Olympus releases firmware update for many cameras (E-M5, E-M10II, E-M10, E-P5, E-PL7, E-PL6, E-PL5, E-PM2)

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Firmware

Olympus released a firmware update for many MFT cameras. All details can be read here: olympus.co.jp/en/support/imsg/digicamera/download/software/firm/e1/

Those are the improvements:

  • Compatible with Olympus lens with a built-in image stabilizing function.
    • * The camera body recognizes the IS built into the lens, allowing for optimal image stabilizing effects.
      • * Not compatible with 5 axis Sync IS.
    • * You can get the effects of rolling stabilization from the IS function of the body, along with the effects of image stabilization from the IS function of the lens.
  • Compatible with Windows 10.

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Large stock of ref. MFT stuff for sale at Olympusmarket. Lightroom CC 2015.4 / 6.4 now available

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[shoplink 22691 ebay]E-P5[/shoplink]

Two short news:

  1. Europeans can grab a new large Stock of refurbished cameras and lenses at [shoplink 22691 ebay]Olympusmarket (Click here to see the long list9[/shoplink]
  2. Adobe released Lightroom CC 2015.4 / 6.4. it adds a new “Boundary Warp” feature

European PEN-F preorder links:
Silver PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, WexUk, ParkCameras, Cameraworld.
Black PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, WexUK, ParkCameras, Cameraworld.

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The PEN-F reviews and hands-on so far: Made for designers or the perfect street photography camera?

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PEN_PEN-F_EW_M1718_2015-12_silver_still__mood_16-1024x768
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, FotoMundus, WexUk, ParkCameras.
Black PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, FotoMundus, WexUK, ParkCameras.

The PEN-F is a camera that polarized the 43 community. The camera mainly stands out for its design and the Panasonic GX8 probably has the better price-features ratio. But isn’t beauty something valuable too? Let’s hear what reviewers have to say about that topic:

Robin Wong : “Finding out that the image quality produced by the PEN-F is only slightly better than E-M10 Mark II on the whole basically toned down the level of excitement I was in when I was reviewing the camera.
The PEN-F has done so many things right such as the super fast AF and built in large and sharp EVF. This is the kind of camera that is made to lust for: beautiful design blended with great functions and shooting capabilities.

Dpreview:We do think that at the point of launch, the PEN-F is priced rather high. Ultimately, despite some concerns, the PEN-F is a nicely made, beautiful camera with some fun and unique features that’s a pleasure to use.

CameraLabs: “I remember the previous PEN flagship, the EP5 also coming-in at an ambitiously high price point and it would seem the PEN F is following the same strategy. It’s undoubtedly a nice camera to look at and to use too, but I feel the price is too high for the specification compared to rivals, including alternatives within the Olympus range.”

Mirrorlessons: “Think about the OM-D E-M5 mark II and you have a pretty good idea about how powerful this new camera will be. The company plans to give the camera a long lifespan with relevant firmware updates, something they already started doing with the E-M1 and E-M5 mark II.

Ming Thein: “it is clearly targeted at the social media crowd, from the design to the huge number of in-camera processing options.

Cameras.reviewed: “The Olympus OM-D E-M5 II and Panasonic Lumix GX8 both are similar to the PEN-F, with a few more features, and cost a bit less money. The GX8, in particular, is appealing if you’re interested in shooting high-quality 4K video. But in a market where basically every camera is “good enough,” choosing a camera is about more than just the spec sheet. Olympus has always understood this, as Yoshihisa Maitani’s original PEN-F was compact and capable, but also beautiful. The reborn version holds true to that, and it is certain to find more than a few fans—if not a legacy of its own.


Olympus also announced some other stuff:
Olympus E-M10 Mark II Limited at BHphoto.
Olympus CBG-11 PR Premium Leather Camera Bag for PEN-F (Brown/Black) at BHphoto.
Olympus CS-48 PR Premium Leather Wrapping Cloth for PEN-F (Brown/Black) at BHphoto.
Olympus ECG-4 External Metal Grip for PEN-F (Black) at BHphoto.
Olympus CSS-S120L PR Premium Leather Shoulder Strap for PEN-F (Brown/Black) at BHphoto.
Olympus CS-47B Leather Body Jacket for PEN-F (Black) at BHphoto.

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Official: Olympus PEN-F announced!

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pen

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, FotoMundus, WexUk, ParkCameras.
Black PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, FotoMundus, WexUK, ParkCameras.

Olympus also announced some other stuff:
Olympus E-M10 Mark II Limited at BHphoto and Adorama.
Olympus CBG-11 PR Premium Leather Camera Bag for PEN-F (Brown/Black) at BHphoto.
Olympus CS-48 PR Premium Leather Wrapping Cloth for PEN-F (Brown/Black) at BHphoto.
Olympus ECG-4 External Metal Grip for PEN-F (Black) at BHphoto.
Olympus CSS-S120L PR Premium Leather Shoulder Strap for PEN-F (Brown/Black) at BHphoto.
Olympus CS-47B Leather Body Jacket for PEN-F (Black) at BHphoto.

Reviews and Hands-on:
Dpreview (first impression). Robin Wong (part one review). Adorama (hands-on). Mike Boening. ePhotozine (hands-on). CameraLabs (preview). Mirrorlessons. Ming Thein. Luminous L (hands-on). Imaging Resource (hands-on). Cameras.reviewed. ThePhoBlographer (first impressions). Pen And Tell (German). Park Cameras. Dpreview (hands-on). TheVerge. Engadget. SystemKameraBlog (German). Focus Numerique (French). ePhoto (Slovakia). Photoreview (first look). OpenPN (French).

Image samples:
Real PEN-F model shots by Jakub Kaźmierczyk. Dpreview. Mirrorlessons. SystemKameraBlog. Photographyblog. Optyczne. Sexy product images by Olympus Poland.

Curiosities:
PEN-F added on the Matching simulation tool.
Robin Wong posted an ISO image comaprison with the E-M10II (“the new PEN-F has finer grain”).
PEN-F has spot metering at the focus point.

Videos:
Olympus Pen-F Hands-On Review by Park Cameras on Youtube. Olympus PEN-F by Olympus on Youtube. Adorama hands-on on Youtube. Olympus concept video on Youtube. Olympus intorduction video on Youtube. Introduction by Jamie McDonald on Youtube. Steve Digicams on Youtube. PEN-F presnetation in Finnish on Youtube.

Press text:
Full Press text on 43rumors.

Poll:

Do you like the new PEN-F?

View Results

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Images:

pen-f-slv-right-1pen-f-blk-back-1pen-f-blk-left-m14-42mmez-blk-1pen-f-blk-front-m17mmf18-blk-1pen-f-blk-left-1pen-f-slv-left-m75mmf18-blk-ecg4-1pen-f-slv-front-lcd-180-frontside-m17mmf18-blk-1pen-f-slv-back-lcd-180-backside-tilt-high-1pen-f-slv-back-lcd-close-1pen-f-slv-rightside-1pen-f-slv-leftside-1pen-f-slv-top-1pen-f-slv-top-m17mmf18-blk-1pen-f-slv-right-m12mmf2-blk-fl-lm3-right-1pen-f-slv-front-m12mmf2-blk-1

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A particular collection of sexy PEN-F images

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PEN_PEN-F_ET_M7518_2015-12_black_still__mood_12a-1024x768

We can argue about the price and specs of the camera but I think most of you will agree the PEN-F is really a sexy camera! Here is a collection of sexy PEN-F pictures. You can dwonload them all as ZIP file here.

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.

PEN_PEN-F_EW_M1718_2015-12_silver_still__mood_16-1024x768ACCESSORIES_CSS-S120L_PEN-F_silver__ProductAdd_004 ACCESSORIES_CSS-S120L_PEN-F_silver__ProductAdd_003 Pool_PEN_PEN-F_EW_M1718_silver_2015-12__Mood_0017 PEN_PEN-F_EW_M1718_2015-12_silver_still__mood_04 PEN_PEN-F_EW_M1718_2015-12_silver_still__mood_03 PEN_PEN-F_EW_M1718_2015-12_silver_still__mood_02 PEN_PEN-F_EW_M1718_2015-12_silver_still__mood_01b PEN_PEN-F_EW_M1220_2015-12_black_still__mood_06a PEN_PEN-F_ES_M2518_2015-12_silver_still__mood_07 PEN_PEN-F_ES_M2518_2015-12_silver_still__mood_05 PEN_PEN-F_ES_M2518_2015-12_black_still__mood_08 PEN_PEN-F_2015-12_silver_still__mood_15 PEN_PEN-F_EW_M1718_2015-12_black_still__mood_10b PEN_PEN-F_EW_M1718_2015-12_black_still__mood_10a PEN_PEN-F_EW_M1718_2015-12_silver_still__mood_15 CBG-11_CS-48_CSS-S120L_PEN-F__ProductAdd_002_2-1024x292 PEN_PEN-F_ET_M7518_2015-12_black_still__mood_11-1024x768 PEN_PEN-F_ET_M7518_2015-12_black_still__mood_12a-1024x768 PEN_PEN-F_EW_M1718_2015-12_black_still__mood_14b-1024x768 PEN_PEN-F_EW_M1718_2015-12_silver_still__mood_13a-1024x768

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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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