The Olympus E-P1 celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the introduction of the first PEN camera in 1959. It is the world’s smallest Interchangeable Lens System camera and combines the photographic optics of a DSLR with the size and simplicity of a point and shoot.
The E-P1 delivers professional quality images without the bulk of a conventional DSLR thanks to its slim body and advanced high-speed imager AF (Live View) technologies. The micro FourThirds (mFT) lens mount enables the use of smaller and lighter interchangeable lenses that perform at the same level as larger DSLR lenses.
The E-P1 features 12.3MP resolution (on a 17.3 x 13.0 mm High Speed Live MOS Sensor), Sensor-shift Image Stabilization, Dust Reduction, an extra large 3.0-in. LCD (230K dots) and HD Movie (1280×720 @ 30fps) with stereo sound.
Beginner photographers will welcome familiar features such as Intelligent AUTO (auto scene recognition), Scene Modes, Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology. More advanced photographers will appreciate PASM modes, a Shutter speed range of 60 – 1/4000 sec. plus Bulb (up to 30 min.), Continuous Shooting at 3fps, RAW file format, Digital Level, MF Assist and a hot shoe. In a welcomed change for an Olympus digital camera, the E-P1 uses the Secure Digital (SD / SDHC) memory cards. Note that there is no built-in flash, no AF Illuminator and the tripod mount is (surprisingly) not centered or inline with the lens.
The Live View Autofocus system allows real time focus and composition on the LCD. Creative features include Multiple Exposure, six built-in Art Filters and ePortrait.
With the E-P1, Olympus marks a new era in digital imaging. It is packed with the features and convenience most appreciated on a point-and-shoot while providing the image quality of a DSLR. For years, photographers have been clamoring for just such a camera -- and Olympus has brought it to us first.
Take a look at Olympus E-P1's cousin, the Panasonic GF1.
Picture with Sound: 30sec
Movie: depends on Movie Recording Time
Live
View
Type
Image Sensor (High Speed Live MOS) type
Field of View
100%
Display Mode
Normal Mode
Grid Line Mode
Histogram Mode (3 types)
Magnified View Mode
Comparable View Mode
OFF Mode (for OVF user)
Magnification Ratio
x7, x10
Viewfinder Information
Aperture value, Shutter speed, Auto Bracket, AE Lock, AF mode, IS, Shooting Mode, Battery Check, My Mode, Internal Temperature Warning, Face Detection, Histogram, Number of storable still pictures, Record mode, ISO, Sequential shooting, Self-timer, White Balance, Metering Mode, AF confirmation mark, Exposure Compensation Value, Spot metering Area
Only when E-system Flash attached, Flash Mode, Flash Status, Flash intensity Control, Super FP
3 modes (2 dimensional activation, 1 dimensional activation in landscape frame to vertical direction moving, 1 dimensional activation in portrait frame to horizontal direction moving ), OFF
Approx.4EV steps (in maximum effect with 50mm lens)
Shutter speed range
2 – 1/4000 sec. (Not available when Bulb is selected)
IS for Movie
Shifting electronic image (so-called Digital IS)
Monitor
Product Type
HyperCrystal LCD AR (Anti-Reflective) coating
Size
3.0 inches
Total no.
of pixels
Approx. 230,000 dots
Playback
field of view
100%
Brightness
Control
+7 levels and -7 levels
Color Balance
A-B: +7 levels and -7 levels, G-M: +7 levels and -7 levels
Focusing
AF system
Imager Contrast Detection AF system
When non-high-speed imager AF compatible lens is used, it works as AF assist.
Focus Mode
Single AF (S-AF) / Continuous AF (C-AF) / Manual Focus (MF) / S-AF + MF
Focusing point
11-area multiple AF with the contrast detection system (Auto, selectable in option)
Focusing point selection
Auto from all 11 area, Single area from 11 area
Auto from 25 area when Face detection is ON
Free selection (from 225 points) when Magnified View Mode is selected
AF illuminator
Not available
AF lock
Locked at first position of Shutter button in Single AF mode
Focus tracking
Not available
Manual Focus Assist
When rotation of focus ring is detected under S-AF+MF or MF mode, LV is magnified automatically
Exposure
Control
Metering
system
TTL Image Sensor metering system
(1) Digital ESP metering (324-area multi pattern metering) (2) Center weighted average metering
(3) Spot metering (approx. 1% for the viewfinder screen. Highlight / shadow bases are available)
Metering
range
EV 0 - 18 (Digital ESP metering, Centre weighted average metering, Spot metering)
(At normal temperature, 50mm f2, ISO 100)
Exposure
Mode
(1) i Auto (2) P: Program AE (Program shift can be performed) (3) A: Aperture priority AE (4) S: Shutter priority AE (5) M: Manual (6) Scene select AE (7) Art Filter
±7 steps in each A-B/G-M axis (in Auto WB / Preset WB mode / One touch WB)
Custom WB (Kelvin setting)
1 setting can be registered at Kelvin temperature (2000K – 14000K)
One-touch WB
1 custom setting can be registered
White balance bracketing
3 frames in 2, 4, 6 steps selectable in each A-B/G-M axis.
Color
Mode
Color Space
sRGB, Adobe RGB
Picture Mode
Mode
Vivid, Natural, Portrait, Muted, Monotone
Adjustment
parameter
Contrast, Sharpness and Saturation level available in 5 steps for Vivid, Natural, Portrait and Muted
Contrast and Sharpness level available in 5 steps for Monotone.
Filter effect
Yellow, Orange, Red or Green filter available for Monotone
Picture tone
Sepia, Blue, Purple or Green tone available for Monotone
Gradation
4 levels (Auto, High key, Normal, Low key)
Shutter
Product Type
Computerized focal-plane shutter
Shutter Speed
60 - 1/4000 sec.
Bulb: up to 30 min. (selectable longest time in the menu. Default: 8 min)
1/3, 1/2, or 1EV steps selectable.
Self Timer
Operation time: 12 sec., 2 sec. (cancel available)
RAW mode: Max. 10 frames.
JPEG mode: Depends on compression ratio and no. of pixels
(Large normal mode: approx. 12 with Toshiba Super High Speed type "Class 6" 4GB)
- Clip-on Optical Viewfinder (for use with the Micro Four Thirds 17mm f2.8 lens)
- MMF-1 Four Thirds System Lens Adapter (enables all Olympus ZUIKO Digital lenses as well as Four Thirds System lenses from Sigma, Panasonic and Leica lenses to attach to the E-P1)
-
MF-2 OM Lens Adapter (to attach Olympus OM lenses)
- FL-14 flash unit
ESP
(Estimated Street Price)
Body only
US $749.99 / CDN $849.99
with ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens
US $799.99 / CDN $899.99 / € 749.00
with ED 17mm f2.8 plus clip-on optical viewfinder
US $899.99 / CDN $999.99 / € 949.00
*Specifications and design are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. All trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective holder.
Product technical specifications (including MSRP and Included Accessories) are as represented by the manufacturer and subject to manufacturer's change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer or of Photoxels.
Included Accessories may also differ by country or area. Please verify latest specs from the appropriate manufacturer's site.
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You can buy the Olympus E-P1 from our Trusted Sponsor B&H Photo-Video, the Professional’s Source, satisfying millions of customers for over 35 years:
