Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

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]

 

Sony NEX-5 Review

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The Sony NEX-5 is a 14.2MP mirrorless camera in an ultra-compact form-factor.  If not for the DSLR-sized kit lens that attaches to the NEX-5, this camera would rival some of the consumer pocket cameras in size.  And with the available 16mm lens (shown above), you could make a good argument that it does.

In addition to the great still images the NEX-5 produces with its large, APS-C format sensor, the camera can also capture 1920 x 1080 Full HD video at 60i.  What’s more is the budget-friendly price tag that slides the kit under the $700 mark.

To get the full rundown on the Sony NEX-5, read on. [Read more…]

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…]

Samsung NX100 Announced

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The Samsung NX100 follows the well-received NX10 in Samsung’s mirrorless camera lineup.  The NX100 features a 14.6MP APS-C image sensor, a 3-inch AMOLED screen and a more compact design than found on its sibling.  The NX100 is capable of capturing 720p HD video and offers a sensitivity range of ISO 100-6400.

Samsung did not provide pricing or availability information for the NX100 prior to the embargo date; however, I will update this page when such info becomes available.  In the mean time, you can check availability on Amazon.com.

Along with the NX100, Samsung has also announced several new NX-series lenses available in 2011, including the following:

  • 60mm Macro
  • 18-200mm
  • 16mm
  • 85mm
  • 16-80mm

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.

Sony NEX E-Mount 18-200mm Lens Pricing and Availability

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Sony Japan has announced that the NEX E-Mount 18-200mm lens (which is packaged with the Sony NEX-VG10) will be available in September 2010 for 99750 yen for other NEX-format cameras; however, US pricing should be in the neighborhood of $800-900 as a best guess.

No word yet on availability stateside, or official US pricing for that matter.  It’s a good sign that we’ll see the E-Mount 18-200mm lens on NEX-3 and NEX-5 cameras soon though.

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]