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We’ve been very impressed with Olympus’ first OM-D camera, the EM-5. That model’s 5-axis image stabilization and super-fast autofocus won us over, while the retro design appeased nostalgics as well. Now, it’s time for that speedy shooting to make its way to the company’s other Micro Four Thirds models — the E-PL5 and E-PM2. Both models, announced today, offer nearly identical specifications, with notable differences on the form-factor front. The E-PL5 is the premium model of this bunch, coming in at $700 with a 12-42mm f/3.5-5.6 lens or $650 for the body only, while the E-PM2 will run you 100 bucks less for both configurations. Both cameras include 16.1-megapixel Live MOS sensors, top ISO of 25,600, 3-inch 460k-dot touch-enabled LCDs, 1080i video and an 8fps continuous shooting mode. The EM-5’s five-axis stabilization is absent here, though a three-axis version should suffice in low light. Each model also includes an external flash and a rebate offer for a free Toshiba FlashAir 802.11b/g/n card, which enables connectivity with the OI Share apps for Android and iOS.

We had a chance to check both cameras out just before Photokina, and were quite pleased with the design, along with that OM-D-like focusing performance, which really is as speedy as Olympus claims. The camera focused instantaneously with almost all of the lenses we tried, though it was a bit sluggish, understandably, when paired with the 60mm f/2.8 macro. The displays were equally sharp, though the PL5 packs a nifty articulating version, which can tilt up, down or face forward for self-portraits. We also enjoyed shooting with the super-slim 15mm f/8 body cap lens, which features a tiny front element with a slide-over cover — while it’s limited on the aperture front and includes fixed focus, it’s arguably more useful than a traditional cap (Olympus hasn’t confirmed pricing for that optic, though it’ll likely come in below the $100 mark). That aforementioned dust-and-splash-proof macro will retail for $500 in early October, while a new 12mm f/2 lens will ship during the same time for $1,100. The “Mini” E-PM2 will be available in silver, black, white and red, while the E-PL5 will ship in silver, black and white — both versions will be available in October. You can take a closer look at each of the offerings in the gallery below, then jump past the break for the full rundown from Olympus.

Continue reading Olympus E-PL5 and E-PM2: Micro Four Thirds cameras with OM-D-like focusing, performance boosts (hands-on)

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Olympus E-PL5 and E-PM2: Micro Four Thirds cameras with OM-D-like focusing, performance boosts (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 05:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For years we’ve bee ranting about Canon’s S-series PowerShot cameras. They’re fantastic, versatile pocket cameras. Well the PowerShot S110 is the upgrade to last year’s pretty darn great S100—now it’s got new capacitive touchscreen controls and Wi-Fi connectivity. More »

Fujifilm has been making some really handsome, retro-styled shooters lately, and the latest is the XF1. It’s a compact camera that’s 4.2 inches wide, 2.4 inches across and a scant 1.2 inches deep, and comes covered in either black, red or tan faux leather. There’s a 2/3 inch 12-megapixel sensor inside with a retractable, manual zoom, 25-100mm f/1.8 – f/4.9 lens that’s optically stabilized. You turn the thing on by twisting and pulling out the lens (like its elder brother, the X10), and you can shoot 1080p 30fps video using the 3-inch 460,000 dot LCD on the back. The XF1’s ISO range is 100 – 12,800 and it’s got a pop-up flash for shooting in poorly lit locales. Additionally, the camera has a jog dial with a full manual setting, six buttons dedicated to primary functions and a separate, programmable key to tailor the UX to your liking. The XF1 goes on sale for $500 next month, though should you be unable to wait that long, head on over to Cologne, Germany and you can see one in person at Photokina later this week.

Continue reading Fujifilm’s XF1 digicam is a $500 point-and-shoot with manual controls and a faux leather exterior

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Fujifilm’s XF1 digicam is a $500 point-and-shoot with manual controls and a faux leather exterior originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 01:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Photokina’s just around the corner, folks, so it’s only natural for a few of the cameras to get leaked before their official debuts in Germany. What you see above is a picture scrounged up by the folks at Digicam info, and it appears to be of the Olympus XZ-2, an update to the company’s XZ-1 point and shoot. From the looks of things, the new model largely retains the look of the old, save for a faux leather grip and the addition of a toggle switch of unknown purpose on the front. It also seems that Olympus will be rolling out an underwater case and a molded cowhide cover to go with the camera when it arrives. Folks searching for a closer look at the hardware can find it at the source below, or y’know, wait until we get our hands on it next week.

Filed under: Cameras

Unnamed Olympus point and shoot leaks, looks like the XZ-2 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 21:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Medium format camera fans, brace for impact: there’s a new Hasselblad coming. The H5D supercedes the ages-old H4D with a True Focus II system that — we’re told — is both more accurate and immediately confirms its lock. Hasselblad has also reworked the body for a more rough-and-ready feel, giving the H5D bigger controls, an extra-bright viewfinder and better weatherproofing. A new RAW + JPEG capture mode, improved wide-angle-to-macro lens conversion and a fresh 24mm f/4.8 lens have also been added to tempt studio photographers. If all this sounds alluring, H5Ds will be available in 40-, 50- and 60-megapixel versions (plus 50- and 200-megapixel Multi-Shot variants) this December. We likely won’t know the effect on our bank accounts until at least a September 18th media event, but we wouldn’t assume any kind of populist pricing — Hasselblad’s tendency towards five-digit figures may limit any first-hand exposure to a rental.

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Hasselblad H5D coming December with new focus system, design, up to 60 megapixels originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 03:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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