You can now have a lot of fun by virtually combining the tiny Panasonic GM1 with a lot of FT or MFT lenses using the Special matching Simulator (Click here). Too bad the simulator only shows small size images! To see some bigger images of Gm1 lens combination click over at ePhotozine.

This is also one of the best cameras of the year according to Dpreview:

“Here’s where the GM1 is set apart from other cameras I’ve tested: I want to have it with me, even when I’m heading out of the apartment to run errands, or go to the coffee shop, and I don’t have any specific intentions of Going Shooting. I might just see a nice shot and the GM1 will get it. When I take my DSLR out on these kinds of trips, I’m acutely aware that it’s there the whole time.”

A report about a big GM1 presentation day in Japan can be read at DC.watch (google tranlsation here). New GM1 review at Lesnumeriques (google translation here).

GM1 preorder list:
In US at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
In Europe at Amazon Germany, Wex Germany, Amazon UK, Fotohanskeuzekamp, Cyberphoto Sweden and Wex UK.

HolyManta VND from Holymanta on Vimeo.

I just got that new press release about a new HolyManta Micro Four Thirds product. And be sure to check out the video on top to see how this works!

PRESS TEXT: ”

The all-new HolyManta VND is finally available! With this lens adapter (initially for Canon EF lenses) setting manual exposure has newer been easier and quicker. Video filming has always been for restricted compared to photography in terms of exposure – due to the shutter which most often should be set to a 180 degrees angle. The built-in variable ND filter allows you set the perfect exposure in second without taking your eyes from the viewfinder, and inserting the dust protected filter now takes less then a second instead of almost minutes as with external filters.
For more info, please visit www.holymanta.com or send your question to info@holymanta.com

All the best
/The HolyManta team”

Really smart idea!

Olympus Japan just issued an official statement. It says that the demand of the lens has been higher than expected and therefore not all that preordered the lens will get it in time (late November-early December). The lens has still an ETA of December 7 at Amazon US (Click here). But a couple of 43rumors readers luckily told me that their US preorders already shipped! And there is even a first lens auction on [shoplink 42953 ebay]eBay US (Click here)[/shoplink]. So I guess the supply shortage will only affect those of you that will preorder the lens now.

Preorders: Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO Lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, AmazonDE (viaDL), Amazon ES (via DL).

JP (Click here) published an interview with Olympus president Sasa. If google translation didn’t fool me this is what he says:
– Olympus and Sony are working together on the camera and lens front. This means “one-step” integration in the distribution network and camera parts purchases to reduce the costs.
– He confirms the low-end compact camera market is of no more interest for Olympus
– There is room for growth in the Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens market. Olympus expects annual sales number to increase from 75000-80000 to 90000-140000 units.

article found via Digicameinfo.