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Photokina 2016: Olympus E-M1 Mark II overview video

23 Sep

With the Mark II version, Olympus’ new flagship comes with some big improvements despite remaining relatively compact. Between its impressive speed, autofocus system and video capabilities, almost every core specification has been bumped up a notch (or three). We sat down with Olympus’ Eric Gensel to go through some of those changes in more detail, from continuous shooting (and what its mechanical shutter sounds like at 15 fps) to just how effective Olympus’ image stabilization has become.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Throwback Thursday: The Olympus Stylus Epic and my love for clamshell cameras

19 Aug

Bring back the clamshell!

From left to right: The Olympus Stylus Epic, The Olympus [mju :] II, The Olympus XA. The first two are the same camera (different names for different markets), the latter started my love for clamshell cameras.

My love affair with the clamshell camera design started with the Olympus XA and ultimately lead me to the Olympus Stylus Epic, also know as the Olympus [mju:] II in the Japanese market (pronounced mew two, like the Pokémon). It’s a funky plastic 90’s style camera that to the untrained eye, looks a little like a piece of junk.

Both the Olympus XA, released in 1979, and the Stylus Epic, released in 1997, feature excellent fixed 35mm F2.8 lenses and Olympus’ brilliant clamshell design. The XA is an aperture priority-only rangefinder, while the Stylus Epic is a fully automatic camera with a three spot autofocus system and built-in flash.


Open/On	Closed/Off

Due to its ease-of-use, small size and sharp lens, the Stylus Epic is my go anywhere camera (the XA I use mainly for street photography and travel). I’ve long searched for the perfect camera to slide in my back pocket every time I leave the house and this soap-shaped oddball is the one for me. It’s not as cool looking as a Ricoh R1 (which I also shoot with occasionally), but I’ve found it to be much more reliable.

If you haven’t figured it out by now, I’m a huge camera nerd and a big supporter of shooting analog. Film photography offers a nice balance to my daily concentration on digital photography for DPReview (my analog site is PopularAmerican.club). It also helps me to slow down and practice decisiveness. Of course the Stylus Epic, being a fully automatic camera, isn’t exactly encouraging me to work on fundamentals, but it does free me up to be more in the moment and act on instinct.

While these cameras are mostly fully automatic, they feature good metering.

The major selling points of the Olympus Stylus Epic are as follows: it is a full-frame, 35mm camera with an excellent (and reasonably fast) lens in my favorite focal length, it weighs a mere 5.1 oz and is no larger than a Sony RX100 series camera (which weighs nearly double). It’s also weather-sealed and built extremely tough, despite its plastic appearance. Lastly, its strange curved design makes it easy to slide in and out of a pocket.

The Olympus Stylus Epic is about the same size as a Sony RX100-series camera and about half the weight.

But hands down my favorite feature of the Epic is its clamshell. There’s no on/off switch – simply slide it open and it’s ready to shoot. It’s essentially a lens cap that doubles as a power switch, and it’s brilliant.

“It’s essentially a lens cap that doubles as a power switch, and it’s brilliant.”

Of course, Olympus didn’t abandon the clamshell design when it moved to digital around the turn of the century. There were plenty of tiny sensor compacts that featured clamshells. But at some point, they were no more. I haven’t pinpointed when the last one was released (if you know, shout it out in the comments,) but it seems by around 2007, the clamshell had been phased out entirely.

But why? Perhaps aesthetically, the design was too dated-looking. Or perhaps due to the decline in sales of compacts, Olympus moved in a different direction. Whatever the reason, I implore you, Olympus, bring back the clamshell!

There are, of course, several excellent large sensor fixed lens digital compacts on the market, though only the Ricoh GR and Nikon A can really be considered pocketable (the Fujifilm X70 is just slightly too big IMHO.)

These cameras are cool, but they suffer from one flaw. Most of them extend their lens when turned on, a design execution made to keep the overall package compact. But what happens when the camera is accidentally turned on in your bag or pocket and the lens attempts to extend with nowhere to go? The point is, I like a lot of the digital fixed lens compacts on the market, but ultimately I find them to be somewhat fragile, an undesirable quality for a take-anywhere camera. Furthermore, none of the pocketable ones are weather-sealed and only the Leica Q and Sony RX1R offer a full-frame sensor to match that of my Stylus Epic. Both are also large (un-pocketable) and expensive.

The Stylus Epic extends its lens only to focus when the shutter is pressed.

So is it possible to make a modern camera as small as the Stylus Epic, without an extending lens, while retaining a relatively large sensor? We’ve been following along with Sony’s development of a curved sensor for a while now, and reading back through our coverage got me thinking: perhaps this technology is the key a digital reincarnation of my beloved Stylus Epic.

Available settings include: flash on, flash off, red eye reduction, slow synchro (night scene flash), slow synchro plus red eye and spot mode (which requires pressing both back buttons simultaneously to engage). I mostly keep it on the default setting. Unfortunately the only mode the camera retains after being turned off and back on is red eye reduction. I’ve read a lot of complaints that the Epic doesn’t recall the “flash off” setting once turned off, which I tend to agree is very annoying.

As far as designing a 90’s throwback, manufacturers are obviously very comfortable tapping into classic design styles; take the Olympus PEN-F and pretty much every recent Fujifilm X-camera, for instance. But up until now, these throwback designs have all come from cameras released in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. I think its about time we had some throwback designs from the 80’s and 90’s and a reincarnation of the Epic seems like the perfect place to start!

To be fair, the Olympus Stylus Epic does extend the lens barrel, but not until the shutter has been fully pressed. This leads to a very slight shutter delay, but it is hardly noticeable.

I’m not even asking for a full-framer, but even a 1″-type sensor, fixed lens compact with a fast 35mm-equivalent lens would do it for me. Just make sure it’s pocketable, has a good flash, is weather sealed and is built like a tank. So Olympus, if you’re reading this, please consider a reboot of my dear Stylus Epic. Just don’t forget the clamshell!

Curvy beauty.

Is there a classic film camera you’d like to see a a digital reincarnation of? Let us know in the comments!

*A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the Epic uses a curved film plane.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Throwback Thursday: The Olympus Stylus Epic and my love for clamshell cameras

18 Aug

Bring back the clamshell!


Open/On	Closed/Off

While these cameras are mostly fully automatic, they feature outstanding metering.

The major selling points of the Olympus Stylus Epic are as follows: it is a full-frame, 35mm camera with an excellent (and reasonably fast) lens in my favorite focal length, it weighs a mere 5.1 oz and is no larger than a Sony RX100 series camera (which weighs nearly double). It’s also weather-sealed and built extremely tough, despite its plastic appearance. Lastly, it’s strange curved design makes it easy to slide in and out of a pocket.

The Olympus Stylus Epic is about the same size as a Sony RX100-series camera and about half the weight.

“It’s essentially a lens cap that doubles as a power switch, and it’s brilliant.”

Of course, Olympus didn’t abandon the clamshell design when its moved to digital around the turn of the century. There were plenty of tiny sensor compacts that featured clamshells. But at some point, they were no more. I haven’t pinpointed when the last one was released (if you know, shout it out in the comments,) but it seems by around 2007, the clamshell had been phased out entirely.

These cameras are cool, but my biggest beef with them is their design, or rather the weak point of their design. Most of them extend their lens when turned on, a design execution made to keep the overall package compact. But what happens when the camera is accidentally turned on in your bag or pocket and the lens attempts to extend with nowhere to go? The point is, these cameras are great, but ultimately I find them to be a bit fragile, an undesirable quality for a take-anywhere camera. Furthermore, none of the pocketable ones are weather-sealed and only the Leica Q and Sony RX1R offer a full-frame sensor to match that of my Stylus Epic. Both are also large (un-pocketable) and expensive.

So how then does the Stylus Epic retain its incredibly small size, despite its full-frame ‘sensor?’ By utilizing a curved film plane, of course! This not only helps keep things shrunken, but the curvature of the film plane matches that of the lens. This is also a major reason that the Epic is so darn sharp.

We’ve been following along with Sony’s development of a curved sensor for a while now, and reading back through our coverage got me thinking: could this new sensor technology make it possible to create a digital reincarnation of my beloved Stylus Epic? Totally. Do I think Olympus should make it happen? Oh, hell yes.

Camera companies are obviously very comfortable tapping into classic design styles; take the Olympus PEN-F and pretty much every recent Fujifilm X-camera, for instance. But up until now, these throwback designs have all come from cameras released in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. I think its about time we had some throwback designs from the 80’s and 90’s and a reincarnation of the Epic seems like the perfect place to start!

To be fair, the Olympus Stylus Epic does extend the lens barrel, but not until the shutter has been fully pressed. This leads to a very slight shutter delay, but it is hardly noticeable.

I’m not asking for a full-framer, but even a 1″-type sensor, fixed lens compact with a fast 35mm-equivalent lens would do it for me. Just don’t forget to make sure it’s pocketable, has a good flash, is weather sealed and built like a tank (no extending the lens when turned on). So Olympus, if you’re reading this, please consider a reboot of my dear Stylus Epic. Just don’t forget the clamshell!

Curvy beauty.

Is there a classic film camera you’d like to see a a digital reincarnation of? Let us know in the comments!

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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iFixit takes a look inside the Olympus PEN E-PL7

11 Jun

Inside the Olympus PEN E-PL7

E-PL7’s 16MP sensor lies

Here’s a front view of the E-PL7’s 16MP sensor.

Image via iFixit

Inside the Olympus PEN E-PL7

The camera is looking quite empty at this point. Here’s a sense of how small that motherboard is.

Image via iFixit

Inside the Olympus PEN E-PL7

…And with a few last cables disconnected and screws removed, the E-PL7 disassembly is complete.

Image via iFixit

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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To St. Helens and Back: Olympus TG-Tracker Shooting Experience

30 May

Olympus has been in the rugged camera business for a very long time, with its first model, the Stylus 720SW, released way back in 2006. Ten years later the company has made the leap to action cams.

The TG-Tracker is a camcorder-shaped device that can capture 4K/30p and 1080/60p video as well as timelapses. The F2 lens has a whopping 204° field-of-view ‘on land’ and 94 degrees when you take it diving with its included underwater lens protector. It features a 7.2MP, 1/2.3″ BSI CMOS sensor paired with the company’s latest TruePic VII processor. (If 7.2 Megapixels sounds a bit low for 4K, you’re right – the camera has to interpolate in order to produce 4K as well as 8MP stills.)

The TG-Tracker captures every data point you could possibly want from an action cam.

Design-wise, there are two things that stand out. First is the camera’s flip-out (but non-articulating) 1.5″ LCD, which is mainly used for menu navigation. Second is what Olympus calls a built-in ‘headlight,’ capable of projecting up to 60 lumens of light.

What really makes the TG-Tracker unique, as its name implies, is tracking. It records location, altitude or water depth, temperature, orientation, and acceleration. All of this data is shown on graphs in the app, allowing you to see the pictures you took at a certain altitude or in a specific area of the map.

There are two other neat tricks the camera can do thanks to all these sensors. First, if the accelerometer detects a sudden change in equilibrium, it will put a chapter marker in your videos. Also, the TG-Tracker can detect when the camera goes underwater and switch the switch to the appropriate white balance setting.

All of this metadata is viewable in the Olympus Image Track app, which is where you can preview your photos and videos and then transfer them to your mobile device (save for 4K video)

To see how the TG-Tracker functions in the real world, we sent it to Mount St. Helens, an 8363 foot-tall stratovolcano most famous for its major eruption in 1980. But before we get into that, let’s take a look at the design and what it’s like to use this action camera.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Olympus TG-Tracker keeps up with your outdoor adventures

24 May

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Olympus has updated its tough camera lineup with the Stylus Tough TG-Tracker, a rugged action-cam that specializes in tracking location, temperature, altitude and more. The TG-Tracker takes 8MP stills with a 1/2.3″ sensor and provides 4K/30p and 1080/60p video recording options. It offers a fixed F2.0 13.9mm equiv. lens and the whole unit is rated to be waterproof to 30m/100ft, shockproof from 2.1m/7ft, freezeproof to -10C/+14F and crushproof to 100kgf/220lbf.

Also provided are a 1.5″ flip-out (but non-rotating) LCD and a built-in lamp with 30 and 60 lumen settings, the latter of which can be used for a flashlight mode. The tracking features for which the camera is named for include built-in GPS, barometric pressure sensor, temperature sensor, compass and an accelerometer. A pistol-style SG-T01 grip is bundled with the camera to help keep shots steady. The grip itself bends into a few different configurations to enable high or low angle shooting, and of course, selfies.

The camera syncs with Olympus’ Image Track app via Wi-Fi to display data logs including the user’s route and elevation, and can display detailed summaries of excursions including total elapsed time, distance traveled, average speed and minimum/maximum elevation, among other data points. Images and video (though not 4K clips) can be transferred to the user’s smartphone using the app as well.

The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-Tracker is due to hit retailers in June for $ 349.99 in green and black body options.

Press release:

TRACK THE EXTRORDINARY: NEW OLYMPUS STYLUS TOUGH TG-TRACKER CAPTURES EVERY DETAIL OF YOUR ADVENTURES

Ultra HD 4K Video Comes Alive with High-Quality Imaging and Rich Log Data That Tells an Immersive Story

CENTER VALLEY, PA, May 24, 2016 — Olympus expands the outdoor video experience with the latest member of the Tough product family, the new Olympus Stylus Tough TG-Tracker. The Stylus Tough TG-Tracker is the first rugged experiential camera that combines Olympus’s Tough rugged capabilities with an advanced Field Sensor System,^*1 a 204° ultra-wide-angle F2.0 high-speed lens and Ultra HD 4K 30p video capture to record brilliant action video with corresponding activity data. The Stylus Tough TG-Tracker’s built-in Field Sensors include GPS,^*2 a barometric-pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an e.Compass and an accelerometer. Data logs can be displayed simultaneously with recorded images using the Olympus Image Track app, enhancing the excitement of reliving outdoor action with an immersive, data-rich viewing experience.

Like all other cameras in the Olympus Tough™ series, the Stylus Tough TG-Tracker is optimized for the most extreme shooting environments, with five rugged capabilities: waterproof to depths of 100 feet,^*3 dustproof,^*4 shockproof from 7 feet,^*5 freezeproof to 14°F,^*6 and crushproof up to 220 pounds of force,^*7 — no protective case required. The Stylus Tough TG-Tracker represents a new category of rugged cameras with its Field Sensor System that’s capable of capturing location, altitude and depth, g-force and air and water temperature while users record videos and still images of their outdoor adventures.

A high-intensity LED headlight is integrated into the camera body for shooting support in low-light conditions. The bundled SG-T01 Steady Grip helps with stable framing during hand-held shooting. The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-Tracker’s compact body and tilt-out LCD monitor provide for quick and easy video capture, including low- and high-angle shooting.

*1 Because the GPS and other field sensors are not intended for use as strictly accurate measurement functions, under no circumstances are measured values (such as longitude and latitude, altitude, shooting direction and temperature) guaranteed. Additionally, information may differ from actual circumstances due to the effects of events such as natural disasters. *2 Depending on the country/region of use, different laws and regulations may be applicable regarding the use of the GPS function. Be sure to follow local laws and regulations. Turn off the GPS function in places where its use is forbidden or restricted, such as inside airplanes. Either the A-GPS Utility computer software or the Olympus Image Track app is required to update the Assist GPS data. *3 Waterproof functionality is equivalent to JIS/IEC protection class 8 (IPX8) according to tests performed following our in-house methods. *4 Equivalent to JIS/IEC protection class 6 (IPX6) according to tests performed following our in-house methods. *5 When the LCD monitor is closed, the Lens Protector is attached and the Mount Coupling, grip and Underwater Lens Protector are not attached, according to tests performed following our in-house methods. *6 The number of shots that can be recorded is reduced at very low temperatures. *7 When the LCD monitor is closed, the Lens Protector is attached and the Mount Coupling, grip and Underwater Lens Protector are not attached, according to tests performed following our in-house methods.

U.S. Pricing and Availability
The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-Tracker will be available in green and black beginning in June 2016 with an estimated street price of $ 349.99 (U.S.) and $ 479.99 (Canada). For a complete list of specifications, visit the Olympus website: http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/digitalcameras/tough/tg-tracker.html

Main Features

Field Sensor System for capturing all the action of outdoor adventures

The wearable-device market has expanded in recent years, offering ways to automatically record location information, steps walked, calories burned and other life-logging data. In the same spirit, the new Olympus Stylus Tough TG-Tracker is equipped with the Field Sensor System, which includes GPS, a barometric-pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an e.Compass and an accelerometer. Users can select from three different display options on the LCD monitor, including a compass display, level display, and log display, to show the data captured via these sensors. Log Mode records data without video for extended time periods.

GPS
The camera uses GPS (with GLONASS and QZSS functionality) to precisely calculate the user’s latitude and longitude from satellite signals. Additionally, Assist GPS can significantly increase the speed of the system’s positioning calculations by downloading satellite information ahead of time using the Olympus A-GPS Utility computer app or the Olympus Image Track smart-device app.
Barometric-pressure sensor
Altitude and water depth are calculated based on air- and water-pressure information. When the camera is submerged below a depth of half a meter, the Underwater Detector will automatically switch the camera to the optimal mode for shooting underwater so you can focus on getting the best shot without worrying about complicated controls. The monitor log display will also automatically switch from altitude to water-depth information.
Temperature sensor
This sensor records ambient temperature with a high degree of precision. The Stylus Tough TG-Tracker captures water temperature in both Video and Log Mode, and air temperature in Log Mode only.
e.Compass
This sensor tracks the direction in which the camera lens is being pointed. It provides an easy way to confirm direction when shooting outdoors.
Accelerometer
This sensor measures acceleration (g-force) on three axes to record the photographer’s movements. When a preset acceleration level is detected while a video is being recorded, the Chapter Function^*1 automatically identifies and bookmarks the moment. This feature supports editing and playback of exciting scenes, like when jumping and landing in intense sports such as snowboarding and motocross. Users may choose from two levels of acceleration or may turn this feature off.

Rugged capabilities: waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, freezeproof and crushproof

With its sealed construction, the Stylus Tough TG-Tracker is waterproof to depths of 100 feet (30 meters). The waterproof seal also makes the camera dustproof, so users don’t have to worry when operating the Stylus Tough TG-Tracker in dusty areas. The dual-layer chassis makes for superb shockproof performance, allowing the camera to clear drop tests from heights of up to 7 feet (2.1 meters). Operation is guaranteed in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C), so you can shoot in cold-weather environments where other digital devices fear to tread. The Stylus Tough TG-Tracker also boasts a rigid construction that can withstand loads of up to 220 pounds of force (100 kilograms of force).

High-quality images captured with an ultra-wide-angle lens

204° ultra-wide-angle F2.0 high-speed lens
The Stylus Tough TG-Tracker’s ultra-wide-angle lens was developed using advanced optical technology. Its 204° angle of view is wider than that which can be captured by the human eye, allowing it to record action videos with a dramatic perspective, especially useful for ultra-wide views of outdoor sports scenes.
TruePicTM VII for 4K Image Processor and backlit CMOS sensor
The Stylus Tough TG-Tracker is equipped with the TruePicTM VII for 4K Image Processor, the latest iteration of the TruePicTM image processors used in the Olympus OM-D and PEN compact system cameras, now with 4K video capability.^*2 It quickly processes data from the high-sensitivity, low-noise backlit CMOS sensor to produce high-quality images.

Versatile shooting style and superb controls

The compact body provides for quick and easy video capture no matter your shooting style, allowing low- and high-angle camerawork. An SG-T01 Steady Grip is bundled with the camera to help with stable framing during hand-held shooting.^*3 The MC-T01 Mount Coupling comes with a small mirror on the front to assist in capturing wide-angle group selfies.^*4 The high-intensity LED Headlight is built into the camera body for shooting support in low-light conditions.^*5 Its quick-action operation lets you swiftly illuminate subjects for high-quality imaging. Even when the camera is turned off, users can press and hold the Info button to activate the headlight for standalone use.

Compatibility with the Olympus Image Track smart-device app

The Stylus Tough TG-Tracker is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi.^*6 Using the exclusive Olympus Image Track app, users can easily transfer videos recorded on the camera, along with field data, to a smart device. Users can also display the log data and view images simultaneously, enjoying the experience of the shooting environment during playback. Within the app, the data display can be switched between geographical information and altitude/depth information to best match the scene, and data is saved so that users can conveniently check the information at any time.

Other Features

Time Lapse Movie mode^*7 for fixed-point observation of movement such as crowds of people, clouds crossing the sky or flowers opening.
Loop Recording function for easier video-data handling.
Bundled with the UP-T01 Underwater Lens Protector for underwater shooting.*8
Graphical user interface (GUI) for intuitive control.
Electronic 5-Axis Image Stabilization^*9 for compensation of every kind of camera motion.
4K Video playback via HDMI connection.
Remote control and image transfer with the Olympus Image Share app.

*1 A “chapter” is a bookmark designating a scene transition in a movie. This feature lets you quickly find the exact spot you want during movie playback. Chapters can be manually inserted by pressing the OK button on the top of the camera, but manually inserted chapters cannot be transferred to the Olympus Image Track smartphone app. *2 4K videos cannot be transferred to a smartphone. They should be viewed on a large TV that supports 4K playback. *3 Because the Stylus Tough TG-Tracker’s angle of view is a diagonal 204°, part of the tripod will appear on the monitor when it is connected directly to the camera. This can be prevented by using the tripod baseplate on the bottom of the Steady Grip. *4 The Mount Coupling attaches to the top of the Steady Grip for mounting on the camera. *5 The LED Headlight can be used only for a limited duration. *6 “Wi-Fi” is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. *7 Users can select from 1080p, 720p or VGA and can record at up to 30 FPS in full HD. *8 The bundled UP-T01 Underwater Lens Protector is required to shoot underwater. Without it, the camera will not be able to focus underwater. The angle of view becomes narrower underwater; users must change the camera’s angle-of-view setting to Underwater. *9 When the Electronic 5-Axis IS is activated, the angle of view becomes narrower.

Optional Accessories CSCH-125 TG-Tracker Case

This case can be attached to a backpack or belt, and data logs can be recorded while on the go with the camera inside. The camera can be stored in the case on its own or with the Steady Grip attached. The case is equipped with a carabiner and spiral safety cord so users never have to worry about losing the camera. This accessory can even be used in the rain or in saltwater, so it’s perfect for use during outdoor sports or in harsh environments.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Field Test: Claire Bangser and the Olympus PEN-F hit the Mississippi Blues Trail

11 Apr

DPReview’s Wenmei Hill and New Orleans-based photographer Claire Bangser recently hit the road with the Olympus PEN-F, visiting historic spots along the Mississippi Blues Trail. If you love the blues or want to learn more about the folks living in the small towns that dot the route, then you’ll enjoy our latest field test.

See full-resolution images from the Field Test in the Olympus PEN-F Samples Gallery

See more Field Test videos

This is sponsored content, created with the support of Olympus. What does this mean?

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Olympus ‘Fox Brown’ limited edition OM-D E-M10 II launched worldwide

01 Mar

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A brown and chrome version of the OM-D E-M10 II compact system camera, first announced in January, has been launched worldwide by Olympus. The new version is a limited edition, of which only 3500 will be made and distributed, and Olympus hopes the unique coloration and grained texture of the finish will attract collectors.

The camera is the same as the standard OM-D E-M10 II, but comes with a brown leather-effect cover, a premium leather strap and a silver-colored lens cap. It will only be available in a kit with the company’s 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ Pancake standard zoom lens.

Olympus has also launched a pair of messenger-style bags made from brown leather and grey canvas that it says complement the new ‘Fox Brown’ edition. They come in ‘standard’ and ‘mini’ sizes.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 II Fox Brown costs $ 899/£699/€899. For more information visit the Olympus website.

Press release:

Fox-Brown Limited Edition collectible celebrates OM-D heritage

Hamburg, 02/25/2016 • In the new OM-D E-M10 Mark II Limited Edition, retro design meets world-first technology – When Olympus announces a new Limited Edition OM-D, design enthusiasts know they’re in for an exceptional visual treat. The OM-D E-M10 Mark II Limited Edition offers all the high-tech fireworks of the awarded OM-D E-M10 Mark II, but stands out from its near-namesake with a striking new design. The unique Fox Brown colour and texture alone make this camera a collector’s item. The Limited Edition also comes with a premium leather strap and a matching silver-coloured lens cap to complement its compact, lightweight frame. Worldwide, only 3,500 OM-D E-M10 Mark II Limited Edition cameras will be available. They are on sale as of February 25, 2016 as part of a kit that includes the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 EZ Pancake Zoom lens for €899*.

Brown is back

The original OM-D E-M10 Mark II set the standard – making imaging practical, portable and affordable for a new generation of hobbyist photographers. The remarkable styling of the Limited Edition takes this standard to a new level. The special Fox Brown colour sets off the glinting chrome and milled edges of solid dials beautifully. The On/Off switch and the central finder further enhance the impression of a hands-on shooting experience to be enjoyed by the talented connoisseur.

Form fits function

The design highlights of the OM-D E-M10 Mark II Limited Edition have a traditional flavour, but for this camera segment the technology is cutting-edge. Beneath the elegant switches, dials and contours of its all-metal body, the Limited Edition inherits some of the most powerful technology OM-D has to offer. It features the 5-axis in-body Image Stabilization that enables blur-free still and smooth hand-held filming on the move, even in low light. 5-axis IS works irrespective of the lens attached and compensates admirably for up to four steps of shutter speed**. For shooting with a large telephoto lens, an optional quick-release camera grip adds another layer of stability. Another bonus for moviemakers is 4k time-lapse recording, which allows you to capture and play back normally imperceptible movement in ultra high-resolution.

The full EVF

Like the E-M10 Mark II, the Limited Edition has a large, high-speed, 2,360K-dots OLED Electronic Viewfinder with an unrivalled 100% field of view. The EVF displays the full range of manual settings and optional effects in real time, for full control over the impact of manual adjustments. Again there’s a large, tilting, 3-inch touchscreen LCD with a pad control for setting the focus point using your finger, while looking through the viewfinder. The fingerprint-resistant coating helps preserve the camera’s extraordinary aesthetic.

Matching lenses and accessories

Owners of the Limited Edition can enhance the stand-out look of their OM-D with several accessories that complement the brown optic and leather haptic. The premium OM-D messenger bag made of brown leather and grey canvas is every bit as stylish as the Limited Edition itself, and the new OM-D messenger bag Mini has been released just in time for the Limited Edition launch. Of course, there are also more than 40 high-grade Micro Four Thirds lenses available that cover the full range of focal lengths and budgets, from hobbyist to pro.

Like every new Olympus camera, the OM-D E-M10 Mark II Limited Edition comes with a free six-month warranty extension, on top of the statutory warranty in the country of purchase, when registered via the MyOlympus online platform***.

Recommended accessories:

* OM-D Messenger Leather Bag – Tailor-made for OM-D cameras and lenses, with the two-tone panache of a classic urban bag. Includes a matching shoulder strap.

* OM-D Messenger Bag Mini – Same style as the larger version. In grey canvas and brown leather, with room for the camera body and one lens.

* ECG-3 Grip – Makes it easier to hold the camera securely, especially when using a larger telephoto lens. The quick-release means it can be put on and taken off fast on the move.

For the full range of OM-D E-M10 Mark II Limited Edition features and accessories, visit the Olympus website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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History Repeating: Olympus PEN-F Review

25 Feb

The original Olympus PEN-F first hit the streets in 1963. Built around the half-frame film format, it quickly gained a following thanks to its beautiful, yet simple design and small size. Getting 70 images to a roll of film probably didn’t hurt, either. Now, 53 years later the PEN-F is back.

The digital reincarnation of the 35mm film Olympus PEN-F does not replace the current digital PEN flagship E-P5, rather it slides in next to it as the ‘premium’ option in the PEN family. The reason being that unlike digital PENs before it, the F has something much more OM-D-like: a built-in 2.36 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder. The F also boasts the highest output resolution of any Olympus body to date, boasting a 20MP Four Thirds sensor (probably the same one we’ve seen in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8).

Released specifically to appeal to street shooters and the design conscious looking for a capable camera with retro-styling and rangefinder-like controls, the PEN-F has a lot going for it.

Olympus PEN-F features:

20MP Live MOS Four Thirds format sensor
5-axis image stabilization with automatic panning detection
2.36 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder
Up to 10 fps continuous shooting (20 fps with electronic shutter)
Highly customizable interface, twin controls
Fully articulating 1.04 million dot, 3″ LCD touchscreen
50MP High-res Shot mode
1/8000 sec top mechanical shutter speed (1/16,000 with e-shutter)
1080/60p video recording

All of the above come packaged in a machined aluminum and magnesium body, with no visible screws anywhere. A faux-leather wrap encircles the PEN-F and the body itself is both well-weighted and has a very solid feel to it.

With many of the same guts as the OM-D EM-5 II and sleek rangefinder-style looks (reminiscent of Fujifilm’s X100 series cameras), the most direct Micro Four Thirds competitor to the PEN F is the Panasonic GX8, which also uses a 20MP chip. Other close competitors include the Sony a6000, a6300 and the Fujifilm X-E2S – all of which are APS-C format cameras. Of course, the PEN-F also has to compete against alternatives within the OM-D series as well.

To help us to better understand how the PEN-F fits into the market place as a whole, we chatted with Eric Gensel, a technical specialist with Olympus. He breaks down exactly how the PEN-F fits in Olympus’ lineup, who the target-audience of the camera is and what went into the design process:

Compared to its siblings

Many of the highlight features of the PEN-F aren’t new. In fact a lot of the key spec is shared with other recent Olympus releases. However, some functions have been improved upon. For instance, thanks to its 20MP sensor, the Pen F is capable of higher resolution in multi-shot mode compared to the OM-D E-M5 II, up to 80MP in Raw mode (50MP in JPEG). It also features a dedicated creative control knob on the front, as well as four customizable shooting modes, accessed via the locking exposure mode dial.

It’s hard to see the PEN-F as a large step forward given how many of its core features are inherited from other models, but it offers a handling experience that is unique in Olympus’s lineup. Is the PEN-F more than just a pretty face? Let’s dig in.

	Olympus PEN-F	Olympus OM-D E-M5 II	Olympus PEN E-P5
Pixel count	20MP	16MP	16MP
Image stabilization	5-axis	5-axis	5-axis
Stabilization (CIPA)	5 stops	5 stops	4 stops
Max shutter speed	1/8000 (1/16000 electronic)	1/8000 (1/16000 electronic)	1/8000
On-sensor PDAF	No	No	No
Continuous shooting (without /with AF)	10 fps / 5 fps	10 fps / 5 fps	9 fps / 5 fps
Flash	Clip-on Tilt/bounce/rotate	Clip-on Tilt/bounce/rotate	Pop-up flash
Viewfinder	Built-in 2.36M-dot LCD 1.23x mag	Built-in 2.36M-dot LCD 1.48x mag	Optional VF-4 accessory EVF w/ 2.36M-dot LCD and 1.48x mag
Max video res/rate	1080/60p	1080/60p	1080/30p
Max bitrate	77Mbps	77Mbps	20Mbps
Mic socket	No	Yes	No
Rear screen	Fully articulating 3″ touchscreen 1.04M-dots	Fully-articulated 3.0″ touchscreen 1.04M-dots	Flip up/down 3.0″ touchscreen 1.04M-dots
Wi-Fi	Yes	Yes	Yes
Environmental sealing?	No	Yes	No
Battery life (CIPA)	330	310	330
Weight	427 g	469 g	420 g
Dimensions	125 x 72 x 37mm	124 x 85 x 45mm	122 x 69 x 37mm

Pricing and availability

The Olympus PEN-F will be available at end of February – early March 2016, and will hit the streets at a body-only price of $ 1199. It ships with the FL-LM3 flashgun seen in the image at the top.

If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read the Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you understand some of the terms used).

Conclusion / Recommendation / Ratings are based on the opinion of the reviewer, you should read the ENTIRE review before coming to your own conclusions.

We recommend to make the most of this review you should be able to see the difference (at least) between X, Y, and Z and ideally A, B, and C.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Olympus SH-3 with 4K video recording announced in Japan

11 Feb

Olympus Japan has announced the Stylus SH-3, a relatively minor update to the SH-2 model introduced last March. The SH-3 offers 4K video at a paltry 15 fps and gains a half dozen new Art Filters. Otherwise, it features the same 16MP BSI CMOS sensor as the SH-2, as well as its predecessor’s 25-600mm equivalent F3.0-6.9 24x optical zoom lens, 5-axis image stabilization and night scene capture mode.

The Stylus SH-3 will be available in Silver and Black in Japan on February 26 for just under ¥40,000 (~$ 350). It’s unclear whether there are any plans to release the camera outside of Japan.

Olympus Stylus SH-3 specifications

Body type
Body type	Compact
Body material	Aluminum alloy
Sensor
Max resolution	4608 x 3456
Image ratio w:h	1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels	16 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors	17 megapixels
Sensor size	1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor type	BSI-CMOS
Processor	TruePic VII
Color space	sRGB
Color filter array	Primary color filter
Image
ISO	Auto, 125-6400
White balance presets	4
Custom white balance	Yes
Image stabilization	Sensor-shift
Image stabilization notes	5-axis (yaw, pitch, roll, up/down, left/right)
Uncompressed format	RAW
JPEG quality levels	Fine, normal
File format	JPEG (Exif v2.3) Raw (Olympus ORF format)
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.)	25–600 mm
Optical zoom	24×
Maximum aperture	F3.0 – F6.9
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor) Multi-area Center Selective single-point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection Live View
Autofocus assist lamp	Yes
Digital zoom	Yes (4x)
Manual focus	No
Normal focus range	10 cm (3.94″)
Macro focus range	3 cm (1.18″)
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Fixed
Screen size	3″
Screen dots	460,000
Touch screen	Yes
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	None
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	30 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/2000 sec
Exposure modes	iAuto Program Auto Manual
Scene modes	Portrait e-Portrait Landscape Interval Sport Indoor Self portrait Sunset Cuisine Documents Beach & Snow Super macro Backlight HDR Night capture Night+portrait Night scene Fireworks Handheld star light Live composite
Built-in flash	Yes
Flash range	8.30 m (at ISO 3200)
External flash	No
Flash modes	Auto, redeye reduction, fill-in, off
Continuous drive	11.5 fps
Self-timer	Yes (2 or 12 sec, custom)
Metering modes	Multi Center-weighted Spot
Exposure compensation	±2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features
Resolutions	3840 x 2160 (15 fps), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Format	H.264
Videography notes	High speed: 120 fps (1280 x 720), 240 fps (432 x 324)
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	Mono
Storage
Storage types	SD, SDHC, SDXC, Internal Memory
Storage included	37MB
Connectivity
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI	Yes (micro-HDMI)
Microphone port	No
Headphone port	No
Wireless	Built-In
Wireless notes	802.11b/g/n with smartphone app
Remote control	Yes (wired or via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed	No
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	LI-92B lithium-ion battery & USB charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	380
Weight (inc. batteries)	271 g (0.60 lb / 9.56 oz)
Dimensions	109 x 63 x 42 mm (4.29 x 2.48 x 1.65″)
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	Yes
GPS	None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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