More details of the E5 mkII leaked.

[flamin lib]

Has three programmable function buttons and a supposedly improved 5 axis IS. The LCD back looks like the one on the E620; fully articulated. When the E5 was released with the simple two direction back I was disappointed as it seemed like a step backward in evolution. I guess that's what happens when there isn't one single unifying force for product development (Miataini for the OM system). I still don't know how the sensor shift will be effective for hand held use or moving subjects. If it takes 8 separate exposures at 10 fps that's almost a full second. Nobody I know can hold a camera still long enough to stack those 8 images without significant ghosting unless there is some major breakthrough in aligning software. Looks like video is improved but what do I know about video? I still tend to rotate the camera for better cropping which kinda hoses up the finished video.

I guess we'll see in about two weeks . . .

[alfredo]

1. And soon after, look for great prices on the E-M5.

[flamin lib]

2. EM5 already down there.

Original body only price was $1100. I bought mine used for $700. Price now is $600.

[alfredo]

4. I am waiting for the Ricoh GR price to drop more.

It's already pretty good, but I'm a tightwad.

[Fumesucker]

8. One of the advantages of a consumer driven culture

As soon as something isn't bleeding edge tech it drops rapidly in price, see my latest thread on bargain basement astrophotography..

I suspect the sensor shift will work pretty well in a lot of situations and miserably in some, it's not for fast action shots but I can see how it could be great for landscapes, architectural shots, still lifes and so on. I'm sure the processor in the camera will know when it's going to work and when it won't and will choose accordingly if you let it.

[flamin lib]

3. Also to debut with the mkII is a compact 14-150 f4-5.6 kit lens.

I'm dubious of a lens with that much range (28-300 35 eq). Miataini didn't believe a quality zoom could be made with more than 2:1 range. Now that firmware works to correct shortcomings like distortion and chromatic aberration zoom ranges of 3:1 are common and very acceptable. 11:1 strikes me as a reach.

Oly has always had at least a two tier quality level in lenses but the image quality has always been nearly the same for both levels. The differences have always been body material, speed and manufacturing quality. Metal barrels vs polycarb, ball bearings vs brass sleeve and now weatherproofing. I'd hate to see them move too far from that original philosophy at the cost of image quality. The difference between the 12-60 (5:1) and 12-40 (3.3:1) weatherproof lenses is well known.

We'll see in a few weeks.

[alfredo]

5. The cheap 40~150mm is a bargain. You

Can pick one up for well under $200.

[flamin lib]

6. I have one and its completely acceptable. Poly carb body but crisp and contrasty. nt

[alfredo]

7. I've been using it with my automatic extension tubes.

It's very convenient, but there's a tradeoff. Primes have spoiled me.