Pixels: The big and small

Although the camera is losing out to competitors in the megapixel race, Apple claims that the iPhone’s new backside-illuminated sensor with larger pixel size will deliver better images in both normal and low-light. To put things into perspective, iPhone 4’s pixel pitch is measured at 1.75 µm, Nikon D700 fullframe DSLR is at 8.45 µm, and your typical point-and-shoot cameras such as Panasonic LX3 are at around 2 µm. Which means we can expect the iPhone 4’s camera quality to be slightly behind a dedicated camera’s.

720p Video + Gyroscope?

Also of interest is the new 720p HD video recording capability. Of course, there are already phones out there capable of the same thing. But what’s really interesting is the new gyroscope built into each iPhone 4. It’s not hard to imagine that app developers might be able to make use of it to create some kind of image stabilization for video recording.

An image-stabilized 720p camcorder with decent image quality and a pocketable size means photographers who are not using video-capable cameras now has a convenient mean to capture videos. For professional photographers, adding short video clips into photomontages is a wonderful way to spice them up.

Conclusion and samples

iPhone 4’s camera is a great improvement, but certainly not the best among the newest breed of phones. However, what’s going to make it really good is when app developers take the new gyroscope and apply it to photography apps.

Hop on over to Apple.com for sample photos and videos.

Due to crop factor, the 16mm lens will be a 35mm equivalent of 24mm: pretty wide.

Follow the link below for some sample photos taken with a production unit of the lens:

Sony 16mm f2.8 Samples Gallery

• Fixes a phenomenon in which the aperture exhibits abnormal movement when shooting movies in manual exposure mode and Aperture Priority AE (Av mode) using some Canon lenses (such as macro lenses).
  Supplemental Information: This phenomenon involves the aperture of the lens exhibiting abnormal movement when the focusing ring moves (during focusing). For zoom lenses with variable maximum apertures, the aperture changes when the zoom ring is operated (during zooming), but this is normal behavior, where the effective aperture changes according to the focal length (the zoom position).
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the exposure level shown in the LCD panel differs from what is shown in the viewfinder when shooting still images in manual exposure mode.
• Fixes a phenomenon in which the Wireless File Transmitter (WFT-E4 or WFT-E4 II) may not automatically power off when used for FTP transfers.

Instruction & download link (Click ‘I Agree’ at the bottom for the download link)

• Added EVF selection function on the AMOLED displayed menu.
• Added MF Asist On/Off selection function.
• Added MF usage function while using K-Mount Adapter.
• Improved Auto White Balance function of Low color temperature condition.
• Improved SD Card Read/Write speed.
• System stabilization

Download link (click the Download button)

Installation guide

Olympus E-PL1 Review

The E-PL1 is the first mirrorless camera to marry its size and image quality advantages to the accessibility of a compact camera. Olympus has simply slipped an easy-to-use interface on top of its PEN DSLR-in-a-smaller-box concept. That power is there if you want it, even if the pared back design means the operation isn’t as quick as it can be with the other PENs. Point-and-shoot users won’t get the very most out of the camera but, thanks to an excellent JPEG engine, it’s likely they’ll spend much of their time too delighted by their pictures to worry about it.

2. The Imaging Resource

Olympus E-PL1 Digital Camera – Initial Test

As if anyone doubted, Olympus has reinforced its commitment to the Micro Four Thirds platform, now matching Panasonic with three models each. Of the six, this is the first to enter the under-$600 consumer territory, sparring with SLRs like the Rebel XS, Nikon D3000, Pentax K-x, and Sony A230. It also takes on the Canon G11 and Panasonic LX3, among others, as a small camera with potential use as a quality street, or everywhere camera.

3. PhotographyBLOG

Olympus E-PL1 Review

The Olympus EP-1 is a largely successful attempt to bring smaller, DSLR cameras to the mass-market, providing an ideal upgrade path for compact camera users who may be intimidated by the size and complexity of a DSLR. The drive towards simplicity and cost may put off more experienced photographers who would be better served by the premium E-P2 model, although the E-PL1 still offers most of that camera’s core functionality.

4. The Phoblographer

Hands on and Hands Off: Olympus EPL-1

Would I buy this camera? No. Would I recommend it? Not really. Canon, Pentax and Sony offer some really amazing entry level DSLRs. For the price point, there is better out there. I would actually tell people of this audience to go buy a used EP-1 instead. My hope is that the EPL-2 actually is targeted more towards beginners and that Olympus also doesn’t try to target advanced users as well. They should keep the EP-2/EP-1 line for the advanced and professionals and the EPL-1 for real beginners. Therefore, why not go right ahead and take off the manual modes? You could also throw in more consumer-like features as well, like integrated GPS and even go the Panasonic route with a touchscreen.

Ready for some astrophotography à la Space Invaders?

Source: thiagoavancini.com

The good people at Digital Photography Review has gotten hold of a production sample of the new Sony NEX-5. Here’s a sample video taken by the camera:

Follow the link for more full-resolution sample photos: Sony NEX-5 sample photos.

Sony NEX-5 is a lightweight interchangeable lens camera that has a DSLR-quality sensor.

Link: Tower records

Sony NEX-3

The system also comes with a choice of three E-mount lenses:

• 16mm f2.8
• 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 with OSS
• 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 with OSS

And also two converters for use with the 16mm f2.8:

• Fisheye Converter
• Ultra Wide Converter

The cameras also has several interesting features:

• Sweep Panorama mode: Move the camera in a smooth arc as you press the shutter button and the camera will take a series of photos at high speed and stitch them together into a single panorama image.
• 3D support with BRAVIA HDTV 3D.
• 7 fps shooting rate
• Auto HDR mode: Takes three exposures in rapid succession which are then digitally combined into a single image.
• 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD monitor: 16:9 widescreen display with LED backlighting and 921,600-dot resolution. Sony TruBlack technology, which cuts reflection and glare with a special anti-reflective resin layer, as well as anti-reflective film.

The cameras will be available this summer. And if priced right, Olympus and Panasonic can say goodbye to much of its Micro Four Third sales. They will also be a major threat to the Leica X1.

Press Release:

PEN E-P2 now available in stylish silver
Hamburg, 6 May 2010 – Next week the E-P2, until now only cloaked in classic black, will also be available in silver. The camera unites the power and performance of an SLR with the ease and spontaneity of a compact.

To enrich photographic potential, the E-P2 includes an accessory port to clip on the electronic viewfinder or other accessories. It also enlivens creative impulses through two additional Art Filters and supplements ease of use with further innovative options.

Cloaked now in silver, the hybrid photo and HD movie Olympus PEN boldly brings fun and simplicity back in SLR quality. It’s a legend in the making – and available from mid of May 2010 for €799 including the M. Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6.