-> The full list of TIPA award winners can be seen here: http://www.tipa.com/english/XXI_tipa_awards_2011.php

What a surprise! The [shoplink 17163]Olympus E-5[/shoplink] has been voted as “Best expert DSLR camera” for the year 2010. It received the TIPA award for the following reason: “For a very reasonable price, the Olympus E-5 provides benefits that rival those found in some professional SLRs: complete weather-sealing, comprehensive functions, excellent responsiveness, 100% viewfinder, good noise control, dual CF/SD slots, built-in image stabilisation, all in a rugged magnesium-alloy body. Add to this Olympus’ Dust Reduction System, which has proven to be among the most effective solutions in the market. The 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS sensor, combined with the ‘TruePic V+’ image engine produces images that rival competitors with substantially higher pixel counts.”
To be onest we have to admit that the E-5 had almost no competition. The [shoplink 21101]Nikon 7000[/shoplink] the price in the category “Best D-SLR Advanced” and Canon didn’t announce any high-end DSLR cameras in 2010.
Check out price and availability of the E-5 at [shopcountry 17163].

And that is certainly NOT a surprise. The Panasonic GH2 won the price as “Best Compact System Camera Expert“: “The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 is a true ‘hybrid’ photo and video camera, where video is no longer just an additional function. The DMC-GH2 features full HD 1920×1080, 60i (NTSC) / 50i (PAL) smooth, high quality video recording with 60p (NTSC) / 50p (PAL) output in addition to the high quality photo, a world’s first for cameras in this category. The DMC-GH2 can be operated through an intuitive touch control screen. For example, just tapping a subject on the screen will make the camera focus with a speed that rivals the best DSLR’s on the market.”
Check out price and availability of the GH2 at [shopcountry 16254].

And the Olympus XZ-1 won the price as “Best Expert Compact Camera“: “The Olympus XZ-1 has one of the fastest zoom lenses in its class, the iZuiko f1.8-2.5 6.0-24mm (28-112mm equivalent angle of view in 35mm cameras.) Rather than succumb to the continuing Megapixel race, the light-reception area of each pixel of the 1/1.63-inch, 10 Megapixel CCD has been doubled. The XZ-1’s AF illuminator, Dual Image Stabilisation, Low-Light mode that automatically adjusts the ISO sensitivity up to ISO 3200 and the compact size all add up to an exciting “candid” camera that also offers advanced manual controls.”
Check out price and availability of the XZ-1 at [shopcountry 19904].

The full list of TIPA award winners can be seen here: http://www.tipa.com/english/XXI_tipa_awards_2011.php

The very well informed Amateur Photographer website (Click here) noticed that “high-end digital SLRs threatens to raise street prices in the coming weeks as UK dealers struggle to meet demand after last month’s Japanese earthquake.”

Also our sources told us that product shortage is expected for all Japanese camera producer (Including Panasonic and Olympus). The worst “rumor” I received told me that there will be supply problems for the next 6 months! If you noticed a price increase on Panasonic/Olympus products drop me a message at 43rumors@gmail.com. The only thing I have seen is that in US there were almost no price drops or deals on any Micro Four Thirds product during the last 3 weeks and also the Panasonic GH2 is out of Stock again (Check [shopcountry 16254]). That’s pretty unusual.

The only real good deal is the GH1 kit offer. It’s ongong since a few weeks and will last until the last GH1 has been sold:
1) Panasonic GH1 with 14mm lens for $699 at Amazon (Click here). The lens alone costs $364. and if you would buy it separately with the GH1 it would cost you a total of $764. With that deal you save $64!
2) Panasonic GH1 with 20mm lens for $699 at Amazon (Click here). The lens alone costs $399. You save $99!
3) Panasonic GH1 with 45-200mm lens for $649 at Amazon (Click here). The lens alone costs $349. You save $100!
4) Panasonic GH1 with 14-45mm lens for $649 at Amazon (Click here). The lens alone costs $359. You save $90!
5) Panasonic GH1 with 14-42mm lens for $499 at Amazon (Click here). The lens alone costs $199. You save $100!

P.S.: There were a few dollar price drops on the Panasonic 100-300mm lens which is now in Stock for $525 at Amazon (Click here).

Olympus XZ-1 with VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder – Best of Both Worlds? (TheDigitalStory)

GF1 vs. E-PL2 size comparison on Flickr.

Olympus E-PL2 test at DC.watch.

Angle and Frame bis (Jjsemplephotography).

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ18 / ZS8 review (CameraLabs)

Link to the new redesigned Olympus Cafe Forum: http://www.olympuscafe.com/forums/

I received that message from Chris Kovacs,: “We would like to introduce you to a new venture in fine art photography. Adore Noir Magazine is an digital (PDF) black and white fine art photography magazine. You can download a sample of Adore Noir Magazine from the download section of our website. Download directly to iPhone, iPad and any other electronic device supporting PDF files. The sample includes the full feature of acclaimed photo artist Dominic Rouse and an article on the Artistic Mind, by Sandra Djak Kovacs. We hope you enjoy this new venture.
Kind regards,
Chris Kovacs, Editor, www.adorenoir.com facebook.com/Adore.Noir.Magazine“