Olympus E-P2 official, patches over E-P1 problems and jacks up the price

Functionality-wise there's not much to complain about the new Olympus E-P2, and in fact it pretty much exactly addresses all the primary issues with the E-P1. The main physical difference is an accessory port right behind and below the hot-shoe, which allows for plugging in the new VF-2 Electronic View Finder, or alternatively the EMA-1 audio input module. We would've preferred to have both simultaneously, but we'll take what we can get. In movie mode the camera now supports full manual shutter and aperture control, and the new Continuous Autofocus tracking system works both for stills and for video. The E-P2 has a new black paint job, but otherwise seems mostly unchanged, with just a few effects and a new "iEnhance" color adjustment mode rounding out the new features. Olympus will actually sell both of these micro four thirds cameras simultaneously, but here comes the real kicker: the E-P2 will retail in kit for for $1,099, a whopping $300 more than the E-P1 -- less than the comparable GH1, but still more than an entry-level DSLR. That cash gets you either an ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens or a 17mm f2.8 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens, and both versions come with an Electronic View Finder standard. Check out the full PR after the break.

Olympus E-P2 official

THE PEN IS NOW MIGHTIER: OLYMPUS EXPANDS THE POWER AND PERFORMANCE OF THE E-P1 WITH THE NEW E-P2

New Electronic Viewfinder, External Audio Port, Autofocus Tracking and More Creative Control All in a Retro Black Metal Body – Looks as Good as it Performs

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., November 5, 2009 – Less than six months after launching the groundbreaking PEN E-P1 Micro Four Thirds camera, Olympus proves that evolutionary change can happen incredibly fast by releasing the E-P2 with even more power and performance. The new PEN, like the E-P1, is the world's smallest 12.3-megapixel interchangeable lens system with In-body Image Stabilization. It blends the high-quality still images like that of a DSLR with High Definition (HD) video, stereo Linear PCM audio recording and In-Camera Creativity inside an ultra-portable body. Along with several new features, and eight in-camera Art Filters that can be applied to still images and HD videos, the result is mighty powerful and creative.

The innovative E-P2 offers more of what photo enthusiasts have been asking for:

• A stylish retro black metal body reminiscent of a traditional PEN camera;
• Accessory port to accommodate the included detachable VF-2 Electronic View Finder (EVF) or optional external microphone adapter EMA-1;
• A newly-developed Continuous Autofocus (C-AF) Tracking System tracks the subject across or back-and-forward through the frame;
• Two new art filters: Diorama & Cross Process for greater creative expression in your still images and HD videos;
• iEnhance to automatically adjust color and contrast for a more dramatic effect;
• Full Manual Control of shutter/aperture in Movie Mode; and
• HDMI Control of camera's playback functions using the TV Remote when the camera is connected to an HDTV.

"The high demand for the E-P1 demonstrates that today's photo enthusiasts and consumers want the high-quality imaging like that of DSLRs in a compact retro design. The fact that it also offers HD video, creative functions and high-end stereo sound makes it even more desirable," said John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Digital SLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. "The new PEN builds on the success of the E-P1 by adding many of the features that were on enthusiasts' wish list for the second generation: an EVF for composing with your eye close to the camera, the ability to add an external microphone, C-AF tracking, and a black metal body. With each new PEN, Olympus continues to enhance the line, and the future looks very bright."
The E-P2 comes with either the small and lightweight Olympus M. ZUIKO Micro Four Thirds lenses: 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 (28-84mm equivalent) or 17mm f2.8 (34mm equivalent). The camera adds to the new category created by the E-P1: Not a P&S. Not an SLR. It's a PEN.

Accessorize: Everything Goes with Basic Black

The E-P2 incorporates a new port for connecting new accessories including an optional EMA-1 Microphone adapter and the VF-2 live-finder, a detachable electronic viewfinder that comes with the E-P2. The live-finder easily slides onto the camera's accessory port and hot shoe when needed to provide 1.15x magnification, a 100% field of view with amazing resolution, brightness and contrast. The viewfinder refreshes quickly to minimize image ghosting on fast-moving subjects.

The VF-2 rotates up to 90 degrees to enable photographers to look down into it, which is useful when shooting subjects from challenging angles. The built-in diopter adjustment and high magnification offer easy viewing with and without glasses.
For those who want to capture enhanced audio, the new EMA-1 external microphone connector can be plugged into the new camera's external accessory port. The connector will accept the optional Olympus ME-51S stereo microphone or any microphone of their choice.

Olympus has a variety of other accessories to maximize the functionality of the new PEN, including the previously released 14-42mm and 17mm Micro Four Thirds lenses. The MMF-1 Four Thirds System Lens Adapter makes E-P2 compatible with all Olympus ZUIKO Digital SpecificTM lenses and other Four Thirds System lenses from Sigma, Panasonic and Leica.

Olympus OM film-based lenses can be attached to the E-P2 with the MF-2 OM Lens Adapter. Additionally, an optional FL-14 flash unit, suitably small for the camera, adds more lighting versatility to your shots.

Stay focused on Your Targets Wherever They Roam

Sometimes it can be hard enough to keep up with kids, let alone take pictures of them. The E-P2's new C-AF Tracking and AF Target Registration locks your subject into focus, and constantly adjusts focus and brightness whether you or your subject is moving. With this mode, a simple push of the shutter release enables you to keep fast-moving and unpredictable subjects in focus – tracking subjects from left to right and from front to back – within the frame, automatically ensuring that even active subjects are captured clearly.
Even More Ways to Create

Olympus pioneered easy-to-use in-camera art filters for still images captured inside its E-System DSLRs. It was the first company to offer the ability to apply art filters to High Definition video recordings captured with the E-P1. Now, the E-P2 continues this tradition of innovation with eight in-camera art filters, including two new filters: the Diorama and Cross Process. The Diorama art filter gives users a miniature model photo feeling by narrowing the depth of focus and enhancing color and contrast. The selective focus that this filter offers lends intimacy to images of even the largest subjects like canyons or cityscapes.

The Cross Process art filter offers an unexpected look to images and videos by changing the color and contrast of subjects on the fly. Using this mode can result in surreal other-worldly images. Whether you're a videographer, documentarian or established director – or just want to shoot like one – Art Filters set your images and videos apart from the pack. Since they're built into the camera, you can achieve dramatic results on the go without needing a computer or editing software. These new filters are a welcome addition to the Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Color, Light Tone, Grainy Film and Pin Hole filters previously available on the E-P1.

Because the PEN is an interchangable lens system camera, you also have more creative options for video capture. You can attach any one of the new super-compact Micro Four Thirds lenses or, because the camera can accept many of the other Four Thirds Format lenses with an available MMF-1 Four Thirds System Lens Adapter, you can add anything from an extreme wide-angle fisheye lens to a super telephoto lens for a wide range of expressive options. All the while you will have more DSLR-like control over depth of field, focus, white balance and ISO. It begs the question, "What will you create?"
iEnhance for Radiant Colors

The E-P2 includes a new picture mode called iEnhance, which analyzes colors and brightness. The new mode mimics what the naked eye sees. For example, a beautiful sunset looks awesome in person and generally seems to fade when captured in an image. With iEnhance, the warm yellow and orange colors are heightened to be brilliant and closer to the actual scene. The result is exceptionally clear imaging with a dramatically lifelike color. iEnhance can be used in any shooting mode – from program to manual – and automatically engages when in iAuto.

HDMI Control from Your HDTV Remote

The new PEN makes sharing your content easier than ever. Just connect the E-P2 to your HDTV with an optional HDMI cable and use your HDTV's remote to control playback functions and navigate the camera's menus from the comfort of your favorite couch or chair.

Manual in Movie Mode

The E-P2's manual movie mode allows for independent control of aperture and shutter for expanded exposure and creative control. Now you can adjust the shutter to control the depth of focus while using the aperture to set the overall brightness of the video. This level of control allows you to express your vision exactly how you want in your HD videos.

Make a Design Statement

The E-P2's high-end, stainless-steel all-black body is easy to handle and carry, and has the styling and refinement of a precision chronometer. Its retro-chic look turns heads, from tech-aficionados and camera buffs to the style-conscious and everyday point-and-shooter. Built rock solid, it fits comfortably in a jacket pocket or a handbag for impromptu street-shooting or any spontaneous adventure. The E-P2 lets you do more and go more places while capturing your life, thanks to its compact size – 4.74"(W) x 2.75" (H) x 1.37" (D) – and light 11.1-ounce body. Attention to detail is visible in every aspect of the PEN's design, including the currently available small and lightweight 14-42mm and 17mm M. ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses as well as the newly announced 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 (18-36mm equivalent) and 14-150mm f4.0-5.6 (28-300mm equivalent) M. ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses.

Ultra-Compact Body Delivers Superior Image Quality

The E-P2 has everything you need to produce vibrant DSLR-quality images: a large 12.3-megapixel imager, In-body Image Stabilization, fast Imager Autofocus, the proven Olympus Dust Reduction System and the new TruePic™ V Image Processor.
As the second Micro Four Thirds camera from Olympus, the E-P2 provides the same image quality as current Four Thirds format E-System cameras because it has the same image sensor size as the E-30 and E-620 DSLR models, but in a much smaller body. This high-performance 12.3-megapixel Live MOS image sensor delivers excellent dynamic range, accurate color fidelity, and a state-of-the-art amplifier circuit to reduce noise and capture fine image details in both highlight and shadow areas.

The E-P2's Live MOS image sensor is complemented by Olympus' TruePic™ V Image Processor, which produces clear and colorful photos using all the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible. The image processor is noted for accurate natural color, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue skies and precise tonal expression; it also lowers image noise in photos shot at higher ISO settings (ISO 100 to ISO 6400), enabling great results in low-light situations.

Be a Mover, Not a Shaker

Any lens attached to the E-P2 will deliver blur-free images thanks to three modes of In-body Image Stabilization that compensate for up to four steps EV (exposure value). Mechanical Image Stabilization automatically compensates for camera shake in low light or when shooting without a tripod. Since the PEN is the world's smallest interchangeable lens camera with In-body Image Stabilization, you'll feel comfortable taking it on the road with you to capture the action. As an added advantage, the built-in image stabilization works not only with the M. Zuiko lenses but all Four Thirds lenses and even older OM film-based lenses when used with the appropriate adapter for the E-P2.

Small Real Estate with an Amazing 3-Inch LCD View

Consumers accustomed to composing and focusing using a point-and-shoot camera's LCD will appreciate the E-P2's 100 percent accurate, 3-inch full color HyperCrystal LCD, which gives them the same easy, seamless experience when shooting still images or videos. The camera's Live Control function makes it easy to compose, edit and shoot pictures or videos without stopping to access various menus. The E-P2's fast Imager Autofocus in Live View also enables you to compose, focus and capture the shot quickly and easily without ever taking your eyes off the large LCD.

The LCD displays 230,000 pixels in vivid color and includes HyperCrystal technology, which offers many times the contrast of conventional LCD monitors for easier viewing in both preview and playback. It also provides a wide viewing angle of 176 degrees, which ensures that images can be composed from even the most obscure angles.

This Camera Leaves Others in the Dust

You don't have to waste precious time worrying about dust ruining the perfect image; instead, spend more of that time shooting with the E-P2. The proven Olympus Dust Reduction System produces spot-free photos with the exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter™, a patented ultrasonic technology that vibrates to remove dust and other particles from the front of the image sensor, capturing it on a special adhesive membrane every time the camera is turned on.
What You See Is What You Get

When viewing the LCD in Live View, Art Filter effects and settings like white balance and exposure are viewable right on the LCD, and their impact is seen instantly on the display. Real-time monitoring offers amazing versatility and creative control, and users who apply a setting have instant gratification because what they see on the camera's LCD is what they've captured. For musicians used to applying audio effects like reverb to their instruments before recording them, the concept of setting the E-P2 to capture precisely the kind of image they want before they press the shutter makes perfect sense. For imaging purists who want to shoot without filters, and apply them to images inside the camera later, or just edit images back at their computers, the E-P2 provides these options and opens more in-the-field creative possibilities.

Mix It Up with Multiple Exposure

With the E-P2's Multiple Exposure function available for still image capture, you are free to tell a visual story your way, whether in a portrait, a landscape or a combination of both. The image capture options allow you to shoot one shot, then another and combine them in real time, or capture both shots separately and combine them in the camera later. Overlay your face on top of your pet's face. Create an "identical twin" of yourself. Put the moon in the sky at noon. Your ability to manipulate space and time makes this new creative multimedia device a veritable time machine.

Frame Your Works of Art Inside the PEN

You can often achieve greater photographic expression by framing a scene in a unique way. The E-P2 provides four aspect ratios that serve as masks to frame your image to the desired proportions, including: the standard 4:3 aspect ratio that is suited to an 8 x 10-inch enlargement; the 16:9 aspect ratio that will display your images beautifully on a widescreen television; and other popular aspect ratios such as 3:2 and 6:6. The Multi-Aspect Shooting further expresses your creative vision when combined with Art Filters and multiple exposures. What will you create?

Stereo Audio Sounds As Good As the PEN Images Look

Like the innovative Olympus LS-11 portable audio recording device that puts the power of a recording studio in your pocket, the E-P2 features uncompressed CD-quality 16 bit/44.1kHz Linear PCM stereo recording capability to capture the rich sound quality of your scene. When you shoot with the E-P2, it's like having a sound technician built into your camera to capture the nuances of the audio happening all around you. It has the versatility to record and play back in the WAV format and can record with its built-in stereo microphone. Whether recording audio while shooting a video or adding audio by recording a narration to your still images, the E-P2's audio sounds as great as its images look. Now, with the new stereo microphone adapter, there is new freedom in audio capture with the PEN.

Create Your Own Multimedia Slideshows with Stills, Video and Audio Inside E-P2

Content is king, and with the E-P2 you have your own portable kingdom of still images, HD video, and audio to remix at your command. In playback mode you can seamlessly mix stills and movies inside the camera to create a multimedia slideshow; dub in one of five built-in dramatic background music options to provide a soundtrack for your cinematic creation. Plug the E-P2 into any HD television with an HDMI cable and show off your masterpieces to your audience before your DVD arrives in stores!

As Easy to Use as a Point-and-Shoot with SLR-Quality Technologies

The E-P2 is equipped with 19 scene-select modes for effortless picture taking. Standard scene modes like Night-Scene, Portrait and Landscape are easy-to-use solutions for everyday shooting. Capturing beautiful portraits is easy with the new ePortrait Mode. It enables you to smooth your subject's skin – all in the camera and before capture! Additionally, edits can be made post-capture using the ePortrait mode.

Shooting scenes with both highlights and shadows can often be a challenge because of the extreme contrast between dark and bright areas. The E-P2 addresses this challenge with Shadow Adjustment Technology that adjusts for extreme light variations and maintains visible detail in both the shadow and highlight areas of the scene. Now users can see and preview the gradation on the Live View LCD and capture images showing the shadow detail they saw. This feature is also accessible in the Edit menu after the shot has been taken.

The E-P2's Face Detection reduces the chance of blurred subjects in images by recognizing up to eight people's faces and the background, tracking the faces within the image area, even if people are moving, and automatically focusing and optimizing exposure for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures (ideal for large family or party group photos).

Don't like changing camera settings for each shooting situation? The E-P2's Intelligent Auto Mode automatically identifies what you're shooting (Portrait, Landscape, Night + Portrait, Macro, Sports) and adjusts settings to capture the best result depending on the situation. First-time users will enjoy this quick and hassle-free feature, which does the thinking for them and produces incredible images like a pro.

The E-P2 offers ease-of-use and flexibility to meet your shooting style. Choose the Live Control technology, an advanced control panel system that incorporates the use of the sub dial and enables you to see the image and the menu controls all at the same time on the LCD. As a result, you can use the main and sub dials to select modes and adjust settings without having to take your eyes off the subject. Or if you prefer, shoot with the Super Control Panel, which is familiar to any serious shooter. These options along with the camera's intuitive button layout make the camera simple to use. The E-P2 records to SDHC media cards to accommodate large files including videos with In-Camera Creative Features and uncompressed audio.
Digital Leveler

The E-P2 is equipped with an internal Digital Level Sensor that detects the camera's pitch and roll and indicates it on the control panel. This Digital Leveler is a tremendous benefit when capturing architecture and landscapes. Level the perfect coastline shot on your next tropical vacation without being tethered to a computer and editing software.

Magnified Focus Assist

The E-P2 provides two optional methods to help the user focus: a Magnified Focus (MF) Assist Function and Magnification Display. When using manual focus, the MF Assist feature aids with critical focus by allowing you to zoom in on part of the image by simply turning the focusing ring on the front of the lens. The Magnification Display enables you to selectively enlarge the image on the LCD at the touch of a button. This mode works for both autofocus and manual focus. Both MF Assist methods provide up to a 10x magnification of a single point of the image for critical focus; perfect for macro or still-life photography.

18x18 Metering Modes

This mode divides the image area into an 18 x 18 grid, metering each of the 324 separate cells to obtain optimum exposure. In addition to 324-division ESP metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering modes are also available.
OLYMPUS Master 2 Software

Use the included OLYMPUS Master 2 software (Mac and PC) to easily download images and videos from the camera or other external device, such as a USB drive, and automatically organize them into albums and groups and by date. Develop high-quality RAW images, apply Art Filter effects, edit and print images. Also, apply the most common editing functions to your HD videos. Update camera and lens firmware through the software and download additional menu languages. A direct link makes uploading your images and videos to YouTube™ easier than ever.

OLYMPUS Studio 2 (Trial Edition Included)

Extend the capability of Olympus Master 2 with Olympus Studio 2. In addition to the functions of OLYMPUS Master 2, this software includes a lightbox mode and selection marks for comparing and sorting multiple images. RAW processing is enhanced with additional controls for finer adjustments. The trial edition can be used for 30 days after installation. After the trial period has expired, a license key is required for further use.

Availability

The Olympus E-P2 will be available in December 2009. It includes E-P2 Body, VF-2 Electronic View Finder, ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens or 17mm f2.8 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLS-1), Li-Ion Battery Charger (BCS-1), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS Master 2 Software CD-ROM, Manuals and Registration card.

U.S. Pricing / Product Configurations

E-P2 Body with ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens and Electronic View Finder

Estimated Street Price: $1099.99
E-P2 Body with 17mm f2.8 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens and Electronic View Finder

Estimated Street Price: $1099.99

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 5th 2009 1:10AM]

At first I read that as a 7mm lens.

I think most enthusiast photographers would pay 1100 just for a lens like that alone.

[Draper Posted Nov 5th 2009 1:21AM]

I just sold my E-P1 last night, hoping to get this news!

[Draper Posted Nov 5th 2009 1:22AM]

It's not "digital zoom" it's optical zoom for digital cams.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 5th 2009 1:23AM]

It still doesn't address the no build in flash problem, esp it's either the EVF or ext flash, wonder Pana will shoot back with a GF2 soon....

[horchata Posted Nov 5th 2009 1:38AM]

I realized that they wouldn't go out of their way to include a built-in flash because that would essentially ruin their production line/cost for the current external flash adapter for the E-P1. The flash would be relevant only for the E-P1 at that point, and since consumers might prefer a flash-ready E-P2 (assuming the electric viewfinder wouldn't be included for pricing reasons), the external flash adapter will be dependent on E-P1 sales. Why would any perfectly sane corporation castrate themselves like that?

I think Olympus was in too big of a hurry to spit out a micro four thirds camera before the competition (Panasonic).

[YpoCaramel Posted Nov 5th 2009 4:35AM]

Yes, but increasing the main machine's sales at the cost of an accessory might be worth it. As it is, it's hard to recommend the E-P1 to a friend interested in photography but can only afford one camera - why bother with all those attachments, which make it as bulky as a 500D or G1?

[horchata Posted Nov 5th 2009 1:26AM]

E-P1 buyers remorse.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 5th 2009 1:58AM]

Early adopter regrets purchase after something new and shiny released. More at 11.

[JMichels Posted Nov 6th 2009 6:25AM]

I heard that!......as an E-P1 owner, I'm feeling pretty dupped right about now.....thanks, Olympus. Hadn't anyone over there thought to give most of that "new" functionality to current E-P1 owners in the form of a firmware update???? You tried to fix the continuous focus issue, I'll grant you that (even though it's not much better, not to mention the fact that I had to load that buggy Oly software on my machine in order to get it), but you could give us the two new art filters and added video control in a more substantial firmware upgrade so we're not stuck with a camera that should have been what this new camera is now - being that we paid for it. I mean, come on! You up and introduce an E-P2 NOW, 5 months after, for 3 bills more? What kind of crap is that?

Seriously, I love my PEN, I do --- but I knew I should have waited for the 7D from canon. I'll never buy another olympus, I can tell you that.

I am pissed right now.

[RawheaD Posted Nov 5th 2009 1:46AM]

Zuiko Digital .... is their line of lenses made specifically for their digital cameras. This one happens to zoom. Hence.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 5th 2009 1:57AM]

Except it doesn't zoom. It is a prime lens.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 5th 2009 2:06AM]

I'm not seeing how it addresses all the primary concerns at all.

There's still no in-built flash, the auto-focus doesn't sound like it's improved, and the screen hasn't been upped in resolution at all.

[Information Central Posted Nov 5th 2009 2:23AM]

Seriously, WTF is the article talking about? The lame screen was one of the primary complaints.

[LondonConsultant Posted Nov 5th 2009 3:27AM]

The EP1's very slow autofocus during video recording was the worst issue. Anyone know if that has been improved?

[Sarig Posted Nov 5th 2009 6:38AM]

There was a firmware update to adress the autofocus issue. No idea how good it was though.

[RichyS Posted Nov 5th 2009 7:42AM]

I suggest you buy a Lumix GF1 then. It's not quite as sexy as the Pen, but it has all the features you're after.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 5th 2009 2:17AM]

I don't see how the EVF warrants $300 more. I'm guessing Olympus realised that demand for the E-P1 was higher than they thought so they decided to see how much they could wring for the customers.

[YpoCaramel Posted Nov 5th 2009 4:41AM]

Seriously, the E-P1 is a bad camera for casual/beginner photographers given its poor autofocus speed and limited versatility (no flash or acceptable ISO3200). I think Olympus
would have been better off refining the E-P1 for that market (add a flash, AF lamp and improve the AF) and cutting back on cost .

Looking at the improved EVF and and manual features this seems targeted at the serious market, but still, if no real IQ improvements, $300 might not be worth it.

[Michael Scrip Posted Nov 5th 2009 2:39AM]

I dunno... as soon as a camera gets too big to fit in your pocket... why not just get a real DSLR?

You can get a Nikon D3000 with lens for $529. Even if you added the Nikon 35mm f/1.8g lens for $200... it's still cheaper than the $800 E-P1 with only one lens. And I'm not even gonna comment on the $1100 E-P2...

Yes, a DSLR weighs twice as much, but since you'll be carrying either with a neckstrap... who cares? I use a Nikon D60, and I've never said, "Gee, I wish my camera was smaller and more expensive." Plus, I like looking through the lens with the optical viewfinder.

This video shows hands-on with the E-P1. I love how she says "it's a very compact camera." Sure, it's smaller than a DSLR... but there's a point where size doesn't matter when it's still a 2-handed camera you hang around your neck...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UDwgA1plG0#t=0m22s

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 5th 2009 9:15AM]

Weight and size really adds up on long trips. I have had a Nikon D70 (which itself is smallish by DSLR standards) for several years now and I travel. A lot. I have a shoulder bag I keep everything in, but after a full day of lugging it around, my shoulders get sore. Also, it's just big enough that I usually won't bring it around without its case, which often means it stays at home. With something the size of the E-P1/2, I can see myself bringing my "good" camera (as opposed to my crappy PnS) along a lot more, and just throw it in my backback or laptop bag.

[Michael Scrip Posted Nov 6th 2009 5:48AM]

@Tonicboy

Oh I agree about weight and sore shoulders. That's why I wanna get this:

http://www.blackrapid.com/video/introduction-to-r-strap/

[Stick Posted Nov 5th 2009 3:06AM]

How do you say, "priced out of the market?". I just sold my E-P1, I wanted to love it, but just didn't - too slow, too messy to use, and picture quality not quite as good as a low-end SLR.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 5th 2009 3:04AM]

Well its worth looking again at the original Lumix G1 if you can live without the video, best viefinder of all, flash and a good rear screen with movement at the lowest price. The size stacked against the EP2 with viewfinder must be pretty close now.

[LloydChiro Posted Nov 5th 2009 9:21AM]

Or just a regular Olympus E450 or E520 for $400-$500. All of the quality, some loss of compactness, but by far a better bargain.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 5th 2009 3:22AM]

I'm glad they put in he EVF, but the GF-1 will still wipe the floor with this thing.

I'd personally rather a Canon G11. Had a chance to try one out, and the IQ is stunning. It's really a huge improvement over the G10.

[LondonConsultant Posted Nov 5th 2009 3:32AM]

The G11's weakness is its video recording. It's only VGA. So no widescreen format, eg suitable for YouTube - and miles from 720p or 1080p...

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 5th 2009 3:23AM]

Ok... so the package puts it pretty much exactly the same price as the Panasonic GF-1 with the EVF accessory (899$ + 199$ = 1098$). Except the Panasonic still has a built in flash and better AF. Granted, the in-body optical stabilization is great for legacy lenses and the microphone adapter is interesting...

I'm wondering if there's anything preventing Panasonic from doing the same, adding a microphone adapter / boom mic accessory to the EVF port allowing better audio. Here's hoping a firmware update + accessory will change that.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 5th 2009 3:55AM]

This is disappointing... steep price with solving only one of the few main issues... now i gotta sit on my ass and wait for the E-P3...
Or i'll just keep shooting with my real dslr...

[Draper Posted Nov 5th 2009 4:12AM]

Ohh snap...you're right. I foolishly disregarded the number you quoted (like an @sshole would) in a rush to tackle a non-existent concern. I read the press release, but not much of the Engadget write-up.

mea culpa

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 5th 2009 4:38AM]

Pen will fail. Simply because it belongs to neither of the world. Neither compact, neither DSLR.

Size, no match for real compact
Qualty, no match for real DSLR
Price. Too pricey as a Compact. and even more expensive than an entry DSLR, not to mention features and quality is not even close to DSLR.

If I want size, I go for compact
if I want quality, I go for DSLR
if I want size and quality, I go for entry DSLR.
I really find no reason why I should buy this scrap metal.

[LondonConsultant Posted Nov 5th 2009 7:13AM]

You are the kind of person who'd have advised Henry Ford to build a faster horse.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 5th 2009 9:27AM]

You're wrong about image quality. It is indeed a match for full-size DSLRs. Not on par, but pretty damn close. What it basically boils down to is, you're buying close to DSLR quality in an extremely compact size, at the expense of a few features and cost. The features, honestly, I can live without - taking pictures is as simple as it was a hundred years ago and a good photographer can make good pictures without a lot of bells and whistles. The price however, I cannot live with. It's too much of a premium for just miniaturization.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 5th 2009 4:40AM]

no integrated viewfinder :-(

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 5th 2009 5:22AM]

I just want panasonic release the GH1 body only that would bring cost near those gf1 or ep1 kit. I don't think they are any camera body match the specs of gh1 if they release in body only, the 1080p stereo sound just easily beat any other dslr under $1,500

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 5th 2009 5:54AM]

me likes
should have a built in flash though as it is a consumer camera

[erth Posted Nov 5th 2009 7:43AM]

Loving my GF1. I was a bit worried when I heard of this update (will it be a GF1 killer?) but nothing to be concerned about it seems.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 5th 2009 11:19AM]

I'm there with you. I love my GF1. It's definitely not perfect, but it's freaking close. And naysayers about quality obviously don't own one yet offer their opinions anyway.

[LondonConsultant Posted Nov 5th 2009 11:33AM]

Did you find any problem on GF1 with picking up noise of zoom/autofocus when recording video?

[weylynwolf Posted Nov 5th 2009 3:53PM]

@londonconsultant:
With the 20mm f/1.7, the AF motor noise is picked up, but with the 14-45mm the motor is very quiet. Plus, it has IS that works during video recording (one thing the ep1/2 + zuiko glass can't do).

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 5th 2009 1:41PM]

That's a lot of text to say "It's a black E-P1 with an EVF for $300 more".

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 6th 2009 1:08PM]

Patched over E-P1's problems and jacked up the price?
Really? Am I the only one who thought price was one of the E-P1's BIGGEST problems? - -

[Chipper Posted Nov 24th 2009 2:19PM]

@(Unverified)

At $800US the EP-1 is not so bad for the build quality over the $500-600US DSLR's out there. Will admit there is an "early adaptor fee" perhaps. But then there has never been a digital camera that allowed for such use of legacy lenses before in such a small size.

As to jacking up the price - the Panasonic GF1 is going for $900US without the lack luster EVF which costs $200US. The EVF on the new EP-2 is supposed to be hi-res. So the new EP-2 is on par with with what GF1 buyers end up paying for the same kit.

In that you are "unverified" your post is suspect in the internet age. Could you be a Panasonic employee trying to be a spoiler perhaps? And to answer before questions arise, no I am not employed by Olympus.... just work in a camera shop. And love my EP-1. Even after I swore I would not buy in to a new camera system! LOL Had too many already.

I say bring it on Olympus and Panasonic! There is a demand for this type of system. Give me a real reason to sell off my Nikon gear!