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!).

[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].

The new [shoplink 23110]Panasonic-Leica 25mm f/1.4[/shoplink] is finally shipping worldwide. As usual japanese shops like Amazon.co.jp are the first to have them in Stock. The guys over at Clubnsap (Click here) were very fast in reviewing one of he first production samples. What are there conclusions? Read here (but please visit their website to see the full image samples!):
“Bokeh:
Only one comment, Sweet ! Besides of [shoplink 15659]Nokton f0.95[/shoplink], this is m4/3 largest aperture AF lens. f1.4 allow good indoor shot. (indoor/lowlight field test in next thread)
Optical Quality:
Very sharp. I have not shot with Leica Summilux/summicron mounted on m4/3 cam before, but up to date, this is the sharpens m4/3 fens I have used. It is certainly a mile ahead of [shoplink 14796]Panny 20mm f1.7[/shoplink] Corner Sharpness:
Have not done pixel mapping or MTF chart. But based on eye ball judgment, the corner performance has held up pretty well. Only at the 3-5% corner, you would see some softening.
CA:
Very well controlled and hardly noticed. In extreme conditions, there is only small amount of purple fringe.
AF:
Though mounted on first m4/3 camera [shoplink 16885]EP1[/shoplink], the focusing is pretty fast. I have also tested this lens on [shoplink 23109]GF3[/shoplink] and [shoplink 23568]EP3[/shoplink], the AF is almost instant. Hardly imagine how could the AF can further improved. However, similar to [shoplink 14796]Lumix 20mm f1.7[/shoplink], it has some unpleasant motor sound when the apertures move during focusing.”

Check the preorder status at [shopcountry 23110]! Click on shop names to visit the search page (Some websites may not do list the lens!).

One more thing: The Panasonic GF3 and G3 are still not in Stock in US stores? Are we experiencing the usual US supply problems?
Panasonic GF3 at [shopcountry 23109].
Panasonic G3 at [shopcountry 22077].