New Technology Reviews!.: Thirds

Review: Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro

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<img alt="Review: Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro" class="aligncenter" height="211" mce_src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/PhotoRadar/Lenses/Macro%20lens%20mini%20reviews%20Oct%202011/Olympus50mm-470-90.jpg" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/PhotoRadar/Lenses/Macro%20lens%20mini%20reviews%20Oct%202011/Olympus50mm-470-90.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #444444; display: block; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 640px;" width="282" /></div>
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One of a handful of macro lens options for Micro Four Thirds (MFT) users, the Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro provides an effective focal length of 100mm when used with Four Thirds cameras, but with an actual focal length of 50mm it's much smaller and lighter than other 100mm macro options.</div>
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It contains 11 lenses arranged over 10 groups - among them, a single Extra Low Dispersion element. This is in place to help minimise chromatic aberration. Olympus has also incorporated a floating focusing system that corrects for aberrations throughout the optic's focusing range.</div>
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While the lens only offers a 0.52x magnification (half life-size) as standard, Olympus claims that the crop factor applied by Micro Four Thirds bodies results in images that more closely resemble those shot with 'true' macro lenses, which offer 1:1 reproduction ratios.</div>
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Should this not be enough, the lens can be combined with the EX-25 extension tube, which doubles its magnification.</div>
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The Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro lens is small and only marginally heavier than non-macro 50mm lenses, and it's finished to match Olympus DSLR bodies. It's also one of the few macro lenses to be sealed against dust and splashes of water, and so it's a good match for the Olympus E-3 and E-5 DSLRs that offer similar protection against adverse conditions.</div>
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<img alt="Olympus zuiko digital ed 50mm 1:2.0 macro" class="aligncenter" height="189" mce_src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/PhotoRadar/Lenses/Macro%20lens%20mini%20reviews%20Oct%202011/Olympus50mm-420-90.jpg" src="http://mos.futurenet.com/techradar/Review%20images/PhotoRadar/Lenses/Macro%20lens%20mini%20reviews%20Oct%202011/Olympus50mm-420-90.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #444444; display: block; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 640px;" width="252" /></div>
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At its rear there's a solid metal mount, and above it sits a small but clear distance window, which displays distance in both feet and metres. Unlike similar lenses, however, there's no indication as to the lens' current reproduction ratio, while on some bodies such as the Olympus E-5, it's difficult to see the distance window clearly thanks to the overhang of the fill-in flash.</div>
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Neither a focus limiter nor an AF/MF switch feature on the barrel, so focus modes need to be changed through the host body. Externally, the only other features are a rubber focusing ring and a 52mm filter thread, as well as a bright red index dot to aid mounting.</div>
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The optic's size adds little to the overall profile of a Micro Four Thirds DSLR, and although its focusing ring is a little shallow, it's hard to imagine it realistically being any larger on such a small lens.</div>
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Performance</h4>
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The focus ring turns freely and is easily accessible by the user's thumb or finger, or combination of the two. But because it moves the lens group electronically rather than mechanically, it can't be used to fine-tune autofocus as with similar macro lenses.</div>
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This lens is fairly slow to focus manually, which for a macro lens is undoubtedly preferable to a system where it's far too fast be controlled precisely.</div>
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The lack of an internal focusing system means that the lens extends to almost double its length when used at its closest focusing distance.</div>
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The lens takes a step-by-step approach to autofocusing, first getting the general area right before taking a little longer to find the exact position. Autofocusing speed is perfectly respectable, although it's a shame that there's no Supersonic Wave Drive motor as it falls a little behind lenses with similar technology in place.</div>
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This also means that it isn't as quiet either, joining the Pentax 100mm f2.8 SMC D-FA WR and Sony 100mm f/2.8 Macro lenses in the noisy corner.</div>
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Wide open, the Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro turns in some weak results in terms of sharpness, although in this respect it's hardly alone among macro lenses.</div>
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Things are much better once the aperture is stopped down, though, and it does a good overall job to match the performance of rival lenses up until its maximum aperture of f/22. While lab testing shows it to have relatively poor control over distortion, it does far better at keeping chromatic aberrations to a minimum.</div>
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It's worth noting that thanks to the relatively small sensors with which this optic is used, it's far easier to obtain greater depth of field in images. This is of particular relevance to macro photography, because depth of field at close focusing distances is incredibly narrow, which can be problematic if the focus falls slightly outside of what is expected.</div>
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Verdict</h4>
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Overall, the Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro is a good performer, but one with room for improvement. At this price many would no doubt trade its weatherproofing for a more refined focusing motor. Nevertheless, once it's stopped down towards its middle apertures, its sharpness equals that of similar lenses, and its control over chromatic aberrations is just as admirable.</div>
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Review: Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro

One of a handful of macro lens options for Micro Four Thirds (MFT) users, the Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro provides an ef...

Panasonic hopes to grow compact system camera market further

Panasonic hopes to grow compact system camera market further

Panasonic has high hopes for its micro four thirds range of cameras, suggesting that the market will continue to develop and grow, all...

Is this the Olympus E-P3?

<div><img alt="" border="1" class="aligncenter" height="250" hspace="4" src="http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/5489/20110626olympusep3front.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; border: 1px solid black;" vspace="4" width="330" /></div><br/>There's only one way to make leaked blurrycam images appear even less legit: shoot 'em in black and white. That's exactly what we have here with the claimed leak of a new Olympus camera -- the E-P3, according to <em>Photo Rumors</em> -- in all its Micro Four Thirds glory. The camera appears to be a hybrid of both the E-P2 and E-PL2, including a P2-style button layout, but with a pop-up flash and sloping top plate reminiscent of the PL2. The new cam is also rumored to include a new 12 megapixel sensor, a max sensitivity of ISO 12,800, a high-res touchscreen, much-needed AF improvements, and an updated UI. <em>Photo Rumors</em> expects Olympus to announce the E-P3 on June 30th, along with an E-PL3 and E-PM1. That last model would be the first in the rumored Pen Mini series. We don't expect the E-PM1 to best the new Pentax Q's record-breaking small size, but with a significantly smaller sensor, the Q will be no match for <em>any</em> of Olympus's new Micro Four Thirds offerings.

Is this the Olympus E-P3?

There's only one way to make leaked blurrycam images appear even less legit: shoot 'em in black and white. That's exactly what w...

Panasonic Micro Four Thirds Lumix DMC-GF2 now official

<P><a name="4588775825457002622"></A> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicavPAr90aIF56uYAInFHGG-iTqCwJimHtdapbHYS70WBmoXA37KPauhsquUVos1PxvLvBS8ImjPHLZnumlC2PdAJ0maZ4lJ063Nt9ZQ79KwaxADoqaGE1aFQfwVP-UnA4Tt-CnI6cN7Y/s1600/panasonic-dmc-gf2-silver.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="196" src="/panasonic-dmc-gf2-silver.jpg" width="320"></A></P><br /><P>The first legit contender for <B>Sony NEX-5</B> when it comes to <B>Micro Four Thirds</B> rig, we welcome with open hands the <B>Panasonic's Lumix DMC-GF2</B> ----it's official. It's the company's smallest and lightest interchangeable lens system camera packing "a 12.1 megapixel Live MOS sensor, compatibility with the company's own 3D interchangeable lens (the <B>LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12</B>) and an enclosure that's seven percent lighter (not to mention 19 percent smaller) than the GF1. You'll also find a three-inch touchpanel on the rear, contrast AF system, a freshly designed Touch Q user interface, internal dust reduction system and the ability to record video at 1920 x 1080/60i or 1280 x 720/60p in AVCHD. Better still, lower resolution options are available with Motion JPEG recording, and the 23-area focusing system shouldn't have a difficult time nailing your subject. We should point out that the ISO only ranges from 100 to 6400, but the included hot shoe accessory definitely allows for a flash." as <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/04/panasonic-lumix-dmc-gf2-now-official-12-1mp-full-hd-movie-mode/">reported</A>. Unfortunately, there's no pricing yet until mid-late December with availability in three color choices (silver, red and black) this January with bundle options of a 14mm F2.5 pancake kit and a 14-42mm zoom lens kit. Full press release after the break.<BR><a name="more"></A><BR></P><br /><BLOCKQUOTE readability="112"><B>Press Release</B><BR><B><BR></B><BR><B>PANASONIC INTRODUCES COMPANY'S SMALLEST AND LIGHTEST DIGITAL INTERCHANGEABLE LENS SYSTEM CAMERA WITH FLASH</B><BR><B><BR></B><BR><B>New Panasonic LUMIX GF2 Features Touch-Screen Operation, Full HD Video Recording Capability and Compatible with Panasonic's Interchangeable 3D Lens</B> <br /><P>SECAUCUS, NJ (November 4, 2010) – Panasonic today announced the LUMIX DMC-GF2, the latest of the company's DSL Micro (DSLM) compact mirrorless cameras, which is Panasonic's smallest and lightest interchangeable lens system camera – complete with a built-in flash. The LUMIX GF2 is compatible with lenses from the Micro Four Thirds standard, meaning the system is small and compact, while not compromising ease of operation or image quality. Even more, the LUMIX GF2 is compatible with Panasonic's new 3D interchangeable lens, the LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12, so users can take 3D photos.</P><br /><P>"The LUMIX GF2 is key in the Panasonic DSL Micro line-up, as it's the smallest and lightest model we offer, while still offering superb image quality, which our consumers have come to expect from LUMIX. Compared to the GF1, its predecessor, the GF2 has been reduced approximately 19% in size and approximately 7% in weight yet is still retains its signature built-in flash," said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "We expect the LUMIX GF2 to be an attractive model for consumers who want to step up to a more powerful camera that is easy to use, and a camera that is 'future-proof' with its 3D capabilities."</P><br /><P>The LUMIX GF2 is extremely easy to operate for consumers at any level, thanks to a newly- designed user interface, which allows for the focus to be set, or shutter released, by simply touching the large 3-inch touch-screen LCD. The touch-screen LCD with a 460,000-dot-resolution makes taking great photos intuitive. Once a user locks on a subject by touch, the LUMIX GF2 tracks the subject with the AF tracking function, even if the subject moves – making it easy to take photos of moving subjects, like children playing. The contrast AF system adopted by the LUMIX DMC-GF2 is not only accurate and easy to use, but also very fast. Users can choose from a wide range of AF (Auto Focus) modes, including multiple-area AF with up to 23 focus areas, 1-area AF with a selectable focus area, Face Detection, and AF Tracking.</P><br /><P>The touch operation also dramatically shortens the time spent navigating the menus. With the LUMIX GF2's newly-designed Touch Q-menu, the user can customize the camera's shortcuts with the most commonly used settings. Together with the simple button components, including dedicated buttons for video recording and iA (Intelligent Auto) mode which lights in-use, users can operate the camera intuitively with ease.</P><br /><P>With the Intelligent Scene Selector in the iA mode, the camera automatically switches to the appropriate mode according to the subject touched. For example, a touch on a human face switches to the portrait mode and a touch on the background or scenery switches to the scenery mode, while a touch on the subject close to the camera switches to the close-up mode. With the MF assist mode for manual focusing, users can enlarge the subject by just a touch to select 1x, 5x or 10x and smoothly move the subject by dragging it on the screen. In iA mode and the Peripheral Defocus mode, the range of defocus can be adjusted by just moving the slider with a finger, something not possible with larger more complicated DSLR cameras that don't feature touch control.</P><br /><P>While achieving breakthroughs in compactness of design and outstanding photo and video quality, the Panasonic LUMIX GF2 can contribute its professional-level imaging performance to well-balanced engine and sensor technologies. For the image processor, the Venus Engine FHD is incorporated, featuring exceptionally high performance signal processing capabilities in both photo and movie recording. With the advanced noise reduction system employing the 3D NR and CNR (Chromatic Noise Reduction), users can capture clear, naturally-balanced images even when shooting at high ISO sensitivity levels to help prevent the color bleeding.</P><br /><P>Panasonic's Venus Engine FHD enables Intelligent Resolution technology, which means that three areas – outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation – are automatically detected. Then, the outline parts are enhanced effectively to give edges more clearness while giving a moderate accentuation to the texture areas to look more finely detailed. To the soft gradation part, noise reduction system is applied to make it smoother. Apart from the uniform enhancement of sharpness, the innovative technology Intelligent Resolution precisely performs signal processing pixel by pixel, resulting in images that are naturally clear and crisp in both video and photos. The 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor featured in the LUMIX GF2 offers the best of both worlds – the superb image quality of a CCD sensor, plus the lower power consumption of a CMOS sensor.</P><br /><P>All of Panasonic's LUMIX G-Series DSLM cameras are equipped with the highly-efficient Dust Reduction System. If dust gets inside the camera when the user changes lenses, it could cling to the image sensor and show up as a spot in photos. The Dust Reduction System helps to reduce this risk by placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor. Vibrating vertically around 50,000 times per second, the filter repels dust and other particles.</P><br /><P>The LUMIX GF2 shoots professional-quality full High Definition (HD) videos as well as handling still photography. The LUMIX GF2 can record 1920 x 1080 videos at 60i or smooth HD 1280 x 720 movies at 60p in AVCHD. For those looking for better compatibility with computers, the LUMIX GF2 can also record HD Motion JPEG in 1280 x 720 and QVGA, VGA and WVGA. A dedicated video record button makes it easy to start shooting videos, and high quality sound is recorded with the stereo microphone for Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator. Panasonic's iA mode extends to video recording, with the following features: Optical Image Stabilizer, Face Detection, Intelligent D-range Control and Intelligent Scene Selector.</P><br /><P>The Panasonic LUMIX GF2 is artistic not only in form, but also in function, as it provides an array of features that lets users capture true-to-life images while also creating their own expressive, beautiful images. The LUMIX GF2 features My Color mode which is integrated with the conventional Film mode. My Color mode offers a total of eight preset effects - Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Cinema, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, Silhouette, plus Custom mode, which lets users manually set the color, brightness, saturation and contrast levels. Also, with the Full-time Live View function, users can see how these settings will affect the images before they shoot, which makes it easier to capture the exact effect desired. The LUMIX GF2 has 17 Scene modes, most which can be used during video shooting, too. The exposure meter can be displayed in the P/A/S/M shooting modes for entry-level users to visually learn the correlation between shutter speed and aperture to enhance their photography skills.</P><br /><P>The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF2, with a quality and solid aluminum body, will be available in black, silver, white, and red models with the following kit options: DMC-GF2C – 14mm F2.5 Lens Kit and DMC-GF2K – 14-42mm Zoom Lens Kit. The LUMIX GF2 will be available in January 2011 and pricing will be announced approximately 30 days prior to shipment. </P></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR>

Panasonic Micro Four Thirds Lumix DMC-GF2 now official

The first legit contender for Sony NEX-5 when it comes to Micro Four Thirds rig, we welcome with open hands the Panasonic's Lumix DM...