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Product Description
Manufacturer's Description
The Olympus Pen: the next generation
Olympus introduces its second revolutionary Digital Pen, the E-P2, like its award-winning E-P1 predecessor based on the original Pen camera design by Yoshihisa Maitani that sold over 17 million units to become one of the most trusted, popular, and successful camera series ever.
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The future is mirror-less
The removal of the mirror box in the 21st century has brought the legendary series back. Mirror-less construction is the foundation for the stunning design and remarkably compact size of both the original E-P1 and new E-P2. Everyone will fall in love with the camera's irresistible retro-look, now newly available in black in direct response to customer demand. The E-P2 remains reminiscent of the classic Olympus Pens, which were cherished for their compactness, usability, and affordable price.
Five decades later, the E-P2 continues to honour the memory of its famous forefathers and hails the beginning of the next generation of the digital era. In addition to the inherent advantages of Olympus imaging technology, the new ultra-compact hybrid device is able to record HD quality movies with sound and utilise the same stunning creative effects that can be applied to still photographs. For example Art Filters, depth of field control, angle of view and AF tracking, all remain operational in movie mode.
Plus, with the application of two new additional Art Filters in Diorama and Cross Process, it includes the ability to bring extra artistic creativity to photographs, as well as providing a new accessory port, so that extras including viewfinder and microphones can be added.
Other key new features include a colour boosting i-Enhance function to add visual punch, and AF tracking to automatically keep your subject in focus, no matter where they may wander in the frame.
The Olympus Pen E-P2 once again reinvents high-end stylish photography for the digital era.
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Miniature Optics, Maximum Brilliance
Thanks to the mirror-less construction, the flange back is half the distance from the sensor when compared with standard FourThirds cameras. As with the E-P1, this has enabled Olympus to make the E-P2 significantly thinner and more compact.
High Resolution Electronic Viewfinder now included
The first available accessory for the E-P2's accessory port is the electronic viewfinder (EVF), included with the camera's purchase. Offering a 100% field of view, the incredibly high 1,440,000 dot resolution EVF can be tilted by 90° to offer a unique perspective, whilst making it reminiscent of the viewfinder on a medium format camera. More compatible attachments are to follow from Olympus and will include an external microphone adapter for a variety of accessory microphones.
High ISO shooting: ISO 6400
The E-P2's high ISO sensitivity allows you to capture low light subjects using available light without the need for a tripod (e.g. birthday parties and night scenes) due to the faster shutter speeds. Top quality results are achievable even at this maximum setting thanks to the Olympus Pen E-P2's state-of-the-art TruePic V engine.
Image Stabilisation
Regardless of which lens you select, the built-in IS system effectively counters camera shake. A gyro sensor detects the precise direction of the shake, and using the on-board Supersonic Wave Drive (SWD), the image sensor shifts to compensate for this movement. The maximum effectiveness of IS system is 4 EV (exposure value) steps. When shooting movies the camera deploys electronic image stabilisation.
High image quality
Producing clear images and rich colour the M. ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses continue the high performance of the ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses, while a newly developed TruePic V image processor brings out the true potential of the system, delivering sharp images rich with colour. Now you too can realise the image quality of a DSLR in a compact and easy to use camera, plus discover the fun and expanded creative possibilities of using an interchangeable lens camera system.
Adding to the range of compatible optics, two new Micro Four Thirds lenses are due in the first half of 2010: the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 (18-36mm) super wide-angle zoom and M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 (28-300mm) high-power telephoto zoom.
Newly developed compact dust reduction system
Dust entering digital cameras with interchangeable lenses can cause damage to photos. The Supersonic Wave Filter (SSWF) is a transparent filter located between the camera's shutter and sensor. It shakes off settled dust particles by generating a series of ultrasonic vibrations. Olympus was the first to incorporate dust protection.
Effortless handling and full control
The newly developed Live Control interface ensures effortless operation: it is incredibly easy to use and the effects of selected functions can be viewed immediately on the 7.6cm/3.0" HyperCrystal LCD. In addition to easy focusing for sharp and crisp shots, an intelligent i-Auto option allows the camera to automatically adjust to six common scene modes such as portrait, landscape and night. What's more, subjects can be sure they will always look their best with e-Portrait - a practical option that smoothes away wrinkles and eliminates imperfections and blemishes. This way everyone can look like a top model, especially when they appear on TV via the practical HDMI output, which now offers a remote slideshow control. Added to this a new i-Enhance function provides even more in-camera creativity and image enhancement. SD card compatibility eliminates concerns about storage by providing ample space for recorded images and movies as well as convenient file storage and picture transfer.
Creative Magic: Art Filter
Turn your memories into works of art. A choice of eight Art Filters, including new Diorama and Cross Process options, are available to instantly give both your images and movies a unique look and feel. Just select the desired Art Filter before taking a picture or shooting a movie, the effect is then shown directly on the LCD in Live View Mode.
Diorama: Accessible in both still and HD movie mode, the Diorama Art Filter can be used to take photos that give the viewer the illusion that they're looking at the world in miniature, as if part of a model village.
Cross Process: Flips and transforms colours to ape the traditional eye-popping effect previously achievable only by skilled film processors.
Pop Art: Enhances colours, making them stronger and more vivid to create high-impact pictures in the style of Pop Art.
Soft Focus: Creates a soft tone, which gives pictures an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere without obscuring details such as hair or flower petals.
Pale & Light Colour: The foreground is enclosed in flat, gentle light - similar to a flashback scene in a film - creating a sense of deja vu.
Light Tone: Creates a picture with shade and highlight areas rendered very softly to provide a sophisticated atmosphere with a gentle feel.
Grainy Film: Recreates the effect of grainy, high-contrast monochrome pictures. The strong presence and dramatic atmosphere amplify the impact of the subject.
Pin Hole: Reduces the peripheral brightness like an image seen through a pinhole camera. Added to this is a unique colour tone and the results have an air of secrecy or otherworldliness.
Multi Aspect:
Choose from four different aspect ratios that enable specfic framing of scenes. These provide a new means of adding expression to shots and the selected ratio can be seen directly on the camera's LCD. The available aspect ratios include: 16:9, 3:2, 4:3, and 6:6.
ighlighting your subject by selecting the appropriate aspect ratio.
HD Movies
High-definition video (HD video) mode delivers high-quality movies at a resolution of 1280x720 pixels (or standard definition 640x480) both at 30 frames per second. Now accessible in M-mode, it features controls and quality that camcorders cannot deliver including: the ability to control background blur with aperture control, record sharp blur-free movies with in-camera Image Stabilisation; plus apply built-in Art Filters to your movies for added creative flair.
(Frame rate dependent on selected Art Filter. 3 min movie is recordable. File format is the AVI Motion JPEG(R).)
Movie operation + still image recording automatically records a high resolution still reference frame at the end of movie recording. This feature is ideal for use as a location reference or to expand the movie's storyline.
A new bonus feature of the E-P2 is the ability to film using the M-mode, good news for anyone with a creative bent.
Product Description
High-end design, compact dimensions and DSLR performance. Olympus Pen E-P2 Key Features: Resolution (million pixels) 12.3 Sensor NMOS 4/3 ISO rating Auto (200-3200), Manual ISO (100-6400) Aperture 3.3 _5.2, Storage SD, SDHC card Battery Li-Ion BLS-1 Dimensions (W x H x D mm) 120.5 x 70 x 35 Second generation Micro Four-Thirds from Olympus. Includes eight Art filters.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
A lot of people interested in this camera may wish to know how it stacks up against its nearest competitor, so here's a quick showdown as for some weird reason I've owned both... as well as a G1 and a G2 (which is great) I really need to stop wheeling and dealing so much.
Build and handling
Both cameras are made fantastically well, build quality is top draw with both featuring very solid metal shells. Perasonally I've found the Olympus to have the edge in the menu and buttons department, although that's completely subjective.
I found the GF1 a bit tricky to handle, big hands and a slippery body combined with a tiny grip don't go together well. Alos, the strap lugs sit very uncomfortably under the right hand. Olympus wins this round!
Composition and Screens
The LCD on the GF1 is clearly superior, which is a real bonus if you're working in low light or using manual focus a lot. Layout and the live histogram overlay are also in the Lumix's favor. I can't speak for the external optional viewfinder for the Panasonic, but the Olympus module is excellent. Neither fares brilliantly in bright, direct sunlight. But I'd still say if you're shooting sans viewfinder then the GF1 has a real advantage.
Image Quality
Both use the same sensor, as far as I can tell and both produce good sharp raw files. However, for me the biggest weakness in m43 is the highlight handling and dynamic range of the sensor, which is a bit poor compared to similar priced APS crop sensor cameras. Draw.
Focus and metering
Metering on both cameras is good, focus is accurate and snappy since the new firmware was added the Olympus. However, the GF1 still edges it as it seems to me that little faster and doesn't hunt so much. You also have more control over fine focus point selection. GF1 takes it!
Lenses
Well, I can't really cover this as I've not used the standard Olympus zoom. by all accounts it's decent, very compact but slower to focus than the Panasonic, which as kit zooms go is a real gem of a lens.
Video
Not something I use much, but set up correctly I've found both cameras perfectly adequate for my needs and easy to use. Draw.
Anything else?
Well, your mileage will vary, the big difference here is the GF1 has a (rather useless!) built in flash, although it's novel to use and cleverly engineered. The Olympus edges it here by including in camera stabilisation which is a real boon for using manual focus legacy lenses.
For me, on a shallow note the Olympus is ahead in terms of style (although it's a bit shinier than images make it look!) It's also very well engineered. It doesn't offer as good value for money as the GF1 unless you factor in the viewfinder which makes them a similar price. Both cameras have decent battery life, good but not exceptional image quality great build and style and surprisingly good, but not SLR standard AF speed and accuracy.
If you (odd situation!) put a gun to my head and asked me to choose, I'd take the Olympus over the Panasonic in a pinch, especially now that the new firmware has brought the most contentious issue of AF speed closer to the Panasonic.
If you're used to fast SLR cameras using any live view m43 camera may feel like a step backwards in terms of functionality so unless you really need the compactness or cool factor, then you may want to consider the excellent G2 if m43 appeals to you.
The Olympus specifically wins points on build, functionallity and style
it loses out on the dynamic range, sub-par LCD screen and value for money.
Build and handling
Both cameras are made fantastically well, build quality is top draw with both featuring very solid metal shells. Perasonally I've found the Olympus to have the edge in the menu and buttons department, although that's completely subjective.
I found the GF1 a bit tricky to handle, big hands and a slippery body combined with a tiny grip don't go together well. Alos, the strap lugs sit very uncomfortably under the right hand. Olympus wins this round!
Composition and Screens
The LCD on the GF1 is clearly superior, which is a real bonus if you're working in low light or using manual focus a lot. Layout and the live histogram overlay are also in the Lumix's favor. I can't speak for the external optional viewfinder for the Panasonic, but the Olympus module is excellent. Neither fares brilliantly in bright, direct sunlight. But I'd still say if you're shooting sans viewfinder then the GF1 has a real advantage.
Image Quality
Both use the same sensor, as far as I can tell and both produce good sharp raw files. However, for me the biggest weakness in m43 is the highlight handling and dynamic range of the sensor, which is a bit poor compared to similar priced APS crop sensor cameras. Draw.
Focus and metering
Metering on both cameras is good, focus is accurate and snappy since the new firmware was added the Olympus. However, the GF1 still edges it as it seems to me that little faster and doesn't hunt so much. You also have more control over fine focus point selection. GF1 takes it!
Lenses
Well, I can't really cover this as I've not used the standard Olympus zoom. by all accounts it's decent, very compact but slower to focus than the Panasonic, which as kit zooms go is a real gem of a lens.
Video
Not something I use much, but set up correctly I've found both cameras perfectly adequate for my needs and easy to use. Draw.
Anything else?
Well, your mileage will vary, the big difference here is the GF1 has a (rather useless!) built in flash, although it's novel to use and cleverly engineered. The Olympus edges it here by including in camera stabilisation which is a real boon for using manual focus legacy lenses.
For me, on a shallow note the Olympus is ahead in terms of style (although it's a bit shinier than images make it look!) It's also very well engineered. It doesn't offer as good value for money as the GF1 unless you factor in the viewfinder which makes them a similar price. Both cameras have decent battery life, good but not exceptional image quality great build and style and surprisingly good, but not SLR standard AF speed and accuracy.
If you (odd situation!) put a gun to my head and asked me to choose, I'd take the Olympus over the Panasonic in a pinch, especially now that the new firmware has brought the most contentious issue of AF speed closer to the Panasonic.
If you're used to fast SLR cameras using any live view m43 camera may feel like a step backwards in terms of functionality so unless you really need the compactness or cool factor, then you may want to consider the excellent G2 if m43 appeals to you.
The Olympus specifically wins points on build, functionallity and style
it loses out on the dynamic range, sub-par LCD screen and value for money.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By Donna
First thing I must say is that my rating of the Olympus Pen EP-2 is based on coming from a "point and shoot" background as I own a Canon IXUS and G9. I started a photography course recently and decided I needed a camera with better image quality and that was more versatile.
I went to the local camera shop with the intention of buying a Panasonic GF-1 (I'd already decided against a DSLR as for me personally they are too large, heavy and cumbersome and I wouldn't carry one with very often) but the feel and handling of the EP-2 felt so good and the image in the Electronic View Finder was so clear and bright I bought that instead.
Now after several weeks of using it, and taking several hundred pictures, I'm still delighted with it.
There are a few criticisms of it on the web, mainly relating to slow auto focus (especially in low light), this as I've come from "point and shoot" isn't noticeable to me as it focuses quicker than either of my Canon cameras. However I have noticed that the 14-42mm Zuiko lens supplied with it is slower to focus than the two Panasonic Lumix lenses I've bought for it.
So overall I'm very pleased with it, and to me it makes an ideal progression from "point and shoot". I would unreservedly recommend the 20mm f1.7 Panasonic G lens to go with it, with that mounted I'm getting brilliant photographs from a camera that fits into the pocket of my fleece or coat.
Just to note that from 20th May 2011 E-P2 is no longer in production
I went to the local camera shop with the intention of buying a Panasonic GF-1 (I'd already decided against a DSLR as for me personally they are too large, heavy and cumbersome and I wouldn't carry one with very often) but the feel and handling of the EP-2 felt so good and the image in the Electronic View Finder was so clear and bright I bought that instead.
Now after several weeks of using it, and taking several hundred pictures, I'm still delighted with it.
There are a few criticisms of it on the web, mainly relating to slow auto focus (especially in low light), this as I've come from "point and shoot" isn't noticeable to me as it focuses quicker than either of my Canon cameras. However I have noticed that the 14-42mm Zuiko lens supplied with it is slower to focus than the two Panasonic Lumix lenses I've bought for it.
So overall I'm very pleased with it, and to me it makes an ideal progression from "point and shoot". I would unreservedly recommend the 20mm f1.7 Panasonic G lens to go with it, with that mounted I'm getting brilliant photographs from a camera that fits into the pocket of my fleece or coat.
Just to note that from 20th May 2011 E-P2 is no longer in production
1 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Hello everyone,
I recently bought this PEN E-P2 and I really love it. Those who buy this should bear in mind tat this is NOT an SLR, and as such it`s performance are different. You wont be able to take multiple pictures of a horse race at once, but rather 1 or 2 shots....Plus, there`s an awful lot of noise even in bright sunlight at ISO100...but the thing is that this camera is pure pleasure to it.
With my Nikon D80, nobody was impressed but with the E-P2, they think it`s a Leica and they all were impressed.
I don't regret buying this.
I recently bought this PEN E-P2 and I really love it. Those who buy this should bear in mind tat this is NOT an SLR, and as such it`s performance are different. You wont be able to take multiple pictures of a horse race at once, but rather 1 or 2 shots....Plus, there`s an awful lot of noise even in bright sunlight at ISO100...but the thing is that this camera is pure pleasure to it.
With my Nikon D80, nobody was impressed but with the E-P2, they think it`s a Leica and they all were impressed.
I don't regret buying this.
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