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.

PhaseOne announce PODAS for UK

PhaseOne the maker of high-end digital backs and the developer behind the excellent raw workflow software CaptureOne has announced the first PODAS (Phase One Digital Artist Series) in the UK. The fashion and portrait photography workshop will be held over the 10-14 September at Weston Park manor house in the UK and will feature UK photographers Drew Gardner and Natalie Dybisz “Miss Aniela” as the instructors. The three-day event is limited to just 16 places but the price has still to be confirmed.

Phase One Digital Artist Series (PODAS) Workshop
Focuses on Fashion and Portrait Photography

The Ultimate Model Shoot Will Be Held at Elegant UK Manor House

COPENHAGEN, July 21, 2011 — Today, Phase One announced that its first PODAS fashion and portrait photography workshop will be held at the luxurious manor house, Weston Park, UK during September, 2011. This is a truly unique event. Only PODAS workshops offer participants the full use of a Phase One IQ series camera for the duration of the course.

PODAS workshops are known for their world-class instructors and uniquely all-inclusive venue, including in this case airport pickup, accommodations, elegant meals, the latest Phase One IQ camera equipment and inspiring models on location. A PODAS workshop is designed to free participants so they can focus solely on the art and craft of their photography.

Fashion and Portrait Photography
3-day intensive workshop
September 10-14, 2011 - Weston Park, UK
Instructors: Drew Gardner and Natalie Dybisz “Miss Aniela”
Limited to 16 participants
For more details, including schedule and details on how to register, please see: http://www.phaseone.com/global/PODAS-Workshops/weston-park.aspx

Each workshop participant will receive a Phase One 60-megapixel IQ160 camera system (comprising a Phase One 645DF camera body, IQ160 back and lenses) to use throughout the workshop. Attendees will also receive a free copy of both Capture One Pro and Media Pro software. Shooting sessions will be complemented by classroom instruction on topics ranging from visualization to composition, capture, workflow and presentation.

“I have taught at workshops all over the world,” said Drew Gardner, “but this one will be special. We’ll be working with models in a beautiful setting where we will have so much freedom to explore new settings and new approaches. I will be sharing my techniques with participants to give them the tools that will help them make their picture special long after the workshop has ended.”

Miss Aniela said, "I will be showing my entire process from shooting to RAW workflow and retouching, which can be anything from simple adjustments to intricate compositing. I’ll be applying post-production techniques to create surreal and arresting imagery as seen in my self-portraiture, but also showing the importance of the thinking process behind it.”

And Kevin Raber, host of the PODAS workshop series and vice president of Phase One USA said, “I am thrilled to be organizing this workshop at such a spectacular location and with such talented instructors.”

Previous PODAS workshops have generally focused on landscape photography instruction and have been held in locations such as Australia, Death Valley, Iceland and Ireland. Future workshops are now being designed and will be announced.

To learn more about past, current and future workshops, please check the PODAS blog: http://podas.info/ . You can also follow PODAS on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/PODASworkshops and on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/PODAS-Phase-One-Digital-Artist-Series-Photography-Workshops/326535937221

AP photographer Matt Dunham wins first prize in the royalty and entertainment section of the Press Photographer's Year 2011

This image is property of AP

Associated Press (AP) photographer Matt Dunham has won the first prize in the royalty and entertainment section of the Press Photographer’s Year Award 2011 for his impromptu image of HRH Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall when their car was attacked and damaged by demonstrators in the heart of London late last year. Dunham’s winning photo is currently on display in an exhibition at the National Theatre, London. The exhibition is free to visitors.

Press release:

Famous Charles and Camilla picture earns Associated Press photographer a Press Photographer’s Year for 2011 prize

LONDON - Associated Press (AP) photographer Matt Dunham has won first prize in the royalty and entertainment section of the Press Photographer’s Year Award for his famous Charles and Camilla picture, taken as the royal couple got caught up in demonstrations on their way to the theatre in central London. HRH Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall’s car was surrounded by crowds as police clashed with demonstrators last December. At the time, protests were at a high against coalition government cuts and controversial plans to triple university tuition fees in England.

AP Regional Photo Editor for Europe and Africa Tony Hicks said: “Matt Dunham is one of the outstanding press photographers of his generation. This award-winning image is testament to his news judgment and versatility. After filing photos of demonstrations in Parliament Square, Matt decided to follow a group of people he believed were intent on causing trouble. Seeing the group crowd around a large vehicle, in which he realised the royal couple was traveling, he had seconds to fire off five frames. AP used all of the images. This is an example of how following instincts in reporting can pay dividends.”

Out of nearly 8,000 entries, Dunham’s photo was one of 15 pictures selected for the Press Photographer’s Year Award. Some 136 images are being showcased in an exhibition at the National Theatre from Monday, 18 July to Sunday, 4 September.

The website of the Associated Press can be found here. Details of the exhibition at the National Theatre, can be found here.

Leica adds Hasselblad V, M645 and P67 adapters

Leica has announced three adapters for the S2 medium format camera allowing the fitment of Hasselblad V (Carl Zeiss), Mamiya 645 and Pentax 67 lenses. The adapters will be available from August at a price of £525 inc VAT.

The introduction of lens adapters should help prevent detractors pointing out the lack of Leica S lenses for the S2. Although more are planned there are only four in the range at this time: 35/2.5, 70/2.5, 120/2.5 Macro and a 180/3.5.

Press release:

Leica Camera AG expands lens compatibility for Leica S-System
 
Leica S-Adapters increase flexibility of S2, enabling use of other manufacturers’ medium-format lenses
 
15 July 2011:  Leica is expanding its range of accessories for the Leica S2 professional camera system. From August 2011, three new Leica S-Adapters will be available, allowing photographers to attach medium-format lenses from other manufacturers to Leica S bodies. The Leica S-Adapter V can be used for Hasselblad V System lenses, the Leica S-Adapter P67 for the Pentax 67 system lenses and the Leica S-Adapter M645 for the lenses of the Mamiya 645 system.
 
The S-Adapters offer many benefits to professional photographers. As a result of being able to use third-party lenses on the Leica S2, photographers now have access to a wider selection of additional lenses, further increasing the S-System’s flexibility. Furthermore, photographers who already own lenses from the aforementioned systems can now use them on the Leica S2. This extension of the compatible lens range includes tilt and shift. As with all products in the Leica S portfolio, the Leica S-Adapters are manufactured to extremely high specifications. The use of high quality materials in their construction – anodised aluminium and chrome-plated brass – makes them durable and reliable, even when in constant use.
 
Further information can be found at:
http://www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk/news/Leica-expands-lens-leica-S-system.html
 
About the Leica S-System
 
The Leica S-System is a digital camera concept designed to meet supreme professional requirements. With a resolution of 37.5 megapixels, the S2’s 30 x 45mm CCD sensor features an aspect ratio of 3:2 and an area nearly 60% larger than that of a traditional 35mm camera, resulting in stunning image quality. The S2’s full range of features includes autofocus, high-speed MAESTRO image processor, highly durable design and optimal size and ease-of-use for professional photographers.
 
Pricing and availability in the UK
 
The Leica S-Adapters are scheduled to be available in the UK from August 2011 from selected authorised Leica dealers including the Leica Store Mayfair: www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk, tel: 020 7629 1351. A full list of authorised UK Leica dealers is available at www.leica-camera.co.uk. The UK suggested retail price of the Leica S-Adapter (all versions) is £525 including VAT.

Video Reviews And Tutorials Of Apps At TheAppWhisperer.com

If you haven't checked out our sister site, theappwhisperer.com yet then you're missing out. It's the best place to keep informed on all the latest mobile apps on all platforms. The vast majority of these apps are photography apps too, which is of course a bonus.

If you head over there today, you will see that they have set up a new section for video reviews and tutorials of apps. These are professionally produced licensed videos, if you're an app developer why not drop them a line, they have some great deals on at the moment.

Check out an example video review below... then head straight to this page to find out more.

Red accepting orders for EPIC-M

RED Digital Cinema, the company behind RED One and EPIC movie cameras has announced they're taking immediate orders for the EPIC-M packages A deposit of $5,800 is required, however and that's just 10-per-cent. The total price is an epic $58,000, and lenses are extra. Supply is limited and these are still pre-production bodies requiring firmware upgrades for some additional features.

EPIC-M package includes:

EPIC-M Brain with titanium PL mount
Bomb EVF
5" Touchscreen LCD
DSMC Side Handle
DSMC Side SSD Module
REDmote
4x 128GB SSD cards
4x REDVolt batteries and travel charger
Custom laser-cut foam EPIC Pelican 1510 case
2 years of warranty coverage

Please see here for more details and to place a deposit.

Daily App Giveaway - PhotoToaster - On Our Sister Site - TheAppWhisperer.com

Theappwhisperer.com is an awesome site for all your mobile photographic app needs. Each day they have an app giveaway and today they have PhotoToaster iPhoneography codes to giveaway. Don't miss this opportunity, head over to our sister site, here and pick up this app today.

Today, they have PhotoToaster apps to giveaway, each currently worth $0.99. PhotoToaster combines all the essential ingredients for photo processing in a single product. It employs fast non-destructive image adjustments and provides three different ways to adjust them. The Toaster can do everything from simple lighting adjustments and color corrections to elaborate multi-layer composite effects.

Tamron launch new claim back promo

Tamron UK start a new claim-back promotion tommorrow (July 15), customers purchasing the new Tamron 18-270mmf/3.5-6.3 PZD zoom lens can claim a pair of super compact Steiner Safari 8x22 binoculars - worth £99!

The promotion starts 15th July through 15th September 2011. Claims must be received by the distributor (Intro 2020) on or before 30th September 2011, but the lens must be purchased from an autthorised Tamron stockist in the UK or Eire to qualify.

Please see here for stockist details.

PRESS RELEASE

 

The Ultimate Photo Travel Lens promotion
Tamron 18-270mm PZD - the world’s lightest, most compact 15x DSLR Zoom Lens
Tamron travel promotion starts 15th July

 

On 15th July Tamron launch a new claim back promotion: Customers purchasing a new Tamron
18-270mm PZD lens can claim a superb pair of Steiner Safari 8x22 binoculars - worth £99!

Why a pair of binoculars you ask? The 18-270mm PZD lens is the ideal travel lens, couple this with the Steiner 8x22 Safari binoculars and you have an ideal travel kit for your holidays.

The promotion starts on 15th July and is valid to 15th September 2011. Claims must be received by Intro 2020 on or before 30th September 2011.

To be able to claim the binoculars, the products must be purchased in the United Kingdom and
Eire only, from an authorised Tamron stockist (see www.intro2020.co.uk for stockist details).

For details of how to claim the Steiner binoculars either visit our website at: www.intro2020.co.uk and download claim form, or send a copy of your receipt, together with the serial number of the lens to Tamron Promotion at Intro 2020 Priors Way, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 2HP.

VISIT TAMRON ISLAND

More News! - 15th July sees the launch of a new Tamron on-line game: Tamron Island.
Click onto www.tamron-island.co.uk or www.tamron.co.uk and put your photography skills to the test – there is a selection of prizes to win every month from now through to the end of December 2011.

Pentax special edition 645D updated new pictures

Following yesterday's surprise announcement of the special edition 645D, we've added a couple more images from the company's PR agency, please see here for the original post.

Pentax announce special edition 645D

Pentax has announced the availability of a specially lacquered version of the 645D to celebrate being named “Camera GP Japan 2011 Camera of The Year”.

The hand-crafted lacquer or urushi finish involves pasting many different types of silver leaves on a black-lacquer base and applying an overcoat of paint in a 'rich Bordeaux-wine tone'.

The special finish has been developed by Sakamoto Urushi Manufacturing Co., Ltd. of Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, and is said to increase the camera's durability.

As a result of the process, no two cameras will be the same, making them a unique possession, the company adds. The camera's specification remains unaltered from the standard version but there's no word on the intended price.

Orders will be taken from July 20 through September 20, 2011. Delivery will take four months from the receipt of order.

More information, including a list of stockists can be found at www.pentax.co.uk/645D

Daily App Giveaway - PhotoForge2 - On Our Sister Site -TheAppWhisperer.com

Theappwhisperer.com is an awesome site for all your mobile photographic app needs. Each day they have an app giveaway and today they have Snapseed for iPad codes to giveaway. Don't miss this opportunity, head over to our sister site, here and pick up this app today.

PhotoForge2 is a breakthrough for image editing on the go. Edit full resolution photos just like on your desktop. True layers support means you can now composite multiple photos into amazing works of art. Unparalleled powerful tools like curves and levels allow you to manipulate your photos with ease. Amazing filters and effects will allow even a beginner to transform their photos into masterpieces. Once your photo is ready to be seen by the world, easily send to friends and family directly from PhotoForge2. PhotoForge2 is a must have app for any photographer: easy enough for beginners to start getting creative, yet powerful enough for the professional on the go.

 

Leica Store Robbed - Breaking News

We're all desperate to get our hands on Lecia gear but not many of us would go as far as two apparent masked men in Lenin, Moscow. They scrapped the metal shutters, whacked the glass door down with a sledgehammers and broke into the store located in Leninsky Prospekt.

Within fifteen minutes they had trashed the place but from the images below looks like they didn't have time to lift them all.

We have serial numbers of the cameras and lenses stolen below, if you're offered any please check against these numbers and contact Leica about it here.

The Serial Numbers

1. Objects Leica Elmar 18/3.8 ASPH., S / N 4084590 

2. Leica Pro Set c 3 lens (35 / 1.4, 70-180/2.8, 35-70/2.8) 
_Leica, S / N 2927341 
_Obektiv APO-Elmarit 70-180mm / f 2.8, S / N 03905538 
_Obektiv Vario-Elmarit 35-70mm / f 2.8, S / N 3419566 
_Obektiv Summilux 35mm / f 1.4 

3. Digital Camera Leica (color - black), S / N 3104330 

4. Digital Camera Leica (color - white), S / N 3111065 

5. Lens Leica Summicron R jm, 90mm / f 2.0, S / N 2463461 

6. Lens Leica Macro-Elmar M 90mm / f 4.0, S / N 3975976 

7. Lens APO-TELYT-M 135mm / f 3.4, S / N 3722933 

8. Leica, S / N 1748472 

9. Objects Leica Elmarit 21mm / f 2.8 for film cameras 

10. Objects Summilux 50mm / f 1.4 Titanium Edition (Pre-ASPH), S / N 3675659 

11. Objects Summicron 50mm / f 2.0, S / N 3706945 

12. Leica SF 20 flash 

13. Leica, S / N 3469118 

14. Lens Summicron 50mm / f 2.0, S / N 3997354 

15. Leica (color - white), S / N 3821473 

16. Leica (color - black), S / N 3983517 

17. Leica, 2 pcs., S / N 4149352, S / N 4141590 

18. Leica (color - black), 2 pcs., S / N 3922466, S / N 3913056 

19. Leica (color - black), S / N 3748336 

20. Leica (color - black), S / N 4201224

List of serial numbers will be updated.

Video - How To Manufacturer A Leica Lens - By Leica

1001 Noisy Cameras have sourced a great video from the official Leica blog. It is just over a minute and a half and talks through the manufacturing lifecycle of a Leica lens - or as much as they can say in that short time, at least. For all you Lecia fans out there, and we're one of them - this is for you.

Leica Lenses (English) from leica camera on Vimeo.

Daily App Giveaway - Snapseed for iPad - On Our Sister Site - TheAppWhisperer.com

Theappwhisperer.com is an awesome site for all your mobile photographic app needs. Each day they have an app giveaway and today they have Snapseed for iPad codes to giveaway. Don't miss this opportunity, head over to our sister site, here and pick up this app today.

Snapseed for iPad has been number 1 in the photography charts for weeks now, and that's not surprising. This latest version of Snapseed supports RAW images transferred with the Camera Connector Kit up to 16 MP (for iPad 2). It also preserves EXIF data on saving, has visual enhancements, performance optimizations and various bug fixes and interaction tweaks.

What type of files does Snapseed Support?

JPEG, TIFF, and RAW files are compatible with Snapseed. RAW files are supported when images are transferred from the camera to the iPad using a camera connector kit.

In Snapseed, what resolution are my photos saved as?

Any photos enhanced with Snapseed will be saved at the same resolution as the original photo up to what your iPad will allow. An iPad 1 can save an image up to 6.25 megapixels and an iPad 2 can save an image up to 16 megapixels. If your image is larger then your iPad supports, the image will be downsampled to the maximum supported megapixels.

Nikon adds 40mm f/2.8G to DX range

Nikon has introduced a new 40mm (60mm equivalent) f/2.8 macro lens for their DX range of DSLRs. It focuses down to 16cm at 1:1 without the need for additional extension tubes and boasts a built-in SWM AF motor. It's supplied with a hood, and soft case and will retail at £249.99 / 290 Euros. According to Nikon, sales start in the UK from 25th August.


Press release:
RRP: £249.99 / Euro 290
Sales Start Date: 25th August 2011

London, UK, 12th July 2011: Nikon today announces a new 40mm DX-format macro lens for close-up photography. Designed to capture fine details, it boasts a 1:1 reproduction ratio for superb, life-like images. A fantastic way to shoot features that can’t be seen with the naked eye, this lens will more than satisfy enthusiasts keen to explore the power of close-up images.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon Europe commented: “This specialised macro lens lets you capture intricate details that are impossible to capture with a regular kit lens. It’s an affordable way to discover the world of macro photography and is even versatile enough not to limit photographers to that particular subject.”

A closer look
The latest addition to Nikon’s growing line-up of Micro NIKKOR lenses, this 40mm DX-format lens offers a picture angle equivalent to 60mm on FX-format D-SLRs. Focusing as close as 0.163 m (from focal plain) and boasting a 1:1 reproduction ratio, it offers true macro performance for close-up photography.  With a fast maximum aperture of f/2.8, subjects can be singled out against a pleasantly blurred background and sharper handheld shots are possible in low-light.

Quietly does it
Be it a detailed shot of an insect or the stamen of a flower, shooting a great close-up depends on precision. Compact, easy-to-handle and equipped with Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for incredibly accurate, super-quiet autofocus, this lens lets you shoot without disturbing your subject. Smooth focusing is further enhanced with the M/A focus mode that lets you override the autofocus so you can manually tune the focus just the way you want, without the need to physically switch between auto and manual focus.

Big small world
Capable of delivering images where even subtle features are faithfully reproduced, this lens captures hidden worlds of pattern, texture and details brilliantly. Enthusiasts can capture superb macro photos and it’s perfectly suited to portraits and general shots too.

Measuring approx. 68.5×64.5 mm and weighing approx. 235 g, this lens features a metal mount with rubber sealing and is supplied with a lens hood HB-61 and soft lens case CL-0915.


US readers can check the price or buy from Adorama here.
UK readers can check the price or buy from Warehouse Express here.

Kenko-Tokina buys Cokin Filters

Kenko-Tokina, the Japan based lens and filter manufacturer confirmed earlier in the week (5 July) that it has acquired Cokin, the French filter manufacturer. The new company will be called COKIN France S.A.S.U. and will stay independent, with its own manufacturing, marketing and worldwide distribution network.

Press release:

KENKO-TOKINA acquires COKIN Filters

PARIS — July 5, 2011

Kenko-Tokina Company Ltd., Japan today announced that it has acquired the famous French filter manufacturer COKIN SAS.

COKIN is the creator and leader in Square filters systems, exporting 90% of its production to more than 100 countries around the world.

Mr Toru Yamanaka (President of Kenko-Tokina Co., Ltd.) said:
“I have always been impressed with the creativity that COKIN filters and accessories offer. I admire and greatly respect the professionalism of this line of fine products which reflect the French ingenuity. We are very proud to add this filter manufacturer to our Team.”

Kenko-Tokina Co., Ltd. was established in 1957 and now has 10 factories and subsidiaries worldwide. They are a world-leader in round photographic filters and other fine optical products.

COKIN France S.A.S.U. (new company name) will stay independent, with its own manufacturing, marketing and worldwide distribution network.

Mr Marc Heintz (Director of Sales, COKIN France):
“Kenko brings to us a strong backing of finance and supply of raw materials, which will allow us to expand and bring new innovative products to the market once again.”

With this acquisition, both companies will expand their services and bring the flourishing photographic accessory market their expertise and enthusiasm for today’s exciting imaging world.

For more information please visit www.cokin.fr

Arca Swiss announce mini L-bracket

PRESS RELEASE

ARCA-SWISS presents the first X and Y variable mini L-bracket adaptable for compact cameras.

The new mini L-bracket from Arca-Swiss complements the monoball®Fix lineup perfectly and is compatible with the current monoball®Fix quick releases.

The mini L-bracket works with the range of compact cameras such as the Olym- pus E-PL1 and E-PL2, Samsung NX-100, Canon G series, and Lumix LX series.

Furthermore, the latest smaller DSLRʼs from Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus, Sony, and the Leica M8/M9 cameras, will now have an L-bracket more in line with the physical size of these cameras.

Along with the currently available monoball®Classic and monoball®Fix accesso- ries, the mini L-bracket extends the versatility of the line. It is the answer from Arca-Swiss for the specific needs of compact camera users.

Please help support the DJP by visiting our affiliates; Jessops, Warehouse Express, Adorama Camera and Amazon. Note; sales through these links may benefit this site.

Phase One updates Media Pro

Phase One has issued an update to Media Pro, the image browser and photo manager recently acquired from Microsoft and known as Expression Media (and iView Media Pro before that). The update fixes a number of bugs and is free to existing Phase One Media Pro customers.

Phase One Releases Media Pro 1.0.1

COPENHAGEN, July 7, 2011 — Phase One today released Media Pro 1.0.1, a service release, and the first update since Media Pro was introduced less than two months ago.

Media Pro is a professional photo manager for finding, organizing, and sharing images and videos wherever those files are stored. Media Pro supports photo and video files from more than 100 different cameras and is built to manage large photo libraries.

This service release includes several fixes and improvements, such as the following:

-- Fixed stability issues including crash when working with large JPEGs in Slideshow and on the Light Table;
-- Fixed Renderings bugs, including no full resolution TIFFs on Mac and missing PDF thumbnails on Windows XP;
-- Fixed a issue where a catalog upgraded from Expression Media 2 could not be saved;
-- Fixed a bug causing XMP sidecars not to be moved with the media files to which they belong;
-- Fixed importer issues e.g. crash on Mac when XMP sidecars were present and problem when importing JPEGs on Window XP 32 bits;
-- Fixed a bug on Windows where sorting would not work;
-- Fixed readability issues caused by new UI color scheme;
-- Fixed a bug preventing XML data files to be created on Windows;
-- Fixed some EIP color management/rendering issues on Mac;
-- License issue on Windows appearing when Internet connection was lost.

Availability and Pricing
Media Pro 1.0.1 is free to existing Phase One Media Pro customers. For more information including product features, upgrade options and tutorials, please see: http://www.phaseone.com/en/Software/Media-Pro/Whats-new.aspx

Fujifilm to add interchangeable lens camera to range

In an interview with Reuters news agency, Takeshi Higuchi, head of Fujifilm's camera division, is quoted as saying they're considering the addition of a mirrorless camera adopting both an EVF and interchangeable lenses to rival the Sony NEX cameras.

The senior executive also adds that Fujifilm would not look to out-source production, being able to produce the camera and lenses entirely in-house.

A wholly owned subsidiary, Fujinon, builds lenses for Fujifilm stills and video cameras. Fujinon also builds the lenses for the current range of Hasselblad digital cameras.

Higuichi adds that production will take place outside of China, though he says it's not likely to be in Japan, where the hugely popular X100 is made (shown above), and was subsequently delayed due to the triple tragedy earlier in the year.

The company is looking to overtake rivals, Samsung and Nikon, to become the world's fourth largest camera maker by March next year, he adds.

Source Reuters.

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).

Hoya announces sale of Pentax

Hoya Corp has announced today the transfer of shares in Pentax Imaging systems to Ricoh. Although better known for their office equipment, Ricoh are well respected for their high-end digital compact cameras such as the GR Digital series and the unique GXR, equipped with interchangeable lens/sensor units. Ricoh stopped manufacturing SLRs in the early 80's but the company will continue to market the Pentax brand. Hoya, the largest optical glass maker in Japan, merged with Pentax Imaging on 31 March, 2008, but fears about poor-profitability prompting a resale of the company have been voiced ever since.

Jonathan Martin, General Manager, Pentax Imaging Systems UK said: “Ricoh is globally renowned within the digital camera industry, having successfully brought a range of products to market since its inception in 1939.
 
“We are extremely pleased with today’s announcement and see this as the natural next step in the evolution and continued development of the Pentax brand in the UK and abroad. With Ricoh’s involvement we can continue to grow the Pentax business in the UK and ensure we maintain our commitment to provide our customers with innovative, cutting edge, high quality products to suit all camera users.”

Press release:

Notice of Sale of the PENTAX Imaging Systems Business

HOYA Corporation (“HOYA”) and Ricoh Company, Ltd. (“Ricoh”) hereby announce that pursuant to decisions by the President and CEO of HOYA and Representative Director of Ricoh, respectively, HOYA and Ricoh have executed an agreement as of today to transfer HOYA’s PENTAX Imaging Systems Business (the business of developing, manufacturing and selling optical instruments such as digital cameras and replacement lenses, digital camera accessories, security camera-related products, and binoculars) (the “PENTAX Imaging Systems Business”) to Ricoh.    

HOYA will effectuate this transfer by incorporating a new corporation (“NewCo”), cause NewCo to succeed the PENTAX Imaging Systems Business by way of a corporate split (kyushu bunkatsu) (the “Corporate Split”), and transfer all shares of NewCo to Ricoh (such split and transfer shall be referred to as the “Split/Transfer”) as of October 1, 2011 (Estimated).

Prior to the Split/Transfer, HOYA intends to transfer its interests in PENTAX VN CO., Ltd., an overseas subsidiary of HOYA in relation to the PENTAX Imaging Systems Business, to NewCo.

Please note, that since the Corporate Split is a simplified corporate split (kan-i kyushu bunkatsu), disclosure items/content have been partially abbreviated.

Further, HOYA will continue to develop its businesses assigned from PENTAX Corporation which was merged (kyushu gappei) into HOYA on March 31, 2008 other than the PENTAX Imaging Systems Business, such as its businesses regarding digital camera modules, DVD pickup lenses, endoscopes, artificial bones, and voice synthesis.

The full text of the press release can be found here.