With the release of Pentax K01, Pentax also release Pentax lens roadmap. This roadmap gives Pentax K-mount camera users an idea what to expect from Pentax in the future.

I think most of the lenses will be designed for new mirrorless design, so it will only work with K01 or its future successor. It will be thinner and lighter than regular DSLR lenses. There will be one super telephoto lens will satisfy sports photography enthusiasts especially for Olympic games this year.

2012

• Pentax DA 40mm f/2.8 XS (already released)
• Pentax DA standard (50mm ?)
• Pentax high magnification zoom (possible 18-200mm)
• Pentax super telephoto prime (possible 500mm)

2013

• Compact zoom (possible 20-40mm)
• Supertelephoto zoom (possible 100-400mm)
• Wide zoom (12-24mm ?)
• DA* zoom (16-80mm ?)
• 1.4 telephoto lens converter

Download the full Pentax lens roadmap here

Ricoh announces new camera unit combining 16 APS-C size sensor with 24-85mm zoom f/3.5-5.5 zoom lens. This is the fifth camera unit for Ricoh GXR. (The rest are: A12 50mm Macro, A12 28mm f/2.5, P10 28-300mm, S10 24-72mm f/2.5-4.4 VC).

This is the first zoom unit with APS-C sensor. It is great that Ricoh is able to add a flexible zoom unit in GXR line up. What’s not so great is there is lack of image stabilization. This feature is important for lenses that has small aperture in low light situation.

Sample images can be seen at Ricoh’s sample gallery

Ricoh A16 24-85mm f/3.5-5.5

Ricoh GXR system is designed for photographers who want to be flexibility in changing camera format without having to carry multiple camera body. The compactness and ruggedness of the camera body and lensor unit appeals to many serious street and travel photographers.

Alternative to GXR and this zoom lens are Panasonic GX1 with 14-42mm retractable power zoom lens.

According to leaks, Pentax might releases a new mirorrless interchangeable camera soon. The first camera will be K01. From the leaked pictures, the camera has smaller grip and thinner profile. With the camera, Pentax will introduce new super-thin 40mm f/2.8 lens. It seems to work with existing Pentax lenses without adapter.

Advantage of this approach is you can use Pentax lenses without adapter like other mirrorless system. The other advantage is new lenses designed for this camera could be very thin. For example: Pentax 40mm f/2.8 XS (pictured below).

There are some major disadvantages of this camera such as no viewfinder (electronic nor optical) and no fast phase detect auto focus like DSLR camera.

Pentax K01 Specs

• Alumunium case
• Compatible with Pentax K-mount lens
• 16 MP CMOS sensor
• 6 fps continuous shooting speed
• Full HD 1080p video @30 fps
• Sensor Shift Stabilization
• ISO 100-25600
• Built-in HDR
• Designed by Marc Newson

Price: Body only $750, with 40mm f/2.8 lens $899

Pentax K01 yellow version

It is not sure whether this new camera will replace Pentax DSLR such as Pentax Kr and K5. So far Pentax Ricoh has the most camera systems compares to other manufacturers:

1. Pentax DSLR
2. Pentax 645 medium format
3. Pentax Q
4. Pentax Compacts
5. Ricoh GXR
6. Ricoh GRD
7. Ricoh compacts

My concern is if Pentax-Ricoh concentrating on so many system, they will produce average/mediocre products and can’t keep up with fast technology improvements.

Super thin 40mm lens designed for K01

Olympus is preparing its first OM-D series camera, which according to rumor will be called E-M5.

This camera will be the new Olympus flagship camera in micro four thirds world. (in four thirds world, Olympus flagship camera is E-5). So “M” in the name supposed to be micro four thirds.

Here’s some specs leaked on the internet:

1. 16 MP sensor similar to Panasonic GX1
2. Shoot 9 frames continuous burst, 4.2 with fast AF
3. Price: over $ 1100 (100k Yen)
4. High speed auto focus
5. Improved image stabilizer with 5-axis
6. Plenty of dials, buttons for serious enthusiasts
7. Built-in electronic viewfinder (1.44 m dots resolution)
8. 610 million dot 3 inch OLED screen tilted by max. 80° upwards or max. 50° downwards

]]> http://www.radiantlite.com/2012/02/olympus-om-d-series-e-m5-camera.html/feed 2 http://www.radiantlite.com/2012/02/nikon-new-super-compact-and-superzoom.html http://www.radiantlite.com/2012/02/nikon-new-super-compact-and-superzoom.html#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:34:19 +0000 Enche Tjin http://www.radiantlite.com/?p=5336

Today, Nikon announces one serious compact and one superzoom cameras: Nikon P310 (price $330) and P510 ($430).

Nikon P310 does not differ much from its predecessor Nikon P300. It is small, simple, pocketable, practical (4.2 x zoom), has some dials and deliver decent quality images. Nikon P310 is designed primarily for serious enthusiasts that does not want to carry bulky DSLR cameras around. It is quite good in low light condition because of the big maximum aperture of f/1.8.

Like P300, P310 can’t record image in RAW mode, which separated this camera with its main competitor Canon S100. However, Nikon P310 has higher resolution image chip and $100 cheaper price tag.

P310 main advantages compare to P300

• 16 MP vs 12 MP sensor
• New function button on the front of the camera
• ISO 100 and 6400 is selectable (P300 max out at 160 – 3200)

Nikon P510 breaks the record as the longest superzoom  camera (42 x zoom – 24-1000mm). P510 is designed for traveling people that don’t want to carry long and heavy telephoto lenses. P510 is selling pretty inexpensive (considering the 42x zoom lens) and flip LCD screen at $430.

Visual Stories: Behind the lens contains Vincent Laforet’s experiences as a photojournalist. For those who don’t know Vincent, He is famous of his video promoting Canon 5D mark II titled “Reverie.” The video is so famous at that time and catapulted his name to top-tier photographer and director today.

The book describes his thought process and approach to his photography works. Many of those are from his time working for NYTimes. Some of the assignments are sports, war and natural disaster. He shares many photography tips and approaches to get better photos for every assignments.

Beside photography, He shares some of his experience including scary one in the war zone.He encourages photographers not to settle for mediocre photos. to get remarkable photographs, he emphasizes on preparation, anticipation and taking risk.

To satisfy gear-aholics, Laforet includes discussion about gears that he uses. He even dedicated one chapter to discuss tilt-shift lens, which he uses quite a lot.

Overall, I enjoy reading the book and quite inspired of his advice. I like the book because there are many photos. In each photo,  he explains the thought process clearly, his decisions and why the photo is significant to him or others.

I recommend the book for people who are especially interested in photojournalism. This book is not about how to make a photo essay or how to learn or become photojournalist. It is not an usual textbook-styled book with lessons and exercise. So, it might be more appropriate for experienced / enthusiasts photographers.

Early this months, Canon launches G1 X which is a “super” compact camera with large image sensor. This camera is quite different from the rest of many cameras out there. The closest competitor will be Fuji X10.

Both are advanced compact camera designed for enthusiasts photographers who demand tough and practical gears with image quality comparable to those of interchangeable lens camera. Both cameras also has  high price tag relative to other compacts ($599 and $799).

Fujifilm X10 and Canon G1 X front - Canon G1 X is taller - screenshot from camerasize.com

Which camera is the best? let check out their advantages

Canon G1 X advantages over Fuji X10

• Canon G1 X has a significant larger sensor which translate to better image quality in bright light (ISO 100) or low light (ISO 3200 and beyond).  Bigger sensor and new processor DIGIC V allows G1 X to produce clean images even in high ISO setting. Canon G1 X has two stops advantage over X10. It means that ISO 3200 images from Canon G1 X is about equal to ISO 800 images from Fuji X10.
• Canon G1 X has larger (3″), higher resolution, articulated LCD screen, X10 has fixed LCD screen with medium res,  (460k dots), 2.8″ screen.
• Canon G1 X is a better camera for night photography because it allows longer exposure time. Although Fuji X10 spec indicates max shutter speed of 30 seconds, it only valid if you use ISO 100. If you use ISO 200 or higher, the maximum  shutter speed will be more limited.

From the top, Canon G1 X is thicker and has bigger lens to accomodate bigger sensor - screenshot from camerasize.com

Fuji X10 advantages over Canon G1X

• Fuji has significantly wider, brighter optical viewfinder than G1 X. under bright light, LCD screen is usually too reflective and inaccurate. Therefore, clear optical viewfinder will be helpful.
• Fuji X10 has faster continuous shooting speed. X10 can shoot up to 10 fps (in Medium and small image size setting) and 7 fps (in every image size setting). This is far better than Canon G1 X, which only tops up at 4.5 fps (up to 6 frames), and 1.9 fps afterwards.
• Fuji X10 has retro rangefinder design which may appeal to many people. It is about 20% more compact and lighter. It is easier to fit on your jacket pocket than G1 X.
• Fuji X10 has brighter lens, 28-112mm f/2-2.8, while Canon G1 X has 28-112mm f/2.8-5.8. It means you can shoot in low light condition without raising the ISO too much. However, due to image sensor differences, the X10’s advantage in this point is not significant because Canon G1 X can produces very good images in higher ISO. The X10 lens is much better in macro photography because it can focus close up to 1 cm, while G1 X can only focus up to 20cm.
• X10 has better battery life (300 vs 250 frames per charge). In practice it will be even better because you will likely to use optical viewfinder in X10 to prolong battery life.
• Lastly, X10 is $200 cheaper

Both cameras has plenty of direct access buttons and dials. Fuji X10 has bigger optical viewfinder, however, G1X has articulated hi-res screen

Conclusion

For people who want a practical camera with image quality similar to DSLR cameras, Canon G1 X is better choice. For those who wants a classic camera design, loves close-up & macro photography and a smaller compact, X10 will be a better match.

Note: currently Fuji X10 has issue with image quality. Images with specular highlights will morph into white orbs.

white orbs image captured by dpreview investigation team

Why Canon G1 X is perfect for everyday photography:

1. Large sensor (1.8x crop) almost equal to Canon EOS DSLR sensor (1.6x) with new DIGIC V processor ensures high quality image quality equal to those of DSLR Cameras. From pre-production sample images [dpreview | lenstips] we see excellent image up to ISO 3200. Even ISO 6400and ISO 12800 is acceptable for small print.

2. Versatile fixed 4x zoom lens with relatively big aperture on the wide end (28-112mm f/2.8-5.6). It is better and more versatile than DSLR typical kit lens. The retractable design is great for packing and travel. Fixed lens (not interchangeable) may translates into better concentration and better photo experience.

3.  Articulated LCD screen is usually underestimated by many buyers. Articulated screen allows you to compose in unusual perspective (high/low angle). It also less intimidating when you shoot candid and strangers

4. Most mirrorless camera system has relatively small grip and a few buttons. Canon G1 X has substantial grip and relatively big buttons and dials that allow comfortable grip and easy access than most of compacts/big sensor cameras in the market.

G1 X is not perfect. These are some quirks about it

• Optical viewfinder is small, and only cover 80% field of view, and the view partly obstructed when using wide focal length.
• Not great for macro photography
• Need an optional filter thread (58mm)
• Lens hood is optional (not included)
• Auto ISO is up to ISO 1600 only
• Small aperture (f/5.8) at wide end 112mm
• Auto focus speed is not up to par to DSLR especially when you zoom all the way out (112mm).

In conclusion: Canon G1 X is a great companion cameras for enthusiasts & travelers, who wants a compact cameras that want great image quality, reliable and comfortable to use. It is best suited for landscape photography and still photography instead of street or sports shooter.

Since the birth of mirrorless interchangeable cameras a few years ago, many new system cameras has been born. Micro four thirds, Sony NEX, Samsung NX etc. And it might be more to come (Canon, Ricoh Pentax.. etc).

Before, high quality camera market is dominated by DSLR cameras. Now, we have many systems to choose from high to low quality.

In the left part (conservative) resides DSLR Cameras. These cameras are relatively bulky and heavy, but it is trusted and have a long history and complete collection of lenses and accessories.

In the right side there are plenty new breed of mirrorless interchangeable system cameras a.k.a compact system camera. There are plenty of variations among these cameras. In the low end, we have Pentax Q, which has very tiny but solid built. We has Leica M9 and new Fuji XPRO-1 system which is both stylish and high quality.

Today, majority of consumers are still in the left side, but as time progressed and the price is getting cheaper, there is huge probability that more people will get either one of the right side of chart.

In advanced fixed lens compact camera market, we usually have compact camera with relatively small sensor and bright lenses. Today, we have a few cameras that has relatively large sensor such as recently announced Canon G1 X, the stylish Fuji X100 and X10, and the old Sigma DP. Consumers that doesn’t want to carry bulky camera & lenses but want high quality cameras will be happier.

Following the success of Fujifilm X100 camera, Fuji launches new interchangeable lens system camera, Fuji X-PRO1 with several prime lenses. X-PRO 1 will be selling at $1700, a price that higher than most DSLR cameras in the market. So, what is the significant of this system?

Fuji develops X-PRO 1 sensor by itself. Fuji claims that the APS-C size sensor (1.5x crop) will be better than full frame cameras in noise handling.
It has retro style design, unlike the usual DSLR interface, XPRO-1 has shutter speed dial, exposure compensation dial, and aperture ring on the lenses. It also has hybrid viewfinder (electronic+optic) design like rangefinder camera.

Size comparison vs Canon DSLR camera

Fuji is aiming for photo enthusiasts who loves rangefinder style camera. Professionals who love smaller camera for travel might love Fuji X-PRO 1 system as well but not for work because of its limited lens collection and speed/performance.

So far Fuji has several cameras in X line

• Fujifilm X100 (APS-C sensor camera with fixed 35mm f/2 lens)
• Fujifilm X10 (Compact camera with 2/3 inch sensor and zoom lens)
• Fujifilm X-S 1 (Glorified superzoom camera)