‘Classic’ Olympus PEN E-P1 – not a compact, not an SLR

Olympus says it has  created a new camera category with the launch of the PEN E-P1, an interchangeable lens system digital camera compliant with the micro four thirds system standard.

The new PEN E-P1 and its associated accessories signal a new strategy by Olympus to deliver high-resolution SLR image quality in a model that is as conveniently sized and as easy to use as a compact camera.

With a slim-line body, metal construction and a “modern yet classically elegant design”, the PEN E-P1 is not a compact camera, nor is it a digital SLR, according to Olympus.

In conjunction with the release of the PEN E-P1, Olympus has introduced two new interchangeable lenses – the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm f2.8 wide-angle pancake lens and the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens.

Key features
• Mirrorless camera system with metal construction for a premium, high-quality feel in a light weight body.
• Intelligent auto and live control functions for intuitive camera setting via icons displayed on the LCD panel.
• 4/3-inch live MOS sensor and new TruePic V image processing engine offer traditional SLR-equivalent image quality.

• HD movie and high-quality audio recording in linear PCM format, coupled with art filters for creative photographic expression.

Availability

July 2009

Pricing
Announced in July 2009