New firmware update for the Olympus E-M1!

E-M1 owner will be happy to see that Olympus just released a new firmware (version 1.3) for their camera (http://www.olympus.co.jp/en/support/imsg/digicamera/download/software/firm/e1/).

This is the full improvement list:

  • Dynamic range has been expanded when using the external mic. The sound level adjustment has been changed to adjust to 21 levels in accordance with this. A function to turn the Volume Limiter on and off was added.
    • * When it is on, it automatically limits the mic input volume if sound input volume exceeds the designated level.
  • A 0 second setting has been added to Anti-Shock mode.
  • The camera operation when the Frame Rate of live view is [High] have been improved.

Shooting Real Estate with OMD EM1…….

I shoot interior and exterior with my OMD and prefer the quality over my D7000. Don’t get me wrong, I still love my D7000, it’s an awesome camera. But it’s so heavy and bulky……if you have never tried shooting with a mirrorless camera you should. They are amazing! I hardly ever take my Nikon out anymore. Simply no need. Even the need for a full frame camera…right now no need. When Olympus comes out with a mirrorless full frame…which I’m sure is coming soon. THATS where I will upgrade. ….shoot well my friends……

Macro Extension AF Tubes for Samsung NX Review

It’s quite a long time since I started to look for some macro extension tubes for my Samsung NX system. I couldn’t find anything but people should never give up their desires :) I finally found some few weeks ago so I bought it immediately. Here I come with my test and some sample pictures.

Link for the review: http://www.nxcamera.com/fotga-macro-af-extension-tubes-samsung-nx-review/

You can find some fresh sample photos in the gallery on the site with the review.

Panasonic unveils pricing of the new Leica 15mm f/1.7 Lens: 549 pounds and shipment in June!

UPDATE: BHphoto is the first worldwide store accepting preorder of the new Panasonic-Leica 15mm f/1.7 in Black (Click here) or Silver (Click here).

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For six months lens was shown on various photographic events (from Photokina to CP+) but Panasonic never really gave the lens any pricing of shipment info. But finally today Panasonic disclosed the full details that can be read on the following press release:

Panasonic Announce New F1.7 High Speed Leica Summilux 15mm Lens to Allow Photographers to Capture Fashionable Defocused Reportage Pictures

24th March 2014 – Panasonic has unveiled a new digital interchangeable lens, the H-X015 LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm / F1.7 ASPH. (35 mm camera equivalent: 30 mm) for the LUMIX G range, based on the Micro Four Thirds standard, which is both compact and lightweight.

The new LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm / F1.7 ASPH. allows photographers to capture supreme daily life pictures with beautiful bokeh.  Exceptional optical performance is assured with certification granted from the world-renowned LEICA.

The new lens system comprising of 9 elements in 7 groups uses 3 aspherical lenses. The aspherical lenses suppress spherical aberration and distortion effectively while enabling the lens unit to be made smaller.

Panasonic’s Nano Surface Coating technology is adopted to minimize the reflection at entire visual light range (380nm-780nm) resulting in the super clear picture quality by avoiding ghost and flare.

The lens incorporates a superior inner focus system, which enables excellent resolution and contrast from close-up to infinity. The inclusion of a newly developed stepping motor makes the focusing action smooth, silent and quicker for use in both photo and video recording.

Notably the performance of AF is by far superior to the phase-difference AF when fast lenses with a smaller F value are used. It is also compatible with the sensor drive at max.240 fps to take maximum advantage of the high-speed AF of LUMIX G cameras.

The LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm / F1.7 ASPH. comes equipped with aperture ring and AF/MF switch for direct, intuitive operation.  Furthermore, the robust metal design of LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm / F1.7 ASPH., including the hood, is highly reliable and durable for repeated exchange of the lens.

New GM1 kit, DMC-GM1L

The LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm / F1.7 ASPH. is the perfect companion for Panasonic’s recently released LUMIX DMC-GM1 and will be available with this camera in a new kit (DMC-GM1L) giving the photographer a sophisticated style with the ‘Got To have It’ camera enabling creative high quality photography.

The GM1 kit will be available in black from mid June priced £999.99 while the lens only will be £549.99 arriving early June. The lens will be available in black and silver.

Internal battery of the Blackmagic may have caused the camera to explode!

Mirrorless cameras are getting more and more powerful and batteries have to deliver more and more performance. Well, it just happened that the 2.5K Blackmagic Cinema Camera exploded during a shooting! The cause is likely the battery of the camera.

Just watch the video on top if you don’t believe such a thing can happen for real!

And this is the official Blackmagic response on that mater:

“There have been a small number of isolated incidents where it has been reported the battery had exploded. This is not a common occurrence, and we would like to gather as much information about the situation as possible to ensure that it does not become common. We do apologize for the issue you’ve encountered and would like to assist in getting an RMA set up to sort this out. Do let me know if you have any additional questions.”