Hasta La Gadget!

Curious timing, no? Nary a fortnight after Olympus announced an autofocus-related firmware update for its line of Micro Four Thirds cameras (the PEN E-P1, E-P2 and E-PL1), along comes Panasonic with an all-too-similar round of firmware fixes for their own MFT range. Slated to hit the interwebs on May 10th, a trio of new updates will purportedly bring improved autofocus performance with third-party lenses as well as recognition of the new 14-42mm kit zoom to the DMC-GF1, DMC-GH1 and DMC-G1. We’re also told that there will be improved flash performance for the latter two, and if you just so happen to be the proud owner of one of these, you can head on past the break for the full changelog.

Continue reading Panasonic’s DMC-GF1 / GH1 / G1 firmware updates improve autofocus performance

Panasonic’s DMC-GF1 / GH1 / G1 firmware updates improve autofocus performance originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Continue reading Panasonic announces pricing, availability for Lumix G2, G10

Panasonic announces pricing, availability for Lumix G2, G10 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 14:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We’re not sure where Panasonic gets off calling its AG-AF100 a “professional” digital video camera. It’s certainly not in the same class as RED or ARRI Alexa. It is, however, a very interesting video rig for shooting flicks on a budget with its Micro Four Thirds sensor and collection of micro 4/3 lenses, filters, and adapters. The AF100 records native 1080/24p using the AVC/ H.264 Hi Profile AVCHD codec to a pair of SD slots supporting both SDHC and newer SDXC removable media. The AVCCAM HD camcorder features a pair of XLR inputs, 48-kHz/16-bit two-channel digital audio recording, and supports LPCM/Dolby-AC3; it also packs USB 2.0, HD-SDI out, HDMI, a built-in stereo mic, and time code recording. So yeah, it won’t record the next Hollywood blockbuster but it’ll probably do fine by indie filmmakers without breaking the film school budget. Perhaps we’ll better understand all this professional talk when Panny reveals its price in time for a year-end launch.

Panasonic’s AF100 Micro Four Thirds video camera considers itself ‘professional’ originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 03:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Olympus’ E-PL1 is a camera on a mission — it not only shrinks the entry-level price tag for Micro Four Thirds cameras to $600, it retains the same 12.3 megapixel sensor, image processor, autofocus and metering systems of its elder, the E-P1, while introducing its own advantages that even the pricier E-P2 doesn’t offer (hello, integrated flash!). With a 720p movie mode, a 14-42mm kit lens, and access to the growing catalog of Micro Four Thirds glass, it really looks like a guaranteed win for the company, but it’s always good to run it through a few tests to make sure. While it sports a body rather richer in plastic than its senior siblings, we’re told the E-PL1 still feels robust in the hand, and its control scheme is commended for being accessible to novices and including a dedicated video recording button. Image quality is ranked, as was to be expected, right on par with the costlier models with only the more professionally inclined ISO 3200 and 1/2000th shutter speed proving limiting. Get reading for fuller impressions as well as some sample video shot with the E-PL1.

Read – Photography Blog
Read – Pocket-lint
Read – dpreview
Read – CNET
Read – Imaging Resource

Olympus Pen E-PL1 spins up a review cycle originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 07:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Whoopsadaisies. Seems Panasonic “accidentally” posted specs and images of its upcoming G2 and G10 Micro Four Thirds cameras to its web site just long enough to be snagged by a few different photog sites. While there’s no denying that the incident occurred (the pics are certainly legit), there’s some speculation at 43rumors that the specifications are still “work in progress” and should be considered only partially correct. Nevertheless, let’s go with what we’ve got keeping in mind that some of this might change. Both cams are said to feature a 12.1 megapixel sensor, touchscreen with touch shutter and touch MF Assist, and ISO 100 to 6,200 sensitivity. The G2 differs with its one-touch AVCHD Lite movie mode (1,280 x 720, 60p) and 3-inch articulating display with live view. The G10 then, offers a “double live view” (LCD and live view finder) glimpse at the action while recording 1,280 x 720p motion JPEG videos at 30fps. However, the leaked spec sheet inconsistently mentions an AVCHD Lite recording format for the G10 as well… so who knows. Panasonic is expected to make an announcement on March 7th; surely you can wait you a few days?

Panasonic leaks own G2 and G10 Micro Four Thirds cams in macro fashion originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 03:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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