Four Thirds Cameras and Lenses

Metz now supports Olympus remote flash protocol

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:24:47 -0400

Metz have quietly updated the firmware of the mecablitz 58 AF-1 digital and mecablitz 48 AF-1 digital to fully support Olympus remote flash protocol.

Olympus E-420 Reviews.

Thu, 29 May 2008 16:32:30 -0400

Olympus E-420 reviews are starting to show up on the web. Gordon over at Cameralabs.com has a finished another great review with his trademark video tour, I have to say that he is definitely one to check out if you want 'see' how the camera feels.

Quote:

So with the E-420 and pancake lens, Olympus has created a DSLR kit which will appeal to a broad group of buyers: those upgrading from a point and shoot, those who leave a DSLR at home because its too big or heavy, and those who want a smaller, lighter backup body to a higher-end model. We were already very fond of its predecessor, so with the new enhancements and the introduction of the 25mm pancake, the E-420 has become better still.

Digital Camera Review has has another.
Quote:

Make no mistake about it, the E-420 didn't cut out features or performance on its way to being small. Typical DSLR manual controls and a full suite of automatic modes, a better-than-average continuous shooting rate, live view (if you insist), a generous monitor, on-par ISO performance, and good image and color quality all combine to make this a nice little camera for folks moving into the DSLR field or more seasoned users who want or need good performance in a compact body.

Digital Camera Resource has finished their review:
Quote:

With the new E-420, Olympus has created a true "go anywhere" digital SLR -- especially when paired with the new 25 mm "pancake lens". The E-420 offers great photo quality, snappy performance (in most respects), live view, and both auto and manual controls, all in a compact, well-built body. That doesn't mean that the E-420 is perfect, though. Its design isn't for everyone, images are slightly soft, there's no image stabilization available, and the contrast detect AF leaves something to be desired. Despite that, the E-420 is a great D-SLR, and one which I can easily recommend.

Me? I really want that camera with the 25mm lens and perhaps the new 9-18mm. The E-3 is too big and flashy for street photography, for instance. And too heavy for long hiking trips.

9-18mm will be available in autumn

Tue, 13 May 2008 11:17:12 -0400

Olympus announced today that the 9-18mm ultra wide lens will be available in autumn 2008. The lens will have an f-stop of 4-5.6 and weight about 280gr (9.88 ounces). The lens will cost around $600.
Quote:

Affordable super wide-angle lenses with equivalent focal lengths less than 20mm have not been widely available in digital SLR photography, said John Knaur, senior marketing manager DSLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. Pairing this lens or any of the other Zuiko digital lenses with the new E-520, and its in-body image stabilization, provides a combination ideal for lower light shots like a fountain at night. This combination offers image stabilization for a super wide-angle zoom not found in camera systems with in-lens stabilization.

Fourthirdsphoto.com testing the 14-35mm F2.0

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 18:58:47 -0400

Tony over at fourthirdsphoto.com has gotten a copy of the 14-35mm F2.0 lens, which means it should be available very soon. First impressions: No CA, Very Sharp at all focal lengths, and all fstops. Size - Quite big, but with the SWD motor it focuses very quickly.
Head over to fourthirdsphoto.com for the discussion

E-520 Photos from dcwatch

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 13:27:18 -0400

Looks like the E-520 is coming soon. Dc.watch.impress.co.jp has photos of the new E-520. Seems like the camera has the same upgrades as the new E-420. Slightly bigger LCD and different design.

Olympus E-420 / Zuiko 25mm f2.8

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:00:00 -0500

Olympus surprised us all today by the announcement of the E-420 and the Digital Zuiko 25mm f2.8 pancake lens. The biggest difference between the E-410 and E-420 is the implementation of a contrast AF with out the mirror slap. Another change is slightly larger LCD (2.7" vs 2.5").
The Zuiko 25mm f2.8 is the first pancake lens in the Four Thirds system, and it is the first "normal" lens from Olympus and the first prime since 150mm f2.0 (I could be wrong). With the 25mm lens, the E-420 is the smallest, lightest DSLR system money can buy. Expected price is around $700 with the 25mm lens.
Tony over at fourthirdsphoto has a nice preview
Update:
Photos from E-420 event in Korea

Olympus 12-60/2.8-4 SWD Service Announcement

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:18:32 -0500

From Olympus Europe Website:
As an integral part of our business, Olympus ensures you receive the best service and support for your purchase throughout its lifetime. We value each customer and go to great lengths to honour the trust you have placed in us.

To ensure you remain completely satisfied with your purchase, Olympus Imaging Europa GmbH is issuing some important information that may affect a small number of ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-60mm 1:2.8-4.0 SWD lens owners. While the manual focus performance of all lenses functions as specified, in some lenses the autofocus may not operate in the intended manner. This is the result of a fault during the manufacturing process of the autofocusing drive.

The potential problem only concerns ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-60mm 1:2.8-4.0 SWD lenses with serial numbers ranging between: 230005416 and 230010688.

New Sigma Lenses for Fourthirds

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 01:26:06 -0500

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM for Four Thirds, Ultra wide-angle zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras with capability of wide angle photography and APO 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG MACRO HSM for Four Thirds, the large aperture telephoto zoom lens has fast maximum aperture of F2.8 throughout the entire zoom range.
These lenses will be showcased at PMA, which is started on January 31st 2008 in Las Vegas, U.S.A. The introduction of these two lenses increases our lens line-up for Four Thirds mount to a total of twelve models.

Olympus E-3/E-510 firmware update

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 10:34:30 -0500

Olympus have released new firmware for E-3 and E-510. The biggest change is Image Stabilization for legacy lenses. Changes for E-3:

Enabled use of the Image Stabilization function with non-Four Thirds System interchangeable lenses by inputting a specific focal length.
Matched the rotation of the dial on the rear of the Power Battery Holder HLD-4 and the movement direction of the AF target.
Increased the number of storable still pictures by improving the battery check when the Power Battery Holder HLD-4 is attached.
Focusing now stops immediately when the AF start button (AEL/AFL or Fn button) is released.
Corrected the phenomenon where the flash control caused an under exposure while using bounce flash at short distances with the FL-50R or FL-36R Electronic Flash.
Improved selection and prioritization of the central 5 ranging points when shooting in C-AF mode and Dynamic-single Target mode.

For the E-510:

Enabled use of the Image Stabilization function with non-Four Thirds System interchangeable lenses by inputting a specific focal length.

Olympus 12-60/2.8-4 1.1 firmware update

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 12:36:24 -0500

Olympus has put a new firmware for the 12-60/2.8-4 SWD ED lens on their website. According to the description, the 1.1 version offers "Improved focusing precision on distant subjects when using the C-AF (continuous AF) mode.".