Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Pentax Mirrorless Camera Coming Soon?

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Is a Pentax mirrorless camera just around the corner to compete with the lineup from the likes of Panasonic, Olympus, Sony and Samsung?

If CitiGroup’s recent report on Pentax’s parent company, Hoya, is to be believed, then the answer is: Yes.

The following quote appeared in the CitiGroup report at issue:

“Hoya plans to release a mirrorless camera under Pentax brand that is distinct from models already on the market.” – CitiGroup

With Photokina 2010 just around the corner, we could see this new camera sooner rather than later.

[Mirrorlessrumors via Photo Rumors]

 

Panasonic G2 and G10 ISO and Noise Compared to Canon Rebel T2i

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The Panasonic G2 and G10 are the latest and greatest Micro Four Thirds cameras from Panasonic.  They both feature a 12.1MP Live MOS image sensor and come packaged with a 14-42mm kit lens.  In short, I’ve been quite impressed with these two cameras during my review thus far.  It seems to me that Panasonic is a step or two ahead over the other players in the mirrorless camera market right now. [Read more…]

Panasonic Adds 3D Lens to Micro Four Thirds System

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Panasonic has announced the development of a 3D lens for its Lumix Micro Four Thirds system.  The lens’ design allows it to capture stereo images on a single image sensor, which merged with not-yet-disclosed 3D image processing system.

The new 3D lens should go on sale by the end of 2010.  No word on price yet.

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

Panasonic G2 Sample Images

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As part of my upcoming review of the Panasonic G2, I have managed to capture a few photos that I thought were worth sharing.  It will be a little while still before the review is complete; however, I wanted to pass along these sample images for you to check out.  All were captured using the Panasonic G2’s 14-42mm kit lens.  All images were captured in JPEG format, and I have noted the basic shot info below each image.

Feel free to download any of these sample images for your personal inspection (not for republication).  You can get the original files by right-clicking on any of the images and choosing “Save link as…” [Read more…]

Panasonic GF1 Sample Photos

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Panasonic Lumix GF1

As part of my upcoming review of the Panasonic GF1, I have spent some time capturing images in a number of different situations.  It will be a little while still before the review is complete; however, I wanted to pass along these sample images for you to check out.  All were captured using Panasonic’s great little 20mm f/1.7 lens. [Read more…]

Olympus E-PL1 Gets Augmented Reality Treatment

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Olympus has launched an augmented reality demo for the E-PL1, which lets you demo the camera online with the help of your web cam.  When I received the email containing Total Immersion’s press release (the guys behind the augmented reality plugin), I was scratching my head a bit.  But then, I watched the below video and that better explained it (’cause it’s something you really have to see to get it – or maybe it’s just me). [Read more…]

Panasonic Micro Four Thirds Camcorder is Looking Pretty Sweet

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That’s the new Panasonic Micro Four Thirds AG-AF100 AVCCAM camcorder up there.

Interchangeable lenses? Check.

Big sensor? Check

I think Panasonic is going to make a whole of friends with this one. To see all the goods that were just spilled, courtesy of a product brochure from Panasonic, head on over to Tech Tilt.

Panasonic Lumix G Fisheye 8mm/F3.5 Lens Announced

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Panasonic has unveiled the Lumix G 8mm fisheye lens for it’s G-series Micro Four Thirds cameras.  The new lens offers an equivalent focal length of 16mm on a full frame camera thanks to the Micro Four Thirds 2x crop factor.

No word yet on pricing or availability.

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

Olympus E-PL1 Review

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The Olympus E-PL1 is the latest in the line of PEN cameras, which prior models include the original E-P1 and the E-P2.  The E-PL1 is the first PEN camera targeted at and priced toward the consumer market.  As with the other PEN models, the E-PL1 is a Micro Four Thirds format camera and features a 2x crop factor over traditional 35mm sensors.  That means that the 14-42mm lens feels like a 28-84mm lens on a full frame camera.

One of the biggest problems I experienced with the first generation PEN, the E-P1, was slow autofocus tracking, which spoiled the solid image quality the camera otherwise delivered.  Overall, I gave the E-P1 rather poor marks in usability for all but a rather niche group.  Time heals all wounds though – and the new E-PL1 provides a better overall experience even if it still has less-than-perfect autofocus.

To see where the Olympus E-PL1 shines and shames, read on. [Read more…]