Leaked Olympus E-P1 Micro Four Thirds compact has us hot, bothered (updated)
By Thomas Ricker 
posted June 15th 2009 10:58AM
posted June 15th 2009 10:58AM
Update: Possible specs accompanying authentic looking images have now entered the rumor mill. Said specs have the camera measuring in at 120 x 70 x 35mm (about the size of a Sigma DP2 or slightly larger than mainstream point-and-shoots) snapping 13 megapixel RAW images and 1280 x 720 pixel video to SD card, ISO 6400 sensitivity, 11-point AF, electronic anti-shake, and 3-inch LCD if we're reading the machine translated text correctly. It's expected to ship in July with prices starting at about $900 -- though it's unclear what you get at that price point.
[Via 43rumors]
Not so sure about the size specs. If the lens is 37mm diameter, it does not look like the camera is 70mm high.
37mm is the filter thread diameter. But you'll notice that those threads are well inside the diameter of the lens itself.
I love the retro styling, but .. no screen on the back?! wtf were they thinking?
There is a screen on back. Note the third photo in the gallery.
the sensor is not DSLR sized. it's smaller (much much smaller than 35mm). though it's still pretty big compared to other digital compact cameras.
I must have missed that in the rumored specs. Was there an official announcement of the sensor size? I was hoping that it would be similar to the size of the DP2 or larger?
Do you have a link to the small sensor you're talking about?
it's a four thirds camera. that's the standard.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micro_Four_Thirds
I was enlightened here the last time this thing came up: it's a micro 4/3, they all have the same "way smaller than APS-C but significantly larger than the regular compact crap" sensor-size. Sigma's sensor is much bigger and only such a tiny bit smaller than APS-C that you could say it's "APS-C sized".
The sensor is exactly the same size as used in Olympus dSLRs. And this in itself is not much smaller than what Sigma uses (*only about 11% less surface area*).
"only" 11%? Not to forget that a Bayer-chip has the disadvantage of a much higher sensor density. I'm really looking forward to comparison shots with the Foveon, although the DPx series is a different class of device.
@Bad Beaver
There is little proof that a higher pixel density has much if any affect on the overall noise level when compared to a lower MP sensor at the *same print size*.
In any event the Foveon has demonstrated serious issues at high ISO *because* of its layered design.
As said, I'm looking forward to comparison shots, especially in low light.
Did they really have to do this during an Apple month? Can't do both!
Sweet...
Looking forward to seeing some stills and video from this.
Four thirds sensor.
One quarter the size of Full Frame. As good as APS-C due to high degree of telecentricity.
* sensor is 12 megapixels
* Image Stabilisation is in-body sensor-shift, not electronic (ie. not fake ISO bump), just like the E-520, E-620.
http://43rumors.com/more-leaks/
Have more pictures Engadget.
HOT SHOE VIEWFINDER! YESSSSS! NOW I WANT THIS!
I liked the retro version much more, puke beige leatherette pad is pukey...so is the white leather.
If street price is down to $600-650 range, it will be a winner.
and please, in all black.
I would love to get this and get a cheap FD adapter for my old canon lenses I have for my canon f1 -- just think, 50mm 1.4 suddenly is a 100mm 1.4 if my math is correct...
Actually it would be an 100mm f2.8 equivalent. At least in terms of DOF and light gathering. (exposure-wise f1.4 is f1.4)
Folks,
My ideal price tag for E-P1: starting at $700 - $750
... But adding a flash will make it another $100 to $150 easy. Then the lens beyond the kit could be another big chunk of $ too... Well, let us wait for more detail reviews with sample shots to see how good the image quality E-P1 could offer. Otherwise, D-SLR will make more sense for than just the sexy, compact size form factor.
Olympus is, and has been way cool. I still have my original Pen--with its diamond-sharp little marble like lens. What a neat camera! I'd like to get my hands on this 50th anniversary model, now that I've gone 90% digital.