In the beginning, Flickr innovated the way people share and discover photos. Today, we are shifting the photo-sharing landscape again. We’re releasing a Flickr that’s more spectacular, much bigger, and one you can take anywhere.

Biggr. A free terabyte of space

At Flickr, we believe you should share all your images in full resolution, so life’s moments can be relived in their original quality. No limited pixels, no cramped formats, no memories that fall flat. We’re giving your photos room to breathe, and you the space to upload a dizzying number of photos and videos, for free. Just how big is a terabyte? Well, you could take a photo every hour for forty years without filling one.

And yep, you heard us. It’s free.

Spectaculr. A new, beautiful experience for your photos

We want Flickr to be the most amazing community and place for you to share your photos. So, we’re also revealing a beautiful new design that puts photos at the heart of your Flickr experience, where they should always be. Whether it’s a sweeping landscape or a family portrait, we want every photo to be at its most spectacular.

Your homepage is now a gateway to everything you care about, and all the photos Flickr has to offer. Our new Activity Feed combines your friends’ recent uploads with activity on your own photos, and all in a beautiful design that lets you share and interact right on the page.

Continue reading…

For the existing users, here’s the important bits…

STORAGE
Flickr now offers a whopping 1TB of storage, for free. Users are now able to upload images as big as 200MB each (the limit used to be 50MB per image) and Flickr promises to keep the images in their best quality. This is a major change, and I think it’s a great one. Users who want to have more storage can pay $499.99 per year to get a ‘Doublr’ account with 2 Terabytes of photo and video space.

NO MORE FLICKR PRO
Flickr Pro ($25 per year) used to have many features free users didn’t have: stats, no ads, unlimited photo and video uploads and the ability to replace photos. As of today, FREE and PRO users will have the same exact features with one difference: Pro users won’t see ads. Starting on 5/20/13, Flickr will no longer be offering new Flickr Pro subscriptions. Pro members have the option to switch to a Free account until 8/20/13. Existing Pro users who want to have no ads on their Flickr will be able to renew their subscription and it will cost $49.99 per year.

Credit: http://fstoppers.com/flickr-finally-gets-total-design-overhaul-adds-new-features

• Nikon F Mount
• FX Format Compatible
• 120-600mm Equivalent in DX Format
• Aperture Range: f/4.5-40
• Vibration Reduction Image Stabilization
• 5 ED Elements, Nano Crystal Coating
• Silent Wave Motor and MF Override
• Internal Focusing Mechanism
• Nine-Bladed Diaphragm
• Accepts 77mm Filters

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens is a versatile telephoto zoom lens that is compatible with both FX and DX-sized image sensors. This lens features an extensive zoom range of 80-400mm (DX equivalent: 120-600mm) that encompasses both portrait and long-reaching telephoto focal lengths to suit work with a variety of subjects. Capture portraits with softly blurred backgrounds and get close-up telephoto shots of faraway subjects with or without a tripod.

The lens construction integrates one super ED (extra-low dispersion) and four ED glass elements to help minimize chromatic aberrations throughout the zoom range and contribute to higher image sharpness, clarity, and color fidelity. The Nano Crystal Coat reduces surface reflections, helping to prevent lens flare and ghosting for greater contrast and light transmission.

Built-in Vibration Reduction image stabilization compensates for the effects of camera shake up to the equivalent of four shutter speed steps. A dedicated VR setting for tripods is available for producing the sharpest imagery possible without countering the effects of the image stabilization system.

In addition to regular autofocus and manual focus, two other focusing modes are available: A/M (Auto-Priority Manual Mode) enables an easy transition from autofocus to manual during AF operation, while M/A (autofocus with manual override, MF priority) allows switching from AF to MF with virtually no lag time by turning the focusing ring. Transitioning between these focusing modes can be done quickly and precisely.

The SWM (Silent Wave Motor) focusing system uses ultrasonic vibrations to provide quick, quiet, smooth and precise auto focusing performance that is ideal for use in video and subject-tracking. Internal focusing maintains an overall compact lens form-factor, enables faster performance, and allows for a closer focusing distance.

Reviews

Nikon AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR review (N APS-C) by camerastuffreview.com

The Nikon AF 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED VR is a lens with a high purchase price and that makes the expectations for the image quality high as well. The build quality is good, but a Nikon you expect that.

Vimeo user dimid has recently created a timelapse of Dubai on his recent trip to U.A.E. last January. This video is a hit with more than 140k views in less than 5 days.

This is the list of equipments used to produce the above video:

• Canon EOS 7D
• Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM
• Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
• Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM
• Benro C-257 tripod

MELVILLE, N.Y., May 14, 2013

The new EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x zoom lens features an optically matched built-in 1.4x extender that increases the maximum focal length to 560mm, simultaneously preserving image quality and enabling the seamless capture of distant, moving subjects. With a simple switch, photographers can easily increase zoom range, which is extremely useful when it’s difficult to change lenses quickly, and helps protect delicate equipment like a DSLR camera’s image sensor in environments with dust, high humidity or other extreme environmental factors.

Peter Read Miller, an award-winning sports photographer and Canon Explorer of Light, recently used the new lens while shooting various worldwide sporting competitions.

“I had the opportunity recently to use Canon’s new 200-400 lens at a number of sporting events,” said Miller. “I found it to be incredibly versatile, replacing several different prime lenses that I would usually carry. The zoom allows me to control my framing; the autofocus has speed equal to or faster than most fixed focal length telephoto lenses and the ability to engage the 1.4 extender without taking my eye away from the camera is a unique feature not found in any other telephoto lens available today.”

To help deliver beautiful, soft, image backgrounds, the lens features a 9-blade circular aperture. The lens also utilizes inner focusing, ring USM, a high-speed CPU and optimized AF algorithms for fast and accurate autofocusing. Quiet and smooth focus shifts – essential for filmmaking – are made possible with Canon’s Power Focus mode.

Using advanced optical materials such as fluorite crystal and UD glass, the new lens provides excellent correction of chromatic aberration throughout the entire zoom range, and delivers high-quality images with high levels of resolution, color fidelity and contrast. With three image stabilization modes, (standard, panning, and during exposure only) and stabilization effective up to four shutter speed steps, the new EF 200-400mm lens provides excellent results for a wide range of subjects and shooting scenarios. The new lens also includes dust- and water-resistant construction designed for extended usage under harsh conditions.

“The EF 200-400 along with the Canon EOS-1D X camera body is my new ‘go-to’ combination for shooting sports,” concluded Miller.

The EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x zoom lens is expected to be available at the end of May for an estimated retail price of $11,799.00.

For more information about Canon’s new EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens, and a full list of product specifications, visit www.usa.canon.com.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. With approximately $40 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks third overall in U.S. patents registered in 2012† and is one of Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies in 2013. In 2012, Canon U.S.A. has received the PCMag.com Readers’ Choice Award for Service and Reliability in the digital camera and printer categories for the ninth consecutive year, and for camcorders for the past two years. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest level of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.

† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

Availability, prices, and specifications are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

MELVILLE, N.Y. (May 14, 2013) –

The 1 NIKKOR 32mm f/1.2 lens (86mm equivalent in 35mm format) enables brilliant sharpness and is able to resolve intricate details in portraits such as hair, eyes and eyelashes, while also allowing for strategically precise image blur and bokeh. From flattering portraits to still-life art, this fast lens gives users the ability to emphasize a primary subject combined with a skillfully blurred background for a dramatic yet natural separation, and shoot with confidence in challenging light.

Additionally, core NIKKOR lens technologies have been carried over into the 1 NIKKOR series, as the 32mm f/1.2 is the first 1 NIKKOR lens to be equipped with a Silent Wave Motor (SWM), a manual focus ring and a Nano Crystal Coat — all traditional staples of the NIKKOR line. Utilizing the Close-Range Correction System, the lens is able to provide high-resolution, realistic textures and minimized aberration, even during close-up shooting. The M/A (autofocus with manual override) mode lets the user to manually focus during autofocus operation for intuitive and fine adjustments while shooting. Additionally, the lens sports an elegant and portable design while Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat effectively reduces instances of ghost and flare for optimal image quality.

With the addition of the new 1 NIKKOR 32mm f/1.2 lens, the 1 NIKKOR lens lineup now offers nine total lenses for photographers seeking the ideal harmony of performance and portability.

Nikon will continue to expand the 1 NIKKOR lineup with lenses that make the most of the capabilities and performance offered by Nikon 1 advanced cameras with interchangeable lenses, while consistently offering new ways for users to express their creative vision.

Price and Availability

The 1 NIKKOR 32mm f/1.2 lens will be available in Black and Silver for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $899.95* in June 2013. For more information on the Nikon 1 system and other 1 NIKKOR lenses as well as other Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

Olympus Imaging Corporation (President: Haruo Ogawa) is pleased to announce the upcoming release of black versions of the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm f1.8, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm f1.8, and M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm f1.8 single focal lenses, scheduled for release in the end of June 2013.

All three lenses, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm f1.8, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm f1.8, and M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm, are optimized for snapshots and portrait shooting. While keeping a compact size and light weight to make the most of Micro Four Thirds System standard, the lenses feature the MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) mechanism to support the superior image quality of interchangeable lens cameras whether shooting still photos or movies. Since the release of the OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5, many users have asked us for black versions of the lenses and it is our pleasure to respond with the launch of black versions of the three lenses mentioned above. With black and silver versions, users will have more choices and will be able to create a more unified look between camera and lens.

Pricing and Launch Date

Main Features

M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm f1.8
High grade snapshot lens that offers high imaging performance and compact size with single focal length of 17mm (equivalent to 34mm of 35mm film cameras) and large open aperture of f1.8. Composed of nine lens elements, of them three aspherical lenses, the lens achieves outstanding image quality with high contrast and sharpness from the open aperture of f1.8 throughout the whole image. The autofocusing system is based on Olympus’s original MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) mechanism and offers fast and quiet focusing for both movies and still images. Additionally, fun and easy snapshot shooting is possible thanks to the Snapshot Focus mechanism, which allows users to set the focusing point on a distance scale that appears when they slide the focus ring towards themselves. With the Snapshot Focus mechanism, users can estimate the focusing distance while looking at the scale or close down the aperture for quick pan-focus shooting.

M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm f1.8
Medium telephoto optimized for portrait shooting with a single focal length of 45mm (equivalent to 90mm of 35mm film cameras) and large open aperture of f1.8. The lens was designed to allow users to easily enjoy the defocused background look characteristic of an SLR-like interchangeable lens camera. Composed of nine lens elements in eight groups, including two E-HR (Extra-High Refractive index) elements, the lens achieves a large f1.8 open aperture for superior image quality with high contrast and sharpness. This ensures that users can easily capture a sharp and vivid image of the subject. The autofocusing system is based on Olympus’s original MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) mechanism and offers fast and quiet focusing for both movies and still images. The elegant design and decoration ring that conceals surface irregularities on the hood mount give the lens sophisticated look and unified appearance. The lens offers optimal convenience with a compact size and weight of only 116 g for maximum portability. User can easily carry it around and enjoy portrait photography of family and pets with a nice defocused background.

M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm f1.8
High grade telephoto lens optimized for portrait and studio photography, stage and indoor sports shooting with a single focal length of 75mm (equivalent to 150mm of 35mm film cameras) and a large f1.8 open aperture. This large f1.8 open aperture offers sharp, superior image quality. Composed of ten elements in nine groups, the lens makes extensive use of special glass materials, including three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements. The advanced optical design allows to optically correct various distortions, resulting in top-class image quality even among the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL series lenses. With its compact size, length of only 69 mm, elegant design and textured metallic finish and large-diameter glass lens at the front, the lens conveys a sense of power and entices users to take pictures. The autofocusing system is based on Olympus’s original MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) mechanism and offers fast and quiet focusing for both movies and still images. The metallic focus ring, with its pleasant feel, offers easy and precise focus adjustment during manual focus.

Olympus Imaging Corporation (President: Haruo Ogawa) is pleased to announce the introduction of the OLYMPUS PEN Lite E-PL6, a mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera that conforms to the Micro Four Thirds System standard. It is scheduled to go on sale in the end of June, 2013.

Main Features

1. Touch AF Shutter – a new style of shooting that combines FAST AF with touchscreen operation.
2. Superb image quality continued from the flagship of the Olympus mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera, the OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5.
3. Wide range of twelve Art Filters for richer creative artistic expression.
4. 170°-swivel monitor for easy self-portrait shooting.
5. New functions substantially improved from the OLYMPUS PEN Lite E-PL5.Mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras, best exemplified by Olympus’s PEN series, have received the warm and enthusiastic support of photographers who want to enjoy photography more conveniently. This market is fast expanding in Japan and Asia, where mirrorless cameras account for an great percentage of the digital camera market^*1 . In the evolving camera market, the OLYMPUS PEN series has taken special pride in responding to the needs of new groups of photographers thanks to their stylish design, highly-portable compact size and light weight, and wide functionality that keeps expanding photography’s expressive range. For example, they have become the camera of choice for women who are interested in camera as a means of self expression.

As the newest member of the OLYMPUS PEN Lite series, the OLYMPUS PEN Lite E-PL6 adds substantial new functionality to make creative photography even more easy and intuitive.

By combining the FAST AF system that made Olympus’s flagship model, the OM-D E-M5, the world’s fastest^*2 with the Touch AF Shutter function, which allows users to take a picture by touching the Live View screen, users can now enjoy capturing the moment they want, wherever the subject is positioned, with instantaneous autofocus. For the touchscreen, a capacitance touch panel is used, allowing the immediate reaction to even the lightest touch.
Additionally, by using the same 16.05-megapixel Live MOS Sensor and TruePic VI image processing engine used in the OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5, users can enjoy the highest image quality offered by Olympus.
This camera features all twelve Art Filters that are a defining characteristic of Olympus system cameras. With a number of variations and effects available, the possibilities for creative artistic expression are expanded.
The compact-sized and light-weight body, optimized for OLYMPUS PEN Lite users who enjoy active photography, along with the 170°-swivel monitor give users the freedom to shoot from any angle, including self-portrait shots.
The camera also features a range of substantial new functions that make photography more convenient and expand the shooting possibilities of the camera. These include a Short Release Time Lag mode, ISO LOW setting, interval Shooting, Time lapse movies and a Level guide. With Red as a new color, in addition to White, Silver and Black, the body is available now in a total of for color variations.

Olympus remains committed to expanding the line-up of mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras and to developing the system as a whole with a view to creating and expanding new markets.

Main Feature Details

1. Touch AF Shutter – a new style of shooting made possible by combining FAST AF with touch screen operation.

1) FAST AF system with instantaneous autofocusing capability

The FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology) AF system that allowed the OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5 to achieve the world’s fastest autofocusing^*2 is incorporated in the E-PL6. With this system, the Live MOS Sensor is driven at a high speed and the speed of AF computation has also been improved. Additionally, increased communication speed with the lens and synergy with the MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) mechanism, which facilitates fast, quiet movement of the AF system in the lens, further complete the camera’s hassle-free fast AF system.

2) Touch AF Shutter release by simply touching the Live View screen

The rear monitor incorporates a capacitance touch screen panel with excellent responsiveness. Combined with the FAST AF system, users can take pictures instantaneously simply by touching the Live View screen. With the Touch AF Shutter, regardless of the position of the subject on the screen, the user has only to lightly touch the screen to instantly execute the process from focusing to shutter release. This is a completely new shooting style that expands the joy of photography.

2. Superb image quality continued from the flagship of the Olympus system camera, the OM-D E-M5.

Committed to the concept of “providing maximum image quality performance for all PEN models”, Olympus has generously endowed the OLYMPUS PEN Lite E-PL6 with the same 16.05-megapixel Live MOS Sensor and TruePic VI image processing engine incorporated in the flagship of our Micro Four Thirds system cameras, the Olympus OM-D E-M5. This image sensor features vivid color representation and high resolution that reproduce a natural three-dimensional feeling, together with a spectacular improvement in sensitivity and noise reduction, achieving maximum sensitivity of ISO 25600 for still images. Dynamic range has also been expanded, enabling richer expression of gradations between dark and bright areas with a wide range of intensity.

3. Twelve Art Filters for richer creative artistic expression.

1) Wide range of twelve Art Filters

Art Filters are an Olympus original shooting function that not only helps users better create the image they envision, it also gives them the opportunity to surprise themselves with unexpected effects. Applicable to both still images and movies^*3 , Art Filters can be easily enjoyed by everybody.

• Pop Art (I/II)
  Enhances colors, making them stronger and more vivid to create high-impact images with a pop-art feel.
• Soft Focus
  Gives images a dream-like quality that creates a romantic and mystical atmosphere.
• Pale & Light Color (I/II)
  Encloses the reality in front of the camera in flat, softly illuminated bubble, floating serenely in its own world, like a distant memory of a childhood landscape.
• Light Tone
  Renders both highlights and shadows more softly to recreate the atmosphere achieved by studio lighting.
• Grainy Film (I/II)
  Recreates the classic grainy look and tonality of black & white photography, imparting a dramatic feel to images.
• Pin Hole (I/II/III)
  Adjusts color and reduces brightness at the periphery, recreating the distinctive look of photos taken with a pinhole camera.
• Diorama
  Creates the look of a miniature diorama by enhancing color and contrast, and blurring the periphery to distort distance perception.
• Cross Process (I/II)
  Reproduces an unrealistic or unstable atmosphere with unexpected color development like that produced when a positive film is developed in the negative film process with digital processing.
• Gentle Sepia
  Gives images the look of a vintage sepia-tone print, with gentle contrast and well-defined shadows.
• Dramatic Tone (I/II)
  Represents real space in a more imaginary way by applying unrealistic tones of light and darkness based on local changes in contrast.
• Key Line (I/II)
  Based on the “posterization” effect, this filter makes the picture look more like an illustration or block print by enhancing the edge lines.
• Water Color (I/II)
  Eliminates darker areas in the image to daringly represent bright color tones on a white canvas, adding soft contours to express a warm and bright world.

2) All six Art Effects

Art Effects customize Art Filters with a variety of effects^*4 to further enhance their creative appeal.

• Soft Focus
  Provides sharp image at the center with soft focus around it.
• Pin Hole
  Decreases the brightness around the periphery of the image.
• Art Frame
  Adds an artistic, elegant frame around the image.
• White Edge
  Defocuses the four corners of the image and washes them out in white.
• Starlight
  Produces an effective trace of light in night scenes and similar images.
• Monochrome
  Changes the tonality of the image to a monochrome tone (sepia/blue/purple/green) and adds a monochrome filter effect (yellow/orange/red/green) to vary the contrast characteristics.

3) Art Filter bracketing function

This function can generate multiple pictures with different Art Filters with a single shot, making it possible to experiment with several different photographic effects at the same time. The combination of an unexpected scene and an unexpected Art Filter may lead to the creation of a picture beyond the reach of your imagination. In addition to the Art Filters, this function can be used to select multiple picture modes including Vivid, Natural, Flat and Portrait. A Slide Rec View function is provided to play back immediately after shooting, a slideshow of the pictures with the various Art Filters applied.

4. 170°-swivel monitor for easy self-portrait shooting.

The rear panel monitor features a large, easy-to-view 3.0-inch, 460,000-dot high-definition LCD with an aspect ratio of 16:9 and a swivel range of about 170° up and about 65° down. In addition to low- and high-angle shooting, self-portrait shooting can also be enjoyed comfortably.
The LCD monitor also features an anti-fingerprint coating that protects it from fingerprints and dirt, a viewing angle that extends 176° from all directions and improved color reproduction. Optical resin is used to hermetically seal an air layer, reducing internal reflection, so the monitor is easy and comfortable to use even for outdoor shooting.

5. New functions substantially improved from the OLYMPUS PEN Lite E-PL5.

1) Short Release Time Lag mode

The camera incorporates a new short release time lag mode in addition to the super high-speed FAST AF system. With a shortest time lag speed of approximately 0.044 seconds^*5 , users will not miss any photo opportunity even when shooting fast moving subjects.

2) ISO LOW setting

ISO LOW (equivalent to ISO 100) has been extended towards the low sensitivity end. This allows users to use the large lens at maximum aperture even in bright daylight and obtain the maximum background defocusing effect in their pictures. The expanded shooting possibilities of the camera give users more freedom to create a wide variety of pictures.

3) Interval shooting

The camera features a new interval shooting function where the interval (1 second to 24 hours) and number of shots (1 to 99) can be set. With a very simple operation, users can shoot a series of pictures showing the growth of a plant, the drifting of clouds, moving crowds or a butterfly emerging from chrysalis form.

4) Time Lapse movies

Users can easily convert a series of pictures taken using interval shooting into a time lapse movie^*6 like those often seen in movies or documentary films. Art Filters can also be used to produce even more creative time lapse movies.

5) Level Guide

The camera features a two-axis (horizontal and vertical) digital level guide that allows users to accurately frame pictures even when there are no horizontal lines in the composition or when shooting a dark night scene.

Other Features

1. OLYMPUS Image Share (OI.Share) smartphone application
Using the OLYMPUS Image Share (OI.Share) application for iPhone/Android and a Toshiba FlashAir^TM*7 SDHC memory card incorporating wireless LAN, it’s easier than ever to upload pictures to your favorite social network. With the smartphone connection function of the OLYMPUS PEN E-PL6, it is very easy to set up a FlashAir^TM card and start using the Wi-Fi connection. The OI.Share application makes it easy to transfer pictures to a smartphone by selecting their thumbnails, apply Art Filters on the smartphone and share pictures in collaboration with various SNS applications. Pictures can also be enjoyed by friends and family by issuing a one-time password to connect several smartphones simultaneously.

2. Image rotation in playback
The camera features the image rotation function that detects whether the camera is in the horizontal or vertical position. This improves the joy and comfort of picture browsing.

3. Small AF target mode
A small AF target mode can be selected in addition to the existing 35-point area selection AF, group target AF or standard single-target AF. This enables more precise pinpoint focusing for smaller subjects.

4. Built-in sensor-shift type image stabilization
The in-body image stabilization mechanism shifts the image sensor unit instantaneously and precisely. This means that handheld shooting with image stabilization is available not only when using Micro Four Thirds lenses but also Four Thirds lenses. Image stabilization is even possible with older lenses mounted using an adapter as long as the focal length is input manually.

5. Movie Teleconverter and Art Fade effect
The Teleconverter feature allows the user to select a part of a movie during movie recording by tapping it on the touchscreen panel and switch back and forth between the magnified section and the widescreen movie without deterioration. Using it brings more fun to movie recording, allowing the user to capture the atmosphere at school plays, sporting events, and the like while zooming in for close ups of children’s faces matched to a given scene. Also, by selecting one of the Art Filters^*8 during movie recording, the user can create more artistic movies with the selected filter in which the image gradually changes.

6. RAW editing in the camera
The camera offers detailed in-camera RAW editing. The cross-cursor button can be used to select and change various RAW settings. Previewing the edited image is also possible. Detailed in-camera editing without using PC software is particularly convenient when RAW development is required outside the home.

7. BGM downloads
OLYMPUS PEN and OM-D Series and E-5 cameras feature a Multi-Mix Slide Show function for slideshow playback with background music. Now, users can replace one of the four existing BGM tracks by downloading a new track from the Olympus site. Olympus offers a wide selection of downloadable background music from famous creators.

8. High-speed 8 fps sequential shooting
Sequential shooting is possible at a maximum rate of 8 fps. Fast sequential shooting at a maximum rate 3.5 fps (in L-sequential shooting) is available even in autofocus modes (C-AF + Tr and C-AF modes).

9. 3D tracking AF
The imager AF used in mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras features better recognition capability of the subject than an AF based on phase difference detection. Making full use of this advantage, the E-PL6 uses a 3D tracking AF with a movement prediction function that can track depth-direction movement, as well as a traditional tracking AF to track objects moving in the up, down, left and right direction, to improve the accuracy of AF on moving objects. In C-AF (continuous AF) mode, sequential shooting at 3.5 fps is possible by tracking the AF across a wider image area than with digital SLR cameras based on phase difference detection AF. This system is also able to track subjects that are hard for phase difference AF to follow, such as people and faces. Precise subject tracking is available not only for still photo shooting but also for movie recording.

10. Advanced iAUTO
The iAUTO function automatically determines and sets the optimum shooting mode for the subject. With a database of 42 different scene modes, iAUTO can find a mode to suit any scene.

11. Full-HD movie shooting (MOV)
Full-HD movies can be recorded in MOV format (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264)^*9 for easy viewing and editing on a PC. Movie recording is also possible in the traditional AVI format* (Motion JPEG). Audio is recorded in linear PCM in both formats. Touch AF can also be used for movie recording.

12. Live Bulb and Live Time shooting
To ensure updated display of the Live View during bulb shooting, two functions are provided: Live Bulb, for shooting while the shutter button is held depressed; and Live Time, for releasing the shutter with the first press of the button and closing it with the second press. Previously, during bulb shooting, the Live View image on the rear panel monitor would disappear during shooting, but now, thanks to these new functions, Live View images can be displayed at set intervals even during exposure. Users can now set the optimum exposure time for bulb shooting by checking the updated Live View image, instead of having to rely on intuition or experience until now.

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., May 10, 2013 – Olympus marks the 50th anniversary of the legendary PEN F with the launch of the new Olympus® PEN E-P5, a digital update of a classic film camera designed with breakthrough technology and incredible performance advancements. Designed for photographers looking for superior image quality in a portable body, the PEN E-P5 delivers a stellar shooting experience with 1/8000th of a second shutter speed – a world-first for the Compact System Camera class – built-in Wi-Fi, autofocus advancements, easy-access manual controls and a host of other features.  

The new flagship in the Olympus PEN series exudes detailed craftsmanship, from a seamless design to an all-metal casing that houses many of the same award-winning technologies found inside Olympus’s premier Micro Four Thirds® camera, the OM-D E-M5®: 16-Megapixel TruePic VI Live MOS sensor, FAST AF, 5-Axis Image Stabilization and more.

The Olympus PEN E-P5 is the first Compact System Camera with a mechanical shutter that can achieve a speed of 1/8000th of a second to freeze fast-moving subjects like insects in flight or to create pictures with dramatic background blur, even in bright conditions. The built-in flash, with an improved, faster 1/320th of a second synch speed, makes it easier to take backlit shots during the daytime. Never miss an instant photo opportunity with features like quick start-up, new short release time lag AF mode, which reduces the time between shots to 0.044 seconds, and nine-frame-per-second sequential shooting.

A world class autofocus system, also found in the Olympus OM-D E-M5, powers the E-P5’s new Super Spot AF, accurately bringing into focus even extremely small subjects. Simply select an area on your subject where pin-point accurate AF is required and the E-P5 can auto-focus on that area – offering even more precision than phase-difference autofocus systems. New Focus Peaking dramatically improves the usability of manual focus lenses by bringing shots into focus by emphasizing the contours of the point of focus in white or black.

The camera’s in-body 5-Axis Image Stabilization mechanism, which has been further evolved since its introduction in the Olympus OM-D E-M5, is now compact enough to fit in the E-P5’s svelte body. The system corrects various kinds of camera shaking, whether shooting still photos or recording movies and the new IS-AUTO mode automatically detects the camera’s movements and provides optimal control of correction when panning regardless of direction or camera orientation. Correction-checking on the Live View screen makes it possible to check the image stabilization effects on the Live View screen that was previously difficult with in-body image stabilization systems. The user can press the shutter button halfway to check the image stabilization effects on the display and then decide upon the composition. The image remains on the display for two seconds after the shutter button is released, making it possible to stabilize the autofocus point and set framing. Multi-motion IS used in combination with the 5-Axis Image Stabilization mechanism produces excellent correction performance, especially during movie recording.

Hands-on photographers will appreciate the intuitive 2×2 Dial Control system which is in easy reach on the back and top of the camera. When shooting manually, a lever on the back can be quickly moved to one of two positions. In the first position, moving the dial at the front of the camera adjusts the aperture while the back dial affects exposure time. In the second position, the dials change the ISO value and white balance. Alternatively, you can use the lever on the back of the camera to assign a range of other functions.

The E-P5 is the first Olympus camera to include built-in Wi-Fi. Setup is simple and involves quickly scanning the QR code displayed on the camera’s LCD with your Smart device to synch it with the Wi-Fi network created by the camera. Olympus’ free smartphone app, Olympus Image Share 2.0*, synchronizes your smartphone’s and E-P5’s screens so you can effectively see the camera’s LCD on your phone and control it by touching the smartphone display as if it were your camera. This is extremely useful for self-portraits and for remotely shooting subjects like wildlife that are easily startled if you get too close. You can count down to shutter release on the phone itself, grant friends’ devices access to selected images, and even use your smartphone to embed GPS information in your shots.

Photo Story mode enables you to capture a scene from multiple viewpoints and then combine them into a single image to create unique collages inside the camera. New “Photo Story+” adds a rich variety of stamps and “Signature” for adding a handwritten or original image signature on top of the image through the Oi.Share app. Other creative features include new interval shooting that sets a time interval between 1 second to 24 hours, as well as how many shots the camera will capture in a series (1 to 99) during that time to create images that show the growth of a plant, the drifting of clouds, moving crowds or a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis. Time Lapse Movie converts the series of pictures taken using interval shooting into a movie inside the camera. The 12 available Art Filters on the E-P5 lend even more creativity to time-lapse movies as well as still images. Live Bulb mode has been improved by automatically reducing the monitor’s brightness to prevent glare and to display a histogram and the elapsed time of an exposure to more easily shoot stars, light painting and fireworks.

The Olympus PEN E-P5 is equipped with a bright and viewable 1.04 million dot high-definition tilt-type touch panel LCD that can be adjusted to face upwards at an 80-degree angle and downwards at a 50-degree angle. For photographers who prefer composing their shots using an eyepiece, the new optional high-definition VF-4 viewfinder, provides an impressive 1.48X magnification, a 2.36 million dot LCD, eye detect to turn it on at the right time, and intuitive functionality that enable real-time viewing of shooting conditions.

The Olympus PEN E-P5 is compatible with the whole Micro Four Thirds range on quality lenses, which now extends to newly introduced black versions of the M.ZUIKO® DIGITAL 17mm f1.8, 45mm f1.8 and 75mm f1.8 lenses.

U.S. Pricing and Availability
The Olympus PEN E-P5 will be available in May 2013 in the following configurations.
Estimated Street Price:

• $999.99 Body only, available in Black, Silver or White
• $1449.99 (Black or Silver body with black M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm f1.8 lens and VF-4 Electronic Viewfinder lens)

• Micro Four Thirds System
• 35mm Equivalent: 150-600mm
• ZERO Lens Coating
• One Super ED and Two ED Lens Elements
• Three HR Lens Elements
• Seven-Blade Circular Diaphragm

The Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II Lens is a telephoto zoom lens that is compatible with the Micro Four Thirds standard. The 75-300mm focal length gives a 35mm-equivalent zoom range of 150-600mm for a standard to super-telephoto reach.

The lens construction integrates one Super ED (extra-low dispersion) and two ED lens elements to help minimize chromatic aberrations throughout the zoom range while also contributing to overall image sharpness, clarity, and color fidelity. Three HR (high-refractive index) elements are also incorporated into the design to reduce the overall weight and size of the lens and also promote an overall higher image quality. Lens elements also feature Olympus’ ZERO (Zuiko Extra-Low Reflection Optical) coating to reduce internal and surface reflections and ghosting that are more prevalent when shooting in difficult lighting conditions, such as backlit situations. The ZERO coating also provides greater durability to the lens surfaces.

The MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) autofocus system provides quick, accurate auto focusing that is especially suited to working with fast-moving subject matter. By employing an internal focusing mechanism, the lens is also able to function in a quiet and smooth manner that greatly benefits its use when recording movies.

April 24, 2013: 

Comprising of 14 elements in 12 groups, the lens system features three aspherical lenses and two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses to achieve dramatic downsizing despite its powerful 10x optical zoom, while minimizing distortion and chromatic aberration.

The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) effectively compensates for not only small, fast movement but also large, slow one making it easy to shoot super clear shots even in low-lit situations such as in night time or indoors.

Incorporating an inner focus drive system and stepping motor, The new LUMIX G VARIO 14-140mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. is capable of smooth, silent operation to work with the camera’s high-speed, high-precision contrast AF system for both photo and video recording. It is also compatible with the sensor drive at max.240 fps to take maximum advantage of cameras with high-speed AF such as DMC-GH3 and the new DMC-G6.

The new LUMIX G VARIO 14-140mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. is built with a highly reliable metal mount, and uses multi-coated lens elements that minimize ghosts. Seven blades give the aperture a rounded shape that produces an attractively smooth defocus effect in out-of-focus areas when shooting at larger aperture settings.