Olympus updates firmware for ED 9-18mm lens

Olympus has announced a firmware update for the Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 super wide-angle lens. Version 1.1 improves the auto-focusing ability of this E-system lens in certain conditions. Olympus DSLR owners can update the firmware using the software supplied with their cameras, whereas Panasonic users can download a firmware update program from Olympus’s website.

Panasonic premieres DMC-GH1 with HD video recording

PMA 2009: Five months after the launch of the Lumix DMC-G1 Micro Four Thirds camera, Panasonic has unveiled an HD version of the same in the shape of the Lumix DMC-GH1. The 12.1 megapixel camera’s Live MOS sensor can record up to 1080/24p or 720/60p high definition videos, with continuous AF and a built-in Dolby Digital Stereo Creator for quality sound recording. This is further supported by Panasonic’s designed-for-video Lumix G Vario HD 14-140mm lens, which is also announced today. The camera includes a new Face Recognition feature that remembers individual faces, and offers four different aspect ratios with the same angle of view using a system similar to that in the company's DMC-LX3 compact.

Adobe releases Lightroom 2.3 and Camera Raw 5.3

PMA 2009: Adobe has released Photoshop Lightroom 2.3 and Camera Raw 5.3. These are final versions of updates which were originally posted as release candidates on the Adobe Labs site, and are now available for immediate download. Both provide additional Raw support for Nikon D3X and Olympus E-30 DSLR’s. Lightroom is also now available in 8 new languages.

Panasonic unveils the touch-screen DMC-FX580

Pre-PMA 2009: Next in the line is the Panasonic DMC-FX580 (FX550 in Europe) digital camera. It incorporates a high-resolution 3.0-inch touch-screen interface for easier navigation of options, combined with a faster Venus Engine V processor. Along with a 12.1 megapixel sensor and a 25-125mm equivalent zoom, it features a host of Panasonic’s latest compact camera features such as Intelligent Auto mode and Face Recognition.

Panasonic releases the DMC-FS25 digtal camera

Pre-PMA 2009: Last of the Panasonic announcements is the DMC-FS25 digital compact camera. This 12.1MP camera is designed with a prominent grip and an Intelligent 3.0" LCD that adjusts its brightness according to the lighting conditions. Other features include an Intelligent Auto mode and  a new ‘Photo Frame’ mode that lets users put borders around the pictures taken.

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