The Samsung 85mm for NX is superb (tested at Photozone).

I guess Samsung managers are hitting their heads against the wall trying to figure out why their NX system isn’t becoming popular as it should. There could be many reason why their strategy isn’t working but it certainly doesn’t depend form their lens offering (and future roadmap). Photozone (Click here) just tested the Samsung 85mm f/1.4 lens and got a huge appraisal by the reviewer Klaus. If you know Klaus you will also know that he is very sever in his judgment. But he writes about that lens: “The Samsung NX 85mm f/1.4 ED SSA is a lighthouse product – it’s a truly professional grade lens and the best news is that it’s even a comparatively affordable one (in Europe at least). It stands out from the crowd – also quality-wise – which is why we recommend it highly to all Samsung NX users.“

Overall I think Samsung needs a breakthrough camera like Fuji did with the , Sony with the or Olympus with the [shoplink 100170]E-M5[/shoplink]. Maybe that would help them to get a momentum?

Menatime here are the search links to the superb Samsung lens: .

Leica Monochrome sensor made by Platinum Equity (Kodak sensor).

Our super good sources informed us that the new Leica M camera coming on May the 10th will feature a Black and White Full Frame sold by Platinum Equity. As you know Platinum acquired the Kodak business and they are going to sell the Kodak developed Black and White sensor to Leica.

The list of available Black and White CCD sensors is still available on Kodaks website (Click here). The sources didn’t tell me which one it is but they said the camera pixel per pixel sharpness is unmatched by any of the current Full Frame cameras. Not even the super new Nikon D800 (36Megapixels) can match it!

Canon will launch compact cameras almost as good as DSLR!


Canon concept mirrorless camera by David Riesenberg (Click here)

Canon released the Q1 earnings call and included some info about the future strategy. Canon says that they will launch compact cameras “offering the image qualities that approaches SLR cameras, with improved design and network connectivity features“. This sounds like they are clsoe to launch the interchangeable mirrorless system. And that word” approaches” may give us the hint that they will use the Four Thirds sized sensor of the Canon G1X.

Sony NEX-F3 (specs leaked) and new 18-200mm NEX lens coming on May 17th.

Sony didn’t manage to keep the secret on the new upcoming new cameras. Their Malaysian press event is now all over the web :)
Here are the specs of the NEX-F3 and the new 18-200mm lens:

Sony NEX F3
16.1 MP same as A37
latest Bionz processor
ISO 16,000 from 100.
24p 1080p HD or 60i
MP4 Codec
3:2 in MP4 mode
Auto Portrait Framing
180 degree LCD for easier self portraits
Clear image zoom is present if you want
Built in flash
Improved battery performance to 470 images per charge
Charge on the go via USB to pc
Accessory terminal: you can add the trufinder or the microphone
Ergonomic grip addition like the 5n
3fps
No touchscreen
Silver, black and white.
June $599 with kit lens no 16mm f2.8 bundle

18-200mm f3.5-6.3 OSS in black going to be announced in summer.

Double leak: NEX-F3 and special Fuji X edition!

That is going to be an interesting day today! Here on top you can see the very first picture of the Sony NEX-F3 that is going to be announced in about two weeks. It’s a 16 megapixel camera with 180 degree tiltable LCD screen and built-in flash (a nice addition over the older NEX-C3). That sounds like a great camera for an entry-level mirrorless camera! But we also have some news for you reach guys!
There will be a special (and I guess super expensive) X PRO 1 package. You want to see the picture? Just check out at Fuijrumors (Click here). That’s one of the best looking cases ever! ;)

Mirrorless news roundup (Ken Rockwell reviews X PRO 1)

Sony NEX-FS700 commercial

Ken Rockwell (Click here) the most famous photography blogger posted his final X PRO 1 review: “The Fuji X-Pro1 is an amazing one-of-a-kind camera. It has image quality and lenses more like my LEICA M9 than any DSLR, and it’s smaller and lighter than any DSLR — or LEICA. The X-Pro1 does what the LEICA M9 does well, even better than the M9 does it!“

Ricoh GXR A16 24-85mm Review at Photographyblog (Click here).

Full Canon G1X review at Photographic Central (Click here).

Panasonic GF5 review at Quesabesde (Click here for the translation). Full GF5 image samples at Focus Numerique (Click here).

Olympus E-M5 testing at Soundimagesplus (Click here).