PEN-F reviews by Ming Thein and Optyczne online!

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Bildschirmfoto 2016-01-27 um 05.54.57

PEN-F Preorder links:
Silver PEN-F in USA/Canada at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, GetOlympus, GetOlympus Canada.
Black PEN-F in USA/Canada at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, GetOlympus, GetOlympus Canada.
Silver PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, WexUk, ParkCameras.
Black PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, WexUK, ParkCameras.

The Polish site Optyczne and Ming Thein already published their PEN-F reviews! The camera will be announced within the next minutes. Stay tuned on 43rumors!

Ming writes:

All in all, I enjoyed shooting with the PEN F. It’s sized right, feels right, and responds well. The camera part just gets out of the way and lets you concentrate on shooting. Sure, the EVF feels a bit dated and grainy in comparison to the Leica SL, but for the most part, it’s good enough even in bright light. It doesn’t keep you waiting. Image quality appears to be good enough (subject to assessment via my normal ACR workflow) and overall, the camera represents a solid update to Olympus’ M4/3 offerings. I’m left hesitant on only two things: firstly, the price. This is not a cheap camera, and not only is it not a cheap camera, at this price, you have to start to give other options like the Sony A7II and Nikon D750 a serious look. Both of these cameras offer significantly higher image quality potential, too; though in practice, the image quality differential may be less than you’d expect because of the effectiveness of Olympus’ stabilisation and the size/ accessibility of small and fast lenses.

via Dpreview forum

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Official Olympus PEN-F press text leaked!

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Bildschirmfoto 2016-01-27 um 05.54.57

PEN-F Preorder links:
Silver PEN-F in USA/Canada at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, GetOlympus, GetOlympus Canada.
Black PEN-F in USA/Canada at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, GetOlympus, GetOlympus Canada.
Silver PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, WexUk, ParkCameras.
Black PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, WexUK, ParkCameras.

 

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 27, 2016 Olympus is pleased to announce the PEN-F, a compact system camera created by fusing cutting-edge digital technology with craftsmanship handed down from 80 years of Olympus camera manufacturing. As the digital update of the original PEN-F, the world s first half-frame SLR, the new PEN-F is packed with incredible performance advancements for photographers seeking superior image quality and creative control. The 20 megapixel Live MOS Sensor is combined with Olympus 5-Axis Image Stabilization, a built-in 2.36 million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder, and a new Creative Dial on the front of the camera that accesses a host of controls to deliver a captivating shooting experience, all included in a design that exudes timeless beauty.

Elegant, Meticulous Design

The PEN-F s classic body lines and silhouette are inherited from its predecessor, which debuted in 1963. The top and front covers of the body are crafted from magnesium, and the precision metal dials (along with the bottom of the body) are crafted from aluminum. Olympus engineers devoted extraordinary resources to ensure superior quality and craftsmanship, so much so that even screws are undetectable on the camera s exterior. Simple, stylish touches like the included camera strap and the leather-grained exterior of the camera body and the back of the articulating LCD monitor provide a unified look and feel. Customizable buttons and dials are positioned for easy operation while the user looks through the viewfinder, and the new Exposure Compensation dial and four custom modes on the Mode Dial offer instant access to registered settings for simple, direct control.

Ultimate Image Quality in Every Situation

The newly-developed 20 megapixel Live MOS Sensor is paired with the latest TruePic VII Image Processor to bring out the amazing image quality of Olympus M.ZUIKO@reg; lenses. The sensor s low-pass filterless construction delivers high resolution and a low sensitivity ISO LOW mode equivalent to ISO 80. In addition, the powerful 5-axis VCM (Voice Coil Motor) image stabilization compensates up to 5.0 steps* of shutter speed for one of the world s highest levels of compensation performance.

This technology allows users to capture clear images of night scenes and other low light situations with minimal noise, without raising the ISO. Focal length may be set manually, so that even legacy manual-focus lenses can be image-stabilized. The PENF s High Res Shot Mode captures 50 megapixel equivalent images that reproduce incredible subject detail in ultra-high resolution, perfect for architecture and still life work. Plus, Olympus Viewer 3 Ver. 2.0 image editing software has been updated to process High Res Shot RAW images.

Complete Freedom of Expression

The PEN-F s new Monochrome and Color Profile Control functions allow photographers the ability to emulate their favorite films of years past. These functions differ from using photo editing software after shooting, as they allow users to apply and check effects in Live View while shooting to create their own original images. Both functions include quick-select presets designed to give images the look of classic film. Or, settings can be completely customized to achieve specific looks. The camera s frontmounted Creative Dial accesses Monochrome Profile Control, Color Profile Control, Art Filters, and Color Creator, all with a simple twist.

Monochrome Profile Control combines five photographic effects

Monochrome Profile Control combines five photographic effects Color Filter effect, Shading effect, Film Grain effect, Monochrome Color, and Highlight and Shadow Control for a variety of monochromatic expressions. In addition to the default setting (Preset 1), there is also Classic Film Monochrome (Preset 2) for a monochrome film effect with high contrast, and Classic Film Infrared (Preset 3) for an effect that mimics infrared film.

In Color Profile Control, users are able to adjust the color saturation of 12 individual colors in 11 steps. This is combined with Highlight and Shadow Control for limitless color expression. In addition to the default setting (Preset 1), there is also Chrome Film Rich Color (Preset 2), which provides deeper tones in images, and Chrome Film Vivid Saturation (Preset 3), which creates high levels of color saturation. The PEN-F s rear lever lets users easily toggle through the various effect controls, including Highlight and Shadow Control, a feature that also allows for the adjustment of midtones within plus or minus seven steps for advanced customization.

High-Visibility Interactive Viewfinder

The PEN-F is equipped with a built-in 2.36 million-dot high resolution OLED Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) with a 100-percent field of view and a magnification rate of 1.23x (35mm equivalent: approx. 0.62x) for a clear view without aberrations, even at the edges. Simulated OVF (S-OVF) Mode expands the dynamic range and provides an image similar to what would be seen with the naked eye. The magnified display function and Focus Peaking (which offers three levels and four colors) allow for extremely precise lens focusing. In addition, the PEN-F s vari-angle, touch-enabled LCD monitor lets users compose Live View shots from a variety wof angles, high or low.

Super-Fast Response for Comfortable Shooting

The PEN-F features blazing-fast speed with the shortest shutter-release time lag of any compact system camera** at 0.044 seconds. The 1/8000-second, high-speed mechanical shutter provides superior performance for capturing fast action, and shutter functions can be customized according to the scene. Silent Mode is useful for shooting in situations that require complete silence, and Anti-Shock Mode allows users to prevent shutter shake. The AF Targeting Pad enhances control by allowing users to set focus points by touching the rear monitor with their thumb while composing their shot in the viewfinder. Face Priority AF and Eye Priority AF detect and continuously adjust the focus on faces or eyes for easier portrait shooting. Enhancing the detail of every shot is AF Target Spot Metering, which links the AF Target and the metering area, while Super Spot AF and Small Target AF make it possible to focus on small subjects.

The PEN-F offers additional compatibility with users legacy lenses by enabling them to register the information of lenses without electronic contacts for inclusion in images EXIF data. The lens information may be recalled with the press of a button. Up to 10 lenses can be registered, including the lens name, focal length and aperture value.

Even More Creative Control

Other creative features include Live Composite Modewhich allows users to extract and composite the brightest areas from multiple, sequentially shot images to capture incredible cityscapes and star trails. With the PEN-F s built-in Wi-Fi@reg;, users can utilize the Olympus Image Share app for Android@reg; and Apple@reg; to adjust settings and monitor the progress of the image as it develops in real time on a smartphone or tablet. In 4K Time Lapse Movie, the camera captures up to 999 images automatically at intervals ranging from one image every second to one image every 24 hours, and combines them into a stunning high-resolution 4K video, all in-camera, without the need for additional software.

For those who enjoy macro photography, Focus Bracketing captures multiple shots at the touch of a button, all with slightly different focus depths. The new Live View Boost 2 makes it possible to easily focus and compose shots while checking visible stars in Live View. The PEN-F s high-speed sequential shooting capabilities let users capture all the action at 10 fps with the mechanical shutter, 5 fps with C-AF, and an extraordinary 20 fps with Silent Mode.

Premium Leather Accessories

Optional accessories include the External Metal Grip (ECG-4) that lets users replace the battery without removing the grip, featuring a Quick Shoe Compatible Rail on the bottom for direct connection to a compatible tripod head. Premium-quality leather accessories are also available in limited quantities. The Premium Leather Shoulder Strap (CSS-S120L PR) features high-quality leather with a two-tone design and a thickness that helps reduce shoulder strain. A Premium Leather Wrapping Cloth (CS-48 PR) made of finely textured genuine leather is perfect for wrapping the entire camera with a large lens attached. The Premium Leather Camera Bag (CBG-11 PR) is a compact, genuine leather camera bag produced under the direction of AJIOKA Co., Ltd., a Japanese leather manufacturer, with thorough attention to details including pockets, a shoulder pad, and shoulder strap. The Genuine Leather Body Jacket (CS-47B) is designed to protect the bottom of the Olympus PEN-F from bumps and scratches.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The PEN-F will be available in early March, for an estimated street price of $1,199.99 (U.S.) and $1,499.99 (Canada).

*Based on CIPA measurement conditions, when using M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ (focal length = 42mm (35mm equivalent with 84mm)).

**Based on Olympus internal testing as of January 26, 2016.

To find out more about the Olympus PEN-F and for a complete list of specifications, visit the Olympus website at http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/digitalcameras/pen/penf.html.

via Dpreview forum

 

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Screenshots from the PEN-F video: Claims to have world’s fastest “Quick response”

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Bildschirmfoto 2016-01-26 um 20.38.28

PEN-F Preorder links:
Silver PEN-F in USA/Canada at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, GetOlympus, GetOlympus Canada.
Black PEN-F in USA/Canada at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, GetOlympus, GetOlympus Canada.
Silver PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, WexUk, ParkCameras.
Black PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, WexUK, ParkCameras.

Olympus removed the leaked PEN-F presnetation video. So here are the screenshots showing the camera and some of the new specs.

Reminder: The camera will be announced in a few hours at exactly 6am London time! Stay tuned on 43rumors to follow the live blogging!

Bildschirmfoto 2016-01-26 um 20.38.57

Bildschirmfoto 2016-01-26 um 20.39.11

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(FT5) Full PEN-F presentation video leaked (UPDATE: now removed).

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PEN-F Preorder links:
Silver PEN-F in USA/Canada at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, GetOlympus, GetOlympus Canada.
Black PEN-F in USA/Canada at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, GetOlympus, GetOlympus Canada.
Silver PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, WexUk, ParkCameras.
Black PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, WexUK, ParkCameras.

Our reader Andrew spotted that very first PEN-F introduction video (UPDATE: video has now been removed). The camera will be announced in a few hours at exactly 6am London time! Stay tuned on 43rumors to follow the live blogging!

Those are the PEN-F specs:

– 20MP Live MOS sensor (made by Sony)
– 50MP high resolution shot mode
– Made in “honor” of the [shoplink 56521 ebay]PEN-F film camera[/shoplink] – 5-axis camera shake correction. Five stop correction (CIPA)
– Creative dial to directly access four functions
– 2.36 million dot organic EL EVF (S-OVF mode to extend the dynamic range)
– Mechanical shutter: 60 seconds -1/8000 seconds
–  Electronic front curtain shutter (anti-shock mode): 60 seconds -1/320 seconds
– Electronic shutter (silent mode): 60 seconds -1/16000 seconds
– Video full HD60p
– Interval Shooting
– 4K time-lapse movie
– Continuous shooting of 10 frames / sec (5 frames / sec in the AF tracking)
– Wi-Fi built-in. Remote control via smartphone
– 3 inches 1.03 million dot movable LCD monitor
– AF tracking pad: EVF is capable of moving the AF point in the touch panel at the time of use
– Media SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible)
– Included with an external flash FL-LM3. Guide number 9.1. Bounce possible
– ISO200-25600 (LOW: ISO80 equivalent)
– Color Black and Silver
– Price is 1499 Euro with kit lens.

Bildschirmfoto 2016-01-26 um 17.32.55

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(FT5) Latest from the PEN-F: Body only price is 1199 Euro.

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PSnx8G9

PEN-F Preorder links:
Silver PEN-F in USA/Canada at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, GetOlympus, GetOlympus Canada.
Black PEN-F in USA/Canada at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, GetOlympus, GetOlympus Canada.
Silver PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, WexUk, ParkCameras.
Black PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, WexUK, ParkCameras.

Tomorrow (January 27 at 6am london time) Olympus will officially unveil the new PEN-F. We have been told the body only price is 1199 Euro. I don’t have the official US price yet but I guess it will be $1199.

As usual follow the live blogging of the PEN-F announcement here on 43rumors! it starts at 6am london time!

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a bit of everything…

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Shootout – 16mm Film vs Blackmagic Log vs Digital Bolex Raw vs Sony S-Log

Olympus rebates at Amazon Germany.
Olympus and Panasonic Cashback at Wex UK.

Diego:Here I leave some of my 2015 photos taken with Olympus cameras and lenses (I’m Olympus Europe & Spain Visionary). https://youtu.be/F8uPG8X1fHc

Alan:Finally a way to get High Speed Sync using MFT with Godox AD flash!! :) https://youtu.be/2AeRr1UNWz8. Using Cactus V6 triggers to get High speed sync with Godox Witstro AD180/360 using MFT – Olympus E-M5 mkII (possibly panasonic + Fujifilm too but not tested.)
I believe the Godox is also known as Interfit Strobies Pro Flash, Cheetah Light CL-360P and Calumet Genesis GF200

Bjoern:Hi I’m Bjorn from Belgium and an enthusiastic amateur GH4 moviemaker. I pre-ordered the new Panasonic 100-400 in the Netherlands for €1699. (Olympus 300 f4 costs here €2600; so the difference in price is bigger here).
For making movies of nature and wildlife I prefer a zoom. Wild birds are mostly too far away for a nice close-up, so I’m very excited about the new Panasonic 100-400.
I started with the Panasonic 100-300 but was very disappointed in this lens: too soft, too slow focus and manual focusing ring too stiff. The Olympus 75-300 was a lot better: micro-detail is better, focusing ring buttersmooth and a very smooth bokeh. I use this lens not further then 240 mm. This gives me in 4K mode a +-600 mm and the possibility to zoom in till 1440P. You can see the result in a movie I made last October in a little natural resort in the Netherlands: a mix of beautiful landscapes, wild birds and autumn colors. Lenses used: olympus12-40mmPro, Olympus 75mm f1.8 and the Olympus 75-300mm. Enjoy!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0RWZost7vc

Preorder links to the two new MFT lenses:
Panasonic-Leica 100-400mm lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto and Panasonic. In EU at WexUK. Fotosidan.
Olympus 300mm f/4.0 PRO lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, GetOlympus. In EU at Amazon DE. WexUK.

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Triple deal: GX8 for $869, E-P5 kit for $599 and G7 kit for $589

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[shoplink 57826 ebay]G7[/shoplink]

Triple MFt camera deal ongoing through eBay sellers:
$868 for the GX8 in [shoplink 57747 ebay]Silver (Click here)[/shoplink] or [shoplink 57748 ebay]Black (Click here)[/shoplink] $110 off on the G7 with kit lens in [shoplink 57826 ebay]Silver (Click here)[/shoplink] or [shoplink 57827 ebay]Black (Click here)[/shoplink].
$599 for the [shoplink 57828 ebay]E-P5 with 17mm kit lens and EVF (Click here)[/shoplink]

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