Olympus E-P1 Micro Four-Thirds Camera

It’s here: all the jealousy, envy, and desire Olympus warned us about. The new Olympus E-P1 is a micro four-thirds digital camera with funky retro styling, modelled on the Olympus Pen series (launched in the 1959). The E-P1 mission statement is to combine all the latest technology you want in your pocket; in a size that still fits in your pocket!

Olympus E-P1 Features

• 12 megapixel sensor with Image Stabilisation (equivalent to 4 stops)
• Mirrorless design with interchangeable lenses
• 3.0 inch LCD screen
• 1280 x 720p HD video recording at 30fps  (up to 5mins per video)
• 11 point autofocus
• 100-6400 ISO range
• Supersonic Wave Filter for dust reduction
• Weighs 335g (body only)

Olympus E-P1 Kits & System

The Olympus E-P1 will be available with two micro four-thirds lenses, a 17mm f2.8 lens (equivalent to 34mm on a film SLR) and a 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 lens (equivalent to 28-84mm on a film SLR).

Olympus have launched their micro four-thirds system with a range of accessories:

• MMF-1 Adapter – allowing standard four thirds lenses to be used with the EP-1.
• MF-2 Adapter – allowing OM mount lenses to be used with EP-1.
• VF-1 External Viewfinder – optical rangefinder instead of using the LCD screen.
• FL-14 Flashgun – designed to match the EP-1, guide number GN 14.

The Olympus E-P1 camera is an intriguing proposition, the quality of digital SLR in the form of a compact. Although the specs are fairly similar the Panasonic Lumix G1 & GH1, the E-P1 is certainly a better looking camera. So what’s the consensus, have Olympus got it right?