The folks at LG will be releasing the oddly shaped LG Optimus Vu soon, it having a 4 x 3 ratio to appear very similar to a cracker. Motorola has dropped two monsters upon us, one of them the Motorola MOTOLUXE for the mid range and the other the fourth in a generation. That’s right, it’s the DROID 4 from Motorola complete with a side-lit keyboard to keep you QWERTY fans happy all night long! Meanwhile Samsung will have no presence at MWC 2012 as they play the low-key card.

All Android devices of the future will be working with Google Chrome if they wish, but none will have Flash integrated as per the plan. There’s one gigantic mother of the lens out there this morning for your camera fans once more, the Sony SAL500F40G 500mm super-zoom from the streets of heaven, sent down to bring you so close to the action that you’ll think you’re inside your subject. Another device looking to get you in close with the action is Logitech’s Touch Mouse M600 and the HP TouchPad finally has some Android code from the manufacturers to make all you hackers happy.

Olympus’ speedy autofocus system from the PEN E-P3 has been brought over, though with a speed boost, and there’s 9fps burst shooting in Single AF mode. 3D autofocus tracking can keep a fix on subjects as they move not only up and down in the frame, but further away or closer to the camera.

There’s the usual Full HD 1080i video capture (though not 1080p, it seems), together with ISO support up to 25,600 and weatherproofing of the body itself, which is ruggedized against water, sand and low temperatures. However Olympus has also given the E-M5 the world’s first 5-axis image stabilization system, which promises to smooth out horizontal shift, vertical shift, rotary motion, yaw and pitch even if the photographer is running. Operational during both still and video recording, it’s integrated into the camera body itself so that any lens can take advantage of it.

On the subject of lenses, Olympus has stuck with the Micro Four Thirds system and has prepared a duo of new options for the E-M5. The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50 mm f3.5-6.3 EZ lens is dustproof and splashproof as well, and there’s a cheaper M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42 mm f3.5-5.6 II R lens option too. Other accessories include separate flashes for use with the powered hot-shoe, and a MMF-3 Four Thirds mount adapter.

On the back, there’s a tilting 3-inch OLED touchscreen, with touch shutter-release along with touch-focus and easier control over tone settings. Most users will be more excited by the EVF, however, which has a 120fps refresh rate, a 100-percent field of view, maximum 1.15x magnification and an eye point of 18mm. It can show not only a view of what the camera sees, but all the relevant exposure, Art Filter effects and other settings.

Retro design and high-tech functionality come at a cost, however. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 will be priced at $999.99 body-only when it arrives in April, in either black or silver, while a bundle with the black M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42 mm f3.5-5.6 II R lens will be $1,099.99. Expect to pay $1,299.99 for the E-M5 with the black M.ZUIKO Digital ED 12-50 mm f3.5-6.3 EZ lens.

And that’s just the beginning of the specs. Let’s look at each of them individually. So going back to the SZ-31MR, it has a 16-megapixel sensor and an eye-popping 24x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens. It also packs in a Multi-Recording feature that allows users to take photos and video simultaneously. There’s functionality for movie and image stabilization, and it offers full HD video and HDMI control for 1080p playback. It will be available in April for around $400.

For the TG-820 iHS (pictured), it’s all about durability. Olympus promises that it sets a new benchmark for “Waterproof, Shockproof, Freezeproof, Crushproof and Dustproof performance.” The 12-megapixel sensor and TruePic VI image processor, originally developed for DSLRs, offer fantastic image quality. That’s good to know if you ever need a crystal clear shot while 220 pounds of weight are being applied to your camera. Yep, it can withstand 220 pounds of force. This one will be available in March for around $300.

And finally the E-M5 is the first of a new series for Olympus, the OM-D brand designed to meet the needs of advanced photographers. The device has a 16.1-megapixel sensor, the world’s fastest autofocusing system, the world’s first 5-axis image stabilizer, and a touch-screen OLED display. This high-end camera will sell in April for between $1,000 and $1,300.

While the press blurb on the image itself has plenty of hyperbole, we do know some rumored specs about the camera too. It’s tipped to have a magnesium, weather-sealed body weighing in at around 373g without a lens, while inside is believed to be a 16-megapixel sensor. That’s said to be  optimized for High Dynamic Range photography, with speedy AF, 3D tracking and a five-axis image stabilizer.

ISO 200 to 25,600 is expected, along with an integrated 1.44m dot digital viewfinder paired with a 3-inch 610k dot OLED screen that can tilt. Pricing is said to be in the region of $1,300, though that’s based on a roughly 100,000 yen figure in Japan, where the yen is notoriously strong.

We won’t have to wait long to find out, though. The Olympus OM-D is rumored to launch on February 8.

According to the Wells Fargo post, which cited Kyodo News International, the Olympus OM-D will be the company’s top digital mirrorless interchangeable lens camera series, resembling the OM-1 film camera but equipped with high-speed auto focus, image stabilization, and a 16-megapixel sensor.

It will be the first digital version of the company’s legendary OM series single-lens reflex film cameras, which have been popular since the 1970s thanks to its small size and durability. The new digital OM-D will be available this spring in the US, Europe, and some Asian countries as a top-tier model selling for more than 100,000 yen in Japan, or about $1,300 USD. The camera is expected to be unveiled at an event scheduled for February 8.

[via Pocket-lint]

The OM-D is expected to feature a magnesium, weather-sealed body that weighs 373 grams for just te body. It will sport a 16-megapixel sensor optimized for High Dynamic Range, FAST AF, 3D tracking, and a five-axis image stabilizer inside the body. It offers ISO options of 200 up to 25,600, a built-in digital viewfinder with 1.44 million dots resolution, and a 3-inch 610,000 pixel OLED tilting preview screen.

The camera will likely be unveiled at Olympus’ February 8 press event. Olympus recently trademarked the OM-D name and launched an ad campaign highlighting the letters “O” and “M.” The company also has placed a “coming soon” teaser on its website.

[via 43Rumors]

Olympus is in need of $1.7bn in capital, having been rocked by an accounting scandal that has seen half of its board of directors actually being sued by the company itself. The board plans to dissolve and make room for a fresh batch of execs by the end of April, but still remains under investigation for its part in hiding over a decade’s worth of losses.

According to previous leaks, Olympus had already drawn up a shortlist of possible minority stakeholders that management believed would be a good fit. The list – believed to consist of Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, Terumo Corp (a medical equipment firm and an existing minority stakeholder) and Fujifilm Holdings.

Samsung has already revealed it has a new taste for healthcare specialists, with the Korean firm looking to diversify its footprint beyond its existing segments – the company has said a similar thing about its software competitiveness in IT - though a company spokesperson has said no formal offer from Olympus has been received. What might happen to the Olympus camera business, which launched several new models including superzooms and point-and-shoots this past week at CES, is unclear.

[via 43 Rumors]

As for the Olympus VR-340, that has a 16-megapixel sensor and a 10x super wide optical zoom lens, nine Magic Art Filters, and one-touch 720p HD video recording. There’s also a 3-inch LCD preview display on the back.

Finally, the Olympus VG-160 pairs a 5x optical zoom and a wide-angle lens with a 14-megapixel sensor, along with Magic Art Filters, HD Video and an intelligent iAuto mode for beginners and the lazy. It too has a 3-inch LCD, along with AF Tracking, Shadow Adjustment Technology and Face Detection.

The Olympus VG-160 will go on sale in February, priced at $99.99, alongside the Tough TG-320 at $179.99. The VR-340 follows on in March, priced at $149.99.

The SP-620UZ can also shoot HD video, and has various preloaded Magic Art Filters for mangling shots before they make it to your computer. They’re also found on the SZ-12, along with 7 fps continuous shooting. Both models have a 3-inch LCD display and Eye-Fi wireless memory card support.

The Olympus SP-620UZ will hit shelves this month, priced at $199.99, while the SZ-12 will go on sale in March, also at $199.99.

The suggested timescale – sometime in-between February 6 and February 11 – might suggest Olympus is waiting until the Yokohama Camera and Photo Imaging Show, which takes place from the 9 to the 12 of the month. The company is listed as an exhibitor there, though the schedule of actual launches is yet to be released.

What Olympus fans are most interested to find out, however, is what sensor the new interchangeable lens model will use. The last compact models from the company, the PEN E-P3, E-PL3 and E-PM1, came with 12.3-megapixel sensors, so we’re expecting perhaps some more in this updated version. It’s also believed to use Olympus’ 12-50mm zoom as the default kit lens.

[Mockup image via Livedoor]

Cityam reports that a joint investigation of police and financial regulators is rare. Olympus has admitted to the questionable practices and the company is now looking for buyers and any other means to remedy the situation. Fujifilm has been tipped as one of the parties interested in buying Olympus. The Tokyo high rise raided by the prosecutors is the HQ for three Olympus subsidiaries that were purchased under the scheme to hide losses.

The investigation intensified after a panel of experts that Olympus hired to look into the allegations found that two former senior executives worked with investment bankers to cook up the scheme. The investigation also concludes that three former presidents of the firm including Tsuyoshi Kikukawa knew about the scheme. Kikukawa resigned in October after the scheme first surfaced. Olympus has confirmed the investigation in PDF statements here and here.

[via Cityam]

This device has two quarter-inch XLR/standard phone combination inputs for any manner of high-quality external microphone or instrument, multi-tracking with two-channel simultaneous recording, and no less than eight-channel playback. If that’s not enough for you, you’ll be happy to know that this model digitally records in 24 bit/96 kHz Linear PCM, audio quality to blast your ears off in a multi-track environment. Frequencies able to be captured by this device range from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, with its microphones able to support sound pressure levels down to 140 decibels – quite the range!

This device acts as what Olympus calls a “musician’s toolbox” with a tuner, metronome, and Lissajous measurement. For those of you having no idea what that last term could possibly entail, it’s represented by a 2.0-inch backlight LCD on the device and shows the phase difference between the right and left external microphone so that you can get right in the center of the action should you wish to do so. All of your files are able to be saved on the device’s internal 4GB memory or through its port which is able to carry SD (up to 2GB) / SDHC (up to 32GB) / SDXC (up to 64GB) cards.

And that’s only part of the full party! Details on this device are popping up all the time, Olympus letting us know the true full nature of the device as it comes closer to release time in February 2012. The suggested in-store price for this device is set to be $399 at the moment, and again, the first quarter of 2012 will be when you can get it!

Olympus confirmed the $1.1bn hit in its financial reports today, re-filing five years of results with what the company says is the correct set of figures versus the falsified numbers inserted by previous execs. There’s now just 46 billion yen ($589m) in Olympus’ bank account, and Japanese analysts believe the firm is ripe for takeover.

Still, Fujifilm is keeping coy on the speculation. CEO Shigetaka Komori told reporters last month that it was “too early to discuss Olympus issues” during the period where the third-party panel put together to look into the company’s business affairs was still investigating the fraud.

The camera will record 1080i HD video and promises the same image quality as the larger and more expensive PEN cameras. The cam has a 12.3MP image sensor and a selection of 23 scene modes including a 3D mode and more. The rear LCD is 3-inches wide with 460-dot resolution. The camera also has in-body image stabilization. The camera can shoot 1080i video for up to 29 minutes per session with Dolby Digital Stereo.

That video recording capability can be activated directly with a HD Movie button. The camera also has a wide range of manual and automatic settings and filters. The camera has a special AF Illuminator LED beam to help it focus in low-light. The ISO range for the camera is up to 12,800 and it has sequential shooting at up to five frames per second. The camera will ship early next month, only a few days away now.

Olympus reckons the PEN E-P3 has sub-60ms shutter response time, while there’s also 1080i HD video recording of AVCHD or AVI movies of up to 29 minutes and with a choice of CD-quality or AC3 Dolby Digital Audio sound recording. The new TruePic VI Image Processing Engine is onboard, and there’s in-camera image stabilization.

All three get various in-camera filters and effects, like Art Filters and in-camera editing, along with a special 3D Photo mode which, by shooting off two frames as you slightly pan the camera, puts together a 3D image despite only having one lens.

There are also two new lenses, a M.Zuiko Digital ED 12m f2.0 lens for landscape shots and M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f1.8 lens with a particularly shallow depth of field, together with the FL-300R Compact Flash. Olympus will be offering all three new PEN models with a choice of the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm II R f3.5/5.6 II R zoom lens (28mm-84mm equivalent) or the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm f2.8 prime lens, though only the E-P3 has been priced so far: $899.99 for either kit.

Other than those lenses being pegged for launch, we don’t know just a whole lot about the E-PM1 PEN camera. We do know it’s supposed to have a new image sensor and imaging engine. A new photo of the camera has now leaked that shows the thin little cam from the font. Previously we only had shots of the camera from the top. 43rumors claims that the camera will have a 12MP Olympus image sensor and a TruePic VI engine, just as the E-P3 that is expected to get official tomorrow uses.

The PM1 is said to have a 10 million dot LCD on the back rather than the OLED screen on the rear that the E-P3 will use. One key bit that we have no indication on is the price. 43rumors guesses that the E-PM1 will sell for about $549 with a kit lens and $499 for the body only. We should know all of the details tomorrow when Olympus goes official.

[via 43rumors]

There’s also support for 1080i 60fps video recording, and a new autofocus system that’s faster than what we’ve seen on previous PEN range cameras. A pop-up flash is visible in the top section, while on the back is a touchscreen LCD display which apparently packs over 600k dots.

Olympus has reworked its interface, with a rethink on buttons and menus, and there’s an additional pre-set filter too. We can spy a useful little thumb-scroll wheel on the rear of the EP-3 in the upper right, as well as what looks to be a scroll ring further down for navigating through menus.

Talk of the new Olympus camera has been rumbling for the past few months, with the new model being referred to as the “PEN Pro.” However, rumors also suggested that there would be an integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF) whereas from these images it seems Olympus has instead provided a port to hook up an external EVF.

The EP-3 is expected to launch alongside the E-PM1 and a new E-PL3 model.

The new cameras will also be announced alongside new lenses for the series with a 12mm f/2.0 and a 45mm f/1.8. One of the key features of the new series of cameras is the blazing fast autofocus that is said to be faster than most DSLR cameras on the market. The sensor and image engine are also said to be new. The E-PM1 is the new camera that has been handled a bit by a source at 43rumors. This is the smallest of the three new cameras and the source says it is similar inside to the Panasonic XZ-1.

The source also says that the camera has a touchscreen on the back and had a lot of buttons as well. The buttons are important because the more buttons on the device the more features can be accessed without having to resort to wading through menus. This camera and the other two in the line are also said to have new circuitry that reduces power consumption and increases battery life.

[via 43rumors]

The latest rumor claims that Olympus won’t be buying some of the shelf image sensor for the PEN Pro. Olympus will supposedly be rolling its own sensor. Previously, the Olympus cameras were restrained by an agreement with Panasonic that held them to second-generation sensors for their micro four-thirds line. Apparently, that agreement is over, at least according to the rumor, because Olympus is said to be making its own sensor. This will be the first micro four-thirds sensor designed by Olympus.

The source of the rumor claims that the sensor will be a low megapixel offering with high dynamic range and better image quality than any other current sensor for micro four-thirds offerings. Another interesting tidbit is that the PEN Pro is tipped to have an electronic viewfinder. Wrap those two features together and if the rumors are true the new PEN Pro will be a very interesting digital camera indeed. The camera is still expected to be officially announced in June.

[via 43rumors]

Along with that touchscreen PEN will also reportedly come a new mid-range camera for the PEN line with a tilting screen and a new PEN camera with flash. The rumors claim the announcement on the new cameras will be made as early as next month.

43rumors reports that its sources say there will be no new cameras landing from Olympus next month. It says that the May/June period is when new cameras are expected. As with all rumors take these with a grain of salt and we will just have to wait and see what pans out to be the correct rumor.

[via 43rumors]

The exact nature of the system is unknown, though a Canon patent application spotted midway through 2010 suggested using exposure mapping across a single RAW frame that could then be used to tweak exposure at individual pixel level. Although not spelled out by the Olympus source, the same single-frame HDR technique could likely be used for recording HDR video as well.

Other technologies under development apparently include sensor shift with rotation, a larger, multi-format sensor, a new battery grip with integrated A/V I/O, and bringing the same video capabilities as found on the GH1 to an Olympus model. However, as with any pre-announce systems, it’s entirely possible that none of these could make it to a final, shipping camera.

As well as that 100kg resilience there’s waterproofing up to 10m, shockproofing up to 2m, and freezeproofing up to -10 degrees C. A double-lock mechanism keeps the ports and card reader secure, and the chassis is scratch resistent.

Interestingly, there’s Olympus’ TAP Control system which allows you to operate common features by tilting and tapping the TG-810: handy if it’s freezing cold and you’re trying to work it while wearing gloves. The Olumpus TOUGH TG-810 will go on sale in mid-March, in silver and black, priced at €299.

Press Release:

State-of-the-art TOUGH flagship is world’s first 100kg crushproof* camera

Crushproof OLYMPUS TOUGH is world record holder

TG-810 has 3-sensor compass for outdoor action

Hamburg, 2 March 2011 – Just when everyone thought the TOUGH range couldn’t get any tougher, Olympus launches the ultimate indestructible camera. The new OLYMPUS TOUGH TG-810 delivers fabulous-quality HD movies and stills – and something just as valuable: unlimited peace of mind. This state-of-the-art TOUGH blows the competition away with record-breaking ruggedness and unique TOUGH technology. The stats speak for themselves. The TOUGH flagship is the world’s first camera that’s crushproof* to a weight of 100kg, so an adult can tread on it and it’ll keep going fine. Thanks to double-durable lens and port technology, the TG-810 is also waterproof*, shockproof*, freezeproof* and scratch resistant to an unprecedented degree. With its built-in manometer, unique three-sensor GPS & Electronic Compass and high-resolution,
glare-resistant HyperCrystal III LCD, this stylish camera is the ideal companion for an active lifestyle – from home to hotel to a hike through the Himalayas. Packed with advanced automatic features for easy shooting in tricky conditions, the new TOUGH captures memories just like they happened, and keeps them extra safe for sharing wirelessly with friends and family. The OLYMPUS TOUGH TG-810 is available for €299 from mid-March 2011.

The toughest ever TOUGH
You don’t have to live like a stuntman to abuse a camera. But with the OLYMPUS TOUGH flagship, you could. It’s the world’s first camera that’s crushproof up to a weight of 100kg. But that’s just the start. A sliding double lock mechanism and additional metal lens barrier ensure the TG-810 is waterproof to a huge depth of 10m, shockproof to a height of 2m and freezeproof to -10°C. There’s even a built-in manometer to make sure you don’t dive too deep. Just as well. Because this camera is packed with ingenious technology that’s hard to find elsewhere – and makes it a joy to capture photos and HD movies, whatever the weather, wherever you are.

The safest and smartest
The best cameras (and mobile phones) often come with GPS. But only Olympus’ GPS & Electronic Compass has three sensors to record the direction the camera is pointing (even when it’s turned off). That makes it an excellent piece of kit for finding your way in unfamiliar surroundings. It displays more than 700,000 nearby geographic and natural points of interest – the maximum for a GPS-equipped camera. At a glance, users can check their latitude, longitude and altitude, shooting direction, the date and time or air and water pressure. In the water, the TG-810 really comes into its own. i-Underwater Snapshot, one of four underwater settings, detects when the camera is submerged and adjusts white balance automatically to ensure beautiful, worry-free shots – even in optional 3D. No matter the element, the 5x wide optical zoom lens (28-140mm**) provides precision and flexibility, while the large, three inch 920,000 dot high-definition HyperCrystal III LCD reproduces images on the spot in very high quality.

The best of the best
Like the other two OLYMPUS TOUGH cameras, the TG-810 offers high-end features that make editing and sharing a breeze, for example Eye-Fi card compatibility that lets users automatically transfer images wirelessly to a website or PC.

The TG-810 is available in silver and black for €299 from mid-March 2011.

OLYMPUS TOUGH TG-810
Toughness

• Crushproof* up to the world-record weight of 100kg
• Waterproof* to 10m, shockproof* to 2m and freezeproof* to -10°C for worry-free use anytime anywhere
• Metal lens barrier for extra-tough lens protection
• Sliding double lock mechanism for optimum protection of battery, card slots and ports
• Water-repellent and scratch-resistant double seal technology
• Built-in manometer for checking depth underwater
• GPS & Electronic Compass with unique three-sensor technology for orientation and key information at a glance
• Improved TAP Control Mode for controlling the camera by tapping or tilting the body, ideal when wearing gloves
Image Quality

• Four underwater scene modes, including i-Underwater Snapshot (with the camera set to i-Auto) for worry-free underwater shooting
• 5x wide optical zoom (28-140mm**) for shooting flexibility
• 3D photo shooting mode for striking stills
• Dual Image Stabilisation for reducing blur with fast-moving shots
• TruePic III+ processor for ideal colour reproduction and low noise
• 720p HD Movie with sound for capturing movies in excellent quality
• 14 Megapixels for high-quality full-size movies, stills and prints
• ISO 80 to 1600
• Magic Filters for adding creative effects to HD movies and/or stills: Punk, Pop Art, Pin Hole, Drawing, Soft Focus, Fish Eye (photos only), plus new Sparkle (photos only) and Watercolour
• Beauty Mode for hiding unwanted blemishes
• Intelligent Auto Mode (i-Auto) and AF Tracking for easy setting and focussing
• Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology for capturing people’s faces just as you want them
• Pet Detection Mode for automatically capturing dog’s or cat’s faces when they look at the camera
• Scene Mode for automatic settings that suit specific conditions (e.g., Landscape, Night)
• In-Camera Panorama for quick and easy panorama shots
• Built-in flash
Storage & Sharing

• 3.0” 920,000 dot Super Precision HyperCrystal III LCD for TOUGH, generating clearer images and reducing reflection even in direct sunlight
• SDHC and SDXC memory card compatible***
• Photo Surfing and [ib] software for browsing, organising and viewing images by person, place, location or event
Connectivity

• Eye-Fi Card compatibility for automatic wireless uploading of images to a website or PC
• HDMI technology for controlling your camera from one remote when it’s connected to HD equipment
Other

• USB charging

* Crushproof according to Olympus test conditions. Waterproof according to IEC standard publication 529 IPX8. Shockproof figures equivalent to MIL Standard (Olympus test conditions). Freezeproof according to Olympus test conditions.
** 35mm camera equivalent.
*** SD is a trademark of SD Card Association.

The “MR” suffix stands for “Multi Recording”, and basically means that while you’re shooting 1080p HD video on the SZ-30MR, you can also fire off still images as well. That’s not especially new, but what makes the difference here is that the Olympus captures stills at full resolution; other cameras which offer simultaneous shooting generally take pictures at much lower resolution than they can normally manage.

The SZ-20 lacks the simultaneous shooting abilities and makes do with a sizeable zoom. Both will go on sale in March, priced at €329 for the SZ-30MR and €219 for the SZ-20.

Press Release:

Introducing the first ever camera to capture Full HD movies & 16 Megapixel stills simultaneously

Olympus Super Zoom Series posts another world first
New SZ-30MR & SZ-20 deliver high-tech at its finest

Hamburg, 2 March 2011 – When Olympus launched the SZ-10 in February, it was hard to believe the zoom in a compact camera could get any more powerful. The new SZ-30MR proves that it can. With a jaw-dropping 24x wide optical zoom (25-600mm*), this state-of-the-art flagship breaks all the rules in the compact category – and it breaks records too. The SZ-30MR is the first camera ever to offer simultaneous recording of 1080p Full HD movies and 16 Megapixel still photos. So with the SZ-30MR, users can shoot in high resolution with different combinations of recording modes at once, then share their shots in the format of their choice. For example, as a movie and digital still or a wide-angle shot and a close-up. Like the SZ-30MR, the new SZ-20 is astonishingly slender for a camera with huge zooming power. The super-slim design makes both SZ models ideal for people who like to travel light but insist on the very best spec. With a backlit CMOS sensor for excellent pictures in low light, 3D photo shooting and Eye-Fi card compatibility, these cameras combine practicality with beauty and sheer imaging power. The SZ-30MR is available for €329, the SZ-20 for €219, both from March 2011.

MR is for a Multi Recording
The SZ-30MR is the world’s first camera to record 1080p Full HD movie and 16 Megapixel stills at the same time – thanks to an ingenious feature Olympus calls Multi Recording. For anyone who’s ever shot a scene one way, then (when it was too late) wished they’d done everything differently, MR is a must. Dual Engine TruePic III+ image processors give the
SZ-MR30 the power to record simultaneously in more than one mode, and in a variety of combinations. Users can record two different movies at once: in wide-angle and close-up; Full HD and lower resolution; or original and filtered (using one of the SZ-30MR’s seven Magic Filters for movies). In addition, with the Photo with Movie Clip setting, it’s now possible to capture moving footage before and after taking a single photo. These innovations give users the fun and flexibility of sharing their shots in a variety of media – from full-size prints to video clips for their favourite social media website. Both new models come with wireless Eye-Fi compatibility, so they can upload photos automatically to the Web – no cables required.

SZ is for Super Zoom
The Super Zoom SZ Series lives up to its name with a 24x wide optical zoom on the SZ-30MR and an equally impressive 12.5x super wide optical zoom on the significantly lower priced SZ-20. With this sort of zooming power it’s easy to take exceptional shots, from the expressive face of a gargoyle high up on a church roof to an emotive movie close-up of battling athletes. The pixel-rich 1080p Full HD movie format ensures the best moving picture quality currently available in a compact camera – with breathtaking realism, clarity and colour when users play back on a large Full HD TV.

S is for state-of-the-art
The SZ-30MR and SZ-20 are packed with the smartest technology the compact camera world has to offer, giving users a host of features that make it easy to get creative, transfer movies or photos wirelessly and capture just the shot they want in excellent quality. Both cameras offer 3D still photo shooting and eight Magic Filters, including the new Sparkle and Watercolour options. Pet Detection mode automatically snaps dog or cat faces just as they look up, while with Smart Panorama, users simply pan from side to side to get a sweeping panorama picture.

The SZ-30MR is available in black for €329, the SZ-20 in silver and black for €219, both from March 2011.

Distinguishing features:

OLYMPUS SZ-30MR

Image Quality

• 24x wide optical zoom (25-600mm*) for exceptional close-ups

Creativity & Flexibility

• Multi Recording with Dual Engine TruePic III+ image processor for recording movies and photos simultaneously, or two movies in different modes or from different angles

OLYMPUS SZ-20

Image Quality

• 12.5x super wide optical zoom (24-300mm*) for superb close-ups
• TruePic III+ image processor for ideal colour reproduction and low noise

Common features:
Image Quality

• 1080p Full HD Movie with sound for capturing movies in the best image quality currently available in compact cameras
• 16 Megapixel backlit CMOS sensor for high-resolution, superb-quality full-size movies, stills and prints, even in low light
• Dual Image Stabilisation for reducing blur with fast-moving shots

Usability

• 3” colour LCD (460,000 dots) for easily framing, reviewing and sharing shots
• Smart Panorama for capturing sweeping stills just by panning the camera
• Handheld Starlight Mode for shooting blur-free at night without a tripod
• Advanced Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology for capturing people’s faces just as you want them
• Beauty Mode for hiding unwanted blemishes
• Intelligent Auto Mode (i-Auto) and AF Tracking for easy setting and focussing
• Pet Detection Mode for automatically capturing dog’s or cat’s faces when they look at the camera
• Scene Mode for automatic settings that suit specific conditions (e.g., Landscape, Night)

Creativity & Flexibility

• Eye-Fi Card compatibility for automatic wireless uploading of images to a website or PC
• 3D photo shooting mode for striking stills
• Magic Filters for adding creative effects to HD movies and/or stills:
Punk, Pop Art, Pin Hole, Drawing, Soft Focus, Fish Eye, plus new Sparkle (photos only) and Watercolour

Other key features

• Photo surfing and [ib] software for browsing, organising and viewing images by person, place, location or event
• HDMI technology for controlling your camera from one remote when it’s connected to HD equipment
• ISO 80 to 3200
• SDHC and SDXC memory card compatible**
• Built-in flash
• In-camera manual
• USB charging

* 35mm camera equivalent.
** SD is a trademark of SD Card Association.

For a full list of features, please go to http://www.countryspecificurl.com

For questions or additional information, please contact:

Julia Rauther
Olympus Europa Holding GmbH
Tel.: +49-40-23773-4258
Email: Julia.Rauther@Olympus-europa.com
http://www.olympus-europa.com

Appendix

1080p Full HD Movie recording
1080p Full HD movie recording (1920 x 1080) offers the best moving picture quality available in a compact camera today. With Full HD, footage is realistic, smooth, bright and clear. Movies become a fascinating window on real life when viewed on a big Full HD TV.

3D Mode (3D photo shooting)
Captures two shots of a scene from two different angles to create still photos that can be viewed with the added excitement and realism of 3D (on a 3D-compatible display). There are two 3D settings: Manual and Automatic. In both settings, the camera indicates when it is time to pan. In Automatic, when the camera is panned horizontally after the first shot, it automatically takes the second shot at the ideal moment. Manual is for 3D experts – the user decides when to take the second shot.

Advanced Face Detection technology
A technology that searches for faces in a composition and recognises them as the main subject. It then automatically puts them in focus and optimally adjusts exposure to create an image that’s sharp in the right places and ideally exposed. Advanced Face Detection Technology can detect up to 16 faces.

AF Tracking
This system tracks a moving subject automatically and keeps it continually in focus – for optimally focused and exposed pictures. It even memorises the subject when it goes out of frame and resumes tracking when it reappears.

Beauty Mode
Beauty Mode touches up the appearance of subjects even while the shot is being taken. This feature recognises faces and automatically makes skin on the face and adjacent areas appear smoother, brighter and more youthful.

Dual Image Stabilisation
Providing two-fold protection, this special function helps to avoid image blur caused by camera shake or fast-moving subjects. It combines high ISO values with a sensor-based mechanical image stabiliser, where a built-in gyro sensor detects camera movement and adjusts the sensor accordingly.

Eye-Fi card compatibility
Lets users insert an Eye-Fi storage card and set it to automatically wirelessly transfer new photos and HD movies to the sharing website and computer of their choice.

i-Auto Mode
The “intelligent-Auto” mode uses advanced automatic detection technology that enables the camera to automatically recognise the most commonly shot scenes. This makes it possible to capture perfect photos without the need for manual settings.

[ib] software
Olympus now offers [ib], an integrated photo browsing and organising software. Images can be organised by person with a new face recognition technology, by place with a GPS-based mapping function or by event.

Magic Filters
Make it possible to create special artistic effects in still images and/or movies directly in the camera.

Fish-Eye: Simulates the dramatic effect of a fish eye lens, lending a new perspective to the whole scene with a “wrap-around” effect.
Pin Hole: Reduces peripheral brightness, like with an image seen through a pinhole. A unique colour tone results in a style that has an air of secrecy or portrays the feeling of being lost in another dimension or space.
Pop Art: Enhances colours, making them stronger and more vivid, to create high-impact pictures that express the light-hearted feeling of the pop art style.
Punk: Displays images primarily in contrasting pink and black to give them an edgy, punk-inspired feel.
Drawing: Transforms images into line drawings to give the impression that subjects have been sketched by an artist.
Soft Focus: Creates a soft tone that gives pictures an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere. It renders pictures as though they were veiled in heavenly light, without obscuring details such as hair or flower petals.
Sparkle (photos only): Adds twinkling lights to objects.
Watercolour: Another piece of artistic wizardry. This time images are turned into a watercolour painting surrounded by soft light.
Multi Recording
A world-first, Olympus Dual Engine technology allows users to combine various photo and movie recording modes simultaneously:

Photo & Movie: A Full HD movie and 16 Megapixel full-size photos. While users are recording a Full HD movie, they can take a high-resolution photograph as well.
Photo with Movie Clip: Records a Full HD movie before and after taking a photo.
Multi-File Movies: A Full HD movie and a movie with less resolution.
Multi-Framing Movies: A wide-angle and a close-up Full HD movie.
Magic Filter & Original Movie: A regular Full HD movie and a movie with a Magic Filter effect.

Pet Detection
Automatically detects dog or cat faces (two different modes) and works together with the Auto Release to capture the photo the moment the dog or cat turns to face the camera.

Photo Surfing
By selecting this option in the Playback menu, users can opt to browse pictures by date, scene, person, place, or image collection.

Scene Mode
Offers a choice of different scenes to suit the subject being captured, for example, landscape, night, beach and snow or pet. The camera automatically adjusts a host of parameters to achieve the best possible result for the chosen scene.

Shadow Adjustment Technology (SAT)
A technology designed to improve exposure for pictures with dark areas. Using a sensor that works much like the human eye, dark parts of a composition (e.g., a shadow under a tree) are identified and the camera then adjusts the exposure settings accordingly for those areas. The result is a more realistic and detailed picture.

Smart Panorama
Allows the user to create an impressive super-wide angle, wrap-around photo simply by panning the camera horizontally or vertically. There’s no need to pay attention to points of intersection – the camera knits the separate stills together automatically.

TruePic III+ image processor
Automatically enhances important aspects of image quality, including colour reproduction (range, saturation and brightness) and picture sharpness (reduced image noise, improved edge reproduction), as well as processing data faster. Supports the Magic Filters that enable unprecedented creative expression.

The source has already correctly predicted the announcements of the Olympus SZ-10, the VG-110, and the 3D VR-330 on February 8th. The source also wrote in the same message to expect another Olympus announcement on the 2nd of March.

This coincides with three new model design patents that Forum Olympus France has discovered. These could be the new models Olympus will unveil next week. Hopefully this rumor turns out to be correct as well.

[via 43 Rumors]

It would be safe to assume that Zeiss will be offering normal lenses for cameras, not just video lenses. The official PR from Olympus and Zeiss stated, “Now, as Carl Zeiss AG joins the Micro Four Thirds System group, ZEISS HD Video lenses will be available to users of Micro Four Thirds cameras, contributing to a vastly expanded product line and enhancing the joys of digital imaging with the Micro Four Thirds System.”

There is no word on pricing or availability of Zeiss micro four thirds lenses at this time. I would expect these lenses to be among the more expensive offerings considering the premium nature of the Zeiss brand.

There’s also an HDMI output, while optional accessories include the PENPal Bluetooth dongle which stores up to 2,600 images and can send them wirelessly to Bluetooth devices, and the Macro Arm Light (MAL-1) with twin flexible LED lights for close-up photography. Storage is via SDHC/SDXC card, and Olympus will be offering a range of conversion lenses for wide-angle, fish-eye and other shots.

The Olympus PEN E-PL2 will be available this month, in a kit with an M. ZUIKO MSC DIGITAL ED m14-42mm f3.5/5.6 zoom lens, for $599.99.

Press Release:

POWERFULLY SIMPLE OLYMPUS PEN® SYSTEM GROWS WITH INTELLIGENT ENHANCEMENTS AND BLUETOOTH® CAPABILITY: THE OLYMPUS PEN E-PL2 CAMERA

Enhance Your High Definition Videos and Stills with Movie and Still Compatible Lens Technology, New Live Guide II, More Robust Art Filter Effects and a New Range of Accessories

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 5, 2011 – Today Olympus announces the new powerfully simple PEN E-PL2, the fourth generation of the award-winning and pioneering Olympus PEN family of compact interchangeable lens digital cameras. Known for pro quality, point-and-shoot simplicity and high-definition video, the PEN E-PL2 continues the PEN family’s legacy of simple design, intuitive interface and Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) image quality. The new camera also expands your creative potential with Live Guide II, new in-camera creative features, new auxiliary lenses, a new Close-Up Spotlight accessory (MAL-1) and the new Olympus PENPal™ Bluetooth accessory. Capturing amazing still images and HD video just got a lot more fun. Further proof that Olympus lets you capture it all.

Outstanding Features:
• MSC Lens – the new Movie & Still Compatible (MSC) ED m14-42mm f3.5/5.6 zoom lens (28mm-84mm equivalent) features a high-speed, silent autofocus during still shooting and high definition (HD) video capture;
• New 3″ 460,000 dot LCD – for bright and easy image composition;
• Live Guide II – preview HD video and still image effects on the E-PL2′s high-resolution LCD screen to achieve the perfect result effortlessly;
• Art Filter Variations and Enhancements — choose from different art filter looks to expand your creative horizons or overlay different art filters to create something new, now with full manual control;
• ISO 6400 – take great low-light photos with the camera’s increased ISO sensitivity;
• New Ergonomic Body Design – shoot stills and videos comfortably with a more ergonomic grip and updated button placement and functionality for ease of use; and
Face Detection with iDetect – an amazing new function makes it easier to capture the spirit of your subject, automatically making a person’s eye the focus point of the image. The E-PL2 further reduces the chance of blurred subjects in images by recognizing up to eight faces, tracking them within the image area, and automatically focusing and optimizing exposure for sharp portraits.

At an affordable $599.99 with the new MSC ED m14-42mm f3.5/5.6 zoom lens (28mm-84mm equiv.), the 12.3 megapixel ergonomically-designed E-PL2 is perfect for everyone from beginners, who want to expand their creative horizons, to experienced photographers who desire high-quality results without the size and weight of a traditional DSLR.

“The innovative PEN E-PL2 is designed to go with you and grow with you – it’s the total compact multimedia package,” said Katie Roseman, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “We’ve expanded everything but the size of the camera. Live Guide II, new art filter variations and enhancements for instant gratification, three converter lenses and MAL-1 close-up spotlight will all help grow your creative potential, while the Olympus PENPal lets you send images straight from the camera to your smart phone for social sharing.”

New Lens Optimized for Video and Image Stabilization for Every Lens
The E-PL2 comes with the new Movie & Still Compatible (MSC) ED m14-42mm f3.5/5.6 zoom lens. This new kit lens has a smooth, silent and uses a quick inner focus mechanism to make it exceptionally fast and nearly silent when recording high-definition movie. The M.Zuiko Digital MICRO Four Thirds® lenses are designed to be more compact and portable, just like the E-PL2 itself. In addition to the kit lens, choose from the ED m17mm f2.8 lens (34mm equivalent), the super wide-angle zoom ED m9-18mm f4.0-5.6 lens (18-36mm equivalent), the high-power wide to telephoto zoom ED m14-150mm f4.0-5.6 lens (28-300mm equivalent), the wide zoom ED m40-150mm F4.0-5.6, or the super telephoto ED m75-300mm f4.8-5.6 (35mm equivalent 150–600mm).

If you’re looking for even more options, the MMF-2 Four Thirds™ System Lens Adapter makes the E-PL2 compatible with all Olympus Zuiko® Digital Specific lenses and other Four Thirds System lenses from Sigma, Panasonic and Leica. Olympus OM film-based lenses can be attached to the E-PL2 with the MF-2 OM Lens Adapter, and third-party adapters have been developed for lenses from most other manufacturers.

New Live Guide II for Stills and Movies
The PEN E-PL2′s Live Guide II takes the E-PL1′s popular Live Guide interface for stills and expands it to preview effects for HD videos. Live Guide takes the guesswork out of great photography and videography by previewing effects at the touch of a button. Want more vivid or muted color in your shot? Want warmer or cooler color? Want a brighter or darker subject, or a sharper or softer background? Or maybe you want to capture the fast-moving action of your subject with a little artistic blur, or perhaps freeze the action? Simply select Live Guide and turn the wheel on the back of the camera to slide through numerous photographic and videographic effects. Make adjustments and watch the LCD as the effects are made live – before the image is captured! Don’t worry about learning technical things like f-stops, shutter speed and white balance; jump right in by composing, adjusting exposure and more before the shot is taken.

Seeing the results before snapping the image or shooting a video ensures you are getting the results you want, and it will change the way you use your camera. Shooting Tips are also available with Live Guide, so you can leave the manual at home.

Limitless Creativity with New Art Filter Variations and Enhancements
Olympus pioneered easy-to-use in-camera art filters for still images captured inside its E-System DSLRs and was the first company to offer the ability to apply art filters to HD video recordings captured with the PEN E-P1 camera. The E-PL2 features six art filters: Pop Art, Soft Focus, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama, and Dramatic Tone. For the first time, the E-PL2 also features art filter variations and enhancements to maximize your creativity and expand the potential results. Give your images a different look by choosing from six art filters. Overlay an art effect over an original image with or without an art filter. Shoot a sunset with Pop Art and then add the Pin Hole Effect. Take a portrait in Grainy Film and then add a funky art frame. The possibilities are limitless.

Whatever you create, it will be easy to display on the big screen. When you’re ready to share your work, just plug the E-PL2′s camera into any high definition television (HDTV) using the camera’s HDMI output with an optional HDMI cable (sold separately) and show it off from the comfort of your living room.

HD Videos and HDMI Control for a Home Theater Experience
The E-PL2 shoots gorgeous 720p HD video, so you’ll always capture the moments you cherish in clear, crisp high-definition at the touch of a button. With HDMI Control, playback is also a breeze. You’ll be the hit of the party or any family event when you proudly display your brilliant images and movies on HDTVs. Simply connect the camera to an HDTV with an optional HDMI cable. With HDMI Control, you can use your HDTV’s remote to control playback functions and navigate the camera’s menus from the comfort of your couch.

New Optional Accessories for Every Shooting Challenge
Along with the E-PL2, Olympus unveils five new accessories to further expand what you can do with PEN cameras.

• Add-on Conversion Lenses – Olympus has three new affordable and compact conversion lenses that mount on the new MSC ED m14-42mm f3.5/5.6 zoom lens to further expand what you can do with the E-PL2:
o Fish-eye Lens Converter (FCON-37): captures a distorted hemispherical image covering 120° – to generate dramatic shots and edges that wrap around the frame of your image;
o Wide-angle Lens Converter (WCON-37): enables the user to capture a broader shot, for example, to include more people in a photograph. It dramatically alters the proportions of close and distant subjects. Subjects close to the lens appear much larger, while subjects in the background appear smaller – creating a dynamic sense of depth; and
o Macro Lens Converter (MCON-58): Enables the user to capture fascinating close-ups from as little as 24cm. away from the subject (depending upon the lens in use). The MCON-58 is also compatible with the ED m14-150mm f4.0-5.6 lens (28-300mm equivalent), ED m40-150mm F4.0-5.6, and ED m75-300mm f4.8-5.6 (35mm equivalent 150–600mm) for close focusing shots.
• Macro Arm Light (MAL-1) – Not one, but two bright LED lights – each on the end of its own fully flexible metal arm and powered by the camera. Both arms extend up to 17cm. from a sleek and slender unit mounted on the camera’s Accessory Port. For macro shots or attractive close-ups of small items or for online auctions, the MAL-1 is ideal for getting the lighting just right.
• PENPal – A sleek communication unit for storing up to 2600 images and transferring them via wireless Bluetooth to other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as a mobile phone, PC or even another PENPal-equipped camera. From there it’s easy to share them with friends in online communities or via e-mail.

In addition to these accessories, the E-PL2 is compatible with the optional VF-2 detachable electronic viewfinder, which provides 1.15x magnification and a 100 percent field of view with sharp resolution, brightness and contrast, and the optional SEMA-1 external microphone adapter set for those who want to capture enhanced audio with any microphone that has a 3.5mm plug. These optional accessories easily slide into the camera’s accessory port and hot shoe.

In-camera Image Stabilization that Supports a Wide Range of Lenses
Olympus has Image Stabilization built right into the body of the E-PL2. This means that any lens (MICRO Four Thirds, Four Thirds and any third-party lens) attached to the E-PL2 will deliver blur-free images thanks to three modes of in-body Image Stabilization that automatically compensate for camera shake, including in low-light situations or when shooting without a tripod.

Achieve More with Automatic Features Including New iDetect
The E-PL2 features Face Detection with a new Eye Detection function called iDetect to make it easier to capture the spirit of your subject. This feature automatically makes a person’s eye the focus point of the image. The E-PL2 further reduces the chance of blurred subjects in images by recognizing up to eight faces, tracking them within the image area, and automatically focusing and optimizing exposure for sharp portraits. In addition, the E-PL2 has a variety of automated technologies to free you up to focus on your subject instead of the camera settings.

• 22 Scene-Select Modes — from portraits to sunset shots, the E-PL2 is equipped with 22 Scene-Select modes for effortless picture taking, including Fireworks, Sunset, Children, Macro and Panorama, to name a few. Capturing beautiful portraits is easy with the ePortrait mode that enables you to smooth your subject’s complexion. There are even three scene modes that are specific to shooting with the new conversion lenses to optimize the performance of those lenses;
• Intelligent Auto (iAuto) Mode — when you don’t want to use the scene-select modes, the iAuto mode automatically identifies what you’re shooting and adjusts settings to ensure you capture the best result for each situation you encounter;
• In-Camera Panorama — capture three images and stitch them together to create one amazing, seamless panoramic picture. Or use the included OLYMPUS [ib] software to stitch up to 10 images together for the ultimate panorama; and
• iEnhance — with this mode the warm yellow and orange colors of a sunset are heightened to a dramatically lifelike color that’s truer to what you see with the naked eye. iEnhance is available in any mode, and automatically engages when using iAuto to enrich color in any subject.

Large Sensor for Excellent Image Quality
The E-PL2 features a large image sensor similar to the one inside the top of the line Olympus E-System cameras. The only difference between this sensor and what the pros use is that this big sensor is inside the much smaller body of the E-PL2. This high-performance 12.3-megapixel Live MOS Sensor (eight times larger than the average point-and-shoot camera sensor) delivers excellent dynamic range, accurate color fidelity, and a state-of-the-art amplifier circuit to reduce noise and capture fine image details in both highlight and shadow areas.

True-to-Life Color
The E-PL2′s Live MOS image sensor is complemented by Olympus’ TruePic™ V Image Processor, which produces clear and colorful photos using all the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible. The image processor is noted for accurate natural color, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue skies and precise tonal expression; it also offers a maximum ISO sensitivity of 6400, to reduce image noise in photos shot at higher ISO settings, enabling great results in low-light situations.

World-renowned Dust Reduction System
The Olympus dust reduction system is an industry first and a proven technology. You don’t have to worry about dust spots on your sensor ruining the perfect image every time you change lenses. Spend more time shooting with the E-PL2 and less time worrying about dust with the superior dust reduction system producing spot-free photos with the exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter, a patented ultrasonic technology that silently vibrates to remove dust and other particles from the front of the image sensor. Dust will no longer get between you and a great shot.

Flash Alternatives for Everyone
For low-light shooting situations photographers can select the built-in flash or choose an optional external unit. Wireless flash control is also possible with the E-PL2, making customized lighting set-ups an easy reality.

Underwater Housing for Aquatic Adventures
The new camera’s compact design makes it the perfect companion for all of your dive trips. Olympus has designed a custom underwater case for the PEN E-PL2, the PT-EP03, which is waterproof to a depth of 40 meters (approximately 130 feet). With its durable, high-quality polycarbonate construction, this Olympus housing protects the camera from water while also cushioning it from knocks and bumps on land. The housing enables viewing from either the camera’s LCD screen or an optional electronic viewfinder. Use up to two UFL-2 underwater flash units via fiber optic cable with the case’s flash connectors. A non-removable front lens port accommodates multiple MICRO Four Thirds lenses.

Availability
The Olympus E-PL2 Kit will be available in January 2011. It includes the E-PL2 Body, M. ZUIKO MSC DIGITAL ED m14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zoom, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLS-5), Li-Ion Battery Charger (BCS-1), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS [ib] software CD-ROM, Manuals and Registration card.

U.S. Pricing / Product Configurations
E-PL2 Body with MSC M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED m14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zoom Lens
Estimated Street Price: $599.99

Power is taken from the hot-shoe itself, so there’s no extra battery to worry about, and each LED is apparently individually adjustable for brightness. The intention is obviously to make close-up photography more straightforward, in situations where the E-PL2′s regular pop-up flash would over-saturate closely-positioned subjects.

What remains to be seen is if Olympus release a suitably macro-centric dedicated lens for the PEN E-PL2, as well as what sort of pricing they’re asking for the Medusa-style lighting accessory. It’s something you could probably whip up yourself with a couple of LED penlights and some spare time.

Meanwhile, according to Sony Alpha Rumors, Sony will bring along compact cameras capable of 1080p60 recording in AVCHD format, while contrast auto-focus is tipped to be as fast as that on the Panasonic LUMIX GH2. In fact, the new models are expected to focus in just 0.1s.

Among the new Sony cameras will be a Cybershot DSC-HX1 successor together with a range of new Bloggie cameras with larger displays. There’ll also be 3D-capable models. Sweep Panorama and AVCHD are both tipped to make the transition to the compact range from Sony’s NEX line-up.

Finally, Panasonic will apparently out a range of new S-series compacts, including the DMC-S1 and DMC-S3. No specs, but there’s also talk of the Panasonic DMC-TS3, Panasonic DMC-FH2 and the Panasonic FH5.

Once there, they can be automatically published to online galleries such as Flickr or Facebook. To help you look your social-network best there’s a new “Dramatic Tone” art filter, and up to ISO 6400 is supported. The sensor itself is the same as in the PEN E-PL1 we reviewed back in July.

A direct movie record button, as on the Panasonic LUMIX micro-4/3 range, rounds out the main changes, though we imagine there’ll be plenty more detail once Olympus officially announce the camera next week. It’ll supposedly hit the market in February 2011, pricing tba.

[Thanks Tony!]

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There are also three color options – white, red and black – but otherwise this is the same camera as before. That means you get a 12.3-megapixel sensor, SDHC memory card slot, built-in image stabilization and a 2.7-inch, 230k dot rear preview display; an external viewfinder is an optional accessory.

There are sample shots with the new lens here, and more specifications here. Olympus expect the new PEN Lite E-PL1s to go on sale in Japan come December 4, price tbd.

[Thanks Paul!]

Olympus also intends to look at moving Micro Four Thirds up the food-chain, and launch professional or semi-pro versions.  Meanwhile low-end DSLR owners could use adapters to fit their existing lenses to Micro Four Thirds models, or alternatively – and, we imagine, to Olympus’ greatest satisfaction – upgrade to the E-5.

Terada confirmed that “most” of Olympus’ resources are directed to Micro Four Thirds development.  The company has a new compact camera in the works with a fixed lens but which will apparently be able to use select accessories such as the detachable viewfinder.

[via Electronista]

That means it’ll work with peripherals like Olympus’ SEMA-1 external microphone, just not any of the interchangeable lenses that fit the PEN range.  Unfortunately beyond that – and some hyperbole about it being the company’s new flagship – details are in short supply.

Looking at the back panel, the red button would suggest that video capture is supported, and we can also see a flash control and optical zoom lever.  The camera will be shown off at Photokina 2010 this week, so we expect we’ll hear feedback from there and hopefully a few more specifications as well.

Press Release:

OLYMPUS DEVELOPING NEW FLAGSHIP COMPACT CAMERA WITH BUILT-IN ZUIKO® LENS

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., September 20, 2010 – Since 1936, photographers have appreciated Olympus’s critically acclaimed Zuiko® lenses for their innovative design, high quality and superior reliability. Today, Olympus is pleased to announce that it is developing a new flagship compact camera that will be its first digital compact camera with a built-in Zuiko® lens. Olympus expects to introduce the camera in the first quarter of 2011.

Like the Olympus PEN® E-P2 and E-PL1 cameras, the new camera will include an accessory port so photographers will be able to expand its versatility by attaching optional accessories like the SEMA-1 external microphone adapter set.

A prototype of the camera will be displayed this week at Photokina 2010, the world’s largest trade fair for the photographic and imaging industries held September 21-26 in Cologne, Germany. It will also be on display from October 28-30 at the 2010 PDN PhotoPlus Expo in the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.

Journalists interested in more information and high-resolution images of the concept camera should contact Michael Bourne, Mullen Public Relations, (617) 226-9953 or michael.bourne@mullen.com, or Jennifer Colucci, Olympus Imaging America Inc., 3500 Corporate Parkway, Center Valley, PA 18034, ph: (484) 896-5719 or jennifer.colucci@olympus.com, or visit the Olympus website: http://www.getolympus.com.

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances people’s lives every day. These include:

Digital Cameras
Professional and Interchangeable Lens Cameras
Related Underwater Products and Accessories
Digital and Microcassette Recorders
Digital Media
Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com.

The big 3-inch rear LCD of the camera has 920K dot resolution and swivels 270-degrees with Live View for accurate composure of shots when the viewfinder isn’t ideal. The sensor inside the camera is a 12.3MP unit with a TruePic V+ Image Processor. The E-5 can shoot HD video in 720p resolution at 30 frame per second. The E-5 also has a 3.5mm input for connecting microphones and the video shooting works with more than 20 four thirds lenses according to Olympus. The shutter mechanism has a life span of 150k exposures and the optical viewfinder on the camera has a 100% accurate view.

The camera has a multiple exposure function that allows the shooter to take photos in portrait or landscape modes and then combine four shots in real time or later. A internal digital level sensor is also included to ensure that shots are level for architecture photos and other uses. The E-5 also has HDMI output for connecting directly to a TV. Bursts of five frames per second can be shot and the shutter can release in as little as 1/8000 of a second. The camera will ship in October with the body only costing $1700.

There’s also 6fps burst shooting, support for 720p HD video at 30fps, and a mono microphone built-in; an input allows for an external stereo microphone.  Interestingly, the E-5 can apparently also record sound clips accompanying still images.  There’s a 3-inch 920k dot LCD, 11-point full-twin cross AF sensor with a phase-difference detection system, and 11 area multiple AF using contrast detection.

Both SD and CF card slots are tipped, and a built-in wireless flash.  It’s unclear right now whether the Olympus E-5 uses the same 12.1MP sensor as the PEN range, but we shouldn’t have long to wait before we find out: the new micro four thirds camera is expected to make its official debut on September 14th, next Tuesday.

[via Electronista]

First up is the pricy M.ZUIKO® DIGITAL ED 75-300 MM F4.8-6.7, which will carry a $899 tag and promises to be the world’s smallest and lightest 600mm super telephoto lens.  It’s accompanied by the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150MM F4.0-5.6, far cheaper at $299, and is a 35mm equivalent to 80-300mm.

The 40-150mm lens will drop in November, while the 75-300 lens will follow on in December.  Both will be available in either black or silver.

[via Gizmodo]

Press Release:

Olympus PEN® E-P2: Back In Black

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., August 31, 2010 – In the past year, the Olympus PEN family has won a series of high profile awards, including the CEA CES Innovations Award, the EISA Best European Camera and the Red Dot Design Award. Today, meet the newest member of the world-renowned family: the Olympus PEN E-P2 black-on-black kit. For the first time, the PEN E-P2′s stylish retro black metal body is complemented by a black M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 17mm lens and a black FL-14 flash in an exclusive, limited availability kit.

Look what you can do with a PEN E-P2 kit. Just like the original, it blends high-quality still images like those taken with a Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) with High Definition (HD) video, stereo linear PCM audio recording and In-Camera Creativity inside an ultra-portable body.

“The PEN E-P2 kit’s edgy black styling gives the camera a discreet, more professional look. Perfect for photographers who want to capture the action without being a distraction,” said Katie Roseman, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Photo enthusiasts will appreciate the camera for its excellent image quality, HD video, creative functions and high-end stereo sound, while design aficionados will relish its sleek black profile.”

The powerfully simple PEN E-P2 is compatible with an array of Micro Four Thirds lenses, including the newly announced M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75-300 MM F4.8-6.7 and M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150MM F4.0-5.6, which feature a high-speed, silent autofocus during still shooting and HD movie capture. It is part of a new generation of system cameras.

The black Olympus PEN E-P2 kit will cost $999.99 and will be available at select photo specialty stores beginning in October, 2010. The kit includes the PEN E-P2 Body, black M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 17mm lens, black FL-14 flash, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack, Li-Ion Battery Charger, Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS [ib] software CD-ROM, Manuals and Registration card.

Press Release:

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., August 31, 2010 – Olympus today announces two new lenses to its Micro Four Thirds lens family: the M.ZUIKO® DIGITAL ED 75-300 MM F4.8-6.7 and M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150MM F4.0-5.6. Both lenses feature a high-speed, silent autofocus during still shooting and high definition (HD) movie capture. They are the ultimate lenses for zooming in on sporting events, beautiful wildlife and faces from a distance, and because they make barely a whisper when focusing, they won’t call attention to photographer or add unwanted noise to movie recordings. Look what you can do.
Strong Zooms

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75-300mm f4.8-6.7 with a 35 mm equivalent of 150-600mm is the world’s smallest and lightest 600mm super telephoto lens. Weighing merely 15.17 ounces and measuring 2.76 by 4.57 inches, this lightweight lens delivers excellent portability and outstanding image quality when paired with the award-winning Olympus PEN® cameras. Previous lenses offering 600mm or more have been too large and heavy for most users to enjoy super telephoto shooting. This lens is smaller and lighter than the comparable ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm f4.8-6.7.

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 is extremely light, weighing only 6.7 ounces. With a wide zoom range with a 35mm equivalent to 80-300mm, this lens offers versatility and portability. It’s an affordable complement to the powerfully simple 3x wide-angle zoom lens (M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42 f3.5-5.6) that comes standard with the PEN kit.

Olympus’ M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75-300mm f4.8-6.7 lens. Photo provided by Olympus Imaging America Inc. Click for a bigger picture! Olympus’ M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75-300mm f4.8-6.7 lens mounted on an E-PL1 camera body. Photo provided by Olympus Imaging America Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Olympus’ M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75-300mm f4.8-6.7 lens.

Silent Operation
The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75-300mm f4.8-6.7′s rear focusing mechanism is comprised of a single-element unit, to enable remarkably fast and nearly silent HD movie recordings with sound. The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 has two lens elements in the rear focusing mechanism. The manual focusing mechanism is designed to deliver quiet and precise auto focus operation, for an affordable, high quality means to capture your life in still images or HD videos.

The new lenses are made with ED (extra-low dispersion) glass to maximize the performance of the Micro Four Thirds System. The Micro Four Thirds System standard meets the telecentric requirements of dedicated digital design. Light rays strike the imaging element nearly head-on for optimum edge-to-edge image reproduction. It also enables much more compact design than the Four Thirds System standard (or other interchangeable lens systems) because it reduces the outer diameter of the lens mount by 6mm, and the distance from the lens mount to the sensor (the flange back distance) by approximately half. As a result, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL Micro Four Thirds System lenses offer uncompromising professional quality for capturing both still images and HD videos, and the lenses are exceptionally compact to make capturing life more fun.

The Micro Four Thirds System’s design, compact size, low weight and amazing image quality with the new lenses extend the photographic potential of the system by adding more options. The new lenses are compatible with all Micro Four Thirds System Olympus PEN cameras, and all other current and future cameras that comply with the Micro Four Thirds System standard. When mounted on an Olympus PEN camera, the lenses are stabilized thanks to the camera’s in-body Image Stabilization system and offer effective shake compensation at all focal lengths.

Olympus’ M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 lens. Photo provided by Olympus Imaging America Inc. Click for a bigger picture! Olympus’ M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 lens mounted on an E-PL1 camera body. Photo provided by Olympus Imaging America Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
Olympus’ M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 lens.

AVAILABILITY
The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75-300mm f4.8-6.7 will be available in December 2010, while the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 will be available in November 2010. Both lenses will be available in black and silver.

U.S. Pricing / Product Configurations
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75-300mm f4.8-6.7 Estimated Street Price: $899.99
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 Estimated Street Price: $299.99

The E-5 will apparently use Olympus’ TruePic 5 engine and have 11-point autofocus, various art filters, a 3-inch, 920k LCD and a microphone jack.  It’ll also be able to record 720p 30fps HD video.

As for the two new lenses, due for announcement tomorrow, the first is the M.Zuiko ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 tipped as the world’s smallest 600mm zoom, just 11.6cm long and allowing for “nearly silent” HD movie recording; that’ll be $899.99 when it goes on sale in December.  Second is the M.Zuiko ED 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6, shown below, which will arrive in November for $299.99.

The Olympus FE-4050 (pictured above) offers up a 12MP CCD sensor, multiple hardware buttons on the back of the camera, flanking a marginal LCD display. It has an optical zoom up to 4x. The Olympus FE-5050, though, has a 14MP sensor with 5x optical zoom. Like we said, not completely archaic, but it’s cutting it pretty close. Olympus haven’t come clean on any bits of infor for the cameras, like a price tag, but they are scheduled to release onto the shores of Japan some time later this month. No word on an international release date, either.

[via Hardware Zone]

Video demo after the cut

Not only does the animated PEN E-PL1 show off all its key functionality, you can mount it on a virtual tripod and scroll through the various photo and video special effects.  Then you can take stills or shoot up to 10 seconds of demo video, reviewing them either on the virtual camera’s display or by uploading them.

It’s a good use of a technology that, while generally impressive, can also feel a bit gimmicky.  If you’re more interested in the Olympus PEN E-PL1′s performance as a camera rather than as an AR demo, check out our full review.

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/13524535[/vimeo]

[via Edward Boches and via Twitter]

In comparison to the well-received E-P2 the new E-PL1 gets an integrated pop-up flash and buttons to quickly flip into magnified live view and start recording video. Meanwhile, it also has a smaller preview display (2.7-inches versus 3-inches on the E-P2), a slower maximum shutter speed (1/2000 vs 1/4000s), slower maximum flash sync speed (1/160s vs 1/180s), 3-stop image stabilization (versus the E-P2′s 4-stop) and a consumer-grade plastic chassis instead of brushed aluminum and stainless steel construction. The integrated microphone records mono sound instead of stereo, and controls are squeezed into a single dial rather than two. Finally, maximum ISO setting is reduced from ISO 6400 to ISO 3200.

Physically, while the E-PL1 obviously lacks the hand-feel of its metal-bodied sibling, it feels anything but cheap. Build quality is high, and we reckon that – unlike most point-and-shoots – the budget PEN could withstand a drop without undue damage. The buttons, dials and general grip design are very well constructed, with the main mode dial having a strong spring-tensioned feel to it; you need to grip it firmly and twist it hard, which we actually prefer far more than what you’d find on an entry-DSLR. Even the battery compartment opens and closes with a clear snap, neatly done despite the cheaper construction.

The battery itself is the same BLS-1 Lithium-ion rechargeable unit as in the previous PEN. A fully drained battery took less than three hours to charge, and then lasted us three days of shooting short movies and still images while covering the recent Qualcomm Uplinq 2010 mobile conference. Storage, meanwhile, is reliant on SD/SDHC memory cards. In-camera formatting took place at the same speed as our professional Canon Mark IV DSLR, prepping a 32GB SanDisk 30MB/s SDHC card in less than 4 seconds (high level setting).

Unfortunately, our main ergonomic complaint concerns the new direct movie record button. While it’s generally handy to have, on the PEN E-PL1 it’s far too easy to trigger accidentally; a little more depth or slightly more resistance would make all the difference. As it is, you can remap that button so that it does nothing at all or toggles the LCD backlighting.

As for the LCD itself, it has a sufficiently fast response rate and provides enough shooting information for advanced users, though direct sunlight does wash it out and can make outdoor photography trickier. Ambient lighting, though, is fine. Olympus also outfit the E-PL1 with an accessory port that can be used with an electronic viewfinder, external flash or microphone; there are also two ports on the side, first a combined USB/AV-out and then a mini-HDMI for hooking up the PEN to an HDTV directly.

The new flash is easily triggered with a button just above the top left corner, and presses back into place to switch off. It’s also possible to use the flash for direct control of multiple external flash units wirelessly, such as the FL-36R and FL-50R, through we’re not sure how likely mainstream consumers might use that functionality. Its effectiveness – and indeed usefulness – varies depending on which lens you’re using. With a wide angle lens, for instance, it can be tricky avoiding shadows cast by the lens hood, such as the LH-55B on the Zuiko Digital 9-18mm ultra wide angle zoom. Even with the hood removed, the shadow is well defined at the zoom’s widest end. Still, that’s a common problem photographers have to deal with when they’re relying on pop-up flash units.

i-Auto

Olympus were keen to remind us on numerous occasions that the E-PL1 is tailored for beginners seeking out a prosumer camera capable of high image quality on a budget, and the i-Auto mode is built specifically for that. The Live Guide mode uses basic language for the menus and allows amateurs to tweak saturation, white balance, brightness, background blur and express motion, with the effect of their settings shown in the live view preview before the picture is taken. On-screen guidelines and tips give hints on how best to compose the shot and what sort of settings might benefit from adjustment. Perhaps the most interesting feature is the “express motion” setting, which simulates a motion blur effect on the LCD screen which more advanced photographers would recognize as panning blur. Usually you’d have to play with lower shutter speeds to create a directional blur effect, but the E-PL1 does a fair approximation itself. Unfortunately, even if you’ve found your new favorite settings in i-Auto, they’re only applied once to that particular shot. The camera automatically resets to the defaults for the next frame (unless several images are taken in one continuous-burst).

The PEN E-PL1′s panorama mode is only half managed by the camera itself. Sequences of images are stored in the camera first, with stitching done in post-processing with the bundled Olympus Master 2 image editing software. The app does a good job putting together the scene, though of course nothing is fully automatic; you first have to select images to be stitched, and then afterwards crop off the extra canvas area for a clean frame. Zoomed in to a pixel-peeping level, the edges in-between images are visible but the result is still quite pleasing after being suitably resized.

Performance

The camera goes from boot-to-ready in little over a second, with focusing speed almost instantaneous when in decent ambient lighting using both the 9-18mm and 14-42mm lenses we tested. In low light, it hesitates but not enough to upset an impatient photographer more used to a powerhouse DSLR. In extreme low light and low contrast situations, it didn’t perform any worse than a professional DSLR costing 10 times as much. Overall, focusing speed is fast and reliable.

Image stabilization is sensor-based and can compensate up to 3 stops; it proved especially useful in low light situations without tripod support. We were able to capture San Diego bay’s last light as low as 1/4 s while maintaining usable sharpness. The PEN provides three user-selectable modes of stabilization: Mode 1 for general shooting, Mode 2 for creative high-speed horizontal capture, and Mode 3 for high-speed vertical capture. Meanwhile there’s also Olympus’ SuperSonic Wave Filter system, which shakes any dust particles from the image sensor.

Noise levels are good; many of our sample pictures were taken at ISO 1600, and they’re sufficiently high quality to use that setting freely. For a 2.0 crop sensor, the high ISO noise level is surprisingly good in color performance and sharpness. In addition, there are no excessive blotchy noise patterns as often found when digital cameras attempt to get rid of high ISO noise. Combined with the anti-shake, high ISO capability and lightweight body, the EP-L1 is quite a treat as a low light camera.

Image Sharpness

Image sharpness has more to do with lenses than with cameras; however, the low-pass aka anti-alias filter placed in front of the image sensor does affect the outcome of the image. In the case of the E-PL1, a weaker filter is used thus it actually handles sharpness a little better than its predecessors. We tried the ZUIKO Digital ED 14-42mm and M.ZUIKO Digital ED 9-18mm ultra wide angle lenses for our review. The former is an entry-level kit lens with plastic construction, and it both looks cheap and feels cheap as though it might fall apart after a single drop. The latter, on the other hand, is a better-built wide angle lens with a with metal mount; like the 14-42mm, it’s a light weight, compact ultra angle with plastic components, but you can definitely tell the difference in quality holding both in your hands. Unlike the 14-42mm, the 9-18mm zoom mechanism doesn’t wobble as you move the inner tube back and forth. As for lens construction, you’re looking at 12 elements in 8 groups, 3 aspherical and 1 ED element construction vs 10 elements in 8 groups, 2 Aspherical and 1 ED element.

On the 9-18mm, image distortion at the widest ends is acceptable, and there’s minimal to no chromatic aberration displayed at the center of the lens but quite visible at the very corners. The same result was observed for image sharpness, but overall it’s a respectable ultra wide angle lens considering the price tag of $475. The compact design is great for landscaping and dropping in a bag while on vacation. Particularly worth mentioning is the lack of vignetting from a 35mm equivalent of 18mm-36mm.

Video Recording

The Pen E-PL1 offers 720p HD video recording at 30fps in 16:9 aspect ratio, or VGA resolution in 4:3 aspect ratio. Sound is limited to mono only as opposed to stereo mode in more expensive models like the PEN P1 and P2, but an optional external stereo microphone is available. Footage is recorded in AVI Motion JPEG format and individual clips are limited to 7 minutes in 720p or 14 minutes in VGA. When used with Olympus’ high-speed quiet autofocus technology MSC (Movie and Still Compatible) micro-4/3 system lenses, such as the 9-18mm or the newer M ZD 14-150mm 4.0-5.6 ED, focussing is faster and almost silent, promising speedy shooting without the mechanical background noises.

You’re locked out of settings such as aperture and shutter speed while footage is being recorded, but you can zoom while continuing to rely on the auto-focus. In Program, Aperture-Priority or Manual modes you can adjust exposure, but it but must be set prior to shooting. Finally, you can apply art filters at hardware level to overlay effects such as Pop Art, soft focus, grainy films, diorama, sepia and pin-hole to motion as well as still captures. The biggest omission, though, is that the E-PL1 doesn’t make the best use of its image stabilizer during movie recording, as it’s not available in video mode. Still, the bottom of the camera does have a full size metal tripod mount for serious shooters.

Video clip from Olympus Pen E-PL1

Conclusion

With an MRSP of $599.99 – and a street price closer to $520 – the Olympus PEN E-PL1 is pretty much half what you’d pay for its E-P2 sibling. That’s despite using the same sensor and the same 720p HD video recording functionality. It’s tempting to see micro-4/3 cameras a teetering in a no-mans-land between point-and-shoot simplicity and proper DSLRs, but the PEN E-PL1 has enough strengths of its own to argue its case. Excellent image stabilization and strong picture quality, coupled with a chassis that’s easy to pocket and long battery life, add up to a compelling option for the photographer who wants DSLR-style flexibility in a highly mobile package.