Last week SLRmagic announced the new [shoplink 21181 ebay]11mm f/1.4 manual lens for Micro Four Thirds[/shoplink]. The images you see on top are the very first full size samples posted by the company. CLick on the thumbnails to enlarge the image. The focal length and aperture are very appealing but the image quality is less impressive.
You can get the lens on [shoplink 21181 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].

Four-Thirds-User (Click here) made a very intriguing test. They compared the best Panasonic camera (the [shoplink 16254]GH2[/shoplink]) against the best Olympus camera (The [shoplink 17163]E-5[/shoplink]): “In our tests the results clearly show that the E-5 and GH2 can significantly out-resolve Olympus’ E-3 and E-30 DSLRs. The E-5 also out-resolves the GH2 at low and high ISO settings, although the GH2 rallies in mid-range ISO sensitivities.”
UPDATE: Take the test with a grain of salt. As our readers have noticed the test method and results are at least “questionable”. See the comparison made by DxOmark (Click here) to see a more scientific test:

Techradar (Click here) posted a new Olympus E-5 review: “There’s plenty about the Olympus E-5 to keep the enthusiast photographer happy; however, it’s one of those cameras that has lots of ‘buts’ about it. For a start many photographers, apart from those already committed to the Four Thirds standard, are still like to be put off by the fact that it has a smaller than average sensor with no obvious weight, cost or size advantage. Although there’s no denying the high quality of the results the camera can produce at low sensitivity settings, a pixel count of 12 million is also decidedly last season and this may discourage some photographers more than it should.”

Olympus E-5 direct links at [shopcountry 17163].

EosHD (Click here) posted a new Voigtländer Nokton 25mm f/0.95: “All in all this is currently THE best investment you can make in the Micro Four Thirds system and it will be in your possession long after the GH2 has been consigned to history. It is the best all-round lens you can buy for Micro Four Thirds and it is unique.”
The only place where you can get the lens is on [shoplink 15659 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].

Focus Numerique (Click here) posted the full E-PL2 review: “When asked the E-PL2 is it a worthy successor to the E-PL1 we answer yes!”
Get the E-PL2 at [shopcountry 18844].

Pocket Lint (CLick here) posted a Fuji X100 review: “For the niche market it’s aimed at, the Fujifilm FinePix X100 delivers in droves. Those aspiring to own a Leica camera may consider, and not just for the sake of their bank balance, to give the X100 a whirl. Indeed, in almost all areas, the X100 is a far better offering than the mighty-similar Leica X1 for example.”
Get the X100 at [shopcountry 19929].

Thedigitalstory (Click here) posted an Olympus XZ-1 poadcast.
Get the XZ-1 at [shopcountry 19904].

Short UPDATE: The Silver GH2 is in Stock at Amazon (Click here), BHphoto (Click here) and J&R (Click here).

Digital-photography-school (Click here) tested the Panasonic GH2: “This is a very sophisticated camera, with a bevy of external controls and a big pile of finder menu options. It would suit those with previous experience of DSLR useage. One sour note: you may, as I did, grow increasingly annoyed at the rear control buttons which are nearly flush with the camera body surface and hard to activate with certainty.”
Click those direct links to check the GH2 price: [shopcountry 16254].

Digitaltrends (Click here) tested the Olympus XZ-1: “When you’re ready to move past the temporary pocket digicams but not quite ready to lug around a big-bodied DSLR, it’s difficult to justify the purchase of an “in-between” camera. But in this case, it’s an easy decision. Once you’ve outgrown pocket cams that either fall apart or are outdated in a year, it’s time to invest in a machine that you can discreetly use and won’t need annual replacing. The XZ-1 is such an investment, and yes, at nearly $500 it’s a solid one – but it will keep users of various skill levels interested all while delivering impressive quality photos.”
Also PCmag (Click here) tested the Olympus camera: “There’s no denying the fact that the Olympus XZ-1 is a fast camera that produces top-notch pictures. But it’s big, and at $500, it’s pricey for a compact-class camera. On performance alone, though, it edges out our Editors’ Choice Canon PowerShot S95, which is much smaller and less-expensive. The problem is that that the XZ-1 is too big and expensive to compete with compact cameras, and lacks the features and performance to measure up to D-SLRs or interchangeable-lens cameras.”
Click those direct links to check the GH2 price: [shopcountry 19904].

He tested the lens on the [shoplink 14828]Panasonic GF1[/shoplink]. Read the full review at www.photozone.de

Reminder: The lens is sold out in most worldwide shops. The next Stock of lenses will be shipped in late April only. You can get the lens at [shoplink 15659 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink] where there are a dozen auctions ongoing right now.

You can read the 43rumors user reviews of the lens here at https://www.43rumors.com/cameras/voigtlander-nokton-25mm-f0-95/#submitownreview

Digitalcamerainfo (Click here) tested the popular Olympus XZ-1 camera. It’s a 15 page long detailed article and that’s the conclusion: “The [shoplink 19904]Olympus XZ-1[/shoplink] is a spectacular addition to the high-end compact camera family. We’re happy to see Olympus re-entering this market, especially with this 11-megapixel sensor and gorgeous new Zuiko lens. The hardware lets the camera churn out great photos, despite having such a portable form factor. For manual control enthusiasts, the XZ-1 has even more to offer: a slick control ring around the lens, full manual exposure options, and an accessory port that you can use for Olympus’ optional EVF. Most cameras in this price range have at least one weakness, but we’re not really sure what the XZ-1’s weakness is.”

The XZ-1 is not a Micro Four Thirds camera but it shows us that Olympus can make very good cameras. I do hope the next PEN cameras will be at least as successful as the XZ-1. You can get the XZ-1 in black or white at [shopcountry 19904].

Photographyblog (Click here) compared the Panasonic GH2 and Fuji X100 noise performance. Due the recent Japanese catastrophy the Fuji X100 shipment has been delayed until late April (Source: Quesabesde). The only place where you can get the X100 now is [shoplink 19929]eBay (but what a price!)[/shoplink].
Check the Panasonic GH2 price at [shopcountry 16254].

ePhotozine (Click here) tested the Panasonic LX5: “The Panasonic Lumix LX5 is a great camera for anyone looking to develop their photography without the bulk, weight, and potential expense of a ILC system or DSLR system. The camera provides an abundance of options and controls, and more importantly expansion potential. You can use the flash hotshoe to drive slave flashes, add an optical or electronic viewfinder, and more. Image quality is excellent for a compact camera, thanks to an impressive wide angle 24mm Leica f/2.0 lens. The body of the camera is built to a very high standard, and the ergonomics of the camera are excellent.”
Check the Panasonic LX5 price at [shopcountry 21136].

Crunchgear (Click here) posted a short Olympus E-PL2 review: “Again, I’m a big fan of what Olympus has done here and if you’re in the market for a mid-level portable camera with some great features, the E-PL2 is waiting for your call. Even with the caveats I mention above, the move towards micro 4/3s is exciting and potentially game-changing, especially when it comes to more casual prosumer shooting.”
Check the Olympus E-PL2 price at [shopcountry 18844].

The Olympus XZ-1 wins the red dot design award (Source: Photographyblog).
Check the Olympus XZ-1 price at [shopcountry 19904].