Panasonic G3/GF3/XZ-1 news, reviews and in Stock status!

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[shoplink 22077 ebay][/shoplink] I have to catch up with some news I didn’t post because of the recent Olympus rumor and news mill! Here is the news list:

1) Lori Grunin from Cnet US (Click here) tested the G3: “If you’re looking for a camera that’s not quite as big as a dSLR but doesn’t skimp on hardware controls or features like an articulated LCD, EVF and stereo full HD video, the G3 is one of my top options. But performance is hit-and-miss for shooting action, so you may end up having to go with something just a bit bigger, anyway.

2) Hardwarezone (Click here) tested the G3 and GF3: “In the two days of manhandling the G3 and GF3 in Chiang Mai, both cameras performed up to speed with our expectations and were outstanding in their respective specialization…Of course, we have also littered our hands-on observations with little quirks that we didn’t quite like – say, G3’s rather disappointing battery life and the positioning of GF3’s video button, but these are naturally little quirks in an otherwise pleasant shooting experience with both Lumix G cameras.

3) Engadget (Click here) posted a GF3 hands-on: “Shooting 1080i video is as simple as hitting record, just to the right of the shutter button. Remembering not to accidentally cover the microphone, however, was more of a challenge. Internal mechanical noises dominated the first few minutes of our first video — our subject picked up volume significantly after we adjusted our grip, creating a free path to the mic.

4) There is a new [shoplink 19904]Olympus XZ-1[/shoplink] firmware you can download at Olympus (Click here). It has an improved algorithm for ESP spot metering. Get the camera at [shopcountry 19904].

And finally some in Stock status info about the very nice G3!
In Europe you can find it right now at Amazon.de (the brown model), Amazon.uk (they have all kits in Stock!) and [shoplink 22077 ebay]eBay[/shoplink].
In US at Amazon, B&H, and [shoplink 22077 ebay]eBay[/shoplink].

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Adorama, BHphoto and Amazon (Japan and UK) taking worldwide first preorders (But where are the E-PM1 and E-PL3 cameras?)

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Adorama, BHphoto, Amazon, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.jp are the first stores to accept preorders. What’s completely missing now is the E-PM1 and E-PL3 price and availability. UPDATE: The E-PL3 should be available in late August and the E-PM1 in September/October :(

Those are the links for Amazon:
Olympus E-P3 Black http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Thirds-Interchangeable-Digital-14-42mm/dp/B0058PL9RK/?tag=
Olympus E-P3 Silver http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Thirds-Interchangeable-Digital-14-42mm/dp/B0058PL9RK/?tag=
Olympus 12mm f/2.0 lens http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Zuiko-Digital-12mm-Cameras/dp/B0058PL9R0/?tag=
Olympus 45mm f/1.8 lens http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-Zuiko-Digital-45mm-Cameras/dp/B0058PL9QG/?tag=

Those are the links for Adorama:
E-P3 BLACK W/14-42MM   http://www.adorama.com/IOMEP3B14.html?KBID=64498 $899.99 (Available in August)
E-P3 SILVER W/14-42MM   http://www.adorama.com/IOMEP3S14.html?KBID=64498 $899.99 (Available in August)
E-P3 SILVER W/17MM F2.8   http://www.adorama.com/IOMEP3S17.html?KBID=64498 $899.99 (Available in August)
E-P3 WHITE W/14-42MM    http://www.adorama.com/IOMEP3W14.html?KBID=64498 $899.99 (Available in August)
E-P3 WHITE W/17MM F2.8   http://www.adorama.com/IOMEP3W17.html?KBID=64498 $899.99 (Available in August)
OLYMPUS FL-300R WIRELESS FLASH http://www.adorama.com/IOMFL300R.html?KBID=64498 $169.99
OLYMPUS 12MM F/2 F/EP SERIES http://www.adorama.com/IOM12M.html?KBID=64498 $799.99 (Available soon!)
OLYMPUS 45MM F/1.8 F/EP SERIES http://www.adorama.com/IOM4518M.html?KBID=64498 $399.99 (Available in September)

Those are the links for BHphoto:
All E-P3 kits at http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Olympus

Those are the links for Amazon UK:
There are many different kit options anc colors here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Olympus+E-P3&x=0&y=0&tag=43rum-21

 

Other US deals:
One single RED G3 is in Stock for the normal price at Amazon (Click here).
Adorama is now accepting Voigtländer 25mm preorder again (Click here).
You can now get the AG-AF100 Micro Four Thirds camcorder with a free (!) 14-140mm zoom lens at BHphoto (Click here).
The Balck and White Olympus XZ-1 are in Stock for $420 only at Amazon (Click here).
The Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 lens is in Stock for $379 via third party resellers on Amazon (Click here).
BHphoto sent me an email to say that the very last GH1 cameras are now in Stock (Click here). Once sold out there will be no more GH1 cameras for sale anymore! And if you purchase the GH1 body (for $399) you will get $100 on any Panasonic m43 lens you buy. You have to click on “Save $100 on Select Panasonic Lenses” to see the deal.
The same deal is ongoing at Amazon (Click here) and Adorama (Click here).

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Continually updated: Olympus new PEN and lenses announced!

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This post gets continually updated. Latest addition are on top of each categories. You can reload this page from time to time to see the updates. Thanks!
In Summary, Olympus announced three cameras (E-P3, E-PL3, E-PM1) two new lenses (12mm f/2.0 and 45mm f/1.8) and a new external flash. We are still missing the external viewfinder announcement.

Links to preorders

Olympus E-P3 preorders at Adorama (Click here). Price $899 with kit lens!
E-P3 presentation page on Amazon (Click here). No preorders yet.
Olympus 12mm f/2.0 lens preorder at Adorama (Click here). Price $799.
Olympus 45mm f/1.8 preorder at Adorama (Click here). Price $399.

Reviews, Previews and Hands-on

Doug Brown’s Luminous Landscape preview
E-P3 review by Robin Wong.
Hands.on at TvSmith
Sexy camera pictures and image samples at Clubsnap
Size comparison at ePhotozine.
E-PM1 hands-on at FourThirdsUser.
E-PL3 hands-on at FourThirdsUser.
E-P3 review at DCresource.
Short E-P3 review at PDN.
Full E-P3 review at Digitalcamerareview.
HOT! E-P3 versus G3 at Dpreview (Jpeg Studio comparison)
HOT! Full E-P3 review at ThePhoBlographer.
Olympus E-P3 field report at OutbackPhoto.
Olympus E-P3 preview at Dpreview.
Olympus E-PL3 and E-PM1 preview at Dpreview.
HOT! First complete E-P3 review at Digitalcamerainfo!
E-P3 hands-on at Quesbesde.

Image and video samples (+ video reviews)

12mm hands-on on youtube.
An image of a personalized E-P3 grip at HastaLosMegapixeles.
E-P3 spanish presentation at Quesabesde.
E-P3 video hands-on on youtube (Photographyreview).
First video quality test at youtube (ThePhoBlographer).
12mm image samples on Quesabesde.
First hands-on video on youtube (ThePhoBlographer).
HOT! First RAW pictures at Quesabesde (once clicked scroll down to download them).
12mm image sample gallery at Dpreview.
E-P3 image samples at Dpreview.
E-P3 field test gallery by OutbackPhoto.
Image samples at ThePhoBlographer.
HOT! Autofocus speed test on youtube (ThePhoBlographer)

Official press release

Grip option list at Olympus Japan.
Openpn (french)
Engadget
The new reworked kit lenses at DC.watch.
Focus Numerique (french).
Photoradar.
Amateur Photographer PEN presentation on youtube.
SystemKameraForum (german)
Cnet US
Photoscala.de (german)
E-P3 at Olympus official website.
Photographyblog
Imaging Resource
Launch event pictures in Malaysia (Twitter)

Hot news

Olympus E-P3 price: $899 in US and 849 Euro in Europe (with kit lens).
Olympus doesn’t explain what’s new with the new sensor. After first tests we can see the new PEN cameras do have an excellent color accuracy and superb AF speed.
M. Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f2.0 lens: Available Now Estimated Street Price: $799.99
MCG-2 Exchangeable Camera Grip: Available Now Estimated Street Price: $19.99
FL-300R Compact Flash: Available Now Estimated Street Price: $169.99
M. Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f1.8 lens: Available in September 2011 Estimated Street Price: $399.99

User reactions

Olympus E-P3 tweets.
Olympus E-PM1 tweets.
Olympus E-PL3 tweets.

Poll

Now that you have seen all new product images and specs. What will you REALLY buy? (You can choose multiple products!)

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The full Olympus presentation (It’s a new Panasonic fabricated and Olympus designed sensor!)

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The big question of the day is, “Is Olympus using an own designed sensor?”. The official pree release didn’t mention anything about that but we know got a confirmation from Asian websites.
TvSmith interviewed “Mr Yasuo Asakura, the General Manager of SLR R & D, (he said) the E-P3 features a new Panasonic MOS sensor fabricated exclusively for Olympus

And Clubsnap posted the full Olympus press release power point presentation. It contains the info about the new sensor, new shutter and a lot more interesting news!

UPDATE: Clubsnap now removed the presentation!

Links to preorders

Olympus E-P3 preorders at Adorama (Click here). Price $899 with kit lens!
E-P3 presentation page on Amazon (Click here). No preorders yet.
Olympus 12mm f/2.0 lens preorder at Adorama (Click here). Price $799.
Olympus 45mm f/1.8 preorder at Adorama (Click here). Price $399.

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(FT5) HOT! Full E-P3 leak with specs (from non english website)!

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One of our readers found a non english website that had the E-P3 pictures and specs online for a couple of minutes. He copied the images and text you can see here (Thanks P.J.!)

The following press release has been translated from a non english website via google translation tool. So be aware that there will be some weird translation :) And be sure to be online at 43rumors.com at 6am London time! I will keep you updated with all first news, reviews and image samples we can find on the world wide web!
Press Release:
Olympus PEN system by introducing a new Micro Four Thirds, has created an entirely new category of cameras. Now presented a new flagship model PEN, which increases the standards in this category. Camera PEN E-P3, or just PEN, has the fastest autofocus among all cameras with interchangeable lenses. Along with excellent AF FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology – Sensor Technology Acceleration Frequency), and OLED touch screen provides an ideal alternative to the much bigger and more expensive SLRs. Standing at the forefront of the next generation of PEN, the E-P3 owes its incredible speed in focusing the new powerful processor. TruePic VI was developed specifically for not using the mirror cameras. In addition to the new system FAST AF, TruePic VI also controls ten artistic effects filters and a large touchscreen OLED. In combination with a faster and more sensitive 12.3 megapixel sensor, TruePic VI provides exceptional image quality, which is also visible in low light conditions. For experienced users, PEN has a special windfall – two knobs on the back, which facilitate quick adjustment of exposure time and aperture. Add to that the integrated image stabilization system that compensates for blur irrespective of the lens. Camera PEN E-P3 will be available from August 2011.

Classics
Just pick up a new camera PEN and immediately we see that the masters of design and production of Olympus have not already creating quite a feat 50 years ago, the construction of the camera, which today attracts. Their vision can be described as timeless classics that never ceases to fascinate succeeding generations.

Instant AF
With its compact design, convenient features, and image quality, award-winning Olympus PEN system has already become a favorite among both hobbyists and professionals.
At the head of the flagship of the E-P3, a new generation of GH enhances the reputation of this class of equipment. One of the most important aspects – and the most useful – is the incredible speed and versatility autofocus system. Driven by new, powerful processor Olympus TruePic VI, FAST AF system focuses faster * than any other camera with interchangeable lenses. What’s more, it offers 35 focus points, spread across almost the entire surface of the sensor, so you can set the focus on small objects, regardless of where in the image appear. In low light, built-in backlight AF compensates for the potential drop in precision focus, and a new AF Tracking technology makes the object remains sharp, even if occasionally out of the frame. Another facility that provides a successful picture is constantly running AF – which means that the focus is still active, so that focus is maintained continuously.

Full Control
Unique solution in the flagship model of the PEN is the OLED touch screen. He is not only intuitive and practical in use, but also provides excellent image quality regardless of ambient lighting conditions. Compared with similar LCD screens OLED screen provides a higher level of contrast, intense black reproduction and a wider spectrum of colors. OLED screen provides a higher brightness, wider viewing angles and is characterized by lower levels of energy consumption. Display PEN’a also offers touch-screen scrolling content, enlarging photos, as well as control of the shutter button, AF point selection, and activating the pop-up Guide Live Guide – help appreciated PEN, which helps less experienced users to set key parameters relevant images, such as aperture and depth of field.

Even professionals will now be satisfied, because the Guide Live Guide is now available in P, S, M and A and if need be to reach it. Unlike some competitors PEN Guide Live Guide is available for both movies and photos.

However, for most serious photographers to experiment with the settings is half the fun – and that they are not especially interested in scrolling long lists of menus to get to the parameters that need adjustment. Therefore, the Olympus on the back PEN’a applied two additional knobs. The thumb, one minute you can tune the aperture and exposure time – without having to switch between different sections of the menu. The selected settings appear in a distinctive form of the OLED screen or in the optional electronic viewfinder. Fans of practical solutions will appreciate also three programmable buttons, which can be attributed to a favorite, frequently used functions. The buttons, knobs, and a new AF system allows FAST to react more quickly to spontaneous situations to capture a fleeting scenes or fast moving subjects before a chance to miss a unique picture forever.


Art at your fingertips
A wide range of Art Filters is an interesting addition for both ambitious amateurs and professionals. PEN offers ten different artistic filters, which allow the enrichment of the image special effects without all the confusion associated with the operation of computer programs. Some of the filters can be combined with additional effects, such as a new effect called Starlight and White Edges (White Edge). Users are waiting for such filters as Pop Art, Soft Focus, bright tone, Light Tone, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama, Cross Process, delicate and dramatic sepia tone. Each of these filters can be used for both pictures and movies.

PEN record movies with stereo soundtrack and the quality of 1080i HD at 60 frames per second – the same record can be implemented in various formats. In order to play movies on your TV screen, users can select the AVCHD format, which generates files of smaller size. Those who want first to edit their films should reach for the 720p HD format Motion JPEG. Although it generates larger files, but they are easier to handle by computer software.

The potential of the processor
The heart of every new camera PEN is an extremely powerful TruePic VI. Just as computer processors TruePic VI is in fact a complex with each other two units, one of which is solely responsible for the reproduction of the image. The result is exceptional quality color reproduction and detail and greater light sensitivity up to ISO 12800th TruePic VI also shortens the startup time and greatly reduces the noise level when shooting.

Compatibility
Like any PEN, PEN model of the E-P3 is the camera system. At the time of purchase you get instant access to over 500 lenses Micro Four Thirds Four Thirds and other systems (via adapter), including the legendary optics Olympus ZUIKO DIGITAL M. acclaimed for its high quality. Particularly noteworthy are two new clear lenses. Wide-angle lens ZUIKO DIGITAL 12mm M 1:2.0 (24mm equivalent) (also known as “Master of street photography” – ‘Street Photography’) is ideal for capturing large themes such as landscapes, especially in low light. Its contrast and complement both the portrait M. ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8 (90mm equivalent) to facilitate getting softly blurred backgrounds, a significant aspect of portrait photography. Another superior option is refreshed M. ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 II R (equivalent to 28-84mm). All these lenses have been specially developed for almost silent operation, so you can record HD video with stereo sound track uninterrupted noise mechanisms. Metallic tubes of new optical systems and their compact and lightweight design ideally suited to the style of the body PEN. Apart from the specifications of the lens attached, with the integration of body image stabilization, photographers can rest assured that get blur-free images. In addition, the camera is equipped with Accessory Port 2, so that users can benefit from a growing family of dedicated accessories for the PEN model, including a compatible Bluetooth ® communication module which automatically Penpal resizes images and transmits them wirelessly to other compatible devices and social networking sites .

The camera body PEN E-P3 is available in classic shades of black, white and silver, and is slated to be available in mid-June 2011. The camera will also be available in kits with different lenses.

PEN E-P3 – main features:

Image Quality
Powerful image processor TruePic VI, a faster response time and excellent picture quality
Extremely effective, integrated in the body image stabilization for both video and sharp, blur-free images – works with any lens
12.3 effective megapixel sensor, High Speed ​​Live MOS sensor for the perfect operation in low light and when shooting HD
To ISO 12800
Record 1080i HD video with stereo audio, AVCHD recording format or the Motion JPEG
Compatibility with the new generation of dedicated lenses PEN

Ease of use
World’s fastest autofocus system – FAST AF – the camera with interchangeable lenses, from 35 AF points, highlighting the AF for pictures in low light and AF tracking the subject even outside the frame
Super light, providing wide viewing angles, touch screen 3.0 inch OLED screen with a resolution of 610.000 points – provides photo-quality color reproduction
Separate knobs for setting shutter speed and exposure
Touch Guide Live Guide available for filming and shooting HD, also in P / S / M / A
Live View mode and HD movie photos
3 programmable buttons
The scale level to facilitate the setting position in relation to the horizon
Easy to use menu function in the form of wheel settings – Live Wheel

Creativity and versatility
Ten creative artistic filters for HD movie mode and photo
Five effects that can be combined with artistic filters: Pinhole photography, Soft Focus, The effect of the frame, and new stars, and White Light Beam
Accessory Port 2 for compatibility with the ever-growing range of accessories PEN, for example, an electronic viewfinder VF-2 or the communication module penpal
Compatible with a range of 20 lenses Micro Four Thirds Four Thirds lenses 27 and over 500 other lenses (via adapter)
Shutter speeds to 1 / 4000 sec. and the shooting done at speeds up to 3 frames per second
Multiple exposure mode – 2 RAW
Li-ion battery BLS-5 long-life

Other interesting features
The timeless design of PEN, the ability to use interchangeable lenses, and attached the handle in two different sizes
The possibility of shooting 3D
Compatible with SDXC cards and Eye-Fi
Wireless flash control

That’s it! ;)

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