Do you still remember the Olympus E-PM1 PEN Mini that we posted in June 2011? Olympus has unveiled the pricing of this compact digital camera. The Olympus E-PM1 PEN Mini will be available in early Autumn 2011 for £449.99(US$499.95) including a kit zoom and a tiltable external flash. As a reminder, the PEN Mini features an ultra-fast 35-point auto-focus system, a wireless flash control via a bundled clip-on unit, Multi Exposure, 1080i Full HD movie recording with stereo sound and compatibility with 20 Micro Four Thirds, 27 Four Thirds and more than 500 other lenses (via adapters). [PhotographyBLOG]

Olympus America has unveiled the pricing for the Olympus E-PL3 a.k.a Olympus PEN Lite. The 12-megapixel Micro Four Thirds camera features a fast auto-focus, a tilt-able rear screen, a flash hot-shoe, an accessory port, an in-body image stabilization and a selection of Art Filters. The Olympus E-PL3 will be launched in September 2011 in two different configurations; a zoom kit including the M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm lens and a prime kit including the 17mm f/2.8 pancake lens. The estimated street price for each kit is US$699.99. [PhotographyBLOG]

Olympus has recently launched the firmware update version 1.3 for the Olympus XZ-1 10-megapixel compact digicam. The new firmware update improves the algorithm for ESP spot metering. Click here to download this firmware update. [Olympus]

The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 (90mm equivalent) is a fast portrait lens for the Micro Four Thirds system. This single focal length lens features a beautiful shallow depth of field, which enables the background blurring effects not possible with the 14-42mm kit zoom lens. The lens also adopts the company’s MSC (Movie & Stills Compatible) focusing technology for tracking fast-moving subjects quietly and effectively. If you are interested, you can now pre-order the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 lens at Adorama for $399.99. The lens will be shipped in September 2011. [Adorama]

The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2 is a fast wide-angle lens for the Micro Four Thirds system. It is a single focal length lens with a wide angle of 12mm (equivalent to 24mm of 35mm cameras) and a large aperture of f2.0. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor shooting, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2 lens features the new MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) mechanism that enables fast, quiet autofocusing with both movies and still images. An elegant metallic outer finish gives this lens a classic feel that transcends time when combined with the Olympus PEN E-P3 camera, which will be released simultaneously with the lens. The Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12mm f2.0 lens will launched on July 22, 2011 for 99,750 Yen incl. tax (around US$) [Olympus]

The Olympus FL-300R is a new flash unit for Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds cameras. Measuring 56.4mm x 89.2mm x 26.9mm and weighing at just 97 grams, this compact flashgun features an approximately 75° angle of coverage, which is equivalent to the diagonal angle of view of a 14mm lens on FT/MFT or a 28mm lens on a 35mm camera. There is also an integrated wide panel that allows the flash unit to be used with ultra-wide lenses including the M.Zuiko Digital 9-18mm f/4-5.6 lens. The Olympus FL-300R requires a couple of AAA batteries to operate. Additionally, you can also use this flash unit as a master or slave in wireless mode. Olympus FL-300R flash unit retails for £140 or around US$224. Each purchase comes equipped with a stand and a soft case. [PhotographyBLOG]