per second, reduction of Moiré artifacts, next generation Lens+ & Focus+ technologies and an unprecedented 12.5 f-stops of dynamic range.

Pros

Lots and lots of big pixels,

Buckets of dynamic range,

Total system upgradability

Cons

Bulky

Price

Slow frame rate (1/sec)

Press Release

(Via Photokina Press Site.)

Analysis of Micro Four-Thirds

Cameras, Industry news 1 Response »

Aug 092008

With the recent press release by Olympus and Panasonic about Micro Four Thirds (m4/3), the photo-blogosphere has been buzzing concerning product announcements around this as Photokina 2008 approaches. To recap, Olympus and Panasonic announced a new variation of their five year old Four Thirds digital camera platform designed for smaller, thinner interchangeable lens cameras using the 4/3 sensor and capable of providing DSLR quality images in a smaller form-factor.

However, there are many questions still floating about concerning the implementation of this digital-only specification.

Translations of the press release has Olympus & Panasonic targeting women as the main demographic for this new camera format. They also feel, to a lesser degree, that DSLR owners will be interested as well. I feel that they are underestimating the desire of DSLR owners to have a small, easy-to-carry, high-quality backup camera. Sigma botched it with the DP1 and Nikon’s recently announced P6000 may be trumped by this technology.

Another group missed entirely is the rangefinder crowd. While Leica’s M8 is currently the only interchangeable digital rangefinder on the market, the high cost of entry and camera’s quirkiness (don’t get me wrong, I own one and love it) tends to relegate it to being a niche player. Oddly, rumors have Leica quietly bowing out of the 4/3s Alliance and producing their own lower priced DRF. Will it be m4/3?

Among the images shown during the press conference, a silhouette of a m4/3 camera body with a pancake style lens is shown. Will this proposed camera employ an optical or electronic viewfinder? Will it have a viewfinder at all – opting instead for a point and shoot Live View LCD instead?

Quoting the Micro Four Thirds website: …However, growing support for Live View shooting in the market presented another option. We could eliminate the conventional viewfinder and therefore the mirror box altogether. On this basis, the Micro Four Thirds System was conceived. It specifies the optimum flange back length required to reduce camera size and thickness, assuming the omission of the mirror box. The flange back length has been reduced to about 1/2 that of the Four Thirds System. This is considered short enough to allow radical reductions in size and thickness, without causing problems with the lens drive and while still reserving space for accommodating the devices indispensable for digital SLRs such as the low-pass filter and the dust reduction mechanism, as well as devices likely to be adopted in the future.

So it looks like the first m4/3 camera is shaping up to be an interchangeable lens P&S design with a large (and hopefully high resolution) LCD display on the back act as a viewfinder. Hopefully, someone will market a shoe mounted optical viewfinder.

Moving on to the new lens mount, the m4/3 spec calls for a lens mount that is 6mm smaller and has 11 electrical contacts to 4/3′s nine. What are the two extra contacts for?

According to the Micro Four Thirds website: “…the lens mount of the Micro Four Thirds System is equipped with two additional signal contacts for smoother Live View shooting with shorter time lags, faster higher communication speeds between the lens and body, and, of course, reduced lens and camera size.

These two contacts will also be used in high-speed data processing required for the movie handling capability expected in the future.”

Movie handling? Interesting choice of words.

Since they are using a Live Viewfinder as opposed to a more traditional design, the proposed camera can have a much smaller shutter box and still maintain the features we have all come to expect on high quality cameras: image stabilization, dust reduction and low pass filters.

If you have existing 4/3 mount lenses, adapters will be available to allow you to mount them. Since the 4/3 spec for lenses calls for a tele-centric design, the additional distance from the shutter should not have any effect on the image circle. the question here is whether they will produce adaptors for other lens mounts?

I, for one, have high hopes for the format. Olympus has really “stuck to its guns” with Four Thirds and now this new format will allow them to enter the blossoming high-end P&S market. I will be watching this with great interest!

Olympus Imaging and Panasonic announce new Micro Four Thirds System standard

Cameras No Responses »

Aug 072008

Olympus Imaging Corporation (Olympus Imaging) and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (Panasonic) today announced joint development of technologies and devices for the “Micro Four Thirds System standard,” a new standard that extends the benefits of the Four Thirds System standard for interchangeable lens type digital camera systems by enabling dramatic reductions in size and weight. Under the terms of an agreement between the two companies, they will work jointly toward commercial production of significantly lighter and more compact interchangeable lens type digital camera systems.

The global market for interchangeable lens type digital SLR cameras is growing steadily, but still only accounts for a 7% share of the total digital camera market. Considering the much larger share held by interchangeable lens type SLR camera systems when film was the dominant imaging medium, it seems that there is still ample room for sales growth in the category. But compact digital cameras continue to offer an expanding range of features and performance, and market surveys indicate that customers choose compact models because they find digital SLR cameras to be “big, heavy, and difficult to operate.”

Recognizing this market trend, Olympus Imaging and Panasonic have introduced products based on the Four Thirds System standard, and have led the industry in bringing features such as Live View and contrast-detection autofocusing systems to interchangeable lens type digital camera systems.

Now, Olympus Imaging and Panasonic are expanding the potential of the Four Thirds System standard even further, enabling the development of radically more compact and lightweight interchangeable lens type digital camera systems based on the Micro Four Thirds System standard. Together with the existing range of Four Thirds System products, the new range of Micro Four Thirds System products will enable customers to enjoy true interchangeable lens type digital camera system performance.

When compared to the Four Thirds System standard, the primary distinguishing characteristics of the Micro Four Thirds System standard are:

Approximately 50% shorter flangeback distance (mount-to-sensor distance)

6mm smaller lens mount outer diameter

Electrical contacts in mount increased from 9 to 11

* Image sensor diagonal dimensions are the same for both Four Thirds System and Micro Four Thirds System standards.

The Micro Four Thirds System enables users to enjoy the high image quality benefits of the Four Thirds System’s 4/3-type image sensor in a much more compact camera body, and also take advantage of significantly more compact lenses, particularly in the wide-angle and high-power zoom range. The Four Thirds System offers compact, lightweight performance, and the new Micro Four Thirds System will take this even further by making it possible to develop ultra-compact interchangeable lens type digital camera systems unlike anything seen before. The new Micro Four Thirds System also incorporates a greater number of lens-mount electrical contacts, enabling support for new features and increased system functionality in the future.

In addition, users will be able to mount their existing Four Thirds System lenses on Micro Four Thirds System bodies via an adapter.

Moving forward, Olympus Imaging and Panasonic will jointly develop relevant technologies and devices for both Four Thirds System and Micro Four Thirds System standards, and will develop and introduce standards-compliant products in accordance with their respective business strategies.

While continuing to develop Four Thirds System interchangeable lens type digital camera system products, Olympus Imaging will also develop a range of Micro Four Thirds System lenses and accessories, and Micro Four Thirds System camera bodies that are even smaller and slimmer than the light, compact, and widely acclaimed Olympus E-410 and E420.

While continuing to develop Four Thirds System interchangeable lens type digital camera system products, Panasonic will also develop a new generation of compact, lightweight, interchangeable lens type digital camera system products, including ultra-portable camera bodies, interchangeable lenses, and related system accessories.

About the Four Thirds System Standard

The Four Thirds System standard defines design and development standards for interchangeable lens type digital camera systems that fully realize the performance potential of digital technology. Four Thirds System cameras utilize a 4/3-type image sensor that delivers the high image quality expected of interchangeable lens type digital camera systems in a form factor that assures outstanding mobility. The Four Thirds System standard is an open standard that enables bodies and lenses produced by participating manufacturers to exchange information and be used interchangeably with one another.

*The company names and product names specified in this release are the trademarks or registered trademarks of each company.
Please be advised that press releases and information posted on this site are current at the time of the original publication date. Please note that they may now be outdated or rendered inaccurate.

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