Download the new firmware upgrade at: Olympus

Related Link:

• Olympus Firmware Upgrade Press Release

The firmware update improves the AF speed for the E-P1, E-P2 and E-PL1’s still image capture with all Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds lenses. In addition, the update improves AF Tracking in continuous AF mode when shooting movies and using the new M. Zuiko Digital™ ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 and M. Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 lenses.

The new firmware will be available on Olympus’ Web site starting on April 22, 2010.

PRESS RELEASE

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., April 15, 2010 – Olympus today announces the release of new firmware that improves auto focus performance for still images and high-definition (HD) video recording for the Olympus PEN E-P1, E-P2 and E-PL1 cameras. The firmware update will also enable the menu and recorded image to be displayed on the E-P2 and E-PL1 LCD while the VF-2 electronic viewfinder is in use.

The firmware update improves the autofocus speed for the E-P1, E-P2 and E-PL1’s still image capture with all Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds lenses. In addition, the update improves auto focus tracking in continuous auto focus (C-AF) mode when shooting movies and using the new M. Zuiko Digital™ ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 and M. Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 lenses. These lenses are Olympus’ first movie and still [picture] compatible (MSC) lenses and are optimized to achieve accurate and silent auto focus while shooting HD videos.

The new firmware will be available on Olympus’ web site starting on April 22, 2010. Click on the following link to learn more about the update and gain access to the firmware updater application: http://www.getolympus.com/penupdate.

The M. Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 lens will be available in May 2010, and the M. Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 lens will be available in June 2010.

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances people’s lives every day. These include:

* Digital Cameras
* Professional Digital SLR Imaging Systems
* Related Underwater Products and Accessories
* Digital and Microcassette Recorders
* Digital Media
* Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for all of the following markets: United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com or www.olympuscanada.com.

Olympus E-P1 with 17mm pancake lens

The Olympus E-P1 Firmware Ver 1.3 upgrade resolves the issue in firmware version 1.2 where the LEVEL GAUGE display did not move when using MF (manual focus).

Beautiful sphere soars Bright bright bubble of childhood Dream reality

Today, Olympus Canada announced the winner of the “PEN Create It” contest. The winning entry is by Ted Nodwell (with 7161 votes) and is displayed above with its corresponding haiku.

If you would like to see other contest entries, click on the link below:

http://www.createitcontest.com/en/

Olympus Announces Winner of the “PEN Create It” Contest

Winner Receives Exclusive 12-Day Photography Trip to Japan

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., February 11, 2010 – Olympus names the winner of the “PEN Create It” photo and Haiku contest which began in July 2009 and celebrated the launch of the first Olympus® PEN® camera, the E-P1, and its creative capabilities. The contest was open to residents of Canada, and challenged consumers to capture a photo or video with the E-P1 digital camera and write a Haiku to best corroborate their art. Ted Nodwell was selected for his image and Haiku, and will receive a 12-day all-expenses-paid photography trip to Japan.

A Haiku is a Japanese lyric, having three unrhymed lines of five, seven and five syllables, traditionally invoking an aspect of nature or the seasons. Traditionally, each Haiku has a maximum of 17 syllables, and many English Haikus have 10-14 syllables.

“All of the PEN Create It contest entries were impressive,” said Louis Chatel, director, Sales & Marketing–Canada, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “We congratulate Mr. Nodwell on his achievement, and we encourage all of the contestants to continue to expand upon their creativity using this ground-breaking product.”

The Olympus PEN series is the world’s smallest interchangeable lens system with In-body Image Stabilization. The PEN E-P1 and E-P2 cameras are designed to take anywhere and do it all. These revolutionary products combine 12.3 megapixel high-quality still images like that of a digital single- lens reflex (DSLR) camera with High-Definition (HD) video, stereo Linear PCM audio recording and In-Camera Creativity contained an ultra-portable body. These easy-to-use cameras offer endless artistic possibilities with their diverse multimedia features, providing the versatility and creativity you crave.

Submissions for the “PEN Create It Contest” were accepted through December 31, 2009. The winning image and corresponding Haiku were selected through an online public vote, which started on July 24, 2009 and ran until January 8, 2010. The winning image and Haiku can be viewed at www.createitcontest.com.

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances people’s lives every day. These include:

• Digital Cameras
• Professional Digital SLR Imaging Systems
• Related Underwater Products and Accessories
• Digital and Microcassette Recorders
• Digital Media
• Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for all of the following markets: United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com or www.olympuscanada.com.

Olympus E-P1 with 17mm pancake lens

“It’s the first camera I’ve used in quite some time that I’m very sure would significantly increase my happiness minute supply.”

The Online Photographer has published their Part III review of the Olympus E-P1 [Specs], the world’s smallest Interchangeable Lens System camera with 12.3MP resolution (on a 17.3 x 13.0 mm High Speed Live MOS Sensor), Sensor-shift Image Stabilization, Dust Reduction, an extra large 3.0-in. LCD (230K dots), HD Movie (1280×720 @ 30fps) with stereo sound, Intelligent AUTO (auto scene recognition), Scene Modes, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology, PASM modes, Shutter speed range of 60 – 1/4000 sec. plus Bulb (up to 30 min.), Continuous Shooting at 3fps, RAW file format, Digital Level, MF Assist, a hot shoe, Live View Autofocus system with real time focus, Multiple Exposure, six built-in Art Filters and ePortrait. In a welcomed change for an Olympus digital camera, the E-P1 uses the Secure Digital (SD / SDHC) memory cards.

[ Read the Olympus E-P1 Review [Part II] at: The Online Photographer ]

Olympus E-P1 with 17mm pancake lens

“Responsiveness [is]not perfect … but it’s sufficient.”

The Online Photographer has published their Part II review of the Olympus E-P1 [Specs], the world’s smallest Interchangeable Lens System camera with 12.3MP resolution (on a 17.3 x 13.0 mm High Speed Live MOS Sensor), Sensor-shift Image Stabilization, Dust Reduction, an extra large 3.0-in. LCD (230K dots), HD Movie (1280×720 @ 30fps) with stereo sound, Intelligent AUTO (auto scene recognition), Scene Modes, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology, PASM modes, Shutter speed range of 60 – 1/4000 sec. plus Bulb (up to 30 min.), Continuous Shooting at 3fps, RAW file format, Digital Level, MF Assist, a hot shoe, Live View Autofocus system with real time focus, Multiple Exposure, six built-in Art Filters and ePortrait. In a welcomed change for an Olympus digital camera, the E-P1 uses the Secure Digital (SD / SDHC) memory cards.

[ Read the Olympus E-P1 Review [Part II] at: The Online Photographer ]

Olympus E-P1

Just Posted! Olympus E-P1 Review

The Olympus E-P1 succeeds in incorporating DSLR image quality in a relatively compact and light body, thanks to the use of a large Four Thirds image sensor. It is a beautiful camera with a retro look that harks back to the PEN era. The micro Four Thirds mount makes its compact form possible and accepts interchangeable lenses. But good looks are just the starting point…. If you are principally a landscape photographer and are tired of lugging around a heavy DSLR and lenses, the E-P1 may just be your perfect digital interchangeable lens camera.

[ Read more in our Olympus E-P1 Review... ]

Olympus E-P1

OLYMPUS PEN NAMED AS CES INNOVATIONS 2010 DESIGN AND ENGINEERING AWARD HONOUREE

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., November 11, 2009 – Olympus today announced that it has been named an International CES Innovations 2010 Design and Engineering Awards Honouree for its first Micro Four Thirds camera, the Olympus PEN E-P1. Products entered in this prestigious program are judged by a preeminent panel of independent industrial designers, engineers and members of the media to honour outstanding design and engineering in cutting edge consumer electronics products across 36 product categories.

The Olympus E-P1 is the world’s smallest 12.3-megapixel image stabilized interchangeable lens system camera. It’s a revolutionary product, blending the high-quality still images like that of a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera with High Definition (HD) video, stereo Linear PCM audio recording and In-Camera Creativity within an ultra-portable body. The easy-to-use E-P1 expands your creative horizons and its diverse multimedia features offer something for everyone. Built for today’s visual generation who lead active lives online and offline, the E-P1 will make you rethink what you can do with a camera. Additional details are available at www.getolympus.ca.

“We are honoured that the digital PEN has been named a CES Innovations 2010 Design and Engineering Award Honouree,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Digital SLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “The E-P1’s beautiful retro design pays homage to the original PEN cameras of 1959 and the later PEN F cameras. The E-P1’s revolutionary functionality creates a new camera category that defies the traditional boundaries. Neither a P&S nor an SLR, it’s a PEN.”

The prestigious Innovations Design and Engineering Awards have been recognizing achievements in product design and engineering since 1976. It is sponsored by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the producer of the International CES, the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow, and endorsed by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), the voice of industrial design, committed to advancing the profession through education, information, community and advocacy.

The Olympus E-P1 will be displayed at the 2010 International CES, which runs January 7-10, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Innovations Design and Engineering Showcase will feature honourees by product category in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center and will also be featured at CES Unveiled: The Official Press Event of the International CES on Tuesday, January 5.

The Innovations entries are judged based on the following criteria:

• Engineering qualities, based on technical specs and materials used
• Aesthetic and design qualities, using photos provided
• The product’s intended use/function and user value
• Unique/novel features that consumers would find attractive
• How the design and innovation of the product compares to other products in the marketplace

Products chosen as an Innovations honouree reflect innovative design and engineering of the entries. Examples may include the first time various technologies are combined in a single product or dramatic enhancements to previous product designs.

Innovations 2010 Design and Engineering honouree products are featured on www.CESweb.org/Innovations, which lists product categories, as well as each product name, manufacturer information, designer, description, photo and URL.

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances people’s lives every day.

These include:

• Digital Cameras
• Professional Digital SLR Imaging Systems
• Related Underwater Products and Accessories
• Digital and Microcassette Recorders
• Digital Media
• Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for all of the following markets: United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympuscanada.com.

Related Link:

• Olympus PEN E-P1 QuickFact Sheet

[ View the High ISO Comparisons at: Camera Labs ]

Olympus E-P1

“A world apart from what you’ll achieve with a typical compact.”

Camera Labs has published their review of the Olympus E-P1 [Specs], an Interchangeable Lens System camera with 12.3MP resolution (on a 17.3 x 13.0 mm High Speed Live MOS Sensor), Sensor-shift Image Stabilization, Dust Reduction, an extra large 3.0-in. LCD (230K dots), HD Movie (1280×720 @ 30fps) with stereo sound, Intelligent AUTO (auto scene recognition), Scene Modes, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology, PASM modes, Shutter speed range of 60 – 1/4000 sec. plus Bulb (up to 30 min.), Continuous Shooting at 3fps, RAW file format, Digital Level, MF Assist, a hot shoe, Live View Autofocus system with real time focus, Multiple Exposure, six built-in Art Filters and ePortrait. In a welcomed change for an Olympus digital camera, the E-P1 uses the Secure Digital (SD / SDHC) memory cards.

[ Read the Olympus E-P1 Review at: Camera Labs ]

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

The future is clearly compact digital cameras with large sensors, like the Panasonic GF1 [Specs], pictured above. But, the first generation of such digital cameras face some real technological challenges and many are wondering why. To find out, Dan Havlik, PDN’s Technology Specialist, talks to representatives from Sigma, Olympus and Leica to find out what is so tough about putting a large image sensor into a small camera body — and what they see for the future.

[ Read the full article at: PDNGearGuide ]

Olympus E-P1

“The Olympus E-P1 with the 17mm lens hits the right spots for this photographer.”

Imaging Resource has published their review of the Olympus E-P1 [Specs], the world’s smallest Interchangeable Lens System camera with 12.3MP resolution (on a 17.3 x 13.0 mm High Speed Live MOS Sensor), Sensor-shift Image Stabilization, Dust Reduction, an extra large 3.0-in. LCD (230K dots), HD Movie (1280×720 @ 30fps) with stereo sound, Intelligent AUTO (auto scene recognition), Scene Modes, Face Detection, Shadow Adjustment Technology, PASM modes, Shutter speed range of 60 – 1/4000 sec. plus Bulb (up to 30 min.), Continuous Shooting at 3fps, RAW file format, Digital Level, MF Assist, a hot shoe, Live View Autofocus system with real time focus, Multiple Exposure, six built-in Art Filters and ePortrait. In a welcomed change for an Olympus digital camera, the E-P1 uses the Secure Digital (SD / SDHC) memory cards.

Editor’s note: This Imaging Resource review of the Olympus E-P1 warrants a careful reading because the reviewer found an AF issue with the E-P1 and a major issue with the 14-42mm kit lens. He still loves the camera, but you have to make your own decision taking all the info (good and bad) into consideration.