Olympus E-P1 gets official details
By Sean P. Aune
Olympus has officially announced the EP-1, the continuation of its long standing PEN line of cameras.
Digital single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras have been all the rage of professional photographers and serious hobbyists for some time now, but even they would sometimes like to have a camera about the size of a point-and-shoot that would still give them that high quality image they love. Luckily that is exactly the market Olympus is going for with its new EP-1 model.
The EP-1 is being touted as the world’s smallest interchangeable lens 12.3-megapixel camera. Seeing as the body measures in at 4.75″(W) x 2.75″ (H) x 1.43″ (D), and weighs only 11.8 ounces, we aren’t to prone to argue with them either. Even with its compact size, the EP-1 is sporting a full SLR, so the images should be amazingly clear compared to point-and-shoots that proudly proclaim their megapixels, but neglect to include a lens system that can truly support it.
Besides shooting amazing photos, the EP-1 will also be able to shoot HD video up to 720p, and includes built-in microphones that will also allow you to record audio so you can do voiceovers for any still photos you shoot. While not a feature mentioned, this might be an interesting way to make notes to yourself about where you shot the image, or any other background information you may want for future reference.
- Superior DSLR Image Quality
- In-body Image Stabilization
- Amazing 3-inch LCD
- Proven Dust Reduction System
- 12 megapixels with next-generation TruePic™ V
- HD video with high-quality stereo audio
- In-camera creative features (for still images and video)
- Multiple exposures
- Multi-aspect shooting
- Multimedia slideshows
- Digital leveler
- Magnified focus assist
- 18×18 metering modes
- Small accessories for small camera
The EP-1 will have three different suggested retail prices when it launches in July depending on the configuration you choose:
E-P1 Body: $749.99
E-P1 Body with ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens: $799.99
E-P1 Body with ED 17mm f2.8 with optical viewfinder: $899.99
While still priced higher than most consumers want to pay for a camera they can take on vacation, this may be the answer to the compromise photographers have looked for between point-and-shoots and DSLRs.
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