Apr 082013
 

NAB 2013, Las Vegas, USA – April 8, 2013 – Blackmagic Design today announced Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, a beautifully designed, pocket sized digital cinema camera that includes powerful features such as Super 16mm sized 1080HD sensor, super wide 13 stops of dynamic range, built in SD card recorder for Apple ProRes, lossless compressed CinemaDNG RAW capture and active Micro Four Thirds lens mount, all in an attractive compact design for only US$995.

 Blackmagicpocketcinemacameraangle

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Aug 052012
 

Olympus’ latest offering in their Micro Four-Thirds camera lineup takes it cues from the venerable OM line of SLRs instead of the more compact PEN series. The result is a small easily handheld camera that feel solid in the hand and is light enough to be used all day. Coupled with a brand new sensor, weather-sealing, an optional (but really necessary) battery grip, the OM-D E-M5 scores a home run for Olympus.

OM-D E-M5 + OM Zuiko 50mm f/3.5 Macro

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Jul 122012
 
Oly logo

Today Olympus announces the release of new firmware for the OM-D E-M5 which offers the following improvements:

  • Improved sleep recovery operation
  • AF target indication when using C-AF+TR while shooting sequential images using Sequential L setting
  • Added function to automatically move focus to the following zoom positions when underwater macro mode or underwater wide mode is selected. (Only when M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50 mm F3.5-6.3 EZ is attached) 
  • Underwater wide mode: Wide setting
  • Underwater macro mode: Telephoto setting

Additionally, there is an Olympus Viewer 2 application update for both Windows and Mac that delivers the following:

  1. Added the function to edit movies taken by the camera (mov, mp4)
  2. Added the function to upload images to “My Photos” on (ib on the net). ib on the net is available in Japan and the U.S.A — http://www.ibonthenet.com/ns/service/serviceOutline

Here are the updates:

Firmware Version 1.2 for the OM-D E-M5

Firmware Version 1.4 for Olympus Viewer 2 Software

There are two options for updating the firmware:

    1. Simply launch the included Olympus camera software and connect the camera via USB cable to an internet connected computer. Choose the Update function from the Camera menu in the software to apply available updates for camera bodies, lenses and accessories.
    2. Download the software updater from the following link: http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_downloads_updater.asp
      and follow the installer instructions.

    With each method, users can choose to display information related to what the update will apply, prior to performing the update.

    The ability to update the firmware of Olympus digital camera components, bodies, lenses, accessories, and take advantage of some of the latest technologies is one of the key advantages of Olympus’ 100% digital design.

     My OM-D E-M5 + Camdapter Strap

    Jun 142012
     

    (PresseBox) Bad Kreuznach, 14.06.2012, Jos. Schneider Optische Werke GmbH based in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, and its subsidiaries have recorded an increase in operating results by around 14 %. Total sales of 85.5 million euros in 2011 were roughly at prior-year level. Continual growth at the company’s Bad Kreuznach headquarters contributed 51.7 million euros to Group sales, up 6 percent versus the prior-year period. “We have been making major investments at the Bad Kreuznach location and are pleased to see that the headquarters has recorded further growth,” said Schneider Group’s managing director Dr. Josef Staub.

    SK JPG2012 MFT14

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    May 242012
     

    CENTER VALLEY, Pa., May 24, 2012 – Today, Olympus adds to the Micro Four Thirds family of lenses with the release of the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm f1.8 High-Grade Portrait Lens (150mm equivalent), a high-speed, single-focal-length telephoto lens that is optimized for studio, stage, indoor sports and portrait photography, encased in a high-quality, compact, stunning metal body.

     Mock up EZ M75mm XL

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    May 212012
     

    SECAUCUS, NJ (May 21, 2012) – Today, Panasonic announced a new digital interchangeable standard zoom lens, the LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm/F2.8 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. (H-HS12035). The newest addition to the company’s premium lens brand “X,” which is compatible with the Panasonic LUMIX G Series and complies with the Micro Four Thirds™ system standard, this lens offers a versatile zoom range of 12-35mm (35mm camera equivalent: 24-70mm) and features constant F2.8 aperture brightness at entire zoom range. Suitable for professionals and enthusiasts, this new lens captures a wide range of scenes from dynamic landscapes to available light and studio-lit portraits and features superb image rendering for lifelike textures and crisp edge-to-edge contrast.Panasonic 12 35 F28

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    May 162012
     

    Panasonic is expected to announce a new camera and two new X-Series lenses on May 21. While the camera is interesting to me from a new product perspective, I am very interested in the new lenses.

    Photo courtesy of Photorumors.com
    Image courtesy of Photorumors.com

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    May 112012
     

    I got an e-mail yesterday that my camera dealer has an Olympus OM-D E-M5 + Grip with my name on it! The camera will be winging its way to me very shortly and I will be able to start testing this little puppy. Based on a lot of shots and videos that I already have seen, this camera may well meet my rather stringent needs.

    IMG_0093

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    Dec 142011
     

    CENTER VALLEY, Pa., December 14, 2011 – Olympus adds to its powerfully simple and growing PEN family with the first fully-compatible interchangeable Micro Four Thirds lens to incorporate an electronic motorized zoom. The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 EZ (35mm equivalent 24–100mm) delivers smooth, quiet zooming that gives you versatility, portability and maximizes the performance of the Olympus PEN® compact system cameras.
    The sophisticated new lens has a zoom ratio of approximately 4.2x, allowing photographers to capture anything from detailed, wide-angle group shots to medium telephoto-range images so you can get up close and personal for intimate portraits of children and pets – even indoors. The photographer can control the zooming speed by turning the barrel – slowly for drama, quickly for performance, or at an intermediate rate. Manual zooming is also available for those looking to take full control.

    12-50mm BLK EZ-sideways
    In macro mode, which can be set by pushing the zoom ring forward while depressing the macro button on the side of the lens, focusing is possible between 8 and 20 inches for close-up shooting with a maximum image magnification of 0.72X (35mm camera equivalent). The L-Fn (Lens Function) button suspends the autofocusing operation temporarily to avoid unintended focusing on obstacles that appear suddenly between the camera and the subject.

    Perfect for brilliant still images and high-definition (HD) video capture, the Movie & Still Compatible (MSC) M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 EZ has also been enhanced with a linear motor that drives smooth and quiet autofocusing for stress-free shooting.

    New lens elements and glass materials ensure the clearest possible imaging performance, and the proven dust and splashproof mechanism originally featured in the Four Thirds SHG (Super High Grade) series lenses is now incorporated for the first time in a Micro Four Thirds System lens. Multiple sealing rings, fitted throughout the lens body, prevent water splashes and dust from penetrating, making the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ a versatile zoom lens for the toughest conditions.

    U.S. Pricing and Availability
    M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ: Available Mid-January 2012

    Estimated Street Price: $499.99

     

    For a complete list of specifications, visit: http://olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1582

    Jul 272011
     

    CENTER VALLEY, Pa., July 27, 2011 – Imaging enthusiasts will rejoice knowing that they can finally get their hands on the desirable Olympus PEN E-PL3 – a powerful camera designed for photographers craving a portable camera with pro quality and point-and-shoot simplicity. The PEN E-PL3 is an interchangeable lens camera offering a sleek, metal body packed with versatile controls and lenses with professional image quality.

    Available in September, the Olympus PEN E-PL3 will be sold at the affordable price of $699.99 and will deliver amazing image quality and lightning fast speed for brilliant still images and high-definition (HD) video. It will ship bundled with either a wide-angle zoom M.Zuiko 14-42mm lens (28mm-84mm equivalent), optimized for fast autofocus (AF) and silent AF operation, or the M. Zuiko 17mm ultra-compact and portable wide-angle pancake lens (34mm equivalent).

    Olympus epl3 k 1000

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