Olympus reveal new 12-40mm f/2.8 zoom, pro E-M1 body

Olympus has revealed the long rumored E-M1 and 12-40mm f/2.8 zoom. It sounds like the E-M1 uses the same excellent panel as the VF-4 (for the PEN E-P5). Prices start at £1299.99 for the body only, £1499.99 for the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 lens kit and £1949.99 for a kit that includes the new M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 12-40mm 1:2.8 lens.

While the E-M1 seems like a good step up from the E-M5 and PEN E-P5 (both sitting on my desk right now) for stills. the limited 1080/30p video (with a max 24Mbps bit rate) will not give Panasonic GH-3 users any cause for concern, even with the 5-Axis IBIS (which is one of the best for handheld video). Olympus really need to offer 60/50/30/25/24p and IPB and All-I compression and MOV (H.264), MP4 and AVCHD formats. Lets also hope the focus peaking isn't like that found on the E-P5 (it's okay, but nothing like that on the Sony A-99).

Olympus announce firmware update for OM-D E-M5

Olympus have released a firmware update for the OM-D E-M5.  

The update will be available on the OIMC website from today.

Compared to the firmware version 1.1 the new version 1.2 has following improvements:
    •    Improved sleep recovery operation
    •    AF target is indicated while using C-AF+TR in sequential shooting mode L
    •    M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 underwater support has been added when using underwater macro or underwater wide mode the lens will move automatically in tele or wide setting

Pre-order Olympus OM-D E-M5

The OM-D E-M5 is available to pre-order from Adorama as a kit with the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 for $1299. Body only price $999.

Please follow the link to pre-order the E-M5 at Adorama.

Please use the following links for other retailers:

Amazon (all countries). Try this link for Amazon UK (if the first link doesn't redirect).
B&H Photo & Video (US) are also taking pre-orders.
Jessops (UK) has the E-M5 with the ED 12-50mm for £1,149.95. (UPDATE, 28Feb, 2012; now with free HDL-6 battery grip, worth £250)
Warehouse Express (UK) have various combinations available to pre-order.

Thank you for buying through this site's links.

Contact

For more information, please visit www.olympusomd.com

Related Posts

Olympus announces OM-D E-M5

Olympus announces OM-D (E-M5)

UPDATE, 11th Feb, 2012: the OMD E-M5 is available to pre-order, please see the links below.

Olympus has announced a new flagship model, the E-M5, the first in the OM-D series sitting at the top of its micro-four-thirds (MFT) system. The new camera features a 16-MP L-MOS sensor and adopts the same lens range as the PEN series, however the OM-D (E-M5) as it's being called, has a built-in 1.44 million dot electronic viewfinder (EVF), new five axis image stabilization system, 'world-beating' FAST AF system all wrapped in a weather sealed magnesium alloy body. Olympus say the new AF system is the fastest currently available of 'any interchangeable lens camera' (ILC) including pro-level DSLRs (and quite a claim though the company is clear that's as of November 2011).

As well as incorporating a 120fps L-MOS sensor, and FAST AF system that featured on the E-P3, lens control communication has improved, resulting in an AF speed increase with MSC compatible lenses. The OM-D is capable of of sequential shooting at up to 9fps (dropping to 4.2fps with AF invoked). Live View black-out times (return times) have been noticeably reduced due to separate processor cores found in the TruePic V1 processor, though timings have yet to be announced.

The EVF features a 100-percent field of view with a 1.15x max magnification and 18mm eye-point, while a new EVF Creative Control feature is said to permit monitoring of highlight and shadow brightness in the viewfinder using a tone control overlay. White balance, magnification and aspect ratio can similarly be adjusted without the eye moving away from the viewfinder.

The OM-D is the first to feature a five axis image stabilization system, correcting not only for yaw and pitch but also , horizontal and vertical shift and rotary motion (rolling). Olympus says the system is particularly effective at compensating for high magnification stills (such as macro shooting), but it's not clear if the same system is used in the MSC IS system, adopted for movie capture. The new camera adopts the MOV format (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264), for movie clips up to 29-minutes as well as the less compact AVi (Motion JPEG) option with linear PCM audio used for both modes.

The OM-D also has a tilting 3.0 OLED touch sensitive panel with 610K dot resolution that's capable of displaying video at the equivalent of VGA resolution (though it's not clear at this time if that's accounting for the different screen ratio). A new Live Bulb feature updates the LiveView image on the rear-panel monitor at preset intervals and also allows the user to assess the final image during the exposure and to adjust the exposure time accordingly.

OM-D main features:

· Speed - the world’s fastest* FAST AF auto-focusing system plus 3D tracking for improved moving object tracking performance
· 16.1-megapixel new Live MOS sensor, for high resolution and excellent low-light performance
· 1.44 million dot high-definition electronic viewfinder, with unique optical design to reduce vignetting, 100% field of view and very short display time lag
· Powerful TruePic VI image engine, for faster recovery time and excellent image quality (still image shooting sensitivity as high as ISO25600)
· Ultra-effective in-body image stabilization using the world’s first*1 5-axis IS, for blur-free movies and stills with any lens
· Compact, lightweight body in the tradition of the famous OM series, in magnesium alloy and enhanced with proven dust-/splash-proof capability
· Fully compliant with the Micro Four Thirds System standard
· Additional lens options under development - the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm 1:1.8 and the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm 1:2.8 macro

Additional features:

· Tilt LCD (3.0-inch swivel-type OLED monitor, capacitive touchscreen panel with fast response)
· Full HD (1920 x 1080), now in MPEG4 (AVC/H.264)
· New Echo effect for movies (one-shot echo and multi-echo)
· Live Bulb feature, updating the Live View image on the rear-panel monitor at pre-set intervals during bulb shooting
· New “Key Line” Art Filter, making the picture look more like an illustration by enhancing the edge lines; and new variations “Cross Process II” and “Dramatic Tone II”

The OM-D is available from April 2012 as a kit with the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 for $1299 / £1149.99. Body only price $999 / £999 inc VAT.

 

Pre-order the OM-D E-M5:

Please follow the link to pre-order the E-M5 at Adorama.

B&H Photo are also taking pre-orders, please follow the link here.

Amazon (all countries), please follow the link here.

UK readers can pre-order the E-M5 with the ED 12-50mm at Jessops for £1,149.95, please follow the link here.

Warehouse Express have various combinations available to pre-order here.

For more information, please visit www.olympusomd.com

Thank you for buying through this site's links.

Press release:

Faster, sharper, smarter: the dust and splash-proof Olympus OM-D, with game-changing IS, electronic viewfinder and stunning new lenses

London, February 8 2012
Olympus is taking the forty-year pedigree of the OM series into the next generation with the launch of the OM-D, featuring the world’s first*1 5-axis image stabilization (IS) system to eliminate blur in stills and movies.

See the blur reduction effect live via the fast electronic viewfinder, while simultaneously benefitting from the fastest*2 auto-focus of any interchangeable lens camera (including all D-SLRs) with a further refinement of the world-beating FAST AF (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology) also found on the popular PEN series models.

The camera’s innovative new 16.1 megapixel high-resolution Live MOS Sensor works in tandem with the powerful TruePic VI image processing engine to achieve outstandingly refined image quality and high sensitivity.

The integrated 1.44 million dot high-definition electronic viewfinder lets the photographer to check manual adjustments to brightness and colour tones on-screen and with a new interface for exceptionally easy viewing.

This faster, sharper, smarter camera comes attractively packaged in a durable dust-/splash-proof magnesium-alloy body that ensures lets the OM-D go-anywhere. New accessories such as the optional HDL-6 power battery holder grip, MMF-3 Four Thirds mount adapter and FL-600R electronic flash add to its adaptability, while two new lens options – the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm 1:1.8 and the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm 1:2.8 macro – are under development and will extend creative applications for the user.

The OM-D (E-M5) comes in a silver or black body.

The OM-D is available from April 2012 as a kit with the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 for £1149.99. Body only price to be confirmed.

Additional Images

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact

For more information please visit www.olympus.co.uk, or www.olympusamerica.com

Olympus announces M.Zuiko 75mm f/1.8, 60mm f/2.8 macro under development

Olympus has announced two new lenses are under development - the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm 1:1.8 and the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm 1:2.8 macro. The 75mm lens adopts a high-quality metal barrel and fast
maximum aperture for portraits and indoor sports shooting, while the dust and splash proof 60mm lens features 1:1 macro and a closest shooting distance of just 0.19m. It's expected the lenses will be available later in the year.

Contact

For more information please visit www.olympus.co.uk, or www.olympusamerica.com

Related Posts

Olympus announces new OM-D (E-M5)

Olympus announces 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ

UPDATE 25 Feb, 2012: Amazon US has just eight of the new Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ in stock (sold by H and B Digital, fulfilled by Amazon). All other retailers are taking pre-orders at this time.

Olympus has introduced a new 12-50mm zoom (24-100mm equivalent) and has several new features besides the focal length and ratio. It's the first from the maker to feature power-zoom intended primarily for video shooters but it also boasts a focus-hold button (to avoid re-focusing) and the same level of weatherproofing as the Top Pro lens range for their DSLRs. We were told by a spokesperson that the new lens will be available late January or early February with an RRP of £349.99 inc. VAT.

Pre-order the 12-50mm at Adorama Camera (US) at $499.99, UK readers can pre-order from Wex Photographic at £369.99 inc VAT.

Thank you for buying through this site's links.

PRESS INFORMATION

Olympus makes zooming even smoother

A new zoom lens for a new PEN generation

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 EZ

London, 14 December 2011 – Olympus’s new generation of multi- talented PEN cameras can enjoy a new Standard Zoom, the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 EZ. It comes with a new ultra-smooth, near-silent electromagnetic zoom mechanism that powers the lens on its own – no potentially jerky wristwork required. This makes it easy for anyone to make great home movies. Add in variable zoom speed and blazing quick auto focus, and it’s the perfect zoom lens for recording movies and portraits. It’s also ideal for high-quality macros and wide- angle shots. With an 84° max. angle of view, 24-100mm* focal range and manual zoom mode, this exceptional lens gives PEN owners all the options. The PEN line-up has a multi-talented standard zoom lens to match. It goes on sale from end of January 2012, for £349.99.

Smoother and quieter
The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 EZ takes the movie zoom lens to a new level. An electromagnetically powered zoom mechanism lets you zoom in and out smoothly and quietly, at a constant rate. This avoids the camera-shake that often occurs when you zoom by hand and cuts out the noise of motor gears in the background, which can potentially ruin your movie. You can set the motor to zoom at one of three set speeds. The ‘slow’ setting allows time to concentrate on composing while ‘fast’ makes sure no shot is missed.

Faster and closer
The new lens delivers 4.2x standard magnification and is very quick. The electromagnetic motor makes for near-instant response and, in combination
1with Olympus’ proprietary MSC (Movie and Still Compatible) technology, ensures fast and near-silent autofocus. For this lens, Olympus enhanced MSC by adding a Linear Motor Drive that makes use of the electromagnetic motor to make focussing even faster, quieter – and better for recording movies.
Automatic and manual

As you’d expect from an Olympus PEN lens, the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12- 50mm 1:3.5-6.3 EZ delivers superb image quality, thanks not least to a multi-layer coating on all the lenses and two aspherical lenses that correct common zoom aberrations. The pristine quality is particularly evident in Macro mode, which offers 0.72x* magnification at 20 to 50cm. Less familiar is the new L-Fn button (a first on a PEN lens), which prevents the camera focussing on the wrong subject by mistake. Should something suddenly come between the lens and your intended subject, you simply push this button to temporarily suspend autofocus until it’s moved out of the way. For fans of hands-on shooting, the lens offers another rare treat – the option to suspend autofocus altogether and switch to the manual zoom ring.

The Micro Four Thirds standard makes PEN cameras especially compact and portable, which allows PEN owners to shoot in all kinds of places and conditions. So it’s comforting to know this lens is fitted with the same top- notch dust- and splash-proof mechanism originally developed for high-end ZUIKO DIGITAL Top Pro Series lenses. Now, wherever you go with your PEN you’ve got a zoom lens that’s tough enough to go too.

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 EZ will sell separately and as part of a kit with one of the three newest PEN cameras: the PEN Lite (E- PL3), PEN Mini (E-PM1) and the flagship PEN E-P3. A matching protection filter, lens case and hood are also available.
* 35mm equivalent.
2
For a full list of features, please go to www.olympus.co.uk

Olympus announce VF-3 for Pen series

Olympus has announced today the VF-3 electronic viewfinder for the popular Micro Four Thirds Pen series. Although I've not seen it I have an E-P3 on my desk with the VF-2 attached and the new finder looks to have a lower (smaller) profile. As can be seen from the images below, there's a large diopter control, but a new feature is the addition of a hotshoe lock to prevent inadvertent detachment. There's no word on resolution, but it will retail for $236 (as a rate conversion) / £179.99 / 204 Euros inc VAT from mid-August.

PRESS INFORMATION

Olympus PEN family gets new electronic viewfinder

High power, high res - VF-3 viewfinder enhances new PEN camera range

London, 27 July 2011 – Olympus has launched a new high-resolution electronic viewfinder
to boost the imaging power of its stylish PEN Micro Four Thirds cameras – the new PEN
(E-P3), PEN Lite (E-PL3) and PEN mini (E-PM1). The VF-3 offers a 100% field of view and
more than four times the resolution of rival electronic viewfinders for comparable cameras,
so it’s ideal for capturing high-zoom close-ups in excellent picture quality. Compact, lightweight
and just as sleek as a PEN camera, the VF-3 tilts up to 90° making it easy to shoot movies
and stills from tricky angles, even in difficult light.

The VF-3 is available from mid-August 2011 for £179.99.

Olympus Updates Firmware For 14-42mm and 14-150mm lenses, outs Studio 2 version 1.2 for EP-3

Olympus Japan has updated the firmware for both the 14-42mm and 14-150mm lenses, enabling faster focus on the recently released Olympus EP-3. Olympus has also updated Studio 2 to version 1.2 allowing conversion of E-P3 raw files.

Olympus PEN E-P3 and 12mm f/2.0 samples

We hope to have a the new Olympus 12mm f/2.0 in for a more formal review, but in the meantime we've posted some sample shots for our time with one at the European press launch in Vienna.

Even from our limited time with the lens it's easy to see from the results that this is highest performing lens yet from Olympus for their PEN series. All our sample shots were taken with a PEN EP-3 (there were none of the other cameras announced available at the time), but the E-P3 is the current top-of-line camera and uses the latest (TruePic VI) processor.

Most improvements in image quality lately have been made through advances in processing rather than new sensor technology. A fact perhaps underlined by the insistence of Olympus to stay with the 12-megapixel LMOS chip. However, the faster readout from the sensor has brought about a dramatic increase in AF speed.

Not only is this noticeable with the updated 14-42mm kit lens (both MSC variants) but with the completely new 12mm f/2.0 (24mm equivalent). The barrel and body is metal, and far superior in build to the 17mm f/2.8 and offerings from Panasonic (although they're not bad for what they are).

Optical quality is very impressive indeed. All of the images shown below are in-camera JPEGs with no additional processing. The price is expected to be around £700, and should be available soon (in July).

Olympus M. Zuiko Digital 12mm f/2.0 ED MSC (equivalent 24mm f/2.0)

Flowers, wide-open at f/2.

Vienna Skyline, 12mm f2 @ f/5.6

Ground level, 12mm f2 @ f/5.6

< Snapshot, 12mm f2 @/f5.6

Updated images added July 15

This is a 100-percent actual pixel crop of the top left hand image from above (taken at f/5.6) showing some slight lateral chromatic aberration on either side of the highlighted pillar.The magenta fringing is more noticeable but there's some cyan too.

This is an in-camera JPEG. Olympus Pens don't remove CA in-camera like the Lumix models either, but they do correct distortion on the fly, meaning even the image in the viewfinder and screen is corrected in real-time. In popular Raw workflow programs such as Lightroom and ApertureRaw files are corrected as well.

Fortunately, the 12mm's fringing is quite easy to remove. This is the same image with a -27 correction using the Red/Cyan CA slider in Lightroom 3.

Resistance to flare (veiling glare) is excellent (but not up to T* or Nano coat standards perhaps), there's some loss of contrast (restricted to the steeple) and ghosting patches are practically non-existant. If you take a look at the figure wearing a blue sweat there's one green patch but it's very slight.

Focusing is extremely fast on the E-P3 making the combination highly desirable for street photography. Best of all however is the image quality, the lens has superb micro-contrast, excellent gradation from highlights and shadows and a very attractive drawing style. If I get chance, I'll try demonstrate the in-camera distortion correction.

Support our site and buy from our affiliates

Olympus E-P3 pre-order at B&H Photo ($899 with a choice of 17mm f/2.8 or new 14-42mm zoom)
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 (24mm equivalent) pre-order at B&H Photo ($799).

Buy the 12mm f/2.0 from Adorama ($799) or UK readers can buy from Wex (£699 inc VAT).

ROUGH AND READY: NEW OLYMPUS TOUGH DUO CAPTURE ALL THE ACTION WITH EASE

Waterproof Shockproof and Freezeproof Cameras Tackle All of Life’s Moments with HD Video, AF Tracking, In-Camera Creative Filters and New 3D Mode.
Olympus, known for its robust line of rugged digital cameras today has added the new Olympus TG-610 and TG-310 Waterproof, Shockproof and Freezeproof models. They build on the Tough series’ reputation of delivering amazing images while enduring extreme expeditions and everyday adventures, including life with kids.
The new Tough cameras are Waterproof (to 5 metres for the TG-610 and 3 metres for the TG-310), Shockproof (to 1.5 metres) and Freezeproof (to -10 degrees Celsius) to deliver amazing images even when you take them to extremes. Beyond their durable exteriors, the TG-610 and TG-310 deliver superior image quality thanks to 14 megapixels, high-definition (HD) video, wide-angle optical zoom lenses (5x on the TG-610 and 3.6x on the TG-310) and dual image stabilization. The cameras come in a variety of colours to complement your own individual style.

New Olympus SP-610UZ

Olympus today unveils the full-featured SP-610UZ, a lightweight, 22x wide-angle ultra-zoom camera with HD Video capability, delivering the celebrated strengths of this pioneering family of cameras: sophisticated long-zoom, go-anywhere photography. The SP-610UZ packs fun features and superb image quality in a user-friendly camera, providing further proof that Olympus lets you capture it all.
Whether shooting wildlife, a school performance or a soccer game, consumers want powerful zooms without the bulk. The all-black SP-610UZ comes packed with a variety of features that deliver a superior imaging experience far and wide:
•    New Magic Filters – make it possible to create special artistic effects in still images and/or movies directly in the camera;
•    HD Movie & HDMI™ Control – high-definition video (HD video) delivers a broadcast-quality movie experience when played back on an HDTV;
•    3D Photo Mode – 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.
•    Eye-Fi™ Card Compatibility – enables automatic wireless uploading of images to the website or PC of your choice;
•    In-Camera Panorama –  offers quick and easy panorama shots; and
•    AF Tracking – tracks a moving subject automatically and keeps it in focus for optimal image quality.
“The new SP-610UZ combines the zoom power that has made Olympus ultra-zooms famous with fully automatic controls ideal for amateur photographers looking to capture it all at the touch of a button and in-camera Magic Filters for artistic control in a portable body” says Jennifer Schmell, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “The 22x wide-angle optical zoom on the SP-610UZ is an upgrade to the SP-600UZ, which provided a 15x wide-angle zoom. We’re continuing to push the boundaries of what camera optics and software can do for the consumer.”

Ultra-Powerful Zoom in a Stylish Package

Olympus to adopt QR codes in new TV campaign

Olympus is allowing viewers a sneak peak of a forthcoming TV ad using QR codes for the Pen EPL-1. There's a new £30 cash-back scheme too for UK purchasers.

Press Release
Olympus to use QR codes in new outdoor ad and in store
Olympus look set to be the first photographic company to make use of the burgeoning smart-phone ownership and have a QR code on their Christmas outdoor campaign due to kick off in early December along side a new TV spot all booked through MEC Manchester. The code will also be used on an increasing range of in store material.


"We have an engaging TV ad that includes some clear product benefit messages" says Mark Thackara, Olympus National Marketing Manager "it seems obvious to make the most of it and what better way than to encourage people to play it while they wait for a train or when they pick up the product in store".

The content will be hosted and streamed by iSite TV who have handled Olympus web videos on retailer sites for a number of years. "iSite have very strong platform and ensure fast delivery." says Thackara. "That is key to the user experience and although this is seen as a first step, we have worked hard to optimise the landing page and content. You will be able to play the TV ad, view the promotional offer and play a product demo all from the same fast link."

To check out the content on the E-PL1 camera and see a preview of the new ad use the code printed here. If you do not have a reader on your smart-phone, Text: PEN to 81400 and follow the link sent in return.

Olympus 'Back Tracks' Over End To Four Thirds Commitment

Following the published interview yesterday by QUESABESDE.COM, 43Cameras have reportedly been contacted by Olympus to clarify some ideas explained in the interview. The translation to different languages seems to have distorted the original meaning – at least according to Olympus.

Olympus reveals flagship compact at Photokina

Olympus is set to display a mock-up of their next flagship compact at Photokina, Cologne, Germany, this week, but it's not known at this stage whether it will adopt the company's FT format sensor. The unnamed compact will feature a Zuiko Digital branded zoom lens, and uses the same accessory port as the E-P2 and E-PL1 mFT cameras, allowing the option of an electronic viewfinder and stereo microphone (albeit not at the same time). Olympus are being coy as to whether the sensor is an mFT size imager, meaning it's likely not.

Olympus Statement 'All Cameras Will Be Mirrorless in the future'

News just in via 43Rumors, confirms what we have been thinking for some time, apparently, Mark Thackara, UK Product Manager for Olympus, spoke with Amateur Photographer magazine and said this “We will continue to do these [Four Thirds cameras] until micro cameras can do what other products can,” and “All cameras will be mirrorless in the future.”

A spokesperson from Olympus Europe, Franziska Jorke, went on to say, the autofocus and burst rate of DSLRs as still being superior to Micro Four Thirds models, along with the optical viewfinders. Jorke predicted that the concept of a camera ‘will change in 5-10 years’. However, in a bid to reassure photo enthusiasts, she said there will always be an Olympus camera body available – whether a DSLR or another type of camera altogether – to allow users to benefit from current Four Thirds lenses.

Written by: Joanne Carter

Olympus make E-5 official

Not much has changed over the original (three-year old) E-3 but there's a slight increase in pixel count to 12MP, a less aggressive AA filter, which should mean better micro-contrast (and according to Olympus is superior to both the EOS 7D and D300), a new image processor, and mono 720p 30fps HD movie clips. Fortunately, it has a stereo mic socket, and the 3-inch LCD is a big improvement too, with 921k dot resolution. For more information, please see the press release below.

First Full Image Of Olympus E-5

43rumors.com wasted no time in getting this image out. The E-5 will be released tomorrow but for now we will all have to contend with this image, the first one of the complete camera, to date. Looking very similar to the Olympus E-3, so no great surprises there.

Spec

- Weather-proof (Magnesium) body
- 12.1Megapixel sensor (The same Olympus PEN sensor)
- ISO 100 – 6400 in 1/3 or 1 EV steps
- AVI Motion JPEG(30fps) HD (720)
- 6fps
- it can take a picture with sound.
- mono mic with stereo external microphone input
- 3 inch LCD with 920.000 dots resolution
- 11 points full-twin cross AF sensor (phase-difference detection system)
- 11 area multiple AF (contrast detection system)
- CF and SD dual slot
- Built-in wireless flash

Written by Joanne Carter

As We Predicted, Olympus Launch New Special All-Black E-P2 + Kit

We didn't think that secret would keep, well here you have it, Olympus have officially announced the new all-black E-P2 micro four thirds camera today, along with 40-150mm and 75-300mm lenses.

The new E-P2 EVF Edition kit comes with a 17mm 1:2.8 pancake lens (also in black), and the VF-2 electronic viewfinder, in black too. Also included is a new lens cap with "F" logo, which you can see in the photo above. Available in the shops from October, for 1,079 Euros, with US pricing not yet listed for this version. The E-P2 Special Black EVF Edition contents include:

E-P2 camera in black
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm 1:2.8 Pancake lens exclusively in black
VF-2 electronic viewfinder in black
Historic lens cap with F logo

Otherwise, the E-P2 Special Black Flash Edition comes with the above pancake lens and lens cap, swapping the viewfinder for the FL-14 external flash—hence the "flash edition" name. Supposedly this version will retail for $1,000 / 1,049 Euros come October. E-P2 camera in black boxed contents include:

E-P2 camera in black
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm 1:2.8 Pancake lens exclusively in black
FL-14 external flash exclusively in black
Historic lens cap with F logo cap with F logo

On to the lenses, and the 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 will cost $900 / 899 Euros from December, and the 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 will come in at a more affordable $300 / 329 Euros from November for the US, October for Euro

 

The classic cap

The Olympus Pen F was the world's first and only half-frame system single-lens reflex camera, released in 1963. The Olympus Pen F was a revolutionary camera packed with innovative features. With the new digital PEN cameras Olympus started a new era of mirror less cameras with outstanding design. The lens cap with the special F logo has a diameter of 37mm and can be used with the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm 1:2.8 Pancake lens.

No true PEN enthusiast would be without this stylish and historic accessory. Its silver F logo is a striking visual reference to the front of the original Olympus Pen F and blends superbly with the black metal body of the E-P2. The cap can also be purchased separately for ¤49.90. Part number: LC-37 F Logo MFT Lens Cap.

New Olympus E-P2 And E-5 DSLR Rumored

No secret is safe anymore including the latest cameras coming from Olympus, that's if 42rumors.com are to be believed and it certainly looks pretty believable.

The new E-P2 kit + 2 new MicroFourThirds lenses will be announced tomorrow August 31

1) The new E-P2 kit with black 17mm lens and black external flash.

There will be also two new MFT lenses:

2) The new M.Zuiko ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 (equivalent of 150-600mm in 35mm)
It is the world smallest 600mm zoom lens. It weights 430 grams and has a diameter of 7cm and 11.6cm length.
It allows nearly silent HD movie recording.
The new lenses are made with ED (extra-low dispersion)
It will be available in December 2010 for $899.99

3) The new M.Zuiko ED 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 equivalent of 80-300mm in 35mm)
It weights 190 grams.
It will be available in November 2010 for $299.99

The E-5 will be announced on September 14!

It has 12 Megapixel, two more than the “older” E-3. It has the new TruePic 5 engine for better detail, 720p hd video at 30p, 11 pt af, 920k dot res lcd, 3 inches, art filters and a mic jack.

The image above is of the new 75mm-300mm lens.

Olympus announces cash-back on E-PL1

Olympus UK has announced a £75 cashback offer on the purchase on either a E-PL1 body or kit from authorized stockists. The offer will run in the UK and Ireland and is valid on purchases made up to 31st August 2010.

More details on the offer and how to claim are available at www.olympus.co.uk/promotion