Olympus Pen E-PL1
Unveils Third Gen Interchangeable-Lens Model
Digital Camera Reviews
Olympus E-PL1
Anaheim, CA—Here at the PMA 2010 Convention and Trade Show, held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California, Olympus is showing off its Pen E-PL1, which packs the technology of bulkier DSLRs into a smaller body (4.5x2.8x1.6 excluding protrusions) built with an easy-to-use interface. The camera is engineered to enable consumers to capture DSLR-quality images and HD video utilizing interchangeable lenses, a pop-up flash and in-camera creative features.
A red direct record button makes taking videos easier, so if users realize a video would capture the scene better, they can press the button located on the back of the PL1, and toggle back and forth between capturing stills and videos. And, the PL1’s “live guide” helps educate users on photography techniques; when the guide is selected, users can press the up and down arrows on the camera’s back to slide through photographic effects, make adjustments and watch the results on the 2.7-inch LCD. Shooting tips are also offered.
Automated technologies free shooters to focus on subjects, not settings: 19 scene-select modes, including fireworks, sunset, children, macro and panorama; ePortrait that smooths a subject’s complexion; intelligent auto (iAuto), which automatically identifies what’s being captured and adjusts settings accordingly; face detection; and iEnhance that heightens warm yellow and orange colors. Additionally, continuous autofocus tracking and AF target registration lock in a subject, constantly adjusting focus and brightness whether the shooter or subject is moving—tracking from left to right and front to back.
Other features include: in-body image stabilization; dust reduction; the same large-size 12.3MP Live MOS sensor as in the Olympus E-30 and E-620 DSLRs; ISO 100-3200; in-camera slideshow creation with music options; HDMI connectivity to view photos and video on an HDTV; and SDHC card slots.
In-camera art filters include the new gentle sepia that joins pop art, soft focus, pin hole, grainy film and diorama, which makes everything look miniaturized. A multiple exposure function for still capture allows one image to be overlaid on another. And, the camera provides four aspect ratios (4:3, widescreen 16:9, 3:2, 6:6).
The E-PL1 accepts lenses from an extreme wide-angle fisheye to a super-telephoto. The M. Zuiko digital Micro Four Thirds lenses are compact, like the E-PL1, and the camera works with a Four Thirds system lens adapter to allow use of all Olympus Zuiko lenses and other Four Thirds system lenses.
An accessory port and hot shoe accept optional external flashes, the 1.15x VF-2 live-finder, a detachable electronic viewfinder, or an external microphone adapter. The PT-EP01 underwater case has also been customized for the E-PL1 and is waterproof to 130 feet.
The Olympus Pen E-PL1 retails in March in black, champagne and blue and includes the M. Zuiko digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom. $599.99. Booth 2201. olympusamerica.com