The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 is a new compact system camera aimed firmly at frustrated compact owners who want a faster, better performing camera that’s still small and stylish. The GF5 certainly fits that bill, with fast 0.09 second auto-focusing, a 12 megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, 1080i HD video, touchscreen interface and 4fps burst shooting. Read the World’s first Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 review to find out if this is the perfect interchangeable lens camera for beginners… Read the review . . . → Read More: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 Review
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The US National Park Service (NPS) has announced that the twelfth National Historic Landmarks Photo Contest is open for entries. Read more and comment . . . → Read More: 12th NPS National Historic Landmarks Photo Contest Image on top: The Panasonic G2 which should be replaced by the new G3. I just received info from a few of my sources. Due the recent energy supply problems in Japan Panasonic had to delay the announcement of some of their upcoming products. The new Panasonic Micro Four Thirds camera and lenses will be announced in May (and not in April as I told you before). UPDATE : Other companies have been hit very hard by the earthquake desaster. According to Bloomberg “ Canon earnings this year will probably be 27 percent lower than previously estimated after last month’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan “. And Sony had to delete the lates product announcements! Than Panasonic should announce a new Micro Four Thirds camera, the G3. The Panasonic G10 has already been discontinued, the G2 price lowered to make room for the new G3. There will be also a new Panasonic 25mm f/1.4 lens. It is not Leica branded, has no image stabilization and unlike the famous Four Thirds brother it is not Leica branded. It should cost around $700. That’s more than just a rumor because Panasonic UK product manager John Mitchell confirmed that the 25mm lens is coming this summer: “ We are sure it’s going to be a great hit because it’s 50mm [35mm viewing angle] equivalent – really fast, really bright ” (Source: Amateur Photographer ). Oh forgot to mention: It has double the size of the current 20mm f/1.7 pancake . Is there room for some surprise? Let’s hope yes! Links: The Panasonic G2 price dropped during the recent months at Amazon , Adorama , B&H , J&R , eBay . The Panasonic G10 already disappeared from most stores (See Amazon , Adorama , B&H , J&R , eBay ) The current 25mm f/1.4 Four Thirds lens at Amazon , Adorama , B&H , J&R , eBay . Reminder: Rumors classification explained (FT= FourThirds): FT1 =1-20% chance the rumor is correct FT2 =21-40% chance the rumor is correct FT3 =41-60% chance the rumor is correct FT4 =61-80% chance the rumor is correct FT5 =81-99% chance the rumor is correct . . . → Read More: (FT5) Panasonic G3 and lenses announcements delayed (coming in May now) Nikon said that mirrorless cameras are competing against the compact camera market and not taking away any shares from the DSLR market (via Mirrorlessrumors ). Is Nikon talking nonsense or not? We have one of the largets “mirrorless” readers community and it’s about time to ask you if your Micro Four Thirds camera did replace your compact camera or DSLR camera. Let’s see if Nikon is telling us the truth Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post’s poll. P.S.: Nikon announced another DSLR, the Nikon D5100 . No sign of mirrorless cameras yet… . . . → Read More: POLL: Nikon says mirrorless competes against the compact cameras not against DSLR’s. What do you think?  Last week SLRmagic announced the new 11mm f/1.4 manual lens for Micro Four Thirds . The images you see on top are the very first full size samples posted by the company. CLick on the thumbnails to enlarge the image. The focal length and aperture are very appealing but the image quality is less impressive. You can get the lens on eBay (Click here) . . . . → Read More: Big size samples of the new SLRmagic 11mm f/1.4 lens  Take that Nikon and Sony! Canon just announced that they will join the Micro Four Thirds coalition! Canon Uruguay just released an official press release: “ Canon confirms that mirrorless has no reason at all to exist. In our opinion it’s a waste of time to develop our own CSC-ILC-Mirrorless-EVIL system. But during a latino party we had yesterday our southamerican manager told us that every second camera sold in Japan, every fourth camera sold in Europe and every fifth camera sold in US are mirrorless. So we quickly decided to join the Micro Four Thirds coalition. We still had no time to send a text message to Panasonic and Olympus to share our decision. So please guys don’t tell them anything until we made them a call. ” In a second statement Canon Japan stated that the “ first camera to be announced will be the Canononet analogue camera which will have a MFT logo on it and a built-in MFT adapter. That was the fastest, easiest and cheapest way to release a camera “. P.S.: I don’t remember, what day is today? . . . → Read More: (FT6) Canon joins Micro Four Thirds coalition!  The image on top shows the Olympus lens mockup We know from trusted sources that Olympus is going to announce new m43 lenses in May/June. Tonight a new anonymous source sent me a “rumor” claiming to know that Olympus will announce a 50mm f/1.4 and a fast 12mm wide angle Micro Four Thirds lens by end of May. I repeat, that info is from a new and anonymous source…take it with a grain of salt! If that rumor turns out to be true than both lenses will be faster than the Panasonic 45mm f/2.8 and the Panasonic 14mm f/2.5 lenses. I hope some of my trusted sources can confirm or deny the rumor during the next hours. Thanks! Reminder: Rumors classification explained (FT= FourThirds): FT1 =1-20% chance the rumor is correct FT2 =21-40% chance the rumor is correct FT3 =41-60% chance the rumor is correct FT4 =61-80% chance the rumor is correct FT5 =81-99% chance the rumor is correct . . . → Read More: (FT2) Olympus 50mm f/1.4 Micro Four Thirds lens to come by end of May?  On MirrorlessRumors.com you can see and read the specs of the new Pentax NC-1 system. The NC-1 features a 1:2.33 small sensor. If you wonder about the design of the camera it is based on the popular Pentax Auto 110 system (Click here to see camera and lenses on eBay) . Not a big deal in my opinion but I have been told that Pentax will also launch a second mirrorless system with APS-C sensor. If that rumor is true than we can exclude Pentax joining the Micro Four Thirds group. Bad news Who remains that could now join the m43 world as a camera maker? Come on Fuji! The X100 is selling like hotcakes and we want a m43 version of it! By the way, Fuji resumed the X100 production (preorders on Amazon , Adorama , B&H , J&R , eBay ) Reminder: Rumors classification explained (FT= FourThirds): FT1 =1-20% chance the rumor is correct FT2 =21-40% chance the rumor is correct FT3 =41-60% chance the rumor is correct FT4 =61-80% chance the rumor is correct FT5 =81-99% chance the rumor is correct . . . → Read More: (FT4) Pentax will not join m43 (and leaks the ugliest mirrorless camera ever made)  SLRmagic announced a new 11mm f/1.4 wide angle lens with Micro Four Thirds mount. But there is a big disappointment. The price is incredibly high…$210!!! It would be a fair price if the lens would have at least a decent optical performance. But from the first images we have seen on eBay (Click here) we can see heavy vignetting and unsharp results. If you really need a fast wide angle lens get the Computar 12.5mm F1.3 which is much cheaper ( Read the review at EosHD ). . . . → Read More: SLRmagic announces (an expensive) 11mm f/1.4 Micro Four Thirds lens.  Short US deal update: You can now get the black GH2 at BHphoto (Click here) EosHD (Click here) posted a new Voigtländer Nokton 25mm f/0.95: “ All in all this is currently THE best investment you can make in the Micro Four Thirds system and it will be in your possession long after the GH2 has been consigned to history. It is the best all-round lens you can buy for Micro Four Thirds and it is unique .” The only place where you can get the lens is on eBay (Click here) . Focus Numerique (Click here) posted the full E-PL2 review: “ When asked the E-PL2 is it a worthy successor to the E-PL1 we answer yes! ” Get the E-PL2 at Amazon , Adorama , B&H , J&R , eBay . Pocket Lint (CLick here) posted a Fuji X100 review: “ For the niche market it’s aimed at, the Fujifilm FinePix X100 delivers in droves. Those aspiring to own a Leica camera may consider, and not just for the sake of their bank balance, to give the X100 a whirl. Indeed, in almost all areas, the X100 is a far better offering than the mighty-similar Leica X1 for example .” Get the X100 at Amazon , Adorama , B&H , J&R , eBay . Thedigitalstory (Click here) posted an Olympus XZ-1 poadcast. Get the XZ-1 at Amazon , Adorama , B&H , J&R , eBay . . . . → Read More: Nokton 25mm, Olympus E-PL2, XZ-1 and Fuji X100 reviews (Black GH2 in Stock at BH) If you’re a fan of Micro Four Thirds cameras, you’ve probably had to deal with the same problem that crops up every time a new advancement is made in technology. Your old accessories don’t fit the new camera. Lucky for you, more and more Micro Four Thirds accessories are coming out every day. Gary Fong has launched a new addition to the Puffer Pop-Up Flash Diffuser line. It’s called, as if you couldn’t have guessed, the Micro Four Thirds Puffer. Gary Fong, CEO of the company, says that the diffuser is an essential tool for Micro Four Thirds users, who are otherwise facing the problem of a flash too powerful for their needs. “Finding a solution for these over-powered flashes,” he says, “is a requirement for any shooter looking to control the light like a pro.” For more information on Gary’s Puffer diffuser line, visit the Gary Fong website . Related Articles: Steve’s Olympus E-PL2 Review Steve’s Olympus E-PL1 Review Steve’s Gary Fong Collapsible LightSphere Review . . . → Read More: Gary Fong Intros a Micro Four Thirds Puffer Pop-Up Diffuser Just a couple of weeks ago, Chinese company “Ownuser” released an announcement concerning a battery grip that will target all Panasonic Micro Four Thirds cameras save for the popular GF1 and GF2. Just to get a better idea on the type of battery grips you are able to purchase on … . . . → Read More: Battery grip from China for most Panasonic Micro Four Thirds cameras  Image on top: The first Panasonic Lumix camera, the LC5 . According to our very reliable sources Panasonic wants to celebrate the 10 years of Lumix by introducing a new “special” Lumix model in Q3. We were told that is certainly NOT a GH camera and the sources didn’t tell me what’s so “special” with that camera. There will be also two new lenses announced along that camera. Announcement is expected in Q3 (August). As you know I am a big fan of the Panasonic L1 and would love to see a m43 version of it. But that’s just my personal wish. What do you expect? A short note about the 10 years of Lumix: The first Lumix product has been announced in 2001 and it was the Panasonic LC5 (Click here to see that camera on eBay) . It was codeveloped with Leica and had a f/2.0 lens! In 2006 Panasonic unveiled the first Lumix-DSLR with Four Thirds sensor, the Panasonic L1 (Click here to see that camera on eBay) . The first Micro Four Thirds camera has been announced in 2008, the Panasonic G1 (Click here) . Reminder: Rumors classification explained (FT= FourThirds): FT1 =1-20% chance the rumor is correct FT2 =21-40% chance the rumor is correct FT3 =41-60% chance the rumor is correct FT4 =61-80% chance the rumor is correct FT5 =81-99% chance the rumor is correct . . . → Read More: (FT5) A “special” Lumix Micro Four Thirds camera to be announced in Q3.  That is going to be a must read review for everyone! Photozone (Click here) just published the Voigtländer Nokton 25mm f/0.95 review. We are talking about a Micro Four Thirds lens that is highly requested and sadly almost nowhere available. Those are the key conclusions of the review: – “ Technically the lens is capable of delivering a sharp image center at very large apertures but the borders are fairly soft here.” – “The quality of the bokeh (out-of-focus blur) is generally impressive although you can push it into producing some less than pleasing highlight artifacts at f/0.95″ – ” Bokeh fringing is visible at large apertures but this is true for the vast majority of ultra-large aperture lenses. Lateral CAs are minimal and there isn’t really any significant amount of distortion to worry about either .” – “ The mechanical quality is outstanding thanks to an all-metal lens body and a dampened focus ring. Only a weather sealing is missing here.” He tested the lens on the Panasonic GF1 . Read the full review at www.photozone.de Reminder: The lens is sold out in most worldwide shops. The next Stock of lenses will be shipped in late April only. You can get the lens at eBay (Click here) where there are a dozen auctions ongoing right now. You can read the 43rumors user reviews of the lens here at http://www.43rumors.com/cameras/voigtlander-nokton-25mm-f0-95/#submitownreview . . . → Read More: A must read! Voigtländer Nokton 25mm f/0.95 tested at Photozone.  Digitalcamerainfo (Click here) tested the popular Olympus XZ-1 camera. It’s a 15 page long detailed article and that’s the conclusion: “ The Olympus XZ-1 is a spectacular addition to the high-end compact camera family. We’re happy to see Olympus re-entering this market, especially with this 11-megapixel sensor and gorgeous new Zuiko lens. The hardware lets the camera churn out great photos, despite having such a portable form factor. For manual control enthusiasts, the XZ-1 has even more to offer: a slick control ring around the lens, full manual exposure options, and an accessory port that you can use for Olympus’ optional EVF. Most cameras in this price range have at least one weakness, but we’re not really sure what the XZ-1’s weakness is. ” The XZ-1 is not a Micro Four Thirds camera but it shows us that Olympus can make very good cameras. I do hope the next PEN cameras will be at least as successful as the XZ-1. You can get the XZ-1 in black or white at Amazon , Adorama , B&H , J&R , eBay . . . . → Read More: Very detailed Olympus XZ-1 review at Digitalcamerainfo  Two weeks ago the Chinese company “ Ownuser ” announced a battery grip for all Panasonic Micro Four Thirds cameras except the GF1/GF2.They made 1.500 battery grips you can now buy on eBay (Click here) . Those are the specs (there are different type of battery grips): “ MIG-PG2 overview: 1) tripod 1/4 20 screw thread 2) External Shutter release input 3) External AC power input 4) Camera shutter release output 5) screw of the tripod thread 6) hand grip 7) tripod mount 8 ) Left battery cover 9) Right battery cover 10) battery to camera 11) battery contact 12) cable 13) shutter 14) on/off button volume: about 12.6cmX6.2cmX3.9cm weight: 110g Compact, convenient, good build, comfortable for portrait 3 type of battery input for convenience: 1) two Lithium batteries 2) AA Battery (6A/8A) 3) External AC power input 1500 units produced globally, unique for personal style MINI-IR 2B overview 1) IR output 2) focus 3) shot 4) Bulb 5) clear 6) 10s self portrait 7) battery The camera with Mini-RHS 2 1) volume is smaller than the DX-RHS2 by 70%. Lighter and more convenient. 2) channel lock to protect interference from other sources 3) timer alarm for accurate dusk/twilight photography 4) Can used together with DX-51R 2 & Mini IR 2 5) Attached to the hot shoe on the camera, e.g. Minolta, Sony Alpha 100. 6) 360 degree rotation ability: can be used together with on camera flash 7) 2XAAA battery Mini IR 2B for amateur, indoor photography channel can be locked to prevent interference 1) 5 key control, simple and clear, perfect fit 2) Focus and shot seperately 3) Bulb / 10s self portrait Mini-IR 2B basic function A. Channel lock (must choose the channel first, then lock the channel to prevent interference) (After the first settings, it is automatically saved for future use) 1) press for 5 seconds, red/green light lights alternatively and a beep three times. 2) press the shot button on MINI IR2B, it is finished after the beep 3) press the channel lock once again to complete B. 4 main functions (IR function will consume battery life. Please shut down when it is not in use) Focus is separate from shutter to prevent delay. Focus can be set as AE-L or AF-L. Tele/macro photography self portrait LIVE VIEW shot Single button control without menu typical camera need to go into the menu for self-portrait, not so convenient a physical 10s self portrait button is more convenient in operation, autofocus green light will lights up first. red light flash once per second, continuous red light in last three seconds (in the figure: autofocus indicator (green), and red light) Bulb shutter can be used bulb shutter has a function to prevent false alarm. only after focus, bulb shutter can be activated. Only can be used to end the bulb. support longest bulb for 10 hours dusk/twilight night astro Rhythmic speaker supporting bulb bulb has a function of beep per second. After activated bulb, use the control button to set speaker. (In the figures:) control method: On-> OFF -> ON press setting button once > ON twice > OFF again > ON You can use one hand to control the remote and another hand to cover the camera at the right time. ” This is the website of the company with the battery grip page: http://www.ownuser.com.tw/mig_pg2.html And here again the current Ownuser battery auctions on eBay (Click here) . . . . → Read More: Battery grip for Panasonic G cameras now in Stock.  The NAB show in Las Vegas starts on April 9. It’s the biggest show for new videocameras and accessories. Is Panasonic going to announce a new Micro Four Thirds videocamera? That’s what EosHD writes: “ A few people are telling me that Panasonic plan to show a mock up of the AF100′s successor at NAB. The model number has been set, and will be revealed along with the main specs. They’re good sources and seem to be convinced. Details are scant at the moment, and the actual release date of the finished ‘AF200′ won’t be until much later – possibly next year. ” What did I hear? Panasonic is going to announce new videocameras but I didn’t receive any info about a new Micro Four Thirds AF200. And I don’t believe there will be a succesor for a camera that is in Stock since three months only But last year a source sent me the AF100 info 2 days before the NAB show and it will might happen again! And one more news: Nigel Cooper tested the new Sony NEX-FS100 which is supposed to be the AG-AF100 main competitor. In short, he doesn’t like the camera at all! . . . → Read More: (FT2) Panasonic AF200 coming? (EosHD) Via Twitter (Click here) Zeiss announced that “ We’ll ship our Compact Prime CP.2 lenses w. F and MFT to our customers this week “. Zeiss AG joined the Micro Four Thirds System group and the first products are the adapted CP.2 lenses . They are very expensive and meant for professional movie work. Check price at . You can see the first image samples at Flickr . Taken with the Panasonic GH2 and Compact Prime CP.2 85mm/T2.1 Cine Lens . . . . → Read More: Zeiss CP+ lenses for Micro Four Thirds to start shipping this week On Monday, 28th March, Gary Fong will be launching a Micro Four Thirds version of the Gary Fong Puffer pop-up flash diffuser. Read more and comment . . . → Read More: Gary Fong to Launch Micro Four Thirds Puffer Pop-Up Flash Diffuser Hurry! Read the whole Panasonic GH2 review at Dpreview (Click here) : “ The GH2 might not be a revolutionary development (in all essential points it is very closely related to its predecessor, the GH1) but we’re confident in saying that it is the best mirrorless system camera that we’ve ever tested, bar none. With the GH2 Panasonic has finally demonstrated that it is able to compete with the APS-C format competition when it comes both to resolution and critical image quality. Although the GH2′s Micro Four Thirds sensor is smaller than those found in cameras like the Canon EOS 60D and Nikon D7000, it runs them both pretty close. Up to ISO 3200 in fact, we’d stick our necks out and say that the GH2 can hold its own against any of the current crop of APS-C format cameras on the market, which is high praise indeed. ” The GH2 earned an overall score of 79% (which is pretty high!). It has the highest movie quality of all cameras ever tested on Dpreview. Only the Nikon D7000 has one little point more (80%). You can get the Panasonic GH2 at Amazon , Adorama , B&H , J&R , eBay (Just click on shop name to directly visit the GH2 page). And for our US readers, it is in Stock at Adorama (Click here) ! . . . → Read More: Dpreview posts the Panasonic GH2 in depth review (+in Stock at Adorama) |
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