Photo Rumors » Olympus

Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm f/1.8 lens announced

PR admin — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:49:19 +0000

Olympus announced their Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm f/1.8 portrait lens that looks exactly like the previously shown prototype. Expect the new lens to start shipping this summer for $900. See also the first sample images.

Main Specifications:

Mount type	Micro Four Thirds System
Focal length	75mm(35mm equivalence 150mm equivalent)
Lens construction	9-group, 10 elements (ED element x 3, HR element x 2, etc.)
Angle of view	16°
Closest focusing distance	0.84 m
Maximum image magnification	0.1X(35mm equivalent 0.2X equivalent)
Maximum field size	130 x 173 mm
Number of blades	9 blades (Circular diaphragm)
Maximum aperture	f1.8
Minimum aperture	f22
Filter size	Φ58 mm
Dimensions (Max. diameter x Overall length)	Φ64 x 69mm
Weight	305 grams
Provided accessories	Lens cap (LC-58E), Lens rear cap (LR-2),Instruction manual, Olympus International Warranty Card

Optional Accessories:

Product Name	MSRP	Launch Date
Metallic Lens Hood LH-61F	10,000 yen (10,500 yen incl. tax)	The middle of July, 2012
Metallic Lens Cap LC-61	5,000 yen (5,250 yen incl. tax)	The middle of July, 2012

Press release:

New M.ZUIKO DIGITAL™ ED 75mm f1.8 High-Grade Portrait Lens Enhances the Power, Performance and Versatility of Olympus OM-D and PEN® Compact System Cameras

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., May 24, 2012 – Today, Olympus adds to the Micro Four Thirds family of lenses with the release of the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm f1.8 High-Grade Portrait Lens (150mm equivalent), a high-speed, single-focal-length telephoto lens that is optimized for studio, stage, indoor sports and portrait photography, encased in a high-quality, compact, stunning metal body.

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm f1.8’s nine-blade circular aperture unit delivers beautiful defocused backgrounds, while the high-quality optical design keeps the subject in sharp focus. This is due to an advanced optical design that incorporates 10 lens elements in nine groups that make extensive use of special glass materials, including three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements to optimally correct aberrations. Each lens element is polished to an ultra-high level of working precision, only possible with the progressive techniques developed by Olympus master craftsmen, and carefully assembled to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability. Olympus’s exclusive ZERO (ZUIKO Extra-low Reflection Optical Coating) lens coatings are applied to the elements to reduce reflectance to a level that is half that of conventional coatings.

With a total length of just 2.7 inches, the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm f1.8 is surprisingly small and maximizes the performance and portability of the Olympus PEN and OM-D compact system cameras. A textured metallic outer finish exudes quality and sophistication, while the large 50mm diameter glass front lens conveys a sense of power and performance.

Ideal for capturing brilliant still images and high-definition (HD) videos, the lens employs Olympus's proven MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) autofocusing mechanism featuring an inner focus system to drive this single-focal-length lens for fast and quiet focusing. A precision-touch metallic focus ring provides easy manual focusing.

The optional LH-61F Lens Hood and the LC-61 Lens Cap metallic lens accessories are designed exclusively for the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm f1.8. The LH-61F Lens Hood attaches with an outer friction knob system that allows attachment or removal even when the lens cap is attached.

U.S. Pricing and Availability
The Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm f1.8 High-Grade Portrait Lens will be available in summer 2012.

Estimated Street Price: $899.99.

Olympus is teasing again

PR admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:23:32 +0000

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Techradar received another teaser from Olympus with the text:

"A Portrait! What could be more simple and more complex, more obvious and more profound."

Olympus is probably preparing to release their high end 75mm f/1.8 portrait and 60mm f/2.8 macro lenses:

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The latest rebates from Olympus, Sony, Canon and Nikon

PR admin — Thu, 10 May 2012 02:04:25 +0000

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Those are the latest rebates on photo equipment:

Olympus

Sony

Canon

Nikon

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New Olympus 12-120mm f/4-5.6 lens patent

PR admin — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:07:49 +0000

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Olympus filed a patent in Japan for a 12-120mm f/4-5.6 lens with several different variations:

12-60mm f/4-5.6
12-70mm f/4-5.6
12-80mm f/4-5.6
12-95mm f/4-5.6
12-120mm f/4-5.6
14-70mm f/4-5.6

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Olympus TG-1 iHS Tough camera announced

PR admin — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:06:23 +0000

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Today Olympus announced the previously leaked TG-1 iHS Tough camera. This is probably the best rugged camera on the market today.

Main Features:

The TG-1 is equipped with a bright, high-speed f2.0 lens. Combined with iHS technology, this lens vastly improves shooting and image quality in low-light scenes.
Equipped with the strongest capabilities ever included on a Tough model: Waterproof functionality down to 12 m, shockproof functionality to 2m, cold resistant to -10℃, crushproof to 100 kgf
Equipped with iHS, which enables high-speed functionality from start-up to focusing
Equipped with A-GPS, enabling high-speed confirmation of your current location. Users can also append location information to images
Two types of completely waterproof conversion lenses (sold separately) can be attached to the TG-1: Fish-eye and tele-converter

Amazon is already taking pre-orders for the TG-1 iHS for $399.

Other Features:

Underwater scene mode (Underwater Snap Underwater Wide 1, Underwater Wide 2, Underwater Macro)
Inclusion of a pressure sensor allows display of atmospheric pressure and altitude (-12 m to 5,000 m)
Multi Motion image stabilization support for movies - reduces slow, strong camera shake that occurs when breathing or walking
The Macro LED allows lighting of subjects from 7 to 20 cm away with a single touch of a button
Continuous shooting function: 5 fps (12Megapixels), 15 fps (3M), 60 fps (3M)
Custom Modes 1 and 2 allow users to save shooting settings and call up those settings easily for shooting
Face and Back Control detects subjects faces and adjusts the focus, and optimizes the exposure
Scene Mode allows for shooting not only standard scenes, but also enables easy shooting of beautiful images even in difficult shooting conditions
HDMI Output Control enables control of the camera, such as selecting and switching images with a TV remote control
Face Detect AF lets the camera automatically detect faces
iAUTO allows never-fail, beautiful shooting of thirty different automatically detectable scenes for still images and movies
In-camera Panorama Merge allows users to easily shoot panoramic images by simply moving the camera as directed
USB Battery Charge allows users to charge the camera battery while connected to a computer, and transferring or organizing image data
Auto Tracking AF automatically tracks moving subjects and adjusts the focus
Photo Surfing allows users to search for images by keyword, such as the date and subject (person, dog, cat)
Double lock mechanism - slide style double lock
Supported media: SD, SDHC, SDXC, Eye-Fi cards

Accessories:

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Another Olympus teaser for the TG-1 iHS camera

PR admin — Tue, 01 May 2012 16:51:36 +0000

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There is another "World's First..." teaser from Olympus. After watching the video, I am now convinced that this new campaign is for their rugged Olympus TG-1 iHS camera that leaked on BestBuy's website last week:

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New 35mm f/0.95 lens for Micro Fourth Thirds and Fuji X mounts

PR admin — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:34:57 +0000

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There are several samples on xitek.com taken with a new 35mm f/0.925 lens from the Chinese manufacturer Shenyang Zhongyi. The lens is expected to be released with Micro Fourth Thirds and Fuji X mounts.

Via 43rumors

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New nuts from Olympus coming soon

PR admin — Tue, 01 May 2012 14:45:34 +0000

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Olympus sent this "teaser" to Techradar. I think the two nuts represent the toughness of the already leaked new rugged Olympus TG-1 iHS camera that should be announced soon. I cannot think of any other associations between nuts and cameras, can you?

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New Olympus TG-1 iHS Tough camera leaks on BestBuy website

PR admin — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:18:13 +0000

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For a short period of time, BestBuy had a listing for a new rugged Olympus TG-1 iHS Tough camera on their website. The entry is now removed, but you can still see the cached version of the page.

The camera has 12MP 1/2.3" CMOS sensor, 3" OLED display, 4x optical zoom with f/2 on the wide end. Full features and specs of the new TG-1 waterproof camera after the jump:

Features:

USB 2.0 port

Allows an easy connection to your computer.

Memory card slot

Supports Secure Digital, Secure Digital High Capacity and SDXC formats for storing or transferring media.

Store more photos! Find compatible memory cards in our Memory Center!

12.0-megapixel 1/2.3" CMOS image sensor

Captures high-resolution images up to 3968 x 2976 pixels.

4x optical/4x digital/16x total zoom

For precise zooming and accuracy.

3" OLED display

With 610K dots for clear viewing and easy navigation.

HD movie mode

Allows you to capture video clips in 1080p, 720p or VGA resolution.

TruePic VI image processor

Helps ensure clear, detailed images.

Dual image stabilizer

Reduces image blur caused by camera shake and vibration. ISO up to 6400 for improved image capture in low-light conditions.

Scene modes

Include portrait, landscape, night scene, night + portrait, indoor, self-portrait, sunset, fireworks, cuisine, beach & snow and more. Magic art filters allow you to get creative with your pictures.

Burst shooting mode

Captures up to 3 fps or up to 200 pictures for fast-action shots. Panorama mode allows you to record stunning vista shots.

White balance modes

Include auto, overcast, sunlight, tungsten and underwater to keep colors looking natural.

Built-in auto flash

With red-eye reduction for natural-looking eyes in portraits.

Autofocus

With super macro mode focuses as close as 0.4" for clear photos up close.

Water-, freeze-, crush-, shock- and dust-resistant design

Specs:

Product Height 2.5"

Product Width 3.9"

Product Weight 7.8 oz.

Product Depth 1"

Megapixels (Effective) 12.0

Image Resolution Up to 3968 x 2976

Optical Zoom 4x

Digital Zoom 4x

Lens Features 9 lenses in 7 groups

Lens Focal Length(s) 4.5-18mm (35mm equivalent 25-100mm)

LCD Screen Size 3"

LCD Screen Features OLED with 610K dots

Viewfinder LCD only

Image Stabilization Yes, duo

Face Detection Yes

Burst Mode Yes

Panorama Mode Yes

Image Stitching Yes

Internal Memory 7.9MB

Compatible Memory Formats Secure Digital (SD)|Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC)|Secure Digital Expanded Capacity (SDXC)

Shutter Speeds 1/4 - 1/2000 sec.; Night Scene: 4 sec.

Aperture Range f/2 - f/4.9

White Balance Auto, overcast, sunlight, tunsten, underwater

Flash Range 7.9" - 11.5' at ISO 800 (wide); 1.6' - 8.2' at ISO 800 (telephoto)

Flash Modes Auto, red-eye reduction, fill in, off

Focus Range Normal: 2' - infinity; Macro: 3.9" - infinity; super Macro: 0.4" - 2'

Movie Mode Yes

ISO Equivalent Auto, high auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400

Self-Timer 12 sec., 2 sec. or auto

Interface USB

Camera Dock Not included

File Formats JPEG, MOV/H.264

Exposure Control Exposure compensation (±2 EV in 1/3 steps)

Image Storage Capacity Varies

Batteries 1 rechargeable lithium-ion Li90B (included)

AC Adapter Yes

Imaging Sensor Type CMOS

Imaging Sensor Size 1/2.3"

Touchscreen No

HD Movie Mode Yes

Smile Mode No

Waterproof Yes

Coldproof Yes

Shockproof Yes

Low-Light/High Sensitivity Yes

UPC 050332182189

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What else is new?

PR admin — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 02:04:30 +0000

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New ThinkTankPhoto Retrospective bags.

Canon suspends 5D Mark III shipping.

Sony A57 delayed to April 27th in Japan.

Olympus has a new board.

Canon filed four patents for DA (Diffractive Optics) lenses: 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6, 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6, 14mm f/2.8 and 600mm f/4.

The new Blackmagic cinema camera is already listed at B&H for $2,995.

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Olympus filed patent for 14mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm and 22mm f/2.8 pancake lenses

PR admin — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 15:04:56 +0000

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Olympus filed a patent 201268448 in Japan for a whole series of f/2.8 pancake lenses: 14mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm and 22mm. I don't think Olympus will ever announce all of those products - manufacturers often file patents for multiple lens versions/calculations and release only one model at the end.

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Panasonic 12-60mm f/4.5-5.6 and Olympus 150mm f/2.8 lens patent

PR admin — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:57:35 +0000

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Panasonic filed a patent (201247813) in Japan for a 12-60mm f/4.5-5.6 Micro Four Thirds lens:

Patent release date: March 8th, 2012
Patent filed on: August 24th, 2010
Focal length: 58.1999-12.3599mm
Aperture: 4.63557-5.76853
Angle of view: 10.1280-4.3446 deg.
Zoom ratio: 4.70875
Lens design: 11 elements in 8 groups
1 ED glass element
5 aspherical elements
Optical Image Stabilizer
Internal focusing/zooming

Patent 201253260 is for a 150mm f/2.8 Macro lens by Olympus. Several different lens designs were described - for Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds cameras:

Patent release date: March 15, 2012
Patent filed on: September 31, 2010
Focal length: 150.11mm
Aperture: 2.83 - 1.85 - 1.30
Lens length: 178.64mm
Lens design: 15 elements of 12 groups
3 ED glass elements

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Focus on Imaging 2012

PR admin — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:05:59 +0000

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Here are some images from the ongoing Focus on Imaging 2012 show in Birmingham, UK sent by readers (click here for the Nikon booth):

Above images credit: Joe Turner Photography (website | flickr)

Above images credit: Pengranger

Above images credit: Kelly.

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Patent for a new Olympus 17mm f/2.8 lens (plus the latest Canon patents)

PR admin — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 00:16:33 +0000

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Olympus filed a patent 201237640 in Japan for a new 17mm f/2.8 lens. The current Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8 pancake lens ($299.99) was announced on June 16, 2009. The newly patented lens will have 7 elements in 5 groups compared to 6 elements in 4 groups in the current model.

Canon filed patent 201237691 in Japan for 28mm f/2.8, 24mm f/2.8 and 35mm f/2.0 lenses and patent 201042792 for a 17-40mm f/2.8-4 lens:

Canon 24mm f/2.8 lens patent

Canon 28mm f/2.8 lens patent

Canon 35mm f/2.0 lens patent

Canon 17-40mm f/2.8-4 lens patent

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The latest Olympus headlines

PR admin — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:36:09 +0000

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Those the latest Olympus headlines:

Olympus risks foreign backlash with new board line-up (read more)
Olympus taps insider, ex-banker for top board posts (read more)
Olympus exec in India found dead in apparent suicide (read more)
Olympus expects net loss, but core business seen unscathed (read more)
Japan prosecutors may charge Olympus over scandal (read more)

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Next Olympus camera will be a PEN

PR admin — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 00:51:17 +0000

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Talking to Techradar, Toshiyuki Terada from Olympus Japan mentioned that the next Olympus camera to be released will be a PEN and not a OM-D model:

"Looking at product lifespan, I think the next issue will be a new PEN."

The last PEN cameras, the E-P3 and E-PL3 were announced on June 30, 2011.

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Expected shipping dates for some newly announced products UPDATED

PR admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:09:13 +0000

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Many new products were announced in the past few weeks. Here is a quick update on the expected availability dates for some of the more popular items:

Olympus OM-D E-M5: April 10, 2012
Fuji X-Pro1: March 20 7, 2012
Pentax K-01: March 29, 2012
Sony 500mm f/4.0G lens: April 23, 2012
Canon PowerShot G1x: March 5, 2012
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM: April 17, 2012
Canon EF 28 f/2.8 IS USM: June 17, 2012
Canon EF 24 f/2.8 IS USM: June 17, 2012
Nikon D800: March 22, 2012
Nikon D800E: April 12, 2012
Lexar 128GB 1000x CF card: March 5, 2012

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The latest Olympus headlines

PR admin — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:39:09 +0000

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A quick update on the latest Olympus headlines:

Former executives, bankers arrested over Olympus fraud (read more)
Prosecutors arrest former Olympus execs over fraud (read more)
Scandal-hit Olympus forecasts $412 mln annual loss (read more)
Olympus says not in concrete talks on tie-up (read more)
Olympus chief: may choose not to boost capital (read more)
Olympus ex-CEO Woodford sees more revelations (read more)

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Complete list of Olympus products that qualify for the new instant rebates

PR admin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:59:58 +0000

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Here is a complete list of all Olympus products/kits that qualify for the new instant rebate savings. The new rebate program is valid through February 25, 2012 and offers savings up to $125.

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Olympus at the 2012 CP+ show in Yokohama, Japan

PR admin — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 18:39:37 +0000

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Images credit: Jeff Chen

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Photo Rumors » Olympus

Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm f/1.8 lens announced

Olympus is teasing again

The latest rebates from Olympus, Sony, Canon and Nikon

New Olympus 12-120mm f/4-5.6 lens patent

Olympus TG-1 iHS Tough camera announced

Another Olympus teaser for the TG-1 iHS camera

New 35mm f/0.95 lens for Micro Fourth Thirds and Fuji X mounts

New nuts from Olympus coming soon

New Olympus TG-1 iHS Tough camera leaks on BestBuy website

What else is new?

Olympus filed patent for 14mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm and 22mm f/2.8 pancake lenses

Panasonic 12-60mm f/4.5-5.6 and Olympus 150mm f/2.8 lens patent

Focus on Imaging 2012

Patent for a new Olympus 17mm f/2.8 lens (plus the latest Canon patents)

The latest Olympus headlines

Next Olympus camera will be a PEN

Expected shipping dates for some newly announced products *UPDATED*

The latest Olympus headlines

Complete list of Olympus products that qualify for the new instant rebates

Olympus at the 2012 CP+ show in Yokohama, Japan

Expected shipping dates for some newly announced products UPDATED