Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Panasonic GF2 Coming Tomorrow

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One of my favorite mirrorless cameras is the Panasonic GF1.  In terms of form-factor, controls and image quality, the GF1 delivers a great balance.

If 43rumors.com is accurate with its prediction, we should see the successor to the GF1 tomorrow.  It’s looking like the GF2 will have the same 12MP sensor as is found in the Panasonic G2, which is a solid performer.

If the Panasonic GF2 turns out to deliver better performance, while maintaining the friendly form-factor of the GF1, then we should have a real gem on our hands.

Stay tuned for the latest on the Panasonic GF2.

[via 43rumors.com]

Update:  It’s already leaked in France.  Here’s proof:

[via Photo Rumors]

 

Panasonic G2 Review

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The Panasonic G2 is one of the many Micro Four Thirds system cameras available now.  As you may know, Micro Four Thirds cameras don’t have a mirror like traditional DSLRs.  Instead, the G2 and other Micro Four Thirds cameras utilize a live view system where the composition is displayed on the camera’s rear LCD panel.  With the G2, you also have the option of viewing an electronic viewfinder (EVF) in a manner similar to traditional optical viewfinders.

The Panasonic G2 is the big brother of the previously reviewed Panasonic G10.  The upgrades are mild in most instances, but could the difference maker for some shoppers.  The G2 offers the same 12.1MP found in the G10, as well as HD movie capture.  However, the G2 features a tilt/swivel LCD and improved video capture modes put the G2 well ahead of the G10.

To see how the G2 stacks up, read on. [Read more…]

Olympus: “No More Entry-Level DSLRs”

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Not that this should really surprise anyone, but Olympus seems to have gone on record to confirm that the company is no longer interested in developing entry-level DSLRs in light of its successful PEN series, which are based on the Micro Four Thirds system.

“We do not have concrete plans to replace the E-620 and other recent SLRs. The entry level SLR class can be completely replaced by the Pen system in terms of performance.” -Toshiyuki Terada, Product manager of SLR Olympus Planning Department

Terada went on to say that Olympus plans on developing an advanced-PEN camera and, at some point, Olympus expects to phase out DSLRs entirely in favor of the mirrorless Micro Four Thirds cameras.

[via Photo Rumors]

Panasonic G10 Review

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The Panasonic G10 is a 12.1MP Micro Four Third camera.  As you may know, Micro Four Thirds cameras like the G10 operate without the bulky mirror between the image sensor and lens.

Unlike the Panasonic GF1, the G10 features a traditional hand grip and body styling similar to what you see on DSLR cameras (like the Canon Rebel T2i and Nikon D5000).  Don’t be fooled though, the G10 is no brick.  To the contrary, it is light, nimble and easy to carry.

Packaged with a 14-42mm kit lens, the Panasonic G10 delivers a lot of power at a sub-par price of under $600.  (Note: At the time of this review, the G10 is well under that mark from B&H Photo thanks to a $100 instant rebate.) [Read more…]

Lensbaby Composer with Tilt Transformer

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At Photokina 2010, Lensbaby announced the Tilt Transformer and Composer with Tilt Transformer for Micro Four Thirds and Sony NEX cameras.

“The Tilt Transformer allows photographers to mount any Nikon® mount lens onto their Micro Four Thirds or Sony ? NEX camera and tilt up to twice the amount of standard tilt-shift lenses, delivering photos that have a slice of focus through the image, bordered by a soft blur.” -Lensbaby

The Lensbaby Tilt Transformer carries a retail price of $250 and is available now for Micro Four Thirds cameras, and available in Q4 2010 for Sony NEX cameras.  The Composer with Tilt Transformer retails for $350.

Check availability on Amazon.com.

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

Panasonic Lumix GH2 Announced

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The Panasonic GH2 is the follow-up camera to the popular GH1.

The GH2 is built on the same Micro Four Thirds standard as all recent Lumix interchangeable lens cameras.  The GH2 features a 16MP sensor and offers an impressive sensitivity range of ISO 160-12800.

The GH2 will capture 1080p video at 24 fps in AVCHD format and records stereo audio on-camera, along with the ability to plug in an external mic.

The Panasonic GH2 should be available in December 2010 at an initial retail price of $1499.95 with a 14-140mm lens, or $999.95 with a 14-42mm kit lens.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

Panasonic AG-AF100 Coming December 2010

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A recent Panasonic press statement confirms the availability of the new AVCCAM AG-AF100 Micro Four Thirds camcorder in December 2010.

Unlike the half-camcorder, half-camera Sony NEX-VG10, the coming AG-AF100 is built from the ground up as a camcorder, complete with HD SDI output, time code, XLR input and internal ND filter, among other features.

B&H has already listed the new camcorder with full features and specificiation listings; however, at the time of this post, it is not available for pre-order.

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

The Olympus E-P2 is Back in Black

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Olympus has announced an all-black kit for the E-P2 Micro Four Thirds camera.  Not only is the camera body black, but the 17mm lens and FL-14 flash also come in black.

This will perhaps make the camera a bit more subtle for those who want to draw less attention.  I know that I continually drew comments from random people on the street when testing the E-P1.

The blacked out E-P2 kit carries an initial retail price of $999.99 and should be available in October 2010.  Check availability at B&H Photo.

Panasonic GF1 Review

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Panasonic Lumix GF1

The Panasonic GF1 is a 12.1MP Micro Four Thirds camera that is more compact than other Panasonic Micro Four Thirds models, while retaining the same large sensor that rivals DSLR image quality.  As you may be aware, Micro Four Thirds cameras like the GF1 operate without the bulky mirror between the image sensor and lens.  This fact, combined with design decisions by Panasonic to eliminate a viewfinder and grip, allow the GF1 to even rival point and shoot cameras’ size – particularly true when using the GF1 with Panasonic’s 20mm f/1.7 lens.

Does the GF1 really offer the best of both worlds?  It just might.  To find out if it’s right for you, read on. [Read more…]