Olympus has introduced their first Micro Four Thirds camera - the Olympus PEN E-P1.

The compact new Olympus PEN E-P1 has a 12.3-megapixel sensor and it’s Olympus’ first changeable lens camera to offer a movie mode (720p HD).

The Micro Four Thirds format was announced last August and since then we’ve been anxiously waiting to find out what Olympus would do with it. Panasonic has introduced two Micro Four Thirds cameras, the Lumix G1 and the GH1 with HD video. But until now, the only Micro Four Thirds action we’ve seen from Olympus was behind glass at tradeshows. But now there’s an Olympus Micro Four Thirds camera we can bank on - and it’s not just a list of specs and features, either.

Olympus PEN E-P1 Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera

The Olympus PEN E-P1 was named in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of the Olympus Pen half-frame film camera. The lines of the E-P1’s sleek metal body are an obvious nod to that heritage. And like the Olympus Pen-Series, the Micro Four Thirds format E-P1 offers high-performance in a smaller camera body. Basically, the Micro Four Thirds format eliminates the SLR mirror so the camera and lenses can be smaller and lighter (for more on the Micro Four Thirds format, read our Micro Four Thirds Introduction article).The Olympus PEN E-P1’s stainless steel and aluminum body is comparable in size to a 35mm rangefinder and has a solid, metallic feel that traditionalists will love. Unlike the Panasonic Lumix G-Series Micro Four Thirds cameras, which have electronic viewfinders (EVF), the Olympus E-P1 only uses only a 3-inch, 230k-pixel LCD for viewing and composing, allowing them to make the camera even smaller. That allowed Olympus to make the E-P1 the smallest 12-megapixel digital camera with changeable lenses. It’s as if you chopped the top off one of the smallest digital SLRs and then squished the body front to back (see below). Lens diameters are also smaller and less glass makes the camera even lighter. The Olympus PEN E-P1’s size feels closer to high-end compacts like the Canon G10 than a digital SLR. But the EP-1’s 12-megapixel Four Thirds sensor is much larger than the G10’s and can deliver far better image quality.

There is one detail to note about image quality – the new True Pic V image processor is supposed to have a significantly better signal-to-noise ratio and that should mean better high-ISO image quality (the E-P1 maxes out at ISO 6400). Since the Four Thirds sensor is smaller than APS-C sensors in most DSLRs, it’s a bit much to expect the E-P1 (as well as Four Thirds digital SLRs) to match their image quality. The E-P1 has an image-stabilized sensor so image stabilization is available regardless of the lens you use.

If you’ve got Leica M-rangefinder lenses you can get a Micro Four Thirds M-mount adapter and you’ll be able to shoot image-stabilized photos with Leica glass on the E-P1.

Excellent reference to the Olympus E-P1 can be found here:

• DPReview, excellent as always,
• CNET’s test, from which the above video
• DigitalCameraReview,

The Olympus PEN E-P1 is available for ordering now and is priced US $ 799.99.

Ultrazoom compact cameras have come a long way, really long if you consider that two out of three of these sport a 24x zoom lens.

This means, in 35mm jargon, an equivalent 26-624mm zoom. The Olympus SP-590UZ, goes even further, up to 26x (676mm equiv.)!

All three have image stabilization and vibration reduction features; they all reach the 12 megapixel peak and may give you something to think about when choosing your next camera: an ultrazoom compact with DSLR-level features.

Which is the best? Fair bet… each one has its own strong points, so check out for yourself!

The Olympus SP-590UZ: with a 26x optical zoom lens covering a remarkable 26-676mm focal length range, 10fps sequential shooting, and a 12 Megapixel CCD, nothing can escape the scrutiny of the SP-590UZ.
Photographers using the latest Olympus Ultra Zoom can further increase the power of its lens to 130x using the optional TCON-17N Teleconverter.
Luckily, Dual Image Stabilisation is on hand to protect photos from blur caused by camera shake, and Shadow Adjustment Technology has been included to bring out details hidden in darker areas of the picture.
So when photographers view their results on the camera’s 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD, they know that they’ll be picture perfect.

The Pentax X70 12MP CCD Digital Camera with 24x Optical Triple Shake Reduction Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD is an all-purpose digital compact camera featuring a high-magnification optical 24x zoom and 6.25x digital zoom lens.
The camera has approximately 12 effective megapixels and utilizes a 1/2.33-inch CCD image sensor.
Its lens focusing distance is 4.6 - 110.4mm (approx. 26-624mm in 35mm format) with an aperture range of F2.8(W)-F5.0(T). The X70 is able to record up to 1280 resolution video and has an ISO sensitivity of up to 6400.
It has Motion Blur Reduction, Hi-sensitivity anti-shake mode (Digital SR), and Movie shake reduction mode (Movie SR).
The camera has a 33.6 MB built-in memory with support for SD/SDHC Memory Card expandibility.
The Pentax X70 has a 2.7-inch 230K AR coating LCD display and an electronic viewfinder (200K dots) and auto and manual focus, macro shots, exposure control, exposure compensation, scene mode, playback mode, shutter speed of 1/4000-1/4 seconds, built-in flash and “Red-eye” reduction. The Pentax X70 is powered by a rechargeable D-LI92 lithium-ion battery, measures 110.5×82.5×89.5mm and weighs 390g (without battery and SD memory card).

The Nikon Coolpix P90 12.1MP Digital Camera with 24x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 3 inch Tilt LCD is among the first Nikon models to advertise the manufacturer’s “four-way” Vibration Reduction image stabilization concept. In addition to optical/mechanical image stabilization, the Nikon P90 utilizes motion detection (which detects subject motion and adjusts shutter speed and/or ISO accordingly), reduced-res high-sensitivity shooting at up to ISO 6400, and Nikon’s Best Shot Selector (which “automatically takes up to 10 shots while the user presses the shutter, and saves the sharpest image”).

Shooting Modes for All
Two new shooting modes on the P90 seek to expand the camera’s utility for different user groups. Aimed at soccer moms and serious shooters alike, the Nikon P90’s Sport Continuous mode captures up to 45 reduced-resolution shots at an outrageously fast 15 fps. Family photographers are also served by a new Smart Portrait System, grouping several auto exposure technologies (including blink detection, smile detection, face detection, and red-eye reduction) for easier access when taking shots of friends and family.
In the interest of enthusiast appeal, the P90 also packs in the typical P/A/S/M manual exposure modes, as well as an electronic viewfinder.

The Nikon P90 weighs in at just over a pound so it didn’t feel like we were shackled to a mid-level DSLR. The weight reduction can be attributed to the Nikon P90’s plastic body. It was obvious that Nikon sacrificed a little structural integrity in exchange for additional controls and features.

Articulating Screen: in this case, though, the big news is that the P90’s screen is articulating (Nikon calls it “Vari-Angle”), allowing the display to be tilted “as much as 90 degrees upward or 45 degrees downward,” according to the manufacturer.

The best three ultrazoom compact cameras around: now it’s up to you to choose!

There’s no doubt: the Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 12 MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Wide Angle Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Black) may be considered Bruce Willis camera of choice!

The Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 is a compact digital camera sporting 12 MP resolution along with 3.6x Wide Angle Optical Dual Image Stabilized Zoom and great 2.7″ display.
There’s really only one word to describe the new shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof, crushproof and shakeproof Stylus Tough-8000 camera from Olympus: Tough.

Unbelievable?
Olympus says the Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 can survive a 6.6-foot drop, venture 33 feet underwater, withstand 220 pounds of crushing pressure, and laugh at freezing temperatures. Tap Control makes it easy for skiers, divers and snowmen makers to control key settings without removing their gloves.

Tech specs, for people in a hurry:

• 12-megapixel resolution for photo-quality, poster-size prints
• Waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, crushproof and shakeproof
• 3.6x wide-angle optical dual image stabilized zoom
• 2.7-inch Advanced HyperCrystal III LCD screen
• Compatible with xD Picture Cards and microSD memory cards

Some of the features we like the most.

The new “OR” (Olympus Recommended) button makes it easy to activate Olympus’ unique features, including In-Camera Panorama, Shadow Adjustment and Perfect Shot Preview. Simply press the new OR button to easily access these commonly used features.

The new Beauty Mode: it enables you to soften shadows and smooth wrinkles or blemishes on your subject’s face–all in the camera and as you capture the image! Additionally, subtle edits can be made post-capture using the Beauty Fix mode. Choose “Clear Skin” to smooth a person’s complexion, “Dramatic Eye” to slightly emphasize the eyes, and “Sparkle Eye” to brighten and enhance the contrast of the iris and pupils. You can also apply all three edits at once. Have fun customizing your brilliant images without a PC and costly image editing software.

Tap Control: the Stylus Tough series cameras can be controlled with a simple tap on their top, back or sides, which is made possible thanks to their internal 3D accelerometer that detects the direction of the force on the camera’s body. To turn on the flash or Shadow Adjustment Technology, all that is required is a couple of taps on the camera’s sides and top. In adverse climates Tap Control ensures fast adjustment of settings even if you are fighting frostbite wearing large gloves that make pressing traditional buttons nearly impossible.

Wide-Angle Optical Zoom: the Stylus Tough-8000 features a 3.6x wide-angle optical zoom (28-102mm equivalent in 35mm photography, f3.5-5.0) so that even more of the subject makes it into each shot–perfect for underwater photography. The lens does not protrude from its body so it is further protected from harsh conditions.

Versatile Memory: all Olympus digital point-and-shoot cameras accept xD-Picture Card media, they now also accept microSD memory cards to capture images.

In-Camera Panorama: the places you can take Stylus Tough series cameras are locations where you want to capture as much of the scene as you can.
In-Camera Panorama mode makes it possible by capturing three images and stitching them together to create one amazing panoramic picture.
Simply press the shutter button and slowly pan across a panoramic scene.
The second and third images will be captured automatically and stitched together with the first image–resulting in one seamless panorama-size picture.
To create the ultimate panoramic picture, just use the Olympus Master Software 2 to stitch up to 10 images together.

The Olympus Stylus 1050SW is a brand new 10.1MP Compact Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom and a pack of features that makes it an almost perfect all-weather all-terrain companion!

While other digital cameras may use touch screens to access settings, the new Olympus Stylus 1050SW has a shockproof, waterproof and freezeproof body that is sensitive to touch all over. So getting to the most common menu settings in situations where pushing buttons takes time or is difficult is now as fast and easy as a tap on the top, back or sides of the camera.

The rugged 10.1-megapixel Olympus Stylus 1050SW is designed to take the hard knocks that everyday life–particularly those with kids–can throw its way, so you know that the memories it captures will be protected. It can handle five-foot drops to the hard ground, operate in freezing snowstorms, and swim with the fishes — lethal conditions for most other digital cameras. Additionally, the sleek, lens-protecting faceplate slides down, turning the camera on and revealing the lens in an instant to capture the moment.

Shockproof design for worry-free fun
The shock-absorbing technology designed into the Olympus Stylus 1050SW minimizes the impact delivered to the lens and circuitry when the camera is dropped from heights up to 5 feet. Whether the camera slips out of a backpack or a toddler drops it down a staircase, the Olympus Stylus 1050SW can take a licking and keep on clicking.

Waterproof for underwater adventures
The Stylus 1050 SW performs as well under water as it does on land because its lightweight, aluminum exterior is matched with interior rubber gaskets and O-rings to seal out the elements. It can take photos while being fully submerged to depths of approximately 10 feet (3 meters). The inclusion of a preset underwater scene mode makes the Olympus Stylus 1050SW perfect for snorkeling or a day in the pool. It also features a water-repellant lens coating to prevent water droplets from forming on the lens to get crystal-clear shots no matter how wet the shooting environment.

Freezeproof for icy conditions
Unlike other point-and-shoot cameras that freeze up in frosty weather, the Stylus 1050 SW still performs when the temperature dips well below freezing (down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit; -10 degrees Celsius) so it is ready when you are to make a snowman or hit the slopes.

A short feature list:

Olympus today took advantage of the relative quiet to revamp its EVOLT digital SLRs with the Olympus Evolt E420.
The 10-megapixel camera is claimed as the smallest and lightest ever in the category and weighs just 13.4 ounces, or at least 20 percent lighter than the next-best in the class.
It also represents an improved ease of use over the earlier E-410, with both a shadow correction function and a new onscreen autofocus feature that uses the live preview LCD to mark out properly focused subjects.
The combination is said by Olympus to produce a camera that can be used like a compact point-and-shoot while still offering all the control of a full SLR.

Also new to the Olympus Evolt E420 are a larger, 2.7-inch LCD with improved color accuracy and contrast, face detection for portrait shots, and better handling of automatic white balance.
Olympus ships the camera in May, starting at $500 for a body-only version.
A more common kit version will sell for $600 with a 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 lens and should be accompanied by a more specialized, $700 edition with a fixed-focus, 25mm f/2.8 equivalent to 50mm on a conventional film camera.

PMA 2008: one of the first products from the upcoming PMA 2008 is the new Olympus SP-570UZ, an update to the SP-560UZ, goes even further than the rest of the crop of ultrazoom cameras.
Now sporting 10 MP CCD and a whopping 26-520mm (35mm equiv.) zoom: that is 20x!
Still supported RAW shooting and only XD-cards, 4 AA batteries and 22 scenes exposure modes to choose.
The feature list of the SP-570UZ includes: Face Detection tech, TruePic III, High ISO settings, a 2.7″ LCD display and much more…

Priced around US$ 499, the SP-570UZ is available for pre-order now, in stores by April 2008.