Olympus EP-1 picture and price revealed

Olympus EP-1 has been a buzz lately and will be announced officially tomorrow afternoon, but the image, main specification and price is already leaked in several rumor websites.

Olympus EP-1 is Olympus first micro four thirds camera. If you are not familiar with micro four thirds, please check out this article.

Specifications

• 12.3 Megapixel
• Video mode: 1280×720 7min 1280×720 7min video and 640×480 14min 640×480 14 min – 30 fps
• Anti shake live view / video mode
• No built-in flash
• No built-in viewfinder
• No AF assist lamp
• 3 fps Continuous shooting burst
• 3 inch LCD screen, 230k resolution
• 11 area  contrast based AF
• ISO 200-6400 (good result up to 3200)
• Anti Dust sensor – Supersonic Wave System
• Max/Min shutter speed 60 to 1/4000 sec(s)
• SD/SDHC Card
• Lightweight: 335 g

Approximate prices:
Camera body only = $750, with kit lens 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 = $799
Camera body plus 17mm f/2.8 and external viewfinder dedicated to 17mm = $899

Verdict
For compact camera / casual shooters, this camera will deliver a lot higher image quality in bright light, but when you are in dim light condition such as indoor, evening, etc, it will be challenging to auto focus because there is no built-in flash and no AF assist lamp. However, this could be solved by getting and carrying external flash.

For pros and advanced amateur who are used to compose photo using viewfinder, you might want to change your habit or choose other camera. E-P1 does not have built-in viewfinder. Even external viewfinder is compatible only when you are shooting with 17mm lens.

Nevertheless, Olympus EP-1 is a well-design camera with a lot of up to date features to offer, high image quality, acceptable noise in high ISO up to 1600, video mode with stereo sound, interchangeable lenses, and perhaps the most important of all is the portability and style. Just remember to carry external flash gun when you are indoor to help you to focus and light your subject.

Happy shooting!

Possible Competitors
Panasonic GH1, which is also a micro four thirds camera, Pentax k-m, Olympus E-620 and E-420, Samsung NX (in the near future), Sigma DP2, Canon G10, Panasonic Lumix LX3

Tagged as: olympus e-p1