Olympus SH-25MR Digital Camera

Here comes a new digital camera from Olympus, the SH-25MR. This ultra-slim camera features a 16MP CMOS sensor, a 24mm wide-angle lens, a 12.5x optical zoom lens, a 3.0-inch 460k-dot touchscreen display, an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, a built-in GPS, a USB 2.0 port, an HDMI port and 1080p Full HD video recording capabilities. The SH-25MR will start shipping from April for 269 Euro (about $357). [Olympus]

Olympus OM-D Mirrorless Camera With Electronic Viewfinder

The Olympus OM-D E-M5, a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, will be released in Japan in late March. The OM-D is a compact, lightweight Micro Four Thirds camera, similar to the current Olympus PEN series, but in this new camera the emphasis is on taking photos using the viewfinder. The newly announced model features a multipurpose digital viewfinder, as well as a 3-inch tilting OLED touch screen. “We wanted to make a full-spec camera that was mirrorless, so we considered a variety of forms. We wanted to use a large viewfinder, directly above the lens, but without making the OLED panel smaller. We also wanted the lens to be large enough so that you can hold it firmly. So we decided to utilize the adaptability, style, and system from the old OM Series.” The viewfinder, with its 1.44 megapixel LCD, has been designed so that all settings needed to compose a photo, including brightness and color, can be adjusted while checking the results, without taking your eye from the finder. “We've made it possible to operate this camera mainly by using two dials, to adjust the color and so on, while looking through the finder.” “We've also provided a new feature for customers who are really particular about photography, a 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor. In addition, the camera body has a shake compensation mechanism. Until now, only shaking around two axes, like this, was compensated. But we've developed a system that can cope with shaking in all directions, including translational motion like this, and motion around the optical axis like this.” This world-first feature, five-axis image stabilization, is activated by pressing the shutter halfway, and because the mechanism is built into the body, it works even if the lens is changed. It can also handle camera shake while shooting video. “This camera is water-resistant and dust-resistant, so it can be used in the rain or in sandy places. To make the body tough, it's covered in magnesium alloy. So this model is pretty strong.” “At Olympus, we offer two series of mirrorless cameras, the PEN Series and the OM-D Series. The PEN Series is for people who want to take good pictures easily for lots of purposes, such as social media and blogs. The OM-D Series is designed for people who are really into photography. We hope people who want to take truly unique photos will utilize OM-D cameras.”

SZ-11 a new compact shooter from Olympus

Here you are another point and shoot from Olympus with the SZ-11. This 14Mpix camera comes with an impressive 20x Optical Zoom, DUAL IS, HD Movie Mode (h2.64) with support of Olympus Magic Filters, a 3" monitor, SDHC and SDXC, Eye-Fi support and even a 3D photo mode!

The SZ-11 will be available in Japan within august at around 30,000 Yen.

HD movie (MPEG-4 AVC / H.264) recording

High-quality movies are available in 1280 x 720-pixel high-definition quality. Movie recording can be manipulated by a dedicated movie REC button. Multi-motion function for stabilizing the image during movie shooting while walking.

Magic Filters

The SZ-11 features an expanded range of 10 Magic Filters, Pop, Pin Hole, Fisheye, Drawing, Soft Focus, Punk, Watercolor and Sparkle*8 inherited from the previous model, and newly added Reflection*9 and Miniature*9. Furthermore, Magic Movies recordings are available in Pop, Pin Hole, Fisheye, Drawing, Soft Focus, Punk, Watercolor and Reflection delivering distinct look and artistic feel.

Reflection: Applies an effect like a reflection on a lake in a night scene or a landscape for a fantasy effect.

Miniature: Converts real-world images into magical images of a toy world.

3D Photo Shooting Function

You can shoot dynamic 3D photos in any mode from usual life to landscape. Recreate a sense of depth like that of the original scene. You can then enjoy the full power of 3D images on compatible TV sets and computers. Simply select the 3D Photo in Shooting mode and then release the shutter and slide the camera sideways to easily get a 3D photo. During 3D Photo shooting, a 3D file and regular JPEG files are recorded at the same time. There are two modes to shoot 3D photos;

MP Format (Multi Picture Format)

This is a format standardized by CIPA to handle multiple images under a single image file. When you use the 3D Photo Shooting function, the images for the right and left eye are recorded in a single MP format file.

Pet Mode*10

The camera automatically detects dogs' and cats' faces. Selecting the [Pet Mode - Dog] or [Pet Mode - Cat] from the scene mode, the camera will quickly detect your pet's face and automatically focus on it before shooting the photo. The camera will detect up to 10 faces of different dogs or cats.

Auto Release

The camera captures perfectly your pet's cute expressions. Use the Auto Release function to have the camera automatically shoot the photo the moment the dog or cat who is the main subject turns to face the camera. You will never again miss your pet's whimsical facial expressions.

Eye-Fi Card Compatible*11

Eye-Fi Cards are SDHC memory cards with built-in wireless LAN functionality. The images that you take can easily be uploaded wirelessly to your computer and to photo printing services and online albums.

*1 Image stabilization effect varies depending on shooting conditions

*2 Recording time per session is limited to less than 29 minutes. Recording is terminated automatically when the file size reaches 4 GB *3 Effective pixels *4 Image size is limited to 5M or smaller in Sketch, Soft Focus, Watercolor and Sparkle. The types of Magic Filters that can be used for shooting movies is limited. *5 35mm camera equivalent

*6 The 3D effect cannot be obtained when shooting moving subjects. Movies cannot be recorded. The 3D file recorded conforms to the Multi-Picture Format standardized by CIPA. During 3D Photo shooting, a 3D file and regular JPEG files are recorded at the same time.

*7 Image size is limited to 5M or smaller. Beauty Mode effect varies depending on shooting conditions

*8 Filter is not effective on LCD monitor *9 Image size is limited to 5M or smaller

*10 The number of pets automatically detected is limited to 1 when Auto Shutter Release is set to ON, or up to 10 when it is set to OFF. Depending on the subject and shooting conditions the camera may not be able to correctly detect faces. In Pet mode, the flash and face detection of people's faces cannot be used.

*11 The use of Eye-Fi cards is limited to the original country of purchase. Observe all the applicable laws of the country of use. Turn off the Eye-Fi setting or refrain altogether from using Eye-Fi cards inside airplanes or in other places where wireless communication is restricted or forbidden. Single files (images or movies) exceeding 2GB cannot be transferred wirelessly. Files recorded using the 3D shooting function (MP files) are supported only by the X2-Pro card. For any inquiries regarding Eye-Fi cards please contact the card's manufacturer.
source: Akihabara News

Olympus PEN E-PL3 Pricing Unveiled

Olympus has unveiled the pricing of the PEN E-PL3. It is a mid-range micro 4x3 digital camera with a slim body and a swivel screen that increase your comfort when shooting from above your head, or below your waist. The Olympus E-PL3 will be launched in September 2011 in two different configurations; a zoom kit including the M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm lens and a prime kit including the 17mm f/2.8 pancake lens. The estimated street price for each kit is $699.99. [Ubergizmo]
source:TechFresh

Olympus SZ 11 Digital Camera

t seems that compact digital camera makers still continue to add many features to their devices despite their small size. Credit it to new advanced technology to cram other features to a compact digital camera for better images. One digital camera of note is the recently announced Olympus SZ 11 Digital Camera.

The Olympus SZ 11 is the latest compact digital camera announced by the company. It features a 14Mp sensor and comes with a 20x zoom to give it some super-telephoto capability that are usually only found with DSLR's. This makes it able to capture closeup images of distant subjects without blurring, thanks to its DUAL IS using a CCD-shift image stabilization mechanism. The Olympus SZ 11 can also record HD video as well as take 3D images. The new Olympus SZ 11 Digital Camera is expected to come out around the first week of August. Pricing details have not yet been provided.
source: Gadget.com

Olympus SP-810UZ Superzoom Digital Camera

Here's the newest addition to Olympus' superzoom digital camera range, the SP-810UZ. This compact camera sports a 14-megapixel CCD image sensor, a 36x wide optical zoom lens, a 3.0-inch LCD display, a TruePic III+ image processor, an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, 3D photo shooting mode, an HDMI port and 720p HD video recording capabilities. The SP-810UZ will hit US market from September for $329.99. [PhotographyBlog]
source: TechFresh

Olympus America brings a new 36x Camera with the SP-810UZ

Olympus introduced yesterday a few camera in Japan with the VG-145 and its 5x optical Zoom and the very stylish SZ-11 and its 20x optical zoom, but as you know in America everything has to stand out of the crowd in style and Olympus America just announced the SP-81UZ a another well design 14Mpix shooter that comes however with an amazing 36x optical zoom, the world's longest for a compact camera!

If you put aside for a minute this gigantic 36x optical zoom (28-864mm), the SP-810UZ is also a very capable shooter with a nice 3" monitor, 720p video recording (better have a nice IS once shooting video at 36x) and even a 3D image mode!

"The SP-810UZ is the best zoom performance Olympus has ever delivered," said Jennifer Schmell, product manager Olympus Imaging America Inc. "No compact camera from Olympus has ever offered such impressive wide-angle zoom performance. As the most powerful camera in Olympus' ultrazoom category, it succeeds the prestigious SP-800UZ."

Expert Still and HD Movie Performance

From the sidelines of the soccer field to bird-watching on a riverboat, engage AF Tracking technology to lock focus on your fast-moving subjects and keep them in focus, even while they move in and out of the frame. The fast, wide 1:2.9-5.7 24-864mm* zoom lens combined with Dual Image Stabilization, enhanced ISO sensitivity, Shadow Adjustment Technology and TruePic III+ image processor guarantee tack-sharp photos and virtually eliminate blur in high-definition (HD) videos. With HDMI Control, you can use your HDTV's remote to control playback functions and navigate the camera's menus from the comfort of your couch.

Be Creative and Express More

Ten Magic Filters apply your own creative vision to movies and stills for greater artistic freedom. New Miniature Filter narrows the depth of focus and enhances color and contrast to convert your real-life images to look like a magical toy world. The new Reflection Filter adds a reflection to your subject as though it were standing over a glassy, still lake. In 3D-mode, the SP-810UZ combines two photos of the same subject from different angles to generate dynamic 3D images that can be viewed on a 3D-compatible monitor or television. Another creative highlight is In-Camera Panorama, which helps you capture a super-wide angle photo simply by panning the camera across the scene to combine three shots into one inside the camera.

Easy Operation

By eliminating time-consuming manual settings, the SP-810UZ frees you to concentrate on your subject. Intelligent Auto Mode recognizes the five most common photo scenarios and automatically optimizes settings such as focus and lighting. Don't forget the family pet! Activate Pet Detection mode to automatically capture your furry friend's face when it looks at the camera. The SP-810UZ is also compatible with an optional Eye-Fi SD card, adding Wi-Fi capability so you can automatically upload images to your computer as you take them. Be the life of the social media party by uploading your shots immediately.

Availability The Olympus SP-810UZ will be available in black, starting in September 2011. It will ship with a Lithium-Ion Battery (LI-50C) & Charger, USB Cable, USB-AC Adapter, Audio/Video Cable, Protective Lens Cap w/ Strap, Camera Strap, Quick Start Guide, Warranty Card, Instruction Manual and [ib] Software CD-ROM.

U.S. Pricing / Product Configurations

Olympus SP-810UZ Estimated Street Price: $329.99

Journalists interested in more information, review units and high-resolution images of the Olympus SP-810UZ should contact Keith Gordon, Mullen Public Relations, 212-885-3218, keith.gordon@mullen.com, or Jennifer Colucci, Olympus Imaging America Inc., 484-896-5719, jennifer.colucci@olympus.com, or visit the Olympus website: http://www.getolympus.com.

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances people's lives every day. These include:

Digital Cameras

Professional and Interchangeable Lens System Cameras

Related Underwater Products and Accessories

Digital and Microcassette Recorders

Digital Media

Binoculars Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com.

*Specifications and design are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. All trademarks and registered trademarks listed herein are the property of their respective holders, in the US and/or other countries.

* 35mm camera equivalent. ** As of July 2011.
source: Akihabara News

Olympus SP-810UZ: A P&S Camera with DSLR Powers

Travelers tend to have a dilemma: Whether to bring along their DSLR cameras, heavy zoom lenses and all, or their lighter, point-and-shoot digital cameras that would sacrifice image quality and versatility.

Olympus comes up with a solution in the form of a powerful 14-megapixel camera packed with a 24-864mm, f/2.9-5.7 optical zoom lens. The result is the Olympus SP-810UZ, a point-and-shoot camera with 36x ultrazoom. It also comes with 720p HD video, 3D image capture, and a 3-inch LCD screen. Other features include AF Tracking that locks focus on fast-movie subjects, dual-image stabilization, enhanced ISO sensitivity, Shadow Adjustment Technology, and TruePic III+ image processor for tack-sharp photos that are free from blur commonly seen in HD videos.

The camera also comes with HDMI control, up to ten “magic” filters, a “pet detection mode” that automatically snaps a photo whenever an animal looks straight to the camera, compatibility with optional Eye-Fi SD card, and WiFi connectivity.

The Olympus SP-810UZ will be available beginning September 2011 with an estimated cost of $330.
source: Gadget.com

Olympus 810UZ Puts the ‘Super' in ‘Super-Zoom'

The lens on Olympus new compact sports a ridiculous 24-864mm range

Olympus' new compact camera, the SP-810UZ, has one genuinely jaw-dropping feature — a 36x zoom. If that number doesn't mean much to you, try it this way: The 35mm-equivalent focal length range is 24-864mm. Pretty sick, right? As if that wasn't enough, there's a 4x digital zoom laid on top,

The giant lens on the front of an otherwise small body leaves no doubt as to the purpose of the camera, and the rest of the somewhat pedestrian specs reflect this. The three-inch screen features a pathetic 230,000 dots, and the ISO limps up to a maximum of 3200. The maximum aperture isn't bad, and runs from ƒ2.9 up to a surprisingly decent ƒ5.7.

You also get a smattering of “Magic Filters,” which let you tweak photos with faux tilt-shift effects and the like, dual stabilization (a necessity when shooting handheld at 864mm), and 720p video.

In all, it's a pretty decent camera for $330, if what you want is zoom performance and can live with the compromises made to keep the price down. The 810UZ will be available in September.

SP-810UZ product page [Olympus]
source: Gadget Lab

Olympus releases a new compact Camera with a 5x Optical Zoom and HD Video

Olympus Japan has announced today its new compact camera with the VG-145. Featuring a 14Mpix CCD sensor with a 26mm 5X optical Zoom, Olympus DIS, a 3" LCD and 720p Video mode compatible with the camera many Magic Filters.

The VG-145 will be available in Japan within August in three different colors at around 15,000 Yen.

The VG-145 is equipped with 5x zoom lens from wide angle of 26mm and image stabilization in a slim, stylish body. Equipped with an abundant array of easy-to-use automatic functions like iAUTO which enables any user to easily take beautiful pictures, and automatic tracking AF for face detection, it is simple to use even for novices. Also HD movies with AVI Motion JPEG format are available by just pressing the dedicated Movie REC button without selecting Movie mode from the menu.

DIS Using higher ISO sensitivities allows the use of faster shutter speeds, reducing camera movement and subject blur. Images shot in this mode will have less noise and better color reproduction than images shot just using a high ISO.

HD movie (AVI Motion JPEG) recording

HD movie recording is available with the slim, stylish VG-145. Movie recording can be manipulated by a dedicated movie REC button When using any of SD/SDHC memory card, it is selectable to record to which card.

Magic Filters

The VG-145 features an expanded range of 7 Magic Filters, Pop, Pin Hole, Fisheye, Drawing, Soft Focus, Punk and Sparkle*6. With Sparkle filter, you can enjoy photos with

the luxurious feel created by the added twinkling lights.

*Image size is limited to 5M or smaller in Sketch and Sparkle.

*The frame rate may change when using Soft Focus.

*1 Recording time per session is limited to less than 29 minutes. Recording is terminated automatically when the file size reaches 4 GB

*2 35mm camera equivalent

*3 Effective pixels

*4 Image stabilization effect varies depending on shooting conditions

*5 Image size is limited to 5M or smaller in Sketch, Soft Focus, Watercolor and Sparkle

*6 Filter is not effective on LCD monitor

5x wide zoom, HD Movies, and a large LCD monitor
source: Akihabara News

Olympus PEN E-PL3 Priced

A few weeks ago, we had a close encounter with the Olympus PEN E-PL3, a mid-range micro 4x3 digital camera with a slim body and a swivel screen that increase your comfort when shooting from above your head, or below your waist. Many users got excited and were anxiously waiting to know about the pricing the upcoming damage to their wallets.

This is now official: the PEN E-PL3 will come out in September with a $699.99 price in two possible kit lenses: 1/ the 14.42mm lens with its super-fast and silent autofocus. 2/ a 17mm compact “pancake” lens. Interestingly, the f-stop of those lenses was not mentioned, but it should be f3.5-5.6 and f2.8, respectively.

This price is very similar to its competitor, the Panasonic GF3 that we reviewed recently. Which one do you prefer?
source: Ubergizmo

Olympus VF-3 Electronic Viewfinder

Olympus today introduced a new add-on electronic viewfinder (EVF) for the XZ-1 compact and all PEN cameras equipped with an accessory port. The Olympus VF-3 has a resolution of 920,000 dots, a 0.97x magnification and a 100% frame coverage. Unlike the VF-2, the new VF-3 has a shoe-lock mechanism. Its high magnification and built-in diopter adjustment offer easy viewing with and without eyeglasses. No word on pricing at this moment. [Olympus]

Olympus Tough TG-615 Rugged Digital Camera

Olympus has announced another rugged digital camera ‘Tough TG-615′ for the Japanese market. Based on the existing Olympus TG-610, this new water-, shock- and freezeproof camera sports a 14.0-megapixel CCD image sensor, a 28mm wide angle lens, a 5x optical zoom lens, a 3.0-inch LCD monitor, a modified image stabilizer, a new filter / shooting mode, an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, an HDMI port and 720p HD video recording capabilities. Pricing and release date are still unknown at the moment. [PhotographyBlog]
source: TechFresh

Olympus FL-300R Flash

Olympus is bringing you their newest flash ‘FL-300R' for Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds cameras. Powered by 2x AAA batteries, this extremely compact flash offers an approximately 75 degree angle of coverage and features a built-in wide panel that allows the flash to be used with ultra-wide lenses such as the M.Zuiko Digital 9-18mm f/4-5.6. The FL-300R sells for 140 GBP (about $224). [PhotographyBlog]

Olympus PEN E-PM1

The Olympus PEN E-PM1 is a small and lightweight 12-megapixel compact system camera that comes equipped with 35 AF points and an AF assist light. Dubbed as the PEN Mini, the camera features a top shutter speed of 1x4000th second, a 5fps continuous shooting mode, a top sensitivity setting of ISO 12800, a hot-shoe, an accessory port and the ability to record 1080i high-definition videos with stereo sound. The Olympus PEN E-PM1 will be available in early Autumn 2011.
source: TechFresh

Olympus E-PL3 12MP Compact Digicam

The Olympus PEN E-PL3 offers state-of-the-art technology in an easy-to-use package. The camera comes equipped with a 3-inch tiltable display making it easy to capture stand-out images in awkward situations. The PEN E-PL3 also features 35 AF points, a low-light AF Illuminator, a sensor-shift image stabilization, a 5fps sequential shooting, 1080i HD video recording, a maximum sensitivity of ISO12800, a hot shoe and an accessory port. The company will launch the Olympus PEN E-PL3 in Autumn 2011. [LetsGoDigital]

Olympus reveals PEN E-P3, PEN E-PL3, and PEN E-PM1 interchangeable lens cameras

Want some micro-four third but don't want the awesomely new Lumix GF3? Well Olympus just went live with the PEN E-P3, PEN E-PL3, and PEN E-PM1, three 12.3 megapixel interchangeable lens cameras with Live MOS sensors, TruePic VI image processors and an ISO ceiling of 12,800. Yes, all the awesome bells and whistles.

You'll also get a reengineered autofocus system, a 1080i HD video mode, newly designed user interfaces and a variety of Art Filters. The E-P3 is outfitted with an all-metal body and “the world's fastest autofocus” (really?), while the rear is dotted with a 614,000 pixel OLED touchscreen. The E-PL3 steps it up with a 3-inch tilting LCD, while the smallest and lightest of the PEN line (yeah, the E-PM1) will be shipping in a half-dozen hues.

The outfit also revealed a new pair of prime lenses, a camera grip and a FL-300R flash, all of which are detailed in the source links below. But what about the damage? Only the P3 is being priced at the moment thought, with $900 landing you a new kit this August.
source: 2DayBlog.com

Olympus E-P3 Specs Unveiled

Olympus today unveiled the specification of the E-P3 Micro Four Thirds camera. It has a similar design to the E-P2 but should bring much improved image quality. The upcoming Olympus E-P3 features a new 12-megapixel sensor with a higher ISO 12,800 sensitivity limit, the rumored faster autofocus, and a built-in flash. We will keep you posted. [Electronista]

Tiny Olympus Micro Four Thirds Camera Body Leaked

This looks like a pretty solid leak from Olympus, showing a new slimline Micro Four Thirds camera to be launched on June 30th. The camera is called the EPM1, and it looks to be an answer to Panasonic shrinking GF series of Micro Four Thirds cameras.

Like the GF3, the EPM1 is tiny, more in line with compacts like the XZ1 (also pictured above) than Olympus' previous PEN cameras. It has a touch screen for control (losing some mechanical buttons in the process), stero mics for video recording and apparently has super-fast AF.

According to 43 Rumors' source, there will be two more PEN cameras launched along with the EPM1, as well as some new lenses: a 12mm ƒ2.0 and a 45mm ƒ1.8. I can't wait.

First E-PM1 image and hands-on report [43 Rumors via Electronista]

Nauticam NA-EPL2 Housing For Olympus E-PL2

Nuaticam today released the NA-EPL2 housing for the Olympus E-PL2 digital camera. This underwater camera case features a removable optical mount, allowing the user to easily switch between shooting with a strobe or shooting with a built-in flash. Strobes can be attached to the housing via optional strobe mounting balls on the handle or a single strobe mounting ball point on the housing. The Nauticam NA-EPL2 also features a cold-shoe mount for even more mounting options. The Nauticam NA-EPL2 housing for Olympus E-PL2 is priced at $1,750.

source: TechFresh