Rumor/news roundup: Five Zeiss FE manual lenses. Olympus PRO lens delay. E-M1 and Fuji fw updates.

 

Image ont op shows some general Zeiss lenses.

Have to catch up with some bigger news:

Rumors:
Really amazing. Zeiss will launch five manual focusing E-mount Full Frame lenses at Photokina 2014 (Source: SonyAlphaRumors).
Olympus 40-150mm PRO zoom coming second half of 2014 (Source: 43rumors).

Firmware:
Fuji is going to release a massive firmware upgrade (Source: Fujirumors).
New Olympus E-M1 firmware update (Source: 43urmors).

 

 

New Pentax 08 wide zoom Q-mount lens.

Today Pentax announced the release of a new Q-mount wide anle zoom. It’s the smallest and lightest ultra-wide angle zoom of any mirrorless system. It’s 17.5mm-27mm (FF equivalent) and has a f/3.7-4 aperture.

Press text:

RICOH IMAGING U.K LTD. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX-08 WIDE ZOOM ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, designed exclusively for use with super-compact Q-mount digital lens-interchangeable cameras.

The latest model in the high-performance Q-mount lens series, the PENTAX-08 WIDE ZOOM is the world’s smallest, and lightest ultra-wide-angle zoom lens on the market.* When mounted on the PENTAX Q7 camera body, it provides focal-length coverage from 17.5mm to 27mm (in 35mm format), making it suitable for a wide variety of subjects including snapshots, architecture and sweeping landscapes.

* The world’s smallest, and lightest ultra-wide-angle zoom lens with a focal length of 20mm (in 35mm format) or shorter at its wide-angle end, as of November 1, 2013 (based on RICOH IMAGING research).

Major Features

1. Super-compact, ultra-lightweight design

The incorporation of three molded-glass aspherical elements in its optics, means that this zoom lens has the shortest overall length (approximately 38mm) in the Q-mount zoom lens range and features a super-compact body weighing a mere 75g. With its pocket size and unique focal-length coverage from 17.5mm to 27mm in 35mm format (with a Q7 camera body), it can be used for a wide range of subjects and applications — especially for  shooting in confined spaces where the subject is close to the camera, and for scenic photography with exaggerated perspectives. Its machined-aluminium barrel cam assures a smooth, comfortable zooming operation.

2. Exceptional visual description

The incorporation of a moulded-glass DSA (Dual Super Aspherical) element in the first optical group means this lens reduces distortion to a minimum. By incorporating two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and one super-low-dispersion glass element in its optics, it delivers clear, high-resolution images with edge-to-edge sharpness, while effectively compensating for chromatic aberration over the entire zoom range.

3. Other features

  • Inner-focus mechanism for high-speed, low-noise AF operation

  • Quick-Shift Focus system for instant switching to manual-focus operation after the subject is captured in focus by the camera’s AF system

  • SP (Super Protect) coating to keep the front surface free of dust and stains

  • Built-in lens shutter equipped with an ND (neutral density) filter and an iris diaphragm

RRP: £429.99
Availability: TBA

What’s up with Samsung, Canon and Nikon?

Sony, Olympus, Panasonic and Fuji are fully pushing their mirrorless system while big companies and Samsung, Canon and Nikon seem to not have a clear vision about their future strategy. This is the situation:

Samsung: They should announced the NX20 successor in January-February. In general Samsung will focus on new High End Camera and Lens products.

Nikon: The Nikon 1 system isn’t selling as expected and the future seems uncertain. With the new Nikon DF announcement they once again confirm that DSLR is their present and future strategy. There is no rumor about any APS-C or FF mirrorless camera release in 2014.

Canon: DPP (Digital Photo Professional) already had listed the EOS-M2 but it seems like Canon is delaying the camera release. Like Nikon also Canon sees the mirrorless camera industry as a “non-serious” market.

Of the three companies Samsung is the only company really investing and believing in mirrorless. But it looks like they still didn’t find the way to make their system successful.

 

Mirrorless news roundup…

Samsung NX 60mm ƒ/2.8 Macro lens review at SeriousCompacts.
Fuji X-M1 review at ThePhoBlographer.
Fujifilm Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 (Admiringlight).
Using Manual Focus Lenses on Mirrorless Cameras (Admiringlight).
Pentax Q7 review at Trustedreviews.
First Impressions: Leica X Vario (ThePhoBlographer)
Fujifilm X-M1 review at Dpreview.
Samsung NX300 review at Sonyalphalab.
Carl Zeiss Touit 12 mm f/2.8 review at Lenstip.
Fuji X-A1 image samples at ePhotozine.
Fujifilm X20 review at CameraLabs.
Review: Pentax Q7 SR (ThePhoBlographer).
Samsung Galaxy NX review at ePhotozine.
Sony E-Mount Lenses Field Test (Riflessifotografici).
Leica C type test at Digitalversus.
Fuji X-E2 first look by Ron Mart.
Nikon 1 AW1 Review at ePhotozine.
Nikon 1 Nikkor 10-100 mm VR f4.0-5.6 lens review: Ultimate travel companion? (DxOmark).
Leica M type review at ThePhoBlographer.

Leica announces the Silver Edition D-LUX 6

Those of us hoping for something really new from Leica will be disappointed. Today Leica announced a Silver Edition of their current D-LUX 6 camera.

This is the press release (found via LaVidaLeica):

The classic compact Leica Camera reimagined with a high-gloss and silver finish.

Solms, Germany (October 24, 2013) – Leica Camera AG, presents a new design twist on the Leica D-Lux 6 digital compact camera. With an existing version in elegant, matte-black, the camera is now available in a high-gloss, two-color finish. The new high-gloss black camera body paired with the silver-colored lens creates a tasteful contrast that results in a sophisticated, stylish appearance.

The silver lens of the Leica D-Lux 6 is a Leica DC-Vario-Summilux lens. The varied range of focal lengths makes the camera particularly versatile, ideal for everything from wide-angle architectural and landscape photography to photojournalism and portraits. Combined with a powerful 1/1.7” CMOS image sensor, this camera guarantees a high dynamic range and brilliant images that capture life’s greatest moments.

The Leica D-Lux 6 offers a comprehensive range of features, including automatic mode, manual setting options and optional accessories, like an electronic viewfinder with 1.4 million pixels, which provide even greater creative freedom in all areas of photography. Full HD video recording capability is also included in this newest version of the D-Lux 6. The camera records a perfect rendition of fast-moving subjects in outstanding detail. Video data can be saved in Internet-compatible MP4 format and can be uploaded directly to social media or mobile devices without any need for conversion. Crystal-clear sound recording is guaranteed by special wind-noise filter that reduces undesirable noise.

Both versions of the Leica D-Lux 6 are available from Leica dealers. A new addition to the range of accessories for the Leica D-Lux 6 is the Leica Soft Pouch in lambskin nappa leather: black, stylish and with a fascinating wrap-around design, this leather case is a perfect complement to any outfit.

Fuji X-E2 and XQ1 officially announced! Preorder now!

Preorders:
Dedicated Fuji announcement page at Amazon, Adorama.

Black Fuji X-E2 at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto. In Europe at Wex UK, and CameraWorldUK.
Silver Fuji X-E2 at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto. In Europe at Wex UK, and CameraWorldUK.

Black Fuji X-E2 with 18-55mm lens at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto. In Europe at Wex UK, and CameraWorldUK.
Silver Fuji X-E2 with 18-55mm lens at Adorama and BHphoto. In Europe at Wex UK, and CameraWorldUK.

Black Fuji XQ1 at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto. In Europe at CameraWorldUK.
Silver Fuji XQ1 at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto. In Europe at CameraWorldUK.

Previews:
X-E2: Fujirumors (Rico), ePhotozine, Dpreview, Ming Thein,
X-Q1: Dpreview,

Press release:
Dpreview, Fstop,
X100 firmware (ePhotozine),

Fuji Australia