The silver finish LX3 has been discounted to $400 for pre-orders. Check out 1001 Noisy Cameras for the details on this deal and a round-up of LX3 reviews to date.

8/31/08 Update: The more popular black finish has now been discounted as well. Once again, 1001 Noisy Cameras has the scoop (link).

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Samsung has today revealed the development of a new interchangeable lens "hybrid" digital camera system for the Spring of 2010. According to an article in Amateur Photographer, the first model in the yet to be named system will utilize Samsung's 14 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor and feature a new lens mount.

Samsung Executive Vice President Byung Woo Lee explained, "Many people find DSLR cameras too heavy and big to carry, so Samsung will introduce a new hybrid system that will be small and light like a bridge type camera, but with interchangeable Samsung-made lenses."

The announcement comes just a few weeks after that of the Micro Four Thirds standard. Like Micro Four Thirds, the Samsung system will lack a mirror for direct viewing through the lens, allowing for a shorter flange back distance and thus smaller lenses than seen with current DSLRs. Samsung has revealed that the system will utilize rear panel LCDs in addition to EVFs for framing.

The major apparent difference between Samsung's system and Micro Four Thirds lies in format size and aspect ratio. The relative sensor sizes of the two systems are depicted below, along with that of a Canon G9 and Sigma DP1.



As you can see, both the Samsung "hybrid" system and Micro Four Thirds will have significantly larger sensors than conventional compact cameras. Presumably the Micro Four Thirds system, with its smaller sensor size and more efficient use of the imaging circle, has the potential to be more compact than the Samsung system. The Samsung, meanwhile, is likely to offer better high ISO performance.

If Olympus and Panasonic release a Micro Four Thirds product soon, they have the potential to reach get a comfortable lead in this new segment of the camera market. There is also plenty of time for a competitor such as Nikon to release an APS-C competitor prior to Spring 2010.

[Via Imaging Insider]

Read the full story at AmateurPhotographer.co.uk

Full coverage at 1001 Noisy Cameras
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Featured Comment by Bruce Mcl:

I have a minor gripe about your chart. The micro 4/3rds spec is not limited to a 4:3 aspect ratio. Quoting from the white paper:

(4) To facilitate the addition of movie capability in the future by providing compatibility with image aspect ratios from 4:3 to 16:9 within the diagonal length of the effective pixel area of the Four Thirds Specification.

White paper is here: http://www.four-thirds.org/en/microft/whitepaper.html

Note the words "diagonal length." I believe this means that micro 4/3 area of your chart could be longer and not as high and still be correct. You could use a 3:2 or 16:9 shaped area, as long as the diagonal was the same length as in the 4:3 area you show. The chart would still make the same points but people might learn something from seeing three slightly different areas for micro 4:3.

To me this sounds like Panasonic's input to the spec. They do this on the new LX3 camera. Each aspect ratio has the same diagonal length, so you get true 24mm at 4:3, 3:2, and 16:9. The first camera I know of with this feature was the Panasonic TZ3. That is one reason I own one.

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Bruce, thanks for pointing that out and for the link to the white paper. I didn't know about that part of the specification for Micro Four Thirds.

Here's a revised version of the relative sensor size figure, with the possible Micro Four Thirds aspect ratios each depicted in a different shade of blue and labeled:

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If you have an old, out of warranty Canon compact, Canon is quietly offering discounted refurbished current models through an upgrade program. That 2.1MP 1999 Canon S10 and $250 will get you Canon G9 along with a six month warranty!

Details are available at CheapShooter.com

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I have written an article about the folly of the megapixel race. The examples in the article are DSLRs, but the same arguments apply to compacts. Maybe even more, given the usually tiny sensors.

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Wouter Brandsma, a very talented photographer and Serious Compacts contributor has published his initial impressions of the Ricoh GX200. Wouter has extensive experience with that camera's predecessor, the GX100, and his article is full of insightful comments and, of course, excellent photos.

Read 'My initial Ricoh GX200 impressions' at Wouter Brandsma Photography

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By Mayank Bhatnagar

Since the Canon EOS 50D launch just two days ago, internet forums have been abuzz with what is perhaps Canon's main imaging technology breakthrough this year: the new (CMOS) sensor design with redesigned photo diodes and gapless micro lenses. According to Canon's Chuck Westfall, this new technology in the 50D, which features Canon's highest pixel count (15 megapixel) APS-C sensor to date, will result in approximately 1-1.5 stop better high ISO noise performance as compared with the 10 megapixel 40D (Source: Rob Galbraith). There may even be an improvement in dynamic range.

The new technology is beautifully illustrated on page 3 of DP Review's hands-on preview of the EOS 50D.

The following two key points from the preview are worth noting:
1. The EOS 50D sensor has gapless micro lenses, which apparently significantly increases the efficiency of each pixel.
2. Canon is claiming that the new manufacturing process plus redesigned photo diodes and micro lenses extend the light gathering capabilities of the sensor.

Here is an extract from EOS 50D's official press release:

Outstanding, clean images

A newly designed 15.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor delivers ultra-detailed, low-noise images – ideal for large-scale reproduction or creative cropping. New manufacturing processes, plus redesigned photo diodes and microlenses, extend the light gathering capabilities of the sensor – allowing more pixels to be fitted on the CMOS sensor without compromising image quality. These changes ensure improved high ISO performance and low noise. High-speed, low light shooting is enabled by ISO levels of 3200, expandable to an ultra-sensitive 12800.

While tests / comparisons are needed to verify Canon's claims, the new technology could have far reaching consequences for compact cameras, whose small sensors are currently marred by issues of noise and poor dynamic range. This technology is not speculative; it is here, and there is no apparent reason why it would not soon find its way into compact cameras, perhaps beginning with high end models. If the technology lives up to its claims, it may ultimately be a bigger breakthrough for compacts than it is for DSLRs today!

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Mayank Bhatnagar is a New Delhi and Jaipur (India) based Fine Art Photographer, Graphic Designer, and Illustrator.

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British photographer Lawrence Ripsher has published an excellent four-part Panasonic LX3 review. Lawrence approaches the LX3 as a JPEG-only camera, so his review won't address everything a RAW shooter will want to know. Nevertheless, anyone interested in the LX3 (ie, just about everyone reading this blog) should go read his insightful review.

Link: Panasonic LX3 Review by Lawrence Ripsher

[Thanks WL Hur]

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The Canon Powershot G10 announcement was published, apparently prematurely, on the PopPhoto.com website. The information has now been pulled. Even the Google cache is gone. All that remains is this:


The partial specifications were noted and posted in the DPReview and Fred Miranda forums.

Here's the scoop:
• 14.7MP
• 5x 28-140mm equivalent zoom lens
• RAW files editable in Canon's Digital Photo Pro
• Full-resolution ISO 1600, reduced resolution ISO 3200
• Dedicated dial for exposure compensation with ISO dial now wrapping around mode dial
• Available in October (SRP: $499)

I'd expect the official announcement to follow soon.

[Thanks Mayank

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Chinese site DPNet has posted three pages of what appear to be product illustrations or mockups of Micro Four Thirds cameras. It is not clear whether the images illustrate an actual product. From the Google translation of the DPNet article, it sounds as though these originated in a Japanese forum.

The depicted cameras have a classic rangefinder-like form, are labeled as 12MP Panasonic cameras, and are depicted in three colors.


[via Photoscala]

Page 1
Page 2
Page 3

[Thanks Peter and Serhan]

Update:

A Japanese blog has additional imagery including that of a Leica 12-42mm standard zoom, a Leica 21mm prime, and an EVF. I cannot tell from the Google translation whether the blogger posting these is the person responsible for all the CGI we have seen. It looks as though he may be. Either way, he seems to indicate that the images shared on DPNet and Photoscala are not genuine.

The lenses depicted on the blog do not appear to be realistic. A 21mm pancake with Mega O.I.S? An f/2.4 Summilux? D-Summarit would have been believable perhaps!

Fantasy or otherwise, these are some mouth watering images. My DP1 and E-420 are getting anxious. Too young for Ebay!

Links to additional photos:
EVF photos
Standard zoom photos
21mm pancake photos

[Thanks Oluv]

Update #2:

It's now clear that DPNet took the images from the Japanese blog Zuiko Four Thirds Arekore and then put their own watermark on them!

The images were originally posted on August 20 with accompanying words that explain clearly that the images were produced based on the known Micro Four Thirds specifications and a healthy imagination.

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Featured Comment by huiying:

That DPNet page also states clearly that these were reposted from a Japanese forum/site, and that these pictures were mock ups based on the original creator's "healthy imagination".

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B&H Photo Video is listing the Canon Powershot G9 as "Discontinued". Getting more and more likely that the Canon G10 is coming soon.

[Thanks Michael]

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Japanese site DC Watch published an interview with Ogawa Haruo, head of Olympus Imaging's SLR Division. If you are searching to learn more about Micro Four Thirds, this interview is treasure.

Continue on to Interview with a Micro Four Thirds Vampire at 1001 Noisy Cameras (links to English translation) or go directly to the interview at DC Watch (Japanese).

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PhotographyBLOG has published the first Panasonic LX3 review, complete with RAW format samples.

[Via 1001 Noisy Cameras]

Panasonic LX3 Review at Photography BLOG

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Today Fujifilm announced the Finepix F60fd, a follow up to the F50fd in the tradition of the F10/11/30/31.



Key specifications:

• 12MP 1/1.6" Super CCD
• 3x 8-24mm (35-105mm equivalent) f/2.8-5.1 zoom lens
• Image stabilization (CCD-shift)
• Aperture and shutter speed priority modes
• No RAW support
• 3" LCD
• Weight 163g without battery
• New Scene Recognition mode

Unfortunately, the F60fd is not a very exciting new product. Apart from a slightly larger LCD, improved scene recognition and face recognition, it is unclear how the F60fd is changed from the F50fd. Many are disappointed that it doesn't include the highly regarded 5x wide angle zoom of the F100fd.

However, it should be noted that the F60fd (like the F50fd) is thinner and lighter than the latest advanced compacts announced by Nikon and Panasonic. It competes in the shirt pocket realm with the likes of the Sony W300. The F60fd manages to be 4mm thinner than the W300 despite packing in a slightly larger (and lower megapixel) sensor and slightly faster lens than the Sony. The W300 trades a bit of LCD size for an optical viewfinder.

The W300 and F60fd represent an interesting category of compact. Each offers some manual controls but no RAW capability. Each also offers sophisticated in-camera JPEG processing. These are truly go-anywhere cameras which offer serious image quality (presumably so in the case of the F60fd) for the photographer who wants to determine the image composition and perhaps shutter speed, while letting the camera take care of the rest.

Press release at Imaging Insider
More information and coverage at 1001 Noisy Compacts

[Thanks Mark H.]

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Nikon has announced their new flagship Coolpix model, the Nikon P6000 (Amazon pre-order). The major features and specifications are exactly as rumored just over a month ago and can be summarized as follows:

• New 13.5MP 1/1.7" CCD
• 4x 6-24mm (28-112mm equivalent) f/2.7-5.9 optically-stabilized zoom lens
• Integrated optical viewfinder
• RAW support via new NRW format, compatible for use in-camera, with ViewNX (Windows version only, available early October 2008) or with WIC-based applications. Capture NX, Capture NX2 and NEF files are not compatible with NRW (RAW) images.
• Hot shoe that supports Nikon’s i-TTL flash control, which enables wireless control over one group of remote Speedlights including the newly announced SB-900 Speedlight.
• Support for manual focus
• Mode Dial with access to Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-priority [S], Aperture-priority [A], and Manual [M] exposure modes, the choice of two user-defined settings, (U1/U2), as well as automated scene modes
• Command dial and customizable Function button
• Wired LAN support for uploading pictures to Nikon's my Picturetown service
• Built-in GPS and support for geotagging
• Weight 240g without battery
• Optional 0.76x wide-angle converter (21mm equivalent)
• Active D-Lighting and in-camera barrel distortion correction

Expected United States availability in September 2008 at a MSRP of $499.95.

[Thanks to 1001 Noisy Cameras!]

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Featured Comment by Bruce Mcl:

Windows RAW so that you can't use Photoshop, Lightroom, Aperture, etc. Nikon clearly wants you to us their own software to process images. An ethernet connection which automatically uploads files to Nikon's photo sharing website instead of flickr, pbase, zenfolio, etc. Nikon seems to be going out of their way to restrict the creative options of the photographer.

These are deliberate and very bad choices made by Nikon. The direction that Nikon is heading that of controlling what is done with your photos as much as possible. Next up: a new license agreement you must agree to when you buy a camera with gives Nikon copyright of every photo you take. You think this can't happen? Just wait a few years...

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Micro Four Thirds is receiving a massive amount of attention around the internet. For full coverage of the news and reactions abroad, see 1001 Noisy Cameras' roundup.

The expert analysis thus far ranges from Michael Reichmann's cool response to Phil Askey's declaration that "This is without doubt the most exciting digital photography announcement this year." One of the most thoughtful analyses comes from Dave Etchells of The Imaging Resource. Dave discusses in some detail the what, the why, and the how of Micro Four Thirds, along with whither Four Thirds goest.

Amongst all the information and excitement, many are pointing out the obvious reasons to hold off the celebration. For one, we have no idea when we might expect the fruits of this new system. In fact, we know very little beyond the flange back distance, lens mount diameter, fact that there will be no mirror, and that there will be two additional contact pins on the lens-body interface. At a joint press conference, Olympus and Panasonic demonstrated the Four Thirds to Micro Four Thirds adapter as well as what appears to be a prototype Micro Four Thirds telephoto zoom lens alongside its Four Thirds counterpart. Outside of that, I've seen nothing resembling an actual Micro Four Thirds product or a timeline for development.

Photo credit: http://www.digitalcamera.jp/
Of course this being a Photokina year, we are free to hope can hope for sooner rather than later. Panasonic and Olympus have renewed their vows, and Sigma will support the new standard, but what of Leica? One interesting aspect of the new standard is that the 20mm flange back distance is less than that for the Leica M mount. Thus it should be straightforward to design an adapter allowing the use of Leica M lenses on Micro Four Thirds bodies. Some are speculating that the rumored digital CM will utilize this new standard. So far there is no good evidence in support. However, some intriguing bits were posted a few hours ago in the DPReview forums. A poster by the name of Bootstrap has developed a reputation in the DPR forums for his advance knowledge about upcoming Four Thirds products. Here are is the recent exchange:



He really isn't saying anything there, but given his track record, some of us have come to pay attention to what Bootstrap isn't saying! A rangefinder-coupled optical viewfinder (perhaps utilizing those two addition contact pins for lens-camera communication?) would make a sweet addition to the contrast-detect autofocus we're all expecting with this system. I'd still put that possiblility in the hope, or perhaps the dream category. Yet Bootstrap had one more thing to say: "Please remember that DPReview, and others, are still bound by the NDA and there's a bit more information yet to be released." Hopefully this means that we can expect more information soon!

Obviously the Micro Four Thirds System is huge news for those of us in serious pursuit of photography using compact cameras. At a minimum it represents the dedication of Olympus, Panasonic, and Sigma to the implementation of larger sensors in small systems. It may well additionally represent the first consumer level convergence of quality still and video imaging.

As alluded to above, we have precious little information about this system. Naturally, enthusiasts are excited about the possibilities. Yet we ought also to consider for whom this new standard exists. The prototype lens shown at DC Watch wasn't a 17.5mm Summicron; it was a consumer-level telephoto zoom. The press release from Olympus specifies that this new standard aims to capture a significant portion of those who "choose compact models because they find digital SLR cameras to be 'big, heavy, and difficult to operate.'" The market for such a system is of course much broader than the readership of this blog. As was the case with the E-410 and E-420, Olympus is targeting the "point and shoot" crowd by offering them a less daunting upgrade path. Specifically, family and women users are a focus for Micro Four Thirds. We all stand to benefit as a result.


One final note: Some are posing the question as to whether Micro Four Thirds will kill off the fixed lens advanced compact cameras. I don't think there is much chance of this. If you take away the significance of this being a standard, the only thing that distinguishes Micro Four Thirds from other compact cameras is that the sensor is larger (more than five times larger than the sensor on cameras such as the LX3 and G9) and the lenses are interchangeable. The same design limitations apply. For example, with current technology a Four Thirds sensor is simply not going to work well in a G9-sized camera with a reasonably fast 6x zoom. Compare the sizes of a 1/1.8" sensor superzoom such as the Panasonic FZ50 with that of any 1/2.5" superzoom. Moderate changes in sensor size necessitate large adjustments in camera size, lens speed, and/or zoom range. I imagine that the smallest sensor, smallest zoom range dedicated cameras will be replaced by the cameras in our cell phones. However, there will long be a need for advanced cameras with sensor sizes in between those of camera phone and Four Thirds. The compact RAWsumer isn't going anywhere soon.

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In what could be one of the most interesting announcements for serious compact cameras, Olympus and Panasonic have announced their new Micro Four Thirds standard.

This is a new mirror less format for the current 4/3 sensors, it reduces the flange back length, implements a new micro four thirds mount and adds additional contacts required for future lenses.
Due to the reduced flange back means it is possible to design very compact cameras with interchangeable lenses. The long awaited EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder, Interchangeable Lens) camera is in reach now.

The good news for current Olympus owners is that it will be possible to keep using the existing lenses on the new cameras using a converter (this will increase the size considerably though).

You can read more about it here.

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Third party RAW support for the Sigma DP1 remains absent. Thomas Knoll suggested in the Adobe forums that the lack of DP1 support in ACR/Lightroom is "due to issues beyond Adobe's control". Eric Chan of Adobe said the following: "Unfortunately, the matter is currently is out of our hands. We have to wait for some non-technical issues to be resolved before we can proceed with DP1 support. Please be patient."

The implication is that Sigma is responsible for the absence of third party support for Sigma DP1 files. The Sigma SD14 DSLR, which shares the DP1 sensor, is supported by Adobe and others. It stands to reason that Sigma could facilitate outside DP1 RAW file support, and it is certainly in the interest of DP1 owners for them to do so. I hope Sigma isn't intentionally preventing third party support!

If you use a DP1, please take a moment to vote in the following poll and leave a comment below. Hopefully we can get Sigma's attention.

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Accidentally the Canadian site of Fujifilm showed the specification of a some new Finepix compact cameras.

They will introduce a superzoom, the S2000D with a 10mp with a 1/2.3"-ccd sensor. The camera will have a 15x zoom lens (28-414mm) with image stabilization, a maximum of ISO 6400 (at 5 megapixel), and ISO 3200 at full resolution. Additionally, the camera will be able to capture 30 fps 720p HD video.

Other cameras will be the J150w with a 10mp sensor, a 3" LCD screen, and a 5x optical zoom starting at 28mm. The J110w wil also have a 10mp sensor, a 5x lens (28-140mm), and a 2.7" LCD. As above the J100 will have a 10mp sensor, but a 35-175mm equivalent lens. All these cameras, including the S2000D will have a slot for SD/SDH cards, no mentioning of xD cards!

And a retailer mentions the new Fuji F60fd with a 12mp sensor, 3x optical zoom, a 3" LCD, and a xD/SD/SD-HC Media Compatible Slot.

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Two very talented photographers from our Serious Compacts community, Wouter Brandsma and switters, have posted initial thoughts and photos based on recent experiences with the Sigma DP1. Highly recommended reading.

"In doubt" at Wouter photoblog
"Initial thoughts on the DP1" by switters in Serious Compacts Discussion

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At the end of the sample images linked in the previous post on this blog, Popco.net published a series of Panasonic LX3 studio ISO test photos. Here are the direct links:

Panasonic LX3 ISO 80, 1/2s, f/4.5, 5.1mm
Panasonic LX3 ISO 100, 1/3s, f/4.5, 5.1mm
Panasonic LX3 ISO 200, 1/5s, f/4.5, 5.1mm
Panasonic LX3 ISO 400, 1/10s, f/4.5, 5.1mm
Panasonic LX3 ISO 800, 1/20s, f/4.5, 5.1mm
Panasonic LX3 ISO 1600, 1/40s, f/4.5, 5.1mm
Panasonic LX3 ISO 3200, 1/80s, f/4.5, 5.1mm

What do you think? Keep in mind that this camera has an image stabilised 24mm equivalent f/2 lens! We may be looking at the new low light champ amongst compacts.

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Numerous full-resolution Panasonic LX3 sample images have been posted in the Korean forum Popco.net. In addition, there are crop comparisons between the LX3, LX2, and FX38 across a range of ISO values, samples from the LX3 18mm wide adapter, and more.

[Via Junho Shin, DPReview Panasonic Talk]

• Full resolution Panasonic LX3 sample images
• LX3/LX2/FX38 crop comparison from ISO 100-3200
• ISO 80 LX3 sample crops at 24mm equivalent and 18mm equivalent (wide angle converter)
• ISO 1600 LX3 in-camera JPEG vs RAW (multiple different Silkypix conversions)
• Demonstration of LX3 in-camera noise reduction settings (5 levels)
• Additional comparison with LX2

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