Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Sony RX100 Compact Digital Camera Has 1 Inch Sensor

Sony RX100 is a compact camera with larger senor than the usual compact. I compiled the following information for the convenience of your reference. Sony RX100 is installed with a one inches Exmor CMOS sensor which is about 60% of the size of micro 4/3 camera, 45% of Canon G1X digital camera,  and 36% of APS-C sensor used by most of the entry level DSLRs (e.g. T4i), The maximum lens aperture is F/1.8. With the effective built-in image stabilizer and maximum ISO speed of 6400 renders this camera suitable for low light shooting.  It has a zoom lens about 30-108mm with 4:3 ratio images.
  • Massive 20.2MP Exmor® 1” CMOS Image Sensor
  • Bright F1.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens with 3.6x zoom
  • P/A/S/M modes for video and stills
  • Capture JPEG files, RAW files, or both
  • Full HD 1080p/60FPS
  • Low-light ISO 6400 sensitivity

Sony RX100 Compact Digital Camera
Sony RX100 Sensor Size Comparison with Other Digital Cameras

Sony RX100 Digital Camera Hong Kong Commercial (Cantonese)






Sony RX100 Digital Camera Hands On Review by Camera Store:




Sony RX100 Digital CameraRating
Photographyblog rated the RX100 as "Essential" with full 5 stars.(Click here for details)
Ratings (out of 5)
  Design 5
  Features 5
  Ease-of-use 4.5
  Image Quality 5
  Value for money 4

In my opinion, I would rather own a E-PM1 giving the fact it has a larger sensor,  capabilities use a largest aperture lens.  In addition, the price of E-PM1 with the kit lens and a Panasonic 20mm F1.7 may be less than 200 Canadian dollars more than buying the RX100.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Which Olympus Mirco 4/3 Popular Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera should you select?

Introduction

Olympus and Panasonic are the first two manufacturers announced the Mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (MILC) standard in 2008 and then follow by Sony.  Olympus and Panasonic called its standard  micro four third system (MFT). MFT shares the original image sensor size and specification with the Four Thirds system, designed for DSLRs.  Sony introduced its own MILC in May 2010.  The objectives of this blog is to introduce and identify the related information from the web of the recent  MILC models made by Olympus, Panasonic and Sony.  Here are the information I collect for your decision:

Olympus (Micro 4/3)


The current Olympus micro 4/3 camera includes:
  1. OM-D E-M5
  2. E-P3
  3. E-PL3
  4. E-MP1
OM-D E-M5 (My blog has already a post about  E-PM1, please click here for details) is the newest model which was announced at start of 2012. The OM–D's mirrorless design has a compact and lightweight body with dust-proof and splash-proof technology. Photographyblog reviewed the OM-D digital camera and gives a good rating of "Essential" (Click here to see the review)
     

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Digital Camera
   

E-P3  (My blog has already a post about E-PM1, please click here for details) mirrorless interchangeable lens camera  is the most expensive PEN micro 4/3 camera, which has OLED touch screen for setting. The new FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology) AF System is able to focus fast with 35 separate focus points. The AF Tracking function can locks your subject into focus and continuously adjusts focus and brightness even if the subject disappears from view momentarily. The new 12.3MP LIVE MOS SENSOR sensors improve the sensitivity and read-out speed ensuring ISO 12,800 shooting and Full HD movie recording possible. Dust Reduction System assures spot-free images, even after changing lenses. The built in stabilization device assures the reduction of horizontal and vertical shaking.  Built in flash is in place.  Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Color, Light Tone, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama, Cross Process, Gentle Sepia and Dramatic Tone are the art filters for creativity of photography.
Olympus E-P3 Digital Camera


E-PL3 (My blog has already a post of  E-PM1, please click here for details)  mirrorless interchangeable lens camera is like E-P3 but it comes with a tilt LCD screen and has no touch screen.  It is much cheaper than E-P3.
Olympus E-PL3 Digital Camera
  E-PL3 and E-P3 Comparison




Photographyblog rated E-P3 as "Recommended" (Click here to read the review)


E-PM1 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (My blog has already a post about E-PM1, please click here for detail) is the cheapest micro 4/3 camera offered, which is worth to consider for its price and multiple functions.
Olympus E-PM1

Photographyblog rated this camera as " Highly Recommended" (Click here to see the review).  See the hands on review below:




It is nice to own small sensor/large aperture compact camera like Panasonic LX5 or LX7 or Sony RX100, but for myself I would own the E-PM1. E-PM1 has larger sensor than the compact camera and can change  lens. Beside the Panasonic LX5/LX7 and Sony RX100 costs more than E-PM1 with a small sensor.  Getting a E-PM1 with the kit lens plus a Panasonic 20mm F1.7 pancake lens may be the same price of getting the Sony RX100 and Panasonic LX7/LX5 when E-PM1 is on sale.  By the way, E-PM1 is on sale most of the time.

 

In short:  

Among the four Olympus micro 4/3 camera, I would buy the E-PM1 if on tied budget.  I would definitely go for the OM-D E-M5 if money is not a challenge without consideration of E-PL3 or E-P3. The price difference of buying OM-D comparing to E-P3 and E-PL3 is about a few hundred Canadian dollars.  It is worthy to pay more to buy the OM-D E-M5 for its extra capabilities especially the electronic view finder.

Related Articles

Which PEN for your pocket? EP3 vs. EPL3 vs. EPM1




Olympus E-P3 Micro 4/3 Camera

E-P3 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera  is the most expensive PEN micro 4/3 camera, which has OLED touch screen for setting. The new FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology) AF System is able to focus fast with 35 separate focus points. The AF Tracking function can locks your subject into focus and continuously adjusts focus and brightness even if the subject disappears from view momentarily. The new 12.3MP LIVE MOS SENSOR sensors improve the sensitivity and read-out speed ensuring ISO 12,800 shooting and Full HD movie recording possible. Dust Reduction System assures spot-free images, even after changing lenses. The built in stabilization device assures the reduction of horizontal and vertical shaking.  Built in flash is in place.  Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Color, Light Tone, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama, Cross Process, Gentle Sepia and Dramatic Tone are the art filters for creativity of photography.

Features
    
Product Type Product Type Interchangeable Lens Type Live View Digital Camera
Memory SD Memory Card(SDHC, SDXC, UHS-I compatible), Eye-Fi, Class 6 is recommended for Movie shooting
Sensor size 17.3 mm (H) x 13.0 mm (V)
Lens Mount Micro Four Thirds Mount
Effective Pixels number Effective Pixel Number 12.3 million pixels
Image Pickup Unit Product Type High speed Live MOS Sensor
Total no. of pixels Approx. 13.1 million pixels
Aspect Ratio 1.33 (4:3)
Filter Array Primary color filter (RGB)
Dust Reduction Supersonic Wave Filter (dust reduction system for image sensor)
Recording(Still) Recording Format DCF, DPOF compatible/Exif, PRINT Image Matching III
File Format RAW (12-bit lossless compression), JPEG, RAW+JPEG, MPO (3D still)
Recording image size [RAW] 4032 x 3024 pixels

[JPEG] 4032 x 3024 pixels - 640 x 480 pixels
File Size RAW: 4032(H)x3024V) (approx. 1/1.5 lossless compressed) Approx. 13.8MB

Set1(LF): 4032(H)x3024(V) (1/4 compressed) Approx. 5.9MB

Set2(LN): 4032(H)x3024(V) (1/8 compressed) Approx. 2.7MB

Set3(MN): 2560(H)x1920(V) (1/8 compressed) Approx. 1.1MB

Set4(SN): 1024(H)x768(V) (1/8 compressed) Approx. 0.3MB
Recording(Movie) Recording Format AVCHD
AVI Motion JPEG
Movie Mode AVCHD Format:
- Full HD Fine : 1920(H)x1080(V), 60i Recording, 20Mbps, Aspect 16:9
- Full HD Normal : 1920(H)x1080(V), 60i Recording, 17Mbps, Aspect 16:9
- HD Fine : 1280(H)x720(V), 60p Recording), 17Mbps, Aspect 16:9
- HD Normal : 1280(H)x720(V), 60p Recording, 13Mbps, Aspect 16:9
Frame rate of image sensor output is 30fps
Motion-JPEG Format:
- HD: 1280(H)x720(V), 30fps (Some Art Filters are exceptional), Aspect 16:9
- SD: 640(H)x480(V), 30fps (Some Art Filters are exceptional), Aspect 4:3(VGA)
Compression Ratio Motion-JPEG Format : 1/12(HD), 1/8(SD)
File Size AVCHD Format : Max 4GB
Motion-JPEG Format : Max 2GB
Maximum Recording Time AVCHD Format: Max 29min (Full HD Normal/HD Fine/HD Normal : 29min, Full HD Fine : 22min)
Motion-JPEG Format: HD: 7min, SD: 14min (There are exceptions with select Art Filters)
Recording(Sound) Recording format AVCHD Format: Dolby Digital
Motion-JPEG Format / Picture with Sound : Wave Format Base (Stereo PCM/16bit, 48kHz)
Maximum Recording Time Picture with Sound: 30sec
Movie: depend on Movie Recording Time
Mic/Speaker Stereo/Mono
Tele-converter effect
x2
Live View Type Image Sensor (High Speed Live MOS) type
Field of view 100%
Display Mode Normal Mode

Grid Line Mode (4 types)

Histogram Mode

Magnified View Mode

Comparable View Mode

Level Gauge

OFF Mode
Magnification Ratio x5, x7, x10 (Default), x14
Monitor information Aperture value, Shutter speed, Auto Bracket, AE Lock, AF mode, IS, Shooting Mode, Battery Check, Myset, Internal Temperature Warning, Face / Eye Detection, Histogram, Number of storable still pictures, Record mode, ISO, Sequential shooting, Self-timer, White Balance, Metering Mode, AF confirmation mark, Exposure Compensation Value, Spot metering Area
Flash Mode, Flash Status, Flash intensity Control, Super FP
Touch panel condition, Focusing length, Tone control, Eye-Fi condition
Face Detection Max 8 frames of face detection can be displayed
AF High speed imager AF
Image stabilizer System Built in (Imager shift image stabilizer)
Mode 3 modes (IS1:2 dimensional activation, IS2:1 dimensional activation in landscape frame to vertical direction moving, IS3:1dimensional activation in portrait frame to vertical direction moving ), OFF
Manual Function input focal length 8, 10, 12, 16, 18, 24, 28, 30, 35, 40, 48, 50, 55, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 100, 105, 120, 135, 150, 180, 200, 210, 250, 300, 350, 400, 500, 600, 800, 1000
Shutter speed range 2 - 1/4000 sec. (Not available when Bulb is selected)
IS for Movie Shifting electronic image (so called Digital IS, IS1 mode only)
Monitor Product type OLED, AF(Anti-Fingerprint) coating, Touch Panel
Size 3.0 inches 3:2
Total no. of pixels Approx. 614,000 dots
Playback field of view 100%
Brightness control +2 levels and -2 levels
Color temperature +3 levels and -3 levels
Monitor color VIVID (Default) / NATURAL
Focusing AF system Imager Contrast Detection AF system
When non High-speed imager AF compatible lens is used, it works as AF assist
Focus mode Single AF (S-AF) / Continuous AF (C-AF) / Manual Focus (MF) / S-AF + MF / AF tracking (C-AF + TR)
C-AF and AF tracking are not available with non-Micro Four Thirds lenses.
This is can be set in both recording mode, still and movie, separately.
Advance AF Available
Focusing point 35-area multiple AF with the contrast detection system (Auto, selectable in option)
Focusing point selection Auto from all 35 area, Single area from 35 area, Group Target area (9 area) from 35 area
Auto from almost all area when Face detection is ON
Free selection when Magnified View Mode is selected
AF illuminator Available
AF lock Locked at first position of Shutter button in Single AF mode
Focus tracking Available
Magnified Spot AF Available
Face priority AF/Eye Detect AF Available
Eye Detect AF : OFF / Near side eye priority mode / Right side eye priority mode / Left side eye priority mode
Manual Focus Assist When rotation of focus ring is detected under S-AF+MF or MF mode, LV is magnified automatically
Exposure Control (Still) Metering system TTL Image Sensor metering system

(1) Digital ESP metering (324-area multi pattern metering) (2) Center weighted average metering

(3) Spot metering (approx. 1% for the viewfinder screen. Highlight / shadow bases are available)
Metering range EV 0 - 20 (Digital ESP metering, Centre weighted average metering, Spot metering)

(At normal temperature, 17mm f2.8, ISO 100)
Exposure mode (1) iAuto (2) P: Program AE (Program shift can be performed) (3) A: Aperture priority AE

(4) S: Shutter priority AE (5) M: Manual (6) Scene select AE (7) Art Filter
Scene select AE Portrait, e-Portrait, Landscape, Landscape + Portrait, Macro, Sport, Night Scene, Night + Portrait, Children, High Key,

Low Key, DIS mode, Nature Macro, Candle, Sunset, Document, Panorama, Fireworks, Beach & Snow,

Fisheye Conv, Wide Conv, Macro Conv, 3D
ISO sensitivity AUTO: ISO 200 - 12800(customizable, Default 200-1600) / Manual ISO 200 - 12800, 1/3 or 1 EV steps,
Exposure compensation 3 EV in 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV steps selectable
AE lock Available (Using Fn1/Rec button is available)
Exposure bracketing 2, 3, 5frames in 0.3,0.5, 0.7, 1EV steps selectable, 7frames in 0.3, 0.5, 0.7EV steps selectable
Metering standard value adjustment 1/6 EV step, +/- 1EV range
Exposure Control (Movie) Exposure mode (1)P: Program AE (2) A: Aperture priority AE (3) S: Shutter speed priority AE (4)M:Manual (5) Art Filter

* S mode and M mode : Shutter speed is limited to no more than 1/30 sec.
White Balance Auto WB system High speed Live MOS sensor
Preset white balance 6 settings (3000K - 7500K)
Lamp (3000K), Fluorescent (4000K), Daylight (5300K), Flash (5500K), Cloudy (6000K), Shade (7500K)
Flash + WB OFF / AWB priority / Flash WB priority
AWB Keep Warm Color ON/OFF
White balance compensation 7 steps in each A-B/G-M axis (in Auto WB / Preset WB mode / One touch WB)
CWB (Kelvin setting) 1 setting can be registered at Kelvin temperature (2000K - 14000K)
One-touch white balance 2 custom settings can be registered
White balance bracketing 3 frames in 2, 4, 6 steps selectable in each A-B/G-M axis.
Color Mode Color space sRGB, Adobe RGB
Picture Mode Mode iEnhance, Vivid, Natural, Portrait, Muted, Monotone, Art Filter
Adjustment parameter Contrast, Sharpness and Saturation level available in 5 steps for iEnhance, Vivid, Natural, Portrait and Muted

Contrast and Sharpness level available in 5 steps for Monotone.

3 effect levels are available in iEnhance
Filter effect Yellow, Orange, Red or Green filter available for Monotone
Picture tone Sepia, Blue, Purple or Green tone available for Monotone
Gradation 4 levels (Auto, High key, Normal, Low key)
Art Filter bracketing Available
Noise Filter at High ISO setting OFF, LOW, STANDARD, HIGH
Noise Reduction at Slow shutter speed OFF, ON, AUTO

ON (effective when shutter speed is slower than 1sec)

AUTO (effective when shutter speed is slower than 4sec(at ISO 200 or higher) or 8sec(at lower than ISO200)
Shutter Product type Computerized focal-plane shutter
Shutter speed 60 - 1/4000 sec.

Bulb: up to 30 min. (selectable longest time in the menu. Default: 8 min)

1/3, 1/2, or 1EV steps selectable.
Self-timer Operation time: 12 sec., 2 sec. (cancel available)
Remote cable release Available (Optional RM-UC1)
Wireless Remote Control Not Available
Drive Drive mode Single-frame shooting, Sequential shooting, Self-timer
Sequential shooting speed Approx. 3 frames/sec. in sequential shooting
Max. recordable pictures RAW mode: Max. 11 frames ( with Toshiba SDHC UHS-I card R95 W80 model Premiugate series"Class 10" 8GB)
on sequential shooting JPEG(LN) mode: Until limitation of the memory capacity ( with Toshiba SDHC UHS-I card R95 W80 model Premiugate series "Class 10" 8GB)
Flash Built-in flash Available
Guide No. 10(Fno/m) at ISO200,7(Fno/m) at ISO100 but ISO100 is not available
Mode TTL-Auto, Manual(Full, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64)
Color Temperature 5500 400 K
Wireless Flash Control Available(4ch, 3Groups+Built-in Flash)
Built-in flash is usable as a center flash in case of wireless flash control.
Compatible external flash E-system Flash(FL-50R, FL-36R, FL-50, FL-36, FL-20, FL-14, FL-300R)
External Flash control mode TTL Auto, Auto, Manual, FP-TTL-AUTO, FP-MANUAL
Flash mode of External Flash Auto, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction slow sync., Slow sync at 1st curtain, Slow sync at 2nd curtain, Fill-in, Off.
Synchronization speed 1/60-1/180

Super FP 1/125-1/4000 with External Flash
Flash intensity control Up to 3 EV in 0.3, 0.5, 1 EV steps
Art Filter Mode Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Color, Light Tone, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama, Gentle Sepia, Cross Process, Dramatic Tone
Variation / Effect Available
Multi Exposure Number of picture 2 frames
Functions Auto gain, Live View, Exposing on Recorded picture
Multi Aspect Aspect Ratio 4:3(Default)/3:2/16:9/6:6/3:4
Process RAW: Aspect ratio is recorded as Exif data, JPEG: JPEG image is produced based on the aspect ratio
Level Gauge Detection Available (H & V)
Color Universal design
approved
Super control panel Information (shooting) Battery information, Shooting mode, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure compensation value, ISO sensitivity,

Exposure compensation indicator, Exposure indicator, Flash intensity compensation indicator, Date, Auto BKT setting,

NR setting, WB, WB compensation value, Record mode, Flash Status, Record mode, Image size,

Drive mode, Flash intensity compensation value, Metering mode, Recordable still image number, Focusing mode,

AF frame, Color space, Sharpness, Contrast, Saturation, Internal Temperature Warning

Gradation, IS activating mode, Face detection, My Mode, Multi Exposure, Aspect Ratio, Super FP
Live control Information (shooting) Battery information, Shooting mode, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure compensation value, ISO sensitivity,

Exposure compensation indicator, Exposure indicator, Flash intensity compensation indicator, Date, Auto BKT setting,

NR setting, WB, Record mode, Flash Status, Image size,

Drive mode, Flash intensity compensation value, Metering mode, Recordable still image number, Focusing mode,

AF frame, Internal Temperature Warning, IS activating mode, Face detection, My Mode, Multi Exposure, Aspect Ratio
Live Guide Setting Menu Color saturation, Color image, Brightness, Blur Background, Express Motion, Shooting Tips
Playback Playback mode Single-frame

Information Display

Index Display (4/9/25/100 frames, Calendar)

Close-up (2 - 14X)

Movie (w/sound, FF/REW/Pause)

Picture rotation (manual),

Slideshow (Still/Movie/Still+Movie, Slide show w/BGM/BGM+Sound/Sound)

When a camera is connected to HDTV with HDMI cable, 2 new slideshow effect can be selectable. (Still)
Information display Histogram (independent luminance / RGB available),

Highlight / Shadow point warning, AF frame, Shooting information
Menu Languages Japanese, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Russian, Czech, Dutch, Danish, Polish, Portuguese, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Croat, Slovenian, Hungarian, Greek, Slovakian, Turkish, Latvian, Estonian, Lithuanian, Ukrainian, Serbian, Bulgarian, Rumanian, Indonesian, Malay, Thai
Reset & custom setting My mode Full Reset / Standard Reset / 4 setting recordable
Image Editing Erasing function Single frame, All, Selected frames(from Index)
Protect function Single frame, Selected frames, All Frames, Release protect (Single/All)
RAW picture editing RAW development based on settings of the camera (including Art Filter)
JPEG editing Shadow adjustment, Red-eye fix, Cropping, Aspect. Monotone, Sepia, Saturation (color depth), Resize (producing another file, 1280x960, 640x480, 320x240), ePortrait
Image Overlay
Up to 3 RAW images
Print Print function Print reservation (DPOF), Direct print (PictBridge compatible)
Input/Output PC interface USB 2.0 High Speed for storage through Multi-connector(MTP mode is available)
TV interface HDMI (HD/Mono or Stereo Sound), VIDEO-OUT (SD/Mono Sound)
USB/Video connector Dedicated multi-connector (Video: NTSC/PAL selectable, Optional Remote cable RM-UC1, USB cable is available)
HDMI Mini HDMI type-C(1080i/720p/576p/480p)
Flash attachment Hot shoe
DC-in No
Accessory attachment Accessory port (AP2) works with VF-2, SEMA-1, Macro Arm Light MAL-1 and PENPAL Bluetooth Communication Device
Power Requirements Battery BLS-1 Li-ion battery (included)
Sleep mode Available (1, 3, 5 min., selectable)
No. of recordable pictures Approx. 330 shots (CIPA test standard)
(with 50% flash light) (with BLS-1and Toshiba Class 6 SDHC 4GB card under CIPA testing standard)
Power battery holder Not Available
Dimensions/Weight Dimensions 4.80in (W) x 2.72in (H) x 1.35in (D) (excluding protrusions)
Weight 11.32oz (body only), 13.01oz (including Battery and Memory card)
Operating Environment Temperature 0 - 40? (operation) / -20 - 60? (storage)
Humidity 30 - 90% (operation) / 10 - 90% (storage)
Exterior Material Metal
Grip Removable
Box contents
Body, Li-ion battery BLS-1, Li-ion battery charger BCS-1, USB/Video Multi cable, Shoulder strap, OLYMPUS Viewer 2/ib CD-ROM, Instruction Manual, Warranty card.

Olympus E-P3 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera commercial


Olympus E-P3 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera hands on


Rating:
Photographyblog rated E-P3 as "Highly Recommended" (Click here to read the review)

Olympus E-PL3 Micro 4/3 Digital Camera

E-PL3  mirrorless interchangeable lens camera is like E-P3 but it comes with a tilt LCD screen and has no touch screen.  It is much cheaper than E-P3. It include capabilities of fast autofocus; fast burst mode; AF-assist lamp; Full HD recording; smaller design and tilting LCD.

Features

Product Type Product type Interchangeable Lens Type Live View Digital Camera
Memory SD Memory Card(SDHC, SDXC, UHS-I compatible), Eye-Fi, Class 6 is recommended for Movie shooting
Sensor size 17.3 mm (H) x 13.0 mm (V)
Lens mount Micro Four Thirds Mount
Effective Pixels number Effective Pixels number 12.3 million pixels
Image Pickup Unit Product type High speed Live MOS Sensor
Total no. of pixels Approx. 13.1 million pixels
Aspect ratio 1.33 (4:3)
Filter array Primary color filter (RGB)
Dust reduction Supersonic Wave Filter (dust reduction system for image sensor)
Recording(Still) Recording format DCF, DPOF compatible/Exif, PRINT Image Matching III
File format RAW (12-bit lossless compression), JPEG, RAW+JPEG, MPO (3D still)
Recording image size [RAW] 4032 x 3024 pixels

[JPEG] 4032 x 3024 pixels - 640 x 480 pixels
File Size RAW: 4032(H)x3024(V) (approx. 1/1.5 lossless compressed) Approx. 13.9MB

Set1(LF): 4032(H)x3024(V) (1/4 compressed) Approx. 5.9MB

Set2(LN): 4032(H)x3024(V) (1/8 compressed) Approx. 2.7MB

Set3(MN): 2560(H)x1920(V) (1/8 compressed) Approx. 1.1MB

Set4(SN): 1024(H)x768(V) (1/8 compressed) Approx. 0.3MB
Recording(Movie) Recording format AVCHD
AVI Motion JPEG
Movie Mode AVCHD Format
- Full HD Fine : 1920(H)x1080(V), 60i Recording, 20Mbps, Aspect 16:9
 - Full HD Normal : 1920(H)x1080(V), 60i Recording, 17Mbps, Aspect 16:9
 - HD Fine : 1280(H)x720(V), 60p Recording), 17Mbps, Aspect 16:9
 - HD Normal : 1280(H)x720(V), 60p Recording, 13Mbps, Aspect 16:9
Frame rate of image sensor output is 30fps
Motion-JPEG Format
- HD: 1280(H)x720(V), 30fps (Some Art Filters are exceptional), Aspect 16:9
- SD: 640(H)x480(V), 30fps (Some Art Filters are exceptional), Aspect 4:3(VGA)
Compression Ratio Motion-JPEG Format : 1/12(HD), 1/8(SD)
File Size AVCHD Format : Max 4GB
Motion-JPEG Format : Max 2GB
Maximum Recording Time AVCHD Format : Max 29min  (Full HD Normal/HD Fine/HD Normal : 29min, Full HD Fine : 22min)
Motion-JPEG Format  : HD: 7min, SD: 14min (There are exceptions with select Art Filters)
Recording(Sound) Recording format AVCHD Format : Dolby Digital
Motion-JPEG Format / Picture with Sound : Wave Format Base (Stereo PCM/16bit, 48kHz)
Maximum Recording Time Picture with Sound: 30sec
Movie: depend on Movie Recording Time
Mic/Speaker Stereo/Mono
Tele-converter effect
x2
Live View Type Image Sensor(High Speed Live MOS) type
Field of view 100%
Display Mode Normal Mode

Grid Line Mode(4 types)

Histogram Mode

Magnified View Mode

Comparable View Mode

OFF Mode
Magnification Ratio x5, x7, x10 (Default), x14
Monitor information Aperture value, Shutter speed, Auto Bracket, AE Lock, AF mode, IS, Shooting Mode, Battery Check, Myset, Internal Temperature Warning, Face / Eye Detection, Histogram, Number of storable still pictures, Record mode, ISO, Sequential shooting, Self-timer, White Balance, Metering Mode, AF confirmation mark, Exposure Compensation Value, Spot metering Area
Flash Mode, Flash Status, Flash intensity Control, Super FP
Touch panel condition, Focusing length, Tone control, Eye-Fi condition
Face Detection Max 8 frames of face detection can be displayed 
AF High speed imager AF
Image stabilizer System Built in (Imager shift image stabilizer)
Mode 3 modes (IS1:2 dimensional activation, IS2:1 dimensional activation in landscape frame to vertical direction moving, IS3:1dimensional activation in portrait frame to vertical direction moving ), OFF
Manual Function input focal length 8, 10, 12, 16, 18, 24, 28, 30, 35, 40, 48, 50, 55, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 100, 105, 120, 135, 150, 180, 200, 210, 250, 300, 350, 400, 500, 600, 800, 1000 
Shutter speed range 2 - 1/4000 sec. (Not available when Bulb is selected)
IS for Movie Shifting electronic image (so called Digital IS, IS1 mode only)
Monitor Product type LCD, AR(Anti-Reflection) coating, Tilt function
Size 3.0 inches 16:9
Total no. of pixels Approx. 460,000 dots
Playback field of view 100%
Brightness control +7 levels and -7 levels
Color temperature +7 levels and -7 levels
Focusing AF system Imager Contrast Detection AF system
When non High-speed imager AF compatible lens is used, it works as AF assist.
Focus mode Single AF (S-AF) / Continuous AF (C-AF) / Manual Focus (MF) / S-AF + MF / AF tracking (C-AF + TR)
C-AF and AF tracking are not available with non-Micro Four Thirds lenses.
This is can be set in both recording mode, still and movie, separately.
Advance AF Available
Focusing point 35-area multiple AF with the contrast detection system (Auto, selectable in option)
Focusing point selection Auto from all 35 area, Single area from 35 area, Group Target area (9 area) from 35 area
Auto from almost all area when Face detection is ON
Free selection when Magnified View Mode is selected
AF illuminator Available
AF lock Locked at first position of Shutter button in Single AF mode 
Focus tracking Available
Magnified Spot AF Available
Face priority AF/Eye Detect AF Available
Eye Detect AF : OFF / Near side eye priority mode / Right side eye priority mode / Left side eye priority mode
Manual Focus Assist When rotation of focus ring is detected under S-AF+MF or MF mode, LV is magnified automatically
Exposure Control (Still) Metering system TTL Image Sensor metering system 

(1) Digital ESP metering (324-area multi pattern metering) (2) Center weighted average metering 

(3) Spot metering (approx. 1% for the viewfinder screen. Highlight / shadow bases are available)
Metering range EV 0 - 20 (Digital ESP metering, Center weighted average metering, Spot metering)

(At normal temperature, 17mm f2.8, ISO 100)
Exposure mode (1) iAuto (2) P: Program AE (Program shift can be performed) (3) A: Aperture priority AE

(4) S: Shutter priority AE (5) M: Manual (6) Scene select  AE (7) Art Filter

(8) Underwater wide / Underwater macro (Selectable from menu  as a function on Rec/Fn button)
Scene select AE Portrait, ePortrait, Landscape, Landscape + Portrait, Macro, Sport, Night Scene, Night + Portrait, Children, High Key,

Low Key, DIS mode, Nature Macro, Candle, Sunset, Document, Panorama, Fireworks, Beach & Snow,

Fisheye Conv, Wide Conv, Macro Conv, 3D
ISO sensitivity AUTO: ISO 200 - 12800 (customizable, Default 200-1600) / Manual ISO 200 - 12800, 1/3 or 1 EV steps, 
Exposure compensation  ±3 EV in 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV steps selectable
AE lock Available (Using Rec/Fn button is available)
Exposure bracketing 2, 3, 5frames in 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1EV steps selectable, 7frames in 0.3, 0.5, 0.7EV steps selectable
Metering standard value adjustment 1/6 EV step, +/- 1EV range 
Exposure Control (Movie) Exposure mode (1)P: Program AE (2) A: Aperture priority AE (3) S: Shutter speed priority AE (4)M:Manual (5) Art Filter

* S mode and M mode : Shutter speed is limited to less than 1/30 sec.
White Balance Auto WB system High speed Live MOS sensor 
Preset white balance 7 settings (3000K - 7500K)
Lamp (3000K), Fluorescent (4000K), Daylight (5300K), Flash (5500K), Cloudy (6000K), Shade (7500K) , Underwater WB
White balance compensation ±7 steps in each A-B/G-M axis (in Auto WB / Preset WB mode / One touch WB)
CWB (Kelvin setting) 1 setting can be registered at Kelvin temperature (2000K - 14000K)
One-touch white balance 2 custom settings can be registered
White balance bracketing 3 frames in 2, 4, 6 steps selectable in each A-B/G-M axis.
Color Mode Color space sRGB, Adobe RGB
Picture Mode Mode iEnhance, Vivid, Natural, Portrait, Muted, Monotone, Art Filter
Adjustment parameter Contrast, Sharpness and Saturation level available in 5 steps for iEnhance, Vivid, Natural, Portrait and Muted 

Contrast and Sharpness level available in 5 steps for Monotone.

3 effect levels are available in i-Enhance
Filter effect Yellow, Orange, Red or Green filter available for Monotone
Picture tone Sepia, Blue, Purple or Green tone available for Monotone
Gradation 4 levels (Auto, High key, Normal, Low key)
Art Filter bracketing Available
Noise Filter at High ISO setting OFF, LOW, STANDARD, HIGH
Noise Reduction at Slow shutter speed OFF, ON, AUTO

ON (effective when shutter speed is slower than 1sec)

AUTO (effective when shutter speed is slower than 4sec(at ISO 200 or higher) or 8sec (at lower than ISO200)
Shutter Product type Computerized focal-plane shutter
Shutter speed 60 - 1/4000 sec. 

Bulb: up to 30 min. (selectable longest time in the menu. Default: 8 min)

1/3, 1/2, or 1EV steps selectable.
Self-timer Operation time: 12 sec., 2 sec. (cancel available)
Remote cable release Available (Optional RM-UC1)
Wireless remote control Not Available
Drive Drive mode Single-frame shooting, Sequential shooting, Self-timer
Sequential shooting speed 4.1 fps in sequential shooting (5.5 fps in case of "I.S. OFF".) 
Flash Built-in flash Not Available.  External flash is bundled.
Guide No. 10(Fno/m) at ISO200,  7(Fno/m) at ISO100 but ISO100 is not available
Mode TTL-Auto, Manual(Full, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64)
Color Temperature  5500±400°K
Wireless Flash Control Available(4ch, 4Groups)
Bundled flash is usable as a center flash in case of wireless flash control.
Compatible external flash E-System Flash (FL-50R, FL-36R, FL-50, FL-36, FL-20, FL-14, FL-300R)
External Flash control mode TTL Auto, Auto, Manual, FP-TTL-AUTO, FP-MANUAL
Flash mode of External Flash Auto, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction slow sync., Slow sync at 1st curtain, Slow sync at 2nd curtain, Fill-in, Off.
Synchronization speed 1/60-1/160

Super FP 1/125-1/4000 with External Flash
Flash intensity control Up to ±3 EV in 0.3, 0.5, 1 EV steps
Art Filter Mode Pop Art, Soft Focus, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama, Dramatic Tone
Variation / Effect Available
Multi Exposure Number of picture 2 frames
Functions Auto gain, Live View, Exposing on Recorded picture
Multi Aspect Aspect Ratio 4:3(Default)/3:2/16:9/6:6/3:4
Process RAW: Aspect ratio is recorded as Exif data, JPEG: JPEG image is produced based on the aspect ratio
Level Gauge Detection Not Available
Color Universal design
approved
Super control panel Information (shooting) Battery information, Shooting mode, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure compensation value, ISO sensitivity,

Exposure compensation indicator, Exposure indicator, Flash intensity compensation indicator, Date, Auto BKT setting, 

NR setting, WB, WB compensation value, Record mode, Flash Status, Record mode, Image size, 

Drive mode, Flash intensity compensation value, Metering mode, Recordable still image number, Focusing mode, 

AF frame, Color space, Sharpness, Contrast, Saturation, Internal Temperature Warning

Gradation, IS activating mode, Face detection, My Mode, Multi Exposure, Aspect Ratio, Super FP
Live control Information (shooting) Battery information, Shooting mode, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure compensation value, ISO sensitivity,

Exposure compensation indicator, Exposure indicator, Flash intensity compensation indicator, Date, Auto BKT setting, 

NR setting, WB, Record mode, Flash Status, Image size, 

Drive mode, Flash intensity compensation value, Metering mode, Recordable still image number, Focusing mode, 

AF frame, Internal Temperature Warning, IS activating mode, Face detection, My Mode, Multi Exposure, Aspect Ratio
Live Guide Setting Menu Color saturation, Color image, Brightness, Blur Background, Express Motion, Shooting Tips
Playback Playback mode Single-frame

Information Display

Index Display(4/9/25/100 frames, Calendar)

Close-up (2 - 14X)

Movie (w/sound, FF/REW/Pause)

Picture rotation (manual), 

Slideshow(Still/Movie/Still+Movie, Slide show w/BGM/BGM+Sound/Sound)

When a camera is connected to HDTV with HDMI cable, 2 new slideshow effect can be selectable. (Still)
Information display Histogram (independent luminance / RGB available),

Highlight / Shadow point warning, AF frame, Shooting information
Menu Languages Japanese, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Russian, Czech, Dutch, Danish, Polish, Portuguese, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Croat, Slovenian, Hungarian, Greek, Slovakian, Turkish, Latvian, Estonian, Lithuanian, Ukrainian, Serbian, Bulgarian, Rumanian, Indonesian, Malay, Thai
Reset & custom setting My mode 4 setting recordable
Image Editing Erasing function Single frame, All, Selected frames(from Index)
Protect function Single frame, Selected frames, All Frames, Release protect (Single/All)
RAW picture editing RAW development based on settings of the camera(including Art Filter)
JPEG editing Shadow adjustment, Red-eye fix, Cropping, Aspect. Monotone, Sepia, Saturation (color depth), Resize (producing another file, 1280x960, 640x480, 320x240), ePortrait
Image Overlay
Up to 3 RAW images
Print Print function Print reservation (DPOF), Direct print (PictBridge compatible)
Input/Output PC interface USB 2.0 High Speed for storage through Multi-connector(MTP mode is available) 
TV interface HDMI(HD/Mono or Stereo Sound), VIDEO-OUT(SD/Mono Sound)
USB/Video connector Dedicated multi-connector (Video: NTSC/PAL selectable, Optional Remote cable RM-UC1, USB cable is available)
HDMI Mini HDMI type-C(1080i/720p/576p/480p)
Flash attachment Hot shoe
DC-in No
Accessory attachment Accessory port (AP2) works with VF-2, SEMA-1, Macro Arm Light MAL-1 and Communication Unit Olympus PENPAL
Power Requirements Battery BLS-1 Li-ion battery (included)
Sleep mode Available (1, 3, 5 min., selectable)
No. of recordable pictures  Approx.300 shots (CIPA test standard)
(with 50% flash light) (with BLS-1 and Toshiba Class 6 SDHC 4GB card under CIPA testing standard)
Power battery holder Not Available
Dimensions/Weight Dimensions  4.31 in. (W) x 2.50 in. (H) x 1.46 in. (D) (excluding protrusions)
Weight 9.34oz (body only), 11.04g (including Battery and Memory card) - subject to change
Operating Environment Temperature 0 - 40? (operation) / -20 - 60? (storage)
Humidity 30 - 90% (operation) / 10 - 90% (storage)
Splash proof
No
Exterior Material Metal
Box contents
Body, Flash FL-LM1, Li-ion battery BLS-1, Li-ion battery charger BCS-1, USB/Video Multi cable, Shoulder strap, OLYMPUS Viewer 2/ib CD-ROM, Instruction manual, Warranty card.

Olympus E-PL3 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera commercial



Olympus E-PL3 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera hands on review

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Pictures of Garden Behind North American Life Building Using a LG P500 (Optimus One) Android Phone

I used a LG P500 (Optimus One) to take many pictures today near North American Life Insurance building at Toronto.
LG P500 (Optimus One) Andorid Phone 3MP Digital Camera
Here are some of the pictures.