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

Sony Launches New Projector Handycam

Filming family trips and outings is fun, and it's a great way to record those memorable moments. However when we want to playback the video, we either have to wait for the video to be transferred onto the computer or we can crowd around the camera person and watch the playback via a tiny LCD screen. As it stands there are certain digital cameras that allow playback via projection, but perhaps it won't be as powerful or clear as what Sony is offering up.

The Sony Handycam HDR-PJ50 was just launched in India and not only can the Handycam shoot and record in HD (1920×1080), but thanks to a projector attached to the swing-out LCD screen, it can project them too. We can't vouch for the quality of the projector's image, but it's supposed to be able to project up to 60-inches diagonally at a distance of 3 meters in a dark environment. We're guessing that this should be useful when you want to playback certain videos and share them with friends and family, but once again we're not sure if the quality projected will actually be able to replace a dedicated projector.

The HDR-PJ50 sports a 12x optical zoom, which Sony claims can be extended to 17 and also comes equipped with a 220GB hard drive. The device is said to be able to double as a still camera that can shoot up to 7.1MP images.

The series of Handycam Projector devices are also said to come with a Clear Phase 5.1 channel stereo speaker with S-master digital amplifiers to produce clear, dynamic sound, but if you're trying to project a big audience, we're not sure if these speakers are up to the task. Alternatively the Handycam is apparently also able to connect to an external 5.1 home cinema system through the 3.5mm audio input.
source: Ubergizmo

How It Works: Backside Vs. Frontside Illuminated Camera Sensors

Friday seems like a great time to stop working, kick back with a beverage and read up on something that you have been wondering about since, like forever. So today we bring you one of the most pressing issues of the day: backside vs. frontside illuminated camera sensors.

What's the difference? In construction, not much. But in use, they're like night and day — almost literally. The always fascinating Preston Scott over at Camera Technica has the in-depth explanation, but the quick version is surprisingly interesting.

Frontside and backside refer to where the circuitry sits on the chip. Delicate silicon is made thick to stop it from breaking, and then the pixels are added. On top of this goes the circuitry. To stop the wires which connect each pixel from getting in the way, they are routed around the edges, “like city blocks,” in Preston's words. As these stacks get higher with ever bigger pixel-counts, they shade the pixels in the same way Manhattan's tall buildings shade the streets.

The solution? Flip it over and grind away the silicon layer to reveal the pixels. It's like putting all those skyscrapers underground and then enjoying the uninterrupted sunshine in a beautiful flat field. More light gets to the sensor, making it much more sensitive.

There's more too it than that, of course, and you should read Preston's great article. In fact, photo nerds should just subscribe to the Camera Technica RSS feed.

Technology Demystified: Backside Illuminated Sensors [Camera Technica]

Rollei Bullet HD – Rugged All-Action Camera

Protected by a robust aluminum body, the Bullet HD is the latest rugged all-action camera from Rollei. This high-definition camcorder is guaranteed dust-proof, impact-resistant and unsusceptible to vibrations. On top of that, it also sports a 12.0-megapixel CMOS sensor, a super wide-angle lens of 170 degrees, a microSD card slot (up to 32GB), a mini USB 2.0 port, a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery (up to 2 hours) and has the ability to capture both 720 HD video at 30fps as well as up to 4032 x 3024 digital still images. The Rollei Bullet HD will hit stores in late July for 249.95 Euro (about $360). [Rollei]

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