E-P2 vs 5D vs MP-9 and Leica 25mm versus Nokton.

[shoplink 14830][/shoplink] ThePhoBlographer (Click here) posted a high ISO noise test comparison between the [shoplink 14830]Olympus E-P2[/shoplink], Canon 5D MkII and Leica M9-P. The 5D is the best camera but according to the reviewer “the EP2 and M9-P are almost neck in neck. “. But what is a bit surprising me is the following statement: “Both cameras use CCD sensors from Kodak, so this is a very interesting test to see.“???

A forum user at Mobile01 (Click here) posted some image comparison between the Leica and Nokton 25mm lenses. Gogole translation doesn’t work so I will tell you what to do. Click on the green links of the first post to open the images!

 

GH2 is faster than the E-P3 on Panasonic lenses (and older Olympus lenses)

Russian Olympus forum user “kkn” measured AF speed of some micro four thirds cameras. The text is in russian but the good news one of our russian readers (Thanks!) told us how he made those measurements: “In two words: he records camera’s sounds during AF process and measures the time between button half press’ click sound and AF confirmation sound. He does not measure time for exposure (obvious) and time needed to clean up the matrix. He does not also measure time needed to close diaphragm (which can be quite slow, for example, Panny 20mm f/1.7 has very slow diaphragm and much quicker on its open (f/1.7) than, say, f/4). He does 10 or more measurements for each lens using same light conditions, but different subject’s distances and provided average values.

As you can see the [shoplink 16254]Panasonic GH2[/shoplink] still focus faster than the new [shoplink 23568]Olympus E-P3[/shoplink] when using Panasonic or the “older” Olympus lenses. The only time the E-P3 is faster is when using the new 14-42mm IIR kit lens.

I don’t know how accurate the test is. That test goes against the common perception reviewers had about the E_P3 being much(!) faster than any other m43 camera in good light conditions. Take it with a grain of salt!

Mercedes Benz making of made with the GH2! And GH2 on safari (Luminous Landscape).

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You want to see some professional work done with the [shoplink 16254]Panasonic GH2[/shoplink]? Than take a look at the following two works:

1) Click on that link http://vimeo.com/25474377 to see the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG making of shot in Malaysia! They used the following lenses:
The Nokton 25mm f0.95 -> Get that lens on [shoplink 15659 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].
The Olympus 9-18mm -> Direct links at [shopcountry 14818].
The Panasonic 20mm -> Direct links at [shopcountry 14796].
The Panasonic 14-140mm -> Direct links at [shopcountry 14802].
Glidecam HD-1000 -> You can get it on [shoplink 24314 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].
Glidetrack -> You can get it on [shoplink 24315 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].

2) Mark Dubovoy went on Safari with the GH2 (Click here ot read the full article at Luminous Landscape): “I was surprised by how well thought out this camera is.  Far superior to anything Canon or Nikon or Sony or Fuji have to offer.  As complicated and feature laden as the camera is, the locations of the controls and the ergonomics (other than the traditional film type shape of the camera which is all wrong, but no manufacturer seems to want to deviate from) are excellent.  Much better than any other Japanese camera I have tested to date.” And now hear that: “On the other hand, the user manual establishes a new low point in my experience.  It is the absolute worst manual I have ever seen.  Shame on you Panasonic.  If I had hired a crew with the sole purpose of writing the worst manual ever, I do not think it would have been half as bad as this one is.

Those are the links to the GH2 [shopcountry 16254]. For US readers, the Black GH2 with 14-42mm is in Stock at Amazon (Click here).

Just a reminder: Panasonic officially said they are working on the GH3 with new EVF and faster AF. My guess is that it will come by early 2012. If you know more about the GH3 drop me a line at 43rumors@gmail.com. Thanks!

New GF3, E-P3, 12mm reviews

Dcresource (Click here) posted the final Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 review: “Overall, I like the features, performance, and photo quality of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3, but I’m a lot less excited about its design (speaking as a GF1 owner). It’s one of those cameras that you’ll absolutely want to try in person before you buy it. If you can handle the compromises that come with producing such a small camera, then it’ll definitely serve you well.

The korean website SLRclub (Click here) posted the full Olympus E-P3 review. As you know google translation tool doesn’t work because korean websites do love to post the text as a JPG image! But you can still look at the graphs and image samples!

Hinting (dpreview forum user) made a review with some of the m43 wide angle lens against the New [shoplink 23576]Olympus 12mm f/2.0[/shoplink]. And first shots with the [shoplink 23576]Olympus 12mm f/2.0[/shoplink] lens on the e-p1 (E-P1.net forum).

REMINDER: Those are the direct search links to all the new Pana/Oly stuff:
Panasonic G3 search page at [shopcountry 22077].
Panasonic GF3 search page at [shopcountry 23109].
Panasonic-Leica 25mm f/1.4 search page at [shopcountry 23110].
Olympus E-P3 search page at [shopcountry 23568].
Olympus 12mm f/2.0 search page at [shopcountry 23576].
Olympus 45mm f/1.8 page at [shopcountry 23577].

Voigtländer reviews roundup (in Stock at Amazon!)

0.95 NOKTON a test by Dario Viola from Dario Viola on Vimeo.

Lawrence (Click here) posted his first impressions about the Nokton lens.

A full 50min long video shot completely with the 25mm Nokton lens (Vimeo part one and Vimeo part two).

Voigtländer with Duclos Lenses Cine-Mod (seamless focus gear, 80mm front ring, smooth clickless aperture ring) at Matthewduclos.com.

There is a korean review at Popco. But you can still visit the website to check the graphs and image samples!

In US you can now get the lens at Adorama (Click here) and Amazon (Click here). The best price is at BHphoto (Click here). It’s almost $400 cheaper but sadly never in Stock! Where you can find plenty of lenses is on [shoplink 15659 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].

As you know the Nokton is a manual focusing lens only. If you need af than go for the new Panasonic-Leica 25mm f/1.4! Preorder links at [shopcountry 23110].

Panasonic-Leica 25mm gets reviewed by SLRgear!

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There is a new full Panasonic-Leica review at SLRgear (Click here): “Panasonic has done very well with this lens. The only objectionable thing about it might be its price tag, which strikes a bit high for what some might see as the micro four-thirds equivalent of the nifty fifty. However, its fast aperture and high quality justify a higher price, and given the current lack of competition in its class, you’re just going to have to pay a premium price if you want what it can offer. That said, it’s well worth the investment.

The lens is already in Stock in asian stores (like Amazon Japan) and should be in Stock soon oin the rest of the world. Check the preorder status at [shopcountry 23110]! Click on shop names to visit the search page (Some websites may not do list the lens!).

New E-P3 news and reviews roundup!


[shoplink 23568]Olympus E-P3[/shoplink] commercial in Malayasia.

Pekkapotka (Click here) posted a new E-P3 vs. E-P2 RAW comparison: “My conclusions (from these and other images): Images from these cameras are close to each other with E-P3 having better resolution and sharpness. Noise is equal or slightly lower in E-P3. E-P3 images show better surface texture in objects. That would suggest that filters in front of sensor are of a better quality in E-P3.

ThePhoBlographer (Click here) wrote an article about “Shooting Street Photography with the [shoplink 23568]Olympus E-P3[/shoplink]”: “The Olympus EP3 is a small camera; and as we’ve stated before, small cameras seem to be best for street photography. Though I used the white version of the camera (which is the sexiest and stands out the most) people would often just look out of curiosity but not be intimidated by it. Instead, they’d actually just be a bit mesmerized by how gorgeous and simple it was. Not intimidating your subjects is a big part of being able to capture a candid moment. If you combine this with reading one’s body language you’ll have a winning combination for getting the photo that you want.

Lori Grunin from CNET Asia (Click here) also posted the E-P3 test: “For what it delivers, the E-P3 is quite expensive–especially since the new models expected in the fall are supposed to have the same performance and sensor. Even if they’re not as fast, they’ll probably be fast enough. Once I get raw software and if Olympus possibly tweaks the defaults I may boost the image rating and the camera might rise in my estimation. But if you’re looking for a sleek model that delivers superb image quality, spend the extra $200 on a Fujifilm X100

And also Techradar (Click here) posted the final E-P3 review: “Olympus has been able to keep the price of the P3 down and maintain its rectangular, compact camera-like form. Provided the sensitivity is kept below ISO 3200, the P3 produces superb images, that are well exposed, have lots of sharp detail and pleasant colours.

 

REMINDER: Those are the direct search links to all the new Pana/Oly stuff:
Panasonic G3 search page at [shopcountry 22077].
Panasonic GF3 search page at [shopcountry 23109].
Panasonic-Leica 25mm f/1.4 search page at [shopcountry 23110].
Olympus E-P3 search page at [shopcountry 23568].
Olympus 12mm f/2.0 search page at [shopcountry 23576].
Olympus 45mm f/1.8 page at [shopcountry 23577].