(FT3) zone-10 predicts a compact Pen with non interchangeable lens

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Zone-10 wrote a very long article over the E-P1. It is a very interesting text and they included following prediction:

“I fully expect to see Olympus introduce a “pocket-camera” Digital Pen that does not take interchangeable lenses. It will have an extending zoom lens, or another model may have a fixed 35mm equivalent lens which will close up flush. The Infinity Stylus Zoom film cameras would be good cameras to model this after.  The clamshell or sliding cover design is still viable and I have one which goes most everywhere with me. But pocketability is not in the design specification for the E-P1 and nor should it be–let that be a feature for another model based on the same sensor design.”

Imagine, an Olympus LX3 version with a far bigger sensor…would be nice or not?

http://zone-10.com/cmsm/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=438&Itemid=1

I fully expect to see Olympus introduce a “pocket-camera” Digital Pen that does not take interchangeable lenses. It will have an extending zoom lens, or another model may have a fixed 35mm equivalent lens which will close up flush. The Infinity Stylus Zoom film cameras would be good cameras to model this after.  The clamshell or sliding cover design is still viable and I have one which goes most everywhere with me. But pocketability is not in the design specification for the E-P1 and nor should it be–let that be a feature for another model based on the same sensor design.
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Will Panasonic strike back?

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Panasonic’s world is quiet. After the GH1 release we havn’t got any big news anymore. The Panasonic GH1 is still not available in most worldwide online shops, the 20mm 1.7 lens is still missing (at leats until fall). Olympus made a big strike with their E-P1. And I am sure Samsung and Nikon will soon get the worldwide press attention. So what are they waiting for? What kind of plans do they have?

The E-P1 success has shown them that they can’t sit quite on their G1/GH1 camera’s. They have to do something “special” in between now and Photokina 2010.

If they are smart they will exactly add to their compact camera what the E-P1 is lacking (better LCD, better autfocus). And I have the “feeling” they will do it!

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Panasonic MicroFourThirds camera & lens firmware update

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panaosnicgh1http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/

Firmware version 1.1 for the Panasonic GH1 camera allows faster burst shooting and improves control of shutter speed and the stability of AF in movie recording. Version 1.3 for the Panasonic G1 improves its compatibility with Micro Four Thirds lenses, whereas firmware version 1.1 for the Lumix G Vario HD 14-140mm / F4.0-5.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. lens improves optical image stabilisation in movie recording mode.and compatibility with Micro Four Thirds cameras.

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