Press text: OLYMPUS ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT OF PRO SUPER TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS & 2x TELECONVERTER

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OLYMPUS ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT OF PRO SUPER TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS & 2x TELECONVERTER

The M.Zuiko® Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO And M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20 Will Make 2000mm (35mm Equivalent) Super Telephoto Handheld Shooting Possible

CENTER VALLEY, PA., January 24, 2019 – Olympus announces the development of the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO super telephoto zoom lens. This lens is compatible with the Micro Four Thirds® System standard, and features a 1.25x built-in teleconverter, covering a focal length range of 300-1000mm[1] (35mm equivalent). Also in development is the M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20. The combination of both products makes handheld super telephoto shooting possible at a 35mm equivalent focal length of 2000mm.

With these new products, Olympus will further expand its super telephoto lens lineup, maximizing the advantages of the Micro Four Thirds System, including excellent image quality, compact lightweight designs, and superior portability.

The M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO lens is designed for exceptional optical performance in a compact, lightweight form, and includes dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof (14°F / -10°C) design with superb handheld usability. This is the first Olympus® interchangeable lens with a built-in 1.25x teleconverter, which easily extends the focal length to the maximum of 1000mm1 (35mm equivalent). It also offers in-lens image stabilization (IS), supporting 5-Axis Sync IS[2] when operating in concert with the image stabilization of Olympus OM-D® cameras. The compact system delivers remarkable portability, and the built-in teleconverter provides convenience, making it the optimal super telephoto zoom lens for sports and bird photography. This lens has an expected availability date of 2020.

The M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20 doubles the focal length of the master lens while offering outstanding portability as well as dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof (14°F / -10°C) performance. The teleconverter is compatible with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO lens, currently in development, as well as the M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO and M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO lenses. Not only does this teleconverter extend the telephoto range, but it also doubles the maximum shooting magnification of the master lens for unprecedented super telephoto macro shooting. This item has an expected availability date of summer 2019.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO lens expected availability date: 2020; M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20 expected availability date: Summer, 2019. Pricing is not available at this time.

[1] When using the built-in teleconverter. Widest aperture setting is F5.6.

[2] Further information regarding compatible models to be provided in the product press release upon official product sales announcement.

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Press text: Olympus announces silver edition of their revolutionary OM-D E-M1 Mark II camera

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Olympus announces silver edition of their revolutionary OM-D E-M1 Mark II camera

Limited 2,000 units available worldwide in commemoration of Olympus 100th Anniversary

In commemoration of Olympus 100th Anniversary in 2019, the company will launch a special silver edition of their Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II camera to go on sale in late February 2019 for the same RRP1 as the black body: 1.699 EUR. The silver version will be released in a limited edition of only 2,000 units worldwide and feature the same functionalities as the black E-M1 Mark II.

In the camera business, Olympus’ philosophy has always been to focus on the personal mobility of their customers with products that feature a compact and lightweight design.

In 2019, the Olympus company not only celebrates its 100th company anniversary, but also the 10th birthday of their first digital camera model with a Micro Four Thirds sensor (Olympus PEN E-P1) – a format that still provides the best basis to offer the most compact and lightweight camera system with image quality that satisfies professional photographers.

To commemorate these special anniversaries, Olympus will release a special silver edition of their revolutionary OM-D E-M1 Mark II camera with a limitation of only 2,000 units worldwide. Olympus’ President Hiroyuki Sasa comments: “We are sincerely grateful to all customers and other stakeholders who have supported Olympus since its founding 100 years ago. Being true to Our Purpose of “Making people’s lives healthier, safer, and more fulfilling”, we shall continue to contribute to photographic culture and deliver the joy of capturing and expressing special moments to photography lovers worldwide.”

OM-D E-M1 Mark II Limited Silver Edition: The same revolutionary camera but boasting a classic, quality camera look

The OM-D E-M1 Mark II is a dependable camera that meets professional needs and is capable of shooting in various environments – delivering high-class image quality combined with high-speed performance in a compact but rugged body. While the original black body embraces functional beauty, the new silver body features a classic, quality camera look.

Main Features

Please see original E-M1 Mark II press release and the Olympus website at www.olympus-europa.com for detailed functionalities.

  1. Unrivaled compact and lightweight system design with dust-, splash- and freezeproof (-10°C) performance
  2. Built-in 5-axis image stabilization with up to 6.5 shutter speed steps of compensation performance2
  3. High-speed sequential shooting for capturing split-second moments, and 18 fps sequential shooting performance in AF/AE tracking
  4. Excellent image quality through the interplay of a high-speed TruePic VIII image processor, a 20.4 Megapixel Live MOS sensor and Olympus’ acclaimed line-up of high-resolution M.Zuiko lenses

Availability & pricing

The OM-D E-M1 Mark II will go on sale with a limitation of only 2,000 units worldwide from late February 2019 at an RRP1 of EUR 1.699.

Like every Olympus camera and lens, the E-M1 Mark II Silver Edition comes with a free six-month warranty extension3 when registered via the MyOlympus platform at www.my.olympus.eu.

Product specifications are subject to change without notice. Please check the Olympus website at www.olympus-europa.com for the latest specifications.

1Recommended retail price

2With Sync IS using the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4.0 IS PRO lens, focal length: 100mm (35mm equivalent: 200mm), halfway release image stabilization: off, CIPA standard compliant, when correction is carried out on two axes (Yaw/Pitch).

3Six months on top of the statutory warranty in the country of purchase.

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Press text: Olympus announces weather-resistant FL-700WR flash

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E-M1X Preorders:
Olympus E-M1X in USA at Amazon, GetOlympus, Adorama and BHphoto.
Olympus E-M1X in Europe at Calumet Germany, ParkCameras, Jessops, WexUK.

New accessories preorders:
Olympus FL-700WR Electronic Flash at Amazon, GetOlympus, Adorama and BHphoto.
Olympus FC-WR Wireless Radio Flash Commander at Amazon, GetOlympus, Adorama and BHphoto.
Olympus FR-WR Wireless Radio Flash Receiver at Amazon, GetOlympus, Adorama and BHphoto.
Olympus CP-1 Cable Protector CP-1 for OM-D E-M1X at Amazon, Adorama and Bhphoto.
Olympus EP-17 Eyecup for OM-D E-M1X Camera Body at Amazon, Adorama and Bhphoto.

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OLYMPUS ADDS TO OM-D® SYSTEM WITH WEATHER RESISTANT WIRELESS FLASH FL-700WR, WIRELESS COMMANDER FC-WR, AND WIRELESS RECEIVER FR-WR

Flash System Designed for Wireless Radiowave Shooting

CENTER VALLEY, PA., January 24, 2019 – Olympus has today announced a new Electronic Flash, the FL-700WR, Wireless Commander FC-WR, and Wireless Receiver FR-WR, all coming in late February 2019 and designed to meet the growing demands of professional photographers. The electronic flash features dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof (14°F / -10°C)1 performance, as well as wireless radiowave shooting compatibility with a maximum guide number of 422.

Designed for compatibility with the OM-D system, the FL-700WR wireless high-performance electronic flash offers radiowave-shooting capabilities. During wireless shooting, it functions as a commander or a flash with built-in receiver. The FL-700WR electronic flash, as well as the Wireless Commander FC-WR and the Wireless Receiver FR-WR, all feature dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof (14°F / -10°C)1 performance. This durable construction makes it possible to control multiple flash units from the camera in various shooting conditions.

High-Intensity, Weather-Resistant Performance with a Maximum Guide Number of 42
This flash features a maximum guide number of 422 (ISO 100/m). The compact, lightweight design delivers excellent portability with high flash output. The weather sealed performance offers reliability when shooting in a variety of environments, including rain, when paired with the Olympus® OM-D E-M1X and other weather sealed body and lens combinations. The user can enjoy full flash power after charging for approximately 1.5 seconds3 for quick, comfortable and easy shooting. Because of the short charging time, sequential flash photography4 at 10 fps is possible.

Wireless Radiowave Communication
This product is equipped with a wireless radiowave communication function, which operates even in bright conditions, or when there are obstructions in the area. It can communicate up to a distance of 30 meters, making accurate communication possible even when the flash is set behind the subject.

The FL-700WR can function as a commander or a flash with built-in receiver. When used as a commander, it has the ability to connect to three groups and an unlimited number of flash units. The user can select which group they want to fire and not to fire, and configure the flash intensity compensation. It can also function in the conventional RC mode (optical communication) as a slave flash.

Equipped with Multi Flash mode5
Multi Flash mode5 makes it possible to express subject motion by firing multiple times during long exposures or bulb shooting. The intensity, interval (frequency), and number of shots can be configured to match the ideal settings for the subject.

Compatible with High Res Shot6, Focus Stacking, and Focus Bracketing
Features such as High Res Shot6, Focus Stacking, and Focus Bracketing, included on camera models such as the OM-D E-M1X and OM-D E-M1 Mark II, can function with this flash.

Other Available Features

  1. The super FP flash enables high-speed synchronization that exceeds the camera’s maximum sync speed.
  2. First-curtain and second-curtain sync fires when the shutter curtain opens or closes .
  3. TTL modes enable the pre-flash to measure the required intensity so the output automatically adjusts to the optimal level.
  4. An LED light for movies features a 77° angle of illumination and 100-lux brightness emittance from one meter away.
  5. The bounce angle can be adjusted within 180° horizontally and 90° vertically. It is equipped with a catchlight panel and wide panel. The firing angle covers the focal length of 7mm (14mm ) when using the wide panel.
  6. Equipped with auto zoom , the firing angle is supported by lenses with a focal length of 12-75mm (24-150mm10).
  7. The FL-700WR flash emits an electronic sound when charging is complete.

Wireless Commander FC-WR and Wireless Receiver FR-WR
The new wireless commander FC-WR and wireless receiver FR-WR offer the same dustproof, splashproof and freezeproof (14°F / -10°C)1 performance as the FL-700WR electronic flash. When combined with a weather sealed body and lens such as the OM-D E-M1X, users can enjoy shooting in even the harshest environments.

The FC-WR and FR-WR are compatible with a variety of items, such as the FL-900R, for wireless radiowave communication. The commander can connect to three different groups and an unlimited number of flash units. The user can also select which group they want to fire and not to fire, and adjust the flash intensity.

The FC-WR is equipped with independent buttons for groups A, B, and C, making it possible to quickly configure settings for each group as well as adjust the shooting mode and flash intensity while viewing the monitor. Groups and channels can easily be set and checked using the dials on the FR-WR. This design makes the unit intuitive, comfortable and easy-to-use during multi-unit shooting.

The FR-WR is equipped with a sync terminal that can connect to commercial flash units, such as a monoblock flash, and can be remotely fired using wireless radiowave communication. When flash11 charging is complete, the flash emits an electronic sound.

U.S. Pricing and Availability
The FL-700WR Electronic Flash, FC-WR Wireless Commander and FR-WR Wireless Receiver will be available in February 2019 with pricing as follows:

FL-700WR Electronic Flash $399.99 (U.S.), $449.99 (CAD)
FC-WR Wireless Radiowave Flash Commander $349.99 (U.S.), $399.99 (CAD)
FR-WR Wireless Radiowave Flash Receiver $229.99 (U.S.), $279.99 (CAD)

1 When using in a low temperature, please warm the battery by keeping it in a pocket etc.
2 Firing angle of 75mm / standard light distribution mode, ISO 100/m.
3 When using Ni-MH batteries. Approx. 2.5 seconds when using alkaline batteries.
4 Only when using OM-D E-M1X and OM-D E-M1 Mark II mechanical shutter. At a firing ratio of 1/16.
5 OM-D E-M1X, OM-D E-M1 Mark II, OM-D E-M10 Mark III, Olympus PEN® E-PL9 only (As of January 2019). Continuous firing of the flash may adversely affect human subjects. Caution is required.
6 Only when using manual settings. The flash is not available while using Handheld High Res Shot on the OM-D E-M1X.
7 When the shutter curtain opens. (First curtain sync)
8 When the shutter curtain closes. (Second curtain sync)
9 35mm equivalent.
10 When using a Micro Four Thirds® lens.
11 When connecting Olympus flash only.

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Cool: Olympus E-M1X vs Canon 1D X Mark II comparison by Apotelyt

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Apotelyt.com posted this nice specs and size comparisons

They also made the great work to summarize the PROS and CONS of each camera:

Review summary: Olympus E-M1X vs Canon 1D X Mark II

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Olympus E-M1X or the Canon 1D X Mark II – has the upper hand? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Advantages of the Olympus OM-D E-M1X:

  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor’s full resolution potential.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • More flexible LCD: Has swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (18 vs 16 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (144x147mm vs 158x168mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 533g or 35 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (50 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 2 years and 11 months of technical progress since the 1DX Mark II launch.

Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
  • Richer colors: Larger pixels generate images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Capable of capturing a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can be used in poorly lit environments and still produce good images.
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (4K/60p versus 4K/30p).
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2″ vs 3.0″) for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1620k vs 1037k dots).
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (1210 versus 870) out of a single battery charge.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in February 2016).

Well done Apotelyt!

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