Blackmagic Cinema Camera (passive mount) will ship this week.

According to BMD’s Kristian Lam, the Blackmagic Design Cinema Camera passive MFT mount camera is finally shipping. But it’s still marked as out of Stock at BHphoto  (Click here). We had to wait nine months for that moment! I hope the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera with active MFT mount will not be delayed. Shipment is still scheduled for late July at Bhphoto. (Thanks Peter for finding and sharing the info!).

P.S.: All new Photography deals (including the super expensive and newly announced Leica X Vario) at DealsRunner.com.

Hot news! Panasonic and Fuji developed the first organic sensor!

That is really a huge surprise! Panasonic and Fuji worked together on a new kind of organic sensor! The  new sensor has the following advantages over conventional sensors:
1) it has only 1/6 of the thickness of the current sensors
2) Increased Dynamic range of 88dB
3) 1,2 times more sensible
4) range of incident angles of 60 degrees, efficiently utilizing light entering at an angle for faithful color reproduction with no color mixing. It also gives greater flexibility in lens designs, facilitating the reduction of overall camera size.

That’s really a big news! Fuji makes some of the best sensors (see their amazing X trans sensor). And Panasonic lately faced some strong competition from Sony’s MFT sensors. This news could change everything with Fuji and Panasonic may leading a new sensor revolution! This sounds good, now we have Olympus-Sony one one side and Panasonic-Fuji on the other side. Great news for the full MFT system!

I don’t know yet if the new GX7 camera will be the first to use that tech. I really don’t think…but we can always hope for a miracle don’t you think? :)

 

Here is the Press release (via Fujifilm):

 

FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Shigehiro Nakajima) and Panasonic Corporation (President: Kazuhiro Tsuga) have developed organic CMOS image sensor technology that uses an organic photoelectric conversion layer with a photoelectric conversion property at the light receiving section of an image sensor to achieve performance beyond that of conventional image sensors**. Applying this technology to the image sensors of digital cameras and other imaging devices expands its dynamic range*** and enhances sensitivity*4 further to prevent highlight clipping in bright scenes and capture a dark subject with vivid colors and rich textures.

The industry has put into continuous efforts to explore image sensor technologies for increasing their number of pixels. This has dramatically improved sensor resolutions, but, in order to further boost image quality, it is necessary to expand the dynamic range, enhance sensitivity and prevent cross-talk or color mixing between pixels. Panasonic took advantage of its semiconductor device technology to boost image quality for its high-performance image sensors. Fujifilm, on the other hand, has developed highly-reliable organic photoelectric conversion layer with high absorption coefficient to be used on a sensor’s light receiving section instead of silicon photodiode*5 in its effort to build a new image sensor technology.
In the latest collaboration, Fujifilm and Panasonic have combined Fujifilm’s organic photoelectric conversion layer technology with Panasonic’s semiconductor device technology to jointly develop an organic CMOS image sensor that outperforms conventional image sensors. The new organic CMOS image sensor offers the industry’s highest dynamic range of 88dB, advanced sensitivity 1.2 times more sensitive than conventional sensors** and broader range of incident angle*6 to enable the production of more sensitive and compact cameras with better image quality.
The two companies will promote the application of this organic CMOS image sensor technology to a wide range of products including security cameras, in-vehicle cameras, mobile device and digital cameras.

Fujifilm and Panasonic will present the research results at the 2013 Symposium on VLSI Technology (VLSI2013) to be held in Kyoto on June 11, and the 2013 International Image Sensor Workshop to be held in Utah, U.S.A. on June 15.

  • *Performance of the light receiving section of image sensors, as of June 11, 2013 according to Panasonic data.
  • **Estimation from Panasonic image sensors
  • ***Range of light that can be recorded (ratio between the brightest and darkest areas recorded)
  • *4The sensitivity of image sensors refers to the conversion ratio of light into electric signals. The greater the sensitivity is, the clearer you can capture low-light scenes.
  • *5A type of photo detector that senses incident light, installed for each image sensor pixel to convert light into electric signals
  • *6Range of incident light angles for efficient conversion into electric signals

Overview of the newly-developed organic CMOS image sensor technology

A conventional image sensor consists of a silicon photodiode for capturing light, metal interconnect, color filter and on-chip micro-lens. The newly-developed organic CMOS image sensor technology uses organic photoelectric conversion layer with high absorption coefficient instead of the silicon photodiode, reducing the thickness of the light receiving section down to 0.5 microns, i.e. one severalth of the thickness of a silicon photodiode. This structure provides the following benefits:

  1. (1)Industry’s highest dynamic range of 88dB to prevent highlight clipping and produce a vivid and texture-rich image even in low light
Panasonic’s semiconductor device technology has improved the signal saturation value*7 by four folds compared to that of conventional image sensors. Coupled with the newly-developed noise-cancelling circuit, the sensor technology provides the industry’s highest dynamic range of 88dB, preventing highlight clipping in bright scenes and capturing a vivid and texture-rich image in low light.
  • *7The maximum amount of electric signals that can be handled. Receiving a signal greater than this value leads to highlight clipping.
  1. (2)1.2 times higher sensitivity than conventional sensors to capture clear images even in low light
The transistors and metal interconnects in each pixel, fabricated using Panasonic’s semiconductor device technology, are coated with photoelectric conversion layer, developed using Fujifilm’s organic material technology. The area of the light receiving section becomes limited in conventional image sensors because of the existence of metal interconnects and the need to form light shield film to prevent light incidence into areas other than the photodiode in each pixel. However, the organic CMOS image sensor technology coats the sensor with organic film, which can harvest all the light received on the sensor. This boosts sensor sensitivity by 1.2 times compared to conventional sensors to deliver clear images even in low light.
  1. (3)Range of incident angle expanded to 60 degrees for faithful color reproduction (See the image sensor illustrations above)
The thickness of the organic film with high absorption coefficient, developed by Fujifilm, has been reduced to just 0.5 microns, or one severalth of the thickness of silicon photodiode in the light receiving section. Since the conventional silicon photodiode measures at least 3 microns in depth, the range of incident angles was limited to around 30 – 40 degrees. The thin film, achieved with the organic CMOS image sensor technology, has enabled the expansion of this range to 60 degrees, efficiently utilizing light entering at an angle for faithful color reproduction with no color mixing. It also gives greater flexibility in lens designs, facilitating the reduction of overall camera size.
  1. (4)Offering high reliability for broader applications
Fujifilm has developed a process technology to produce inorganic films for protecting the organic film. It prevents the entry of moisture and oxygen into the organic film to safeguard it against performance degradation. The sensor technology has cleared reliability tests involving the application of stress such as temperature, humidity, electrical voltage and light, paving the way for the use of the organic CMOS image sensor in a wide range of applications.

Adobe announces the new Lightroom 5 (accepting preorders).

 

Adobe released the new Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5. It’s now available for preorder at BHphoto, Adobe US, Adobe DE, Adobe UK and all other Adobe country stores. US pricing is $149 for new customers and $79 for the upgrade. A preview can be read at Dpreview.

UPDATE: n future Adobe plans to shift all new Photoshop releases and upgrades on their subscription based Cloud Service.  This is going to become very expensive for all Adobe customers. it’s time to look elsewhere for cheaper alternatives!

a little bit of everything…(new 43rumors Flickr Group).


DigitalRev TV – Amsterdam Special Pt. 3 (feat. Olympus 17mm f1.8, Fujifilm X100S and PhaseOne)

A couple of 43rumors reader created the first 43rumors Flickr group (Click here). Join and share your pics!!!

Panasonic G6 review at ePhotozine.
Is the Olympus Pen E-P5 the first CSC with a 1/8000th top shutter speed? (FourThirdsUser).
Panasonic LF1 photos at Photographyblog and ePhotozine.
Regisseur Oliver Tietgen dreht für Fettes Brot mit einer LUMIX GH3 (Panasonic Germany).
E-P5 pictures at Pantip.
The OMD design patent at FreePatentsOnline (.pdf).

Shattered Glass:After reading your blog and watching many of the videos you share, I thought I might send you a video of mine dealing with the SLR Magic 12mm and 25mm Hyperprime lenses. I’ve seen next to nothing about the 25mm on YouTube, and on my video I shared your post about the SLR magic being sharper than the Nokton Voigtlander. Anyway, I hope my video can help out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HjgWypeUpE

Ivan: Hi there! I made a short clip using with GH3 and Fujian 25mm 1.4 CCTV lens. With some work in post this combination gives you vintage, almost anamorphic feel. Given the price of the lens ($20 on ebay) I think everyone should have it. Here’s the video: https://vimeo.com/67524039

Edward:Thought I’d share my set of pictures from the new Sigma 60mm 2.8 “Art” lens. Previously I have owned the first gen 19mm and 30mm 2.8’s and were very impressed with all their lens qualities but found more suitable replacements in the shape of faster f stop options. This lens however is a real keeper as it’s quite the alternative to the 75mm 1.8. http://www.flickr.com/photos/comedyshots/sets/72157634014718030/ I’m a professional that has made the switch to Micro Four Thirds in a big way. All I miss is the slightly more instant shutter release and the battery life. The IQ absolutely surpasses my Canon 7D. edshots.co.uk

Jerry:Its not a rumor, its bug in Olympus E-PL5 when you shutting photos with hi aperture value (for example F12 in A or M) with flash, the live view shows totaly black picture (doesnt simulate flash). Its almost impossible to make composition… I think the problem also exist in P etc. but its mostly visible in A or M. View on the screen should simulate all conditions also flash should be simmulated. Im still waiting for any feedback form olympus tech.

Joe:I don’t remember if I ever shared this, but I shot this with the GH2 and the Olympus 45mm. Lit with a Profoto in a medium softbox camera right out the window, as well as a Profoto in a stripbox camera left for rim. http://www.flickr.com/photos/fotosiamo/8731665744/in/photostream/ You can see more of my Micro 4/3 work at http://www.fotosiamo.com

Don:more ep5 shots https://plus.google.com/photos/113803788626868279965/albums/5876938853457982369

Readers mail roundup (Possible GH3 issue, new Kanchas project, and more).

Here is a short roundup of the new readers mails:

Anonymous:Mcgillicuddy giving away lighting secrets for free! Free E-book on his site here https://damian-mcgillicuddy.squarespace.com/journal/

Teun:I thought I’d share this excellent youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIkJklEiH8E
It coontains quite a few m43 product reviews, it isn’t fast with the reviews, but they are very informative and enjoyful to watch. It isn’t mine channel, or a friend’s channel, I though it would just be quite interesting to the people visiting this website.

Aki:Some sport photos  and  gallery about volleyball world league game Finland-Portugal. Shooted with Olympus E-M5.  http://www.akikuvaa.com/world-league-suomi-portugali/

Ross:For those of us Aussie members, Olympus Imaging Australia shop is now open for accessories. Cameras are still only available through retailters. See this news page. [url]http://www.olympus.com.au/Learn-Explore/Latest-News/Olympus-Imaging-launches-online-Olympus-Store-to-s.aspx[/url] It’s nice to see these items being more accessable than at present, albeit at full price. The main web page has now changed in format with their blog & forum pages no longer there, but that might just be during the process of change being the weekend.

Edmond:I sent this to you folks yesterday but guess it slipped through: http://www.flickr.com/photos/terakopian/sets/72157633795304974/ It’s a gallery of images from the Olympus PEN E-P3. Seeing your post today, I thought I’d send it again as I’m sure it’ll be of interest to your readers if it’s posted with the article. Just as some background, I’m a photojournalist based in London. I have a World Press Photo award as well as the title of the British Press Awards Photographer of the Year.

Anonymous:I would like to report an issue with the GH3. I have done many tests to replicate this problem, and some other users have replicated the issue after my report. I have created I few videos to show the issue. https://vimeo.com/66920197  https://vimeo.com/67328505 https://vimeo.com/67382669. After increasing exposure of a RAW time-lapse, footage shows color flicker on underexposed areas. I don’t really know the reason for this problem. I have tested both 12-35 and 35-100 lumix lenses, and the problem is noticeable with both of them. This color shift ruins lots of RAW timelapse footage.
Barbaros:I took this footage from downtown Ankara in short hours. It may not be the best of its kind but if you are living in a country where press is suppressed you better obtain a M43. Tens of thousands protest yesterday in the city center and I have not seen any single report in media. https://vimeo.com/67476129 For tech savy people this was taken handheld with OMD+Sigma 19 2.8. Superb combo with mouth watering high iso capabilities even though dailymotion compression overshadow some of it.

Côme:I just wanted to tell you I have launched a new project recently, Kanchas, a free portfolio-creation system, particularly well-suited for photographers. The idea is to quickly set up a few pages, each of them featuring a big, fullscreen picture, and to browse easily among them. Maybe this will interest your readers and I would be very pleased if you shared it with the 43rumors viewers :) The link is https://kanchas.com.

Aaron:I’m not sure if this is where I can send you videos but check out my video with the panasonic GH3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Q5PnC-9NAc

Lee:Please can you share our new facebook group? https://www.facebook.com/groups/cmountm43/Editor’s note: Done ;)

 

Thanks you all!

Also Panasonic will reduce compact camera investment by 60%. Focus on Mirrorless.

On May 30, 2013, Panasonic held IR meeting with the presidents of 4 Companies and CFO, following its business reorganization conducted on April 1, 2013. You cna download all documents at http://panasonic.net/ir/presentation/irday2013/. The main interesting file for us is the AVC Networks Company PDF.

What’s hot:
First: It looks like Panasonic development of image sensors will now be developed for the medical, automotive and security business mainly. It may be that Panasonic will buy future MFT sensors from third party companies like Sony only?
Second: Panasonic wants to cut 60% of the current development costs of compact cameras.
Third: Panasonic will now focus their efforts on the mirrorless market by enhancing the product uniqueness, launch more lenses for “motion pictures” (video)

It was inevitable for Panasonic to focus on the mirrorless market. And I am also not really surprised about the new sensor strategy. A while ago Panasonic managers stated in multiple interviews that they now want to go up to the professional digital camera business. It will be not easy for them to compete against giants like Canon and Nikon! What can they do to succeed?

files found via ImageSensorWorld.

a little bit of everything…(Amos Chapple on DailyMail, Figosa strap, G6 test by Petr and more readers work).

CROATIA: SEA, MOUNTAINS AND SINGLETRACKS / first test of preproduction Panasonic G6 from Slavik Petr on Vimeo.

The video you see here on top has been made by 43rumors reader Pert: “I just made a “best of” movie about our mountain bike trip across Croatia captured with a preproduction Lumix G6. So It could be nice feed for your page as a demonstration of great sport and travel abilities of camera. My (2 weeks) work experience with Panasonic G6: very solid 1920×1080 50p / lightweight and flexible = ultimate tool for travel and outdoor / built-in timelapse, wi-fi = less garbage in your bag / “higher shoulders” and grip = better ergonomy than GH2 / I miss more control dials from GH2 and GH3 / I dont like flat buttons. Photo samples on facebook

News and readers mail roundup:
Our friend Amos Chappel made a new Editorial shoot for DailyMail UK. You have to check it out!
The State of the Mirrorless Camera Industry – May 2013 by AdmiringLight.
60mm macro review at Johnsson-photography
Sigma 19mm and 30mm f2.8 DN Lenses at ThePhoBlographer.
NEWS 3 min movies on Panasonic blog and behind the scenes stuff.
Olympus E-Pl5 review at Imaging Resource.

Laura & Andrea sent me this: ““Figosa” means in Italian “something cool” and this is what we want to pursuit: to make “cool” our photo cameras, giving them a vintage syle! All the Figosa straps are handmade (by us), in genuine leather and available in four colors: black, dark brown, cognac and honey. The metal inserts colour can be gold or silver, as the user likes. We have created Figosa’s page on Facebook, in order to test needs and liking of our customers, in order to test needs and liking of our customers. Currently we have an Etsy shop in order to sell our straps everywhere. Our project is just at the first steps, but we have already received positive and enthusiastic feedbacks from our users! All the straps are handmade and all the materials used are exclusively made in Italy. It is possible to combine the different leather colors with two metal elements kinds (gold or silver). The straps are available in three sizes: small, medium and large.
We are available to give you further information:
Figosa website: http://www.figosa.it
Figosa on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/figosagenova

Gerbrand:I’ve ordered and received a black 45mm/1.8, and written a quick review on it http://www.gerbrandvanderweg.nl/2013/05/28/lightning-review-olympus-et-m-45mm-f1-8/

Julien:Not a rumor but rather showcasing the potential of the GH3. My friend and I spent a month traveling Europe (along Mediterranean and the Adriatic) and we made a video encapsulating our trip. There was so much life that ended up being captured after we picked a shot and filmed, I just loved to film and film. And what else can be said about the GH3? I’ve never had such a better time color grading footage. So glad I brought this camera over the GH2 http://vimeo.com/66435657

Pascal:Hey! I wanted to share my latest reel, thought you might enjoy a few shots from beautiful British Columbia :). Everything was shot on GH1/GH2 around Vancouver: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbtdpSO-Sms

Eric:Since 4/3 Rumors is turning into a Micro 4/3 Rumors thing, I thought you might be interested in this. I’ve written a review of the “Think Tank” Mirrorless Mover 10 camera bag — starring my Oly E-M5 and as many lenses as I could stuff into it: http://www.seldomscenephotography.com/2013/05/21/the-think-tank-mirrorless-mover-10-a-pictorial-review/

Anonymous:For those interested, there is now a C Mount on M4/3 Facebook group you can join, cheers. https://www.facebook.com/groups/451414904950298/

Mathieu:Just thought you might like to share our comparison between the two MFT titans, the E-M5 and the GH3: http://www.bestmirrorlesscamerareviews.com/2013/05/28/om-d-e-m5-vs-dmc-gh3-clash-of-the-titans-in-the-micro-four-thirds-reign/