Micro Four Thirds User Forum http://www.mu-43.com/ News and rumors posted by our staff to the site front page en Thu, 23 May 2013 00:54:49 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.mu-43.com/images/misc/rss.jpg Micro Four Thirds User Forum http://www.mu-43.com/ <![CDATA[Panasonic DMC-GX1 for $239.00 at B&H]]> http://www.mu-43.com/f92/panasonic-dmc-gx1-239-00-b-h-46577/ Tue, 21 May 2013 16:58:03 GMT The Panasonic DMC-GX1 is on sale for $239.00 (body only) at B&H

]]> Front Page News and Rumors Ray Sachs http://www.mu-43.com/f92/panasonic-dmc-gx1-239-00-b-h-46577/ New Mu-43 App Now in Apple App Store and Google Play Store http://www.mu-43.com/f92/new-mu-43-app-now-apple-app-store-google-play-store-46347/ Fri, 17 May 2013 02:48:04 GMT

Our new and improved Mu-43 App is now available for download. It's a great way to stay in touch with the forum from your iOS or Android mobile device.

App Store link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mu-43/id645894792?mt=8

Play Store link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...Lm11NDNjb20iXQ

Our new developer is actively improving the app, so new and better functionality will come in the form of updates over time. ]]> Front Page News and Rumors Amin Sabet http://www.mu-43.com/f92/new-mu-43-app-now-apple-app-store-google-play-store-46347/ Pricing and Pre-Order Links for All the New Olympus Gear http://www.mu-43.com/f92/pricing-pre-order-links-all-new-olympus-gear-45929/ Thu, 09 May 2013 22:26:05 GMT Olympus E-P5 PEN Mirrorless Digital Camera Body (Black) - $999.99
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...s_digital.html

Olympus E-P5 PEN Mirrorless Digital Camera Body (Silver) - $999.99
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...s_digital.html

Olympus E-P5 PEN Mirrorless Digital Camera Body (White) - $999.99
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...s_digital.html

Olympus E-P5 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 17mm f/1.8 Lens and VF-4 Viewfinder (Black) - $1449.99
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...al_camera.html

Olympus E-P5 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 17mm f/1.8 Lens and VF-4 Viewfinder (Silver) - $1449.99
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...al_camera.html

Olympus 17mm f1.8 Lens – Black - $499.99
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...f1_8_lens.html

Olympus 45mm f1.8 Lens - Black - $399.99
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...f1_8_lens.html

Olympus 75mm f1.8 Lens - Black - $899.99
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...f1_8_lens.html

Olympus VF-4 Electronic Viewfinder (Black) - $279.99
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...inder_for.html ]]> Front Page News and Rumors Amin Sabet http://www.mu-43.com/f92/pricing-pre-order-links-all-new-olympus-gear-45929/ Olympus Announces New Black Versions of 17mm f/1.8, 45mm f/1.8, and 75mm f/1.8 Lenses http://www.mu-43.com/f92/olympus-announces-new-black-versions-17mm-f-1-8-45mm-f-1-8-75mm-f-1-8-lenses-45928/ Thu, 09 May 2013 22:18:58 GMT Olympus also today announced black versions of their 17mm f/1.8, 45mm f/1.8, and 75mm f/1.8 lenses.







Thankfully, these black lenses have the same list price as their silver counterparts. Just don't expect to find a hood included :biggrin:. ]]> Front Page News and Rumors Amin Sabet http://www.mu-43.com/f92/olympus-announces-new-black-versions-17mm-f-1-8-45mm-f-1-8-75mm-f-1-8-lenses-45928/ Olympus Announces New PEN E-P5 and VF-4 Viewfinder http://www.mu-43.com/f92/olympus-announces-new-pen-e-p5-vf-4-viewfinder-45927/ Thu, 09 May 2013 22:12:25 GMT As expected, Olympus today announced the new PEN E-P5.



Features:
• New design inspired by original PEN F
• 1/8000s Mechanical Shutter
• Precise Flash Sync with 1/320s and built-in flash
• 9fps Sequential Shooting
• 3-inch Articulated (Tilting) Display
• Touch Focus and Shutter Release
• Small Target AF
• 5 Axis Image Stabilization
• 16MP Live MOS
• TruePic VI Image Processor
• Built-in Wifi
• QR Code Connection
• Remote Shutter Release via Smartphone
• Remote Viewing and Touch AF via Smartphone
• GPS Capability
• 2 x 2 Dial Control with custom lever
• Focus Peaking
• Interval Shooting with Time Lapse Video
• Live Bulb with Histogram




Also announced today is a new Olympus VF-4 Viewfinder:

Features:
• 2.6 Million Pixel LCD Viewfinder
• 1.48X Viewfinder Magnification (compared to 1.15 for the VF-2)
• Eye-Sensor ]]> Front Page News and Rumors Amin Sabet http://www.mu-43.com/f92/olympus-announces-new-pen-e-p5-vf-4-viewfinder-45927/ <![CDATA[New Thinktank Bags - "Mirrorless Movers"]]> http://www.mu-43.com/f92/new-thinktank-bags-mirrorless-movers-45585/ Fri, 03 May 2013 13:47:52 GMT A new line of camera bags from Think Tank Photo designed for mirrorless cameras. They have magnetic clasps instead of velcro which will be nice for keeping the noise down. Image: http://www.thinktankphoto.com/product-images/xlarge/Mirrorless-Mover-20-5.jpg Mirrorless Movers (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/categories/shoulder-camera-bags/mirrorless-mover.aspx?code=AP-536) Of course I just bought a bag from them a few weeks ago. A new line of camera bags from Think Tank Photo designed for mirrorless cameras. They have magnetic clasps instead of velcro which will be nice for keeping the noise down.



Mirrorless Movers

Of course I just bought a bag from them a few weeks ago. ]]> Front Page News and Rumors Narnian http://www.mu-43.com/f92/new-thinktank-bags-mirrorless-movers-45585/ <![CDATA[Sigma 60mm Now Available for Pre-Order for $239 at B&H]]> http://www.mu-43.com/f92/sigma-60mm-now-available-pre-order-239-b-h-45576/ Fri, 03 May 2013 00:54:25 GMT Available for pre-order in black and silver.

Link: Sigma 60mm f/2.8 DN Lens for Micro Four Thirds Mount Cameras

Great to have a value priced, very compact medium telephoto prime in our system. Based on the other Sigma primes, I'm confident this will be an excellent performer.


[Thanks JLphoto] ]]> Front Page News and Rumors Amin Sabet http://www.mu-43.com/f92/sigma-60mm-now-available-pre-order-239-b-h-45576/ <![CDATA[Olympus Mother's Day Deals - Good Through May 11, 2013]]> http://www.mu-43.com/f92/olympus-mother-s-day-deals-good-through-may-11-2013-a-45371/ Mon, 29 Apr 2013 03:10:45 GMT Olympus is having a sale from now through May 11 on the following gear:

$50 off Olympus 17mm f/1.8, now $450: B&H | Amazon

$50 off Olympus 45mm f/1.8, now $350: B&H | Amazon

$50 off Olympus 40-150mm zoom, now $150: B&H | Amazon

$50 off Olympus 12-50mm zoom, now $450: B&H | Amazon

$100 off Olympus 12mm f/2 lens, now $700: B&H | Amazon

$50-100 off Olympus OM-D E-M5 kits: B&H | Amazon

$75 off Olympus E-PM2 kits, now $424: B&H | Amazon ]]> Front Page News and Rumors Amin Sabet http://www.mu-43.com/f92/olympus-mother-s-day-deals-good-through-may-11-2013-a-45371/ Olympus Issues Service Advisory Regarding OM-D E-M5 Screen Bezel Cracks http://www.mu-43.com/f92/olympus-issues-service-advisory-regarding-om-d-e-m5-screen-bezel-cracks-45365/ Mon, 29 Apr 2013 02:02:32 GMT An issue which was first identified and discussed in our forums (http://www.mu-43.com/f42/omd-em5-crack-bottom-bezel-screen-normal-36685/) back in November, many Olympus OM-D E-M5 cameras have developeed tiny cracks at the bottom bezel of the rear LCD. Olympus has issued a service advisory related to this issue, and you can find the full details in the attached PDF file. Here are the salient points: * Olympus has determined that some E-M5 cameras have developed a small crack on the LCD monitor cover. * The cause of the defect is inconsistent tightening of screws during the assembly process and inadequate strength of the monitor cover material. * This defect does not affect the operation of the camera, or the dust-proof or splash-proof performance of the product, nor does the defect cause or increase the chances of causing any personal injury or property damage. * The defect is of a purely aesthetic nature. However, early evaluation is recommended since very tiny cracks may develop into larger cracks of greater aesthetic significance. * Affected Serial Number Range*: Black BEJ501001~BEJ504916; Silver BF3501001~BF3503164 * Beginning February 26, 2013 and ending February 25, 2014, free repair is being offered to customers in Europe and the United States as well as Japan. * The repair includes the addition of a washer to more evenly distribute the pressure applied by the monitor cover screws. *There are already reports of affected bodies outside of the range said to be affected. An issue which was first identified and discussed in our forums back in November, many Olympus OM-D E-M5 cameras have developeed tiny cracks at the bottom bezel of the rear LCD.

Olympus has issued a service advisory related to this issue, and you can find the full details in the attached PDF file.

Here are the salient points:
  • Olympus has determined that some E-M5 cameras have developed a small crack on the LCD monitor cover.
  • The cause of the defect is inconsistent tightening of screws during the assembly process and inadequate strength of the monitor cover material.
  • This defect does not affect the operation of the camera, or the dust-proof or splash-proof performance of the product, nor does the defect cause or increase the chances of causing any personal injury or property damage.
  • The defect is of a purely aesthetic nature. However, early evaluation is recommended since very tiny cracks may develop into larger cracks of greater aesthetic significance.
  • Affected Serial Number Range*: Black BEJ501001~BEJ504916; Silver BF3501001~BF3503164
  • Beginning February 26, 2013 and ending February 25, 2014, free repair is being offered to customers in Europe and the United States as well as Japan.
  • The repair includes the addition of a washer to more evenly distribute the pressure applied by the monitor cover screws.

*There are already reports of affected bodies outside of the range said to be affected.
Attached Thumbnails
E-M5_Service_Announcement.pdf  

]]> Front Page News and Rumors Amin Sabet http://www.mu-43.com/f92/olympus-issues-service-advisory-regarding-om-d-e-m5-screen-bezel-cracks-45365/ Is This the Olympus Pen E-P5? http://www.mu-43.com/f92/olympus-pen-e-p5-45213/ Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:34:18 GMT A reader just sent me the image below, which looks like a (? Photoshop'd) gripless version of an image recently posted at 43 Rumors.




According to 43 Rumors, the E-P5 will be announced on May 9 and will use the OM-D E-M5 sensor in addition to offering improved image stabilization and autofocus speed when compared to the E-M5. Rumors further indicate that there will be kits available with the Olympu 17mm f/1.8 lens (as pictured) as well as the 14-42mm kit zoom. ]]> Front Page News and Rumors Amin Sabet http://www.mu-43.com/f92/olympus-pen-e-p5-45213/ New Panasonic LF1 - Shape of Things to Come? http://www.mu-43.com/f92/new-panasonic-lf1-shape-things-come-45083/ Wed, 24 Apr 2013 03:05:38 GMT Ever since the DMC-G1 and GF1, Panasonic's first two Micro 4/3 cameras, many people have been asking for a "rangefinder-styled" Micro 4/3 camera with an integrated viewfinder. Despite the fact that Sony and Fuji have both brought out interchangeable lens camera that meet those criteria, neither Olympus nor Panasonic have seen fit to introduce such a camera. Integrated viewfinder means "SLR hump" in the Micro 4/3 world.

Perhaps that is about to change. Today Panasonic introduced the LF1, a small sensor (1/1.7") compact fixed-lens camera with an integrated viewfinder:







Granted, it's a very small, low-resolution (200k dot) EVF, but it's low profile and should be more than adequate for eye level composition if not quite good enough for reliable manual focus. Importantly, it doesn't take up a lot of real estate, meaning that there is still room for a large rear LCD.

Given that the GF and GX Panasonic cameras have shared many design elements with their LX advanced small sensor compact line to date, it's very possible that the LF1 is a sign of things to come. Seems more likely than ever that the GX2 could feature a small, integrated EVF. No doubt a lot of folks would be pleased to see that, especially if Panasonic sees fit to include the GH3 sensor in that camera. ]]> Front Page News and Rumors Amin Sabet http://www.mu-43.com/f92/new-panasonic-lf1-shape-things-come-45083/ Panasonic Announces DMC-G6 and New 14-140mm lens http://www.mu-43.com/f92/panasonic-announces-dmc-g6-new-14-140mm-lens-45082/ Wed, 24 Apr 2013 02:47:36 GMT Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8383/8677276282_04253f32de.jpg Panasonic has announced the G6, a camera which improves on the G5 in several areas: * New design with improved ergonomics * More external controls * New OLED viewfinder * Higher resolution LCD * Capacitive, multitouch controls * New image processor * Faster startup, burst mode * Improved low light autofocus and metering * Wired remote and external microphone connectivity * Full PASM control for video * 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi * Near Field Communications (NFC) connectivity * Focus peaking functionality Overall, the G6 seems like a solid upgrade with many refinements over the G5. Some have expressed disappointment over the fact that it shares the same 16MP sensor as the G5 and GH2. Size is marginally greater and weight slightly lower than the G5. No word on pricing or availability as of yet. Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8537/8677276274_05d8880a00.jpg Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8541/8677276266_17bf583bc4.jpg Panasonic today also announced a new, lighter and more compact 14-140mm lens, the Lumix G 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH Power O.I.S. lens. Image: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8380/8676183813_175b3fe355.jpg

Panasonic has announced the G6, a camera which improves on the G5 in several areas:
  • New design with improved ergonomics
  • More external controls
  • New OLED viewfinder
  • Higher resolution LCD
  • Capacitive, multitouch controls
  • New image processor
  • Faster startup, burst mode
  • Improved low light autofocus and metering
  • Wired remote and external microphone connectivity
  • Full PASM control for video
  • 2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi
  • Near Field Communications (NFC) connectivity
  • Focus peaking functionality

Overall, the G6 seems like a solid upgrade with many refinements over the G5. Some have expressed disappointment over the fact that it shares the same 16MP sensor as the G5 and GH2. Size is marginally greater and weight slightly lower than the G5. No word on pricing or availability as of yet.




Panasonic today also announced a new, lighter and more compact 14-140mm lens, the Lumix G 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH Power O.I.S. lens.

]]> Front Page News and Rumors Amin Sabet http://www.mu-43.com/f92/panasonic-announces-dmc-g6-new-14-140mm-lens-45082/