The Launch of the Olympus ‘Pen’ EP-1
The New Olympus Pen EP-1
Olympus recently announced the launch of their latest innovation - the ‘Pen EP-1′. It is an interchangeable lens digital camera that compliant with the Micro Four Thirds System standard announced in August 2008. It is marketed as not quite an SLR and not quite a compact - something in between. The Olympus Pen EP-1 comes from a long line of legendary ‘half-frame’ cameras that came out in the late 1950s and subsequently contributed to a mass popularisation of photography worldwide. A total of 17 million units were sold around the globe.
The latest Olympus Pen - the EP1 - has been designed with the same principles in mind. It is notably smaller than an SLR and has the same nostalgic charm of its predecessors. The camera uses a Micro Four Thirds system standard. This means that the camera does not use a traditional quick-return mirror and as a result is able to be compact in size with a very high image quality. It comes equipped with the iAUTO function popular on Olympus compact digital cameras, which automatically evaluates the scene and sets the optimum scene mode accordingly.
The imaging circuitry uses a 4/3-inch, 12.3-megapixel high speed Live MOS Sensor and a newly developed TruePic V image processing engine to provide high still image quality equivalent to traditional SLR cameras. In addition, it has the option of recording 720p HD (High-Definition) movies. Stereo audio recording capability in the linear PCM format is also provided, making it easy to shoot movies with high quality. In addition, the Art Filter function - which applies exciting filter effects to images - can be applied to movie images as well as still images, expanding opportunities for creative expression.
We had the opportunity of testing this little beaut at a local Olympus launch in Cape Town. It proved to be a hit not only because of its good looks, but because of the excellent image and video quality it produced. We recommend you look out for this newest addition to the Olympus range.
Have a squiz at some of the pics we got on the day using the Olympus Pen…
price?
Hi Scott, we will be getting new pricing on the unit early next week. We will let you know as soon as this is available.
Hi Scott
Retail price on the PEN is R8124. The link will direct you to some information on the PEN on our site. http://www.sacamera.co.za/product/653/PEN.html
Hope u find this information useful!