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.

Capture Pilot By Phase One - Updated Prof Photography App

Capture Pilot is a professional photography app from Phase One that allows you to use your iOS device to remotely view, zoom, rate, tag, and pan high resolution images while you shoot. With the 'Camera Control' in-app purchase you can use an elegant, virtual camera display on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch to remotely fire your camera and control the most important capture parameters..



Capture Pilot is perfect for working with clients in the studio and allows for an amazing collaboration between photographer and client. It is possible for clients to rate and tag images on an iOS device while having full control over zooming, panning, and reviewing of images.



With Camera Control you can operate your camera in a variety of scenarios that would have been difficult or impossible before. Interact with your subjects in new ways, control the camera when it is located in a difficult to access position, or even be part of the photo yourself.


This app has just been updated, see What's New below.

This app is free and you can download it here.

The In-App Purchase of Camera Control retails for $14.99

Capture Pilot requires Capture One Pro or DB, version 6.2 or later from Phase One



Capture One Pro 6 is a professional RAW converter and image editing software. It contains all the essential tools and high-end performance in one package to enable you to capture, organize, edit, share and print images in a fast, flexible and efficient workflow. Capture One Pro 6’s powerful and intuitive toolset is used by professional and passionate photographers to achieve world-class image quality with excellent color and detail. Phase One is the world’s leader in camera systems and image editing software for professional and passionate photographers. 



You can download a trial version of Capture One Pro 6 from www.phaseone.com/downloads.


Key Features

REMOTE VIEWER


- Wirelessly view, zoom and pan high resolution DSLR and medium format RAW, JPEG and TIFF images while you shoot


- Unique and easy-to-use rating and tagging feature enables clients and colleagues in the studio or on remote locations to participate in the shoot and to provide instant feedback.



CAMERA CONTROL IN-APP PURCHASE


- Connect your camera to a Mac or Windows computer running Capture One and use your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch to remotely fire and control your Canon, Nikon, Phase One, Leaf or Mamiya camera.


- Control your camera’s most important capture parameters on a virtual camera display: ISO sensitivity, exposure mode, shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, and more.


Camera Control Supported Cameras

Canon
1D Mark IV, 1Ds Mark III, 1D Mark III, 5D Mark II, 7D, 60D, 50D, 40D, 600D/Rebel T3i, 550D/Rebel T2i, 500D/Rebel T1i, 450D/Rebel XSi, 1100D/Rebel T3, 1000D/Rebel XS.



Nikon
D3s, D3x, D3, D700, D300, D300s, D200, D90, D80, D60, D7000, D5000, D40x, D40.



Phase One


IQ180, IQ160, IQ140, P65+, P40+, P45+, P30+, P21+, P25+, P20+, Achromatic+,
P45, P30, P25, P21, P20, H 25, H 20, H 101, H 10, H 5, LightPhase.



Leaf


Aptus-II 12R, Aptus-II 12, Aptus-II 10R, Aptus-II 10, Aptus-II 8, Aptus-II 7, Aptus-II 6, Aptus-II 5, AFi-II 12, AFi-II 10, AFi-II 7, AFi-II 6, Aptus 75S, Aptus 65S, Aptus 54S, AFi 7, AFi 6, AFi 5, Aptus 75, Aptus 65, Aptus 22, Aptus 17.



Mamiya


DM56, DM40, DM33, DM28, DM22, M31, M22, M18.

Please note that the extent of visible camera parameters will vary depending on the connected digital back or camera.

What's New

Camera Control


In-app Store


Improved Server List

Olympus PEN Mini E-PM

The new PEN Mini is the world’s smallest and lightest system camera with interchangeable lenses. It’s a beautiful camera that takes even more beautiful images and it couldn’t be any easier to use. The Mini is ideal for anyone who wants a fuss-free camera that fits in as well as at a party as it fits in their pocket. Just like a point-and-shoot, it comes in six colours but the Mini is really an SLRquality camera hiding behind the simplicity and looks of a genuine compact.

It makes high-class photography and movie-making wonderfully easy. Olympus’ Live Guide gives beginners intuitive control of key parameters like aperture and depth of field, without them needing to know how they work. Six Art Filters add fun creative effects to both Full HD movies or stills and if you don’t know what a setting in the menu is for, a window pops up to tell you. With world’s fastest* autofocus systems, great low light performance plus a superb choice of high-grade Olympus lenses and stylish accessories, it’s tough to see just what the PEN Mini can’t do. Also known as the PEN E-PM1, it’s available from early autumn 2011.

Main Features - Design

• The world’s smallest and lightest system camera with interchangeable lenses
• Super-stylish design available in six attractive colours
• Interchangeable decoration ring on supplied lens Image Quality
• Powerful TruePic VI image engine for faster recovery time and excellent image quality
• Ultra-effective in-body image stabilisation for blur-free movies and stills with any lens
• Compact M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm (28-84mm**) 1:3.5-5.6 II R fast and near-silent (Movie and Still compatible) lens
• 12.3 effective Megapixel High Speed Live MOS sensor for excellent low-light performance and Full HD movie recording
• ISO 12800 sensitivity
• 1080i Full HD stereo movie recording as AVCHD or Motion JPEG

Ease of Use

• 3.0” LCD with 460,000 dot resolution
• FAST AF, world’s fastest* autofocus system. Always on, with 35 AF points, low-light AF Illuminator and out-of-picture AF Tracking
• Intuitive Live Guide in HD Movie, still and P/S/M/A mode
• Pop-up description for each menu point
• Live View in HD Movie and still mode
• Easy-to-use Live Wheel feature menu
• Fewer buttons means simpler operation

Creativity and Flexibility

• Six creative Art Filters in HD Movie and still modes
• Accessory Port 2 for compatibility with the growing family of PEN accessories
• Compatible with 20 Micro Four Thirds, 27 Four Thirds and more than 500 other lenses (via an adapter)
• 1/4000th sec. shutter speed with 5fps sequential shooting
• Multi Exposure mode for 2 RAW images
• Long-life BLS-5 Li-ion battery

Other Highlights

• External, tiltable flash supplied
• 3D still photos
• Slideshow playback
• SDXC*** card and Eye-Fi compatible
• Wireless flash control

System lenses

As a system camera, the Mini is compatible with a huge range of accessories and lenses for every possible situation. The main kit includes a first-class M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm (28-84mm**) 1:3.5-5.6 II R lens, but the Mini can also take more than 500 other lenses (some via an adapter), including Olympus’ legendary M.ZUIKO DIGITAL range of ultra-high quality optics. Thanks to the Mini’s in-body Image Stabilisation, irrespective which lens you choose, blur-free shots are virtually guaranteed. The Mini’s FAST AF has a big role to play here too. It’s one the world’s fastest* autofocus systems for cameras with interchangeable lenses.

In addition to the external flash supplied with the camera, users can attach a growing number of classic Olympus accessories via the Accessory Port 2, for example the Bluetooth®-compatible PENPAL Communication Unit that automatically reformats still photos for wireless transfer to other compatible devices and social media. For safe, stylish and inconspicuous storage, the optional sporty Street Case fits the Mini like a glove.

The PEN Mini is available in black, white, silver, dark brown, purple and silver rose from early autumn 2011.

Olympus PEN Lite - Announced

Olympus has done it again, launching a new generation of head-turning, compact PEN cameras that offer SLR creativity, simple, no-nonsense controls. For people looking to express themselves with state-of-the-art technology in an easy-to-use package, the compact and cute PEN Lite (E-PL3) is ideal.

Like the top-of-the-range E-P3, the Lite is packed with some of the very best imaging innovations around. For example, FAST AF, the world’s fastest* autofocus system for interchangeable cameras. There’s also in-body Image Stabilisation and combinable, one-touch Art Filters for adding creative flair to Full HD movies and stills. And then there’s the new tiltable LCD.

Whether you’re a serious photographer or a snap-happy amateur, a 3-inch, tiltable display makes capturing stand-out images in awkward situations as easy as taking a regular shot. The tiltable LCD is just one of the user-friendly features that places the E-PL3 streets ahead of any other camera of comparable size. The fact that ‘comparable size’ means compact speaks volumes about the E-PL3.

For a system camera with interchangeable lenses that delivers SLR quality, it’s remarkably small and chic with a premium, brushed aluminium finish. Stunning pictures from a cool camera that’s as easy to use as a point-and-shoot? Absolutely. That’s what the Lite’s all about. The Olympus E-PL3 is available from autumn 2011 with pricing to be confirmed.

Available in black, white, silver or red, the brushed metal casing and refined design details give it an unmistakeably contemporary and premium style.