FIRST LOOK: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1

A feature-rich, customisable, G-Micro series camera designed for photo enthusiasts.The latest addition to Panasonic’s popular Lumix G Micro System range has been designed to provoke interest among photo enthusiasts. The new GX1, which will be available locally early in 2012, is the company’s most feature-rich and photographer-friendly model to date. Equipped with the 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor introduced in the G3, it boasts a new rangefinder design, a mode dial and several customisable controls.

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 MSC Lens

7.5 Rating

A fast, solidly-built, wide-angle prime lens for Micro Four Thirds System cameras.The M.Zuiko Digital ED 12m f/2.0 lens is a ‘fast’ prime lens that covers a field of view equivalent to a 24mm lens on a 35mm camera. Ideal for landscape photography, its wide maximum aperture also makes it suitable for candid and street photography in poorly-lit situations. Unfortunately, its high price tag could deter many potential purchasers.

Olympus Zuiko Digital 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 Telephoto Zoom Lens

8.5 Rating

An affordable compact, lightweight zoom lens for portrait and sports photography.The Zuiko Digital 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 lens was launched at the end of 2006 and is usually offered in twin-lens kits with Olympus DSLR cameras. Claimed as the smallest and lightest in its class, it fulfils the promises of the Four Thirds System in both respects. With a barrel only 72mm long and weighing only 220 grams it covers a focal length range equivalent to 80-300mm in 35mm format.

Olympus Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ED Lens

8.5 Rating

The compact, standard zoom kit lens for Olympus DSLR cameras.Usually supplied with the company’s DSLR cameras, the Olympus Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ED is a compact standard wide angle zoom lens covering focal lengths equivalent to 28-84mm in 35mm format. This covers all kinds of general photography, including family snapshots, scenery and portraiture.

Olympus PEN Lite E-PL3

8.5 Rating

The first PEN series camera with a tilting 3.0-inch widescreen monitor screen.The PEN Lite E-PL3 sits in the centre of the new PEN camera range and features the same image sensor and processor as the flagship E-P3 as well as that camera’s FAST AF system and support for 1080i Full HD video capture. With an RRP $200 less than the E-P3’s, a few features have been lost. The LCD screen has lower resolution but it tilts and provides 16:9 viewing. There’s no built-in flash, no grip moulding, four fewer Art Filters, no level gauge and top flash synch is 1/160 second (instead of 1/180 second).

Olympus Pen E-PL1

8.5 Rating

The first model in the 12.3-megapixel Olympus Pen series of interchangeable-lens compact cameras with a built-in pop-up flash.The Olympus Pen E-PL1 is a third-generation model in a series of cameras pioneered by Olympus with the aim of providing small, interchangeable-lens cameras with sensors significantly larger than those in digicams. While offering the same 12.3-megapixel Live MOS sensor, SSWF dust removal system and TruePic V image processor as the E-P2, the new model is smaller and lighter in construction, with an aluminium front panel and polycarbonate rear.

Olympus Pen E-P2

8.5 Rating

The latest Olympus Micro Four Thirds camera provides a clip-on EVF and some improvements on the previous model.Olympus is hoping the improvements provided in the new Pen E-P2 will attract new buyers to its MFT System. However, there have been few major changes since the Pen E-P1. A stylish black finish differentiates the new model from its predecessor. The AF system has been tweaked with a firmware upgrade and enhanced with a new Continuous-Tracking AF function. A new accessory port is provided for the new super high-definition electronic Live Viewfinder (VF-2), which is supplied with the camera.