Olympus E-P1 Review

Olympus has finally released their first Micro 4/3 model, the E-P1 Digital PEN. With a retro look that comes from it's PEN family history, the E-P1 is a powerful and sophisticated digital camera. Many feel that these new Micro 4/3 cameras are not truly dSLRs, because they do not have an automatic moving mirror system. However, the E-P1, along with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 and DMC-GH1, are still interchangeable lens cameras that offer almost all of the same features/options one would find on true dSLR.

The E-P1 boasts some very appealing features, including a 12.3-Megapixel Live MOS image sensor, TruePic V image processor, Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction system, 3.0-inch LCD screen, 324-area TTL ESP metering system, 11-area Contrast Detection AF system, sensor-shift Image Stabilization, built-in digital leveling, 720p HD video capture, JPEG and RAW image formats (RAW + JPEG available), sensitivity settings from ISO 100 - 6400 (in 1/3 or 1EV steps), hot shoe for external flash units or Optical Viewfinder, sRGB or Adobe RGB color space options, and burst mode shooting at up to 3fps.

While the E-P1 is loaded with advanced settings and options that you would find on other E-series models, like the E-620, it also shares some similarities with Olympus' consumer point-n-shoots. First being, the iAuto or "intelligent" Auto exposure mode. Just like with their consumer models, the E-P1 will gather information about the scene you are currently shooting, and automatically select the best Scene mode settings to ensure you get the best possible photos. Users can also choose from the typical Program AE, Aperture priority, Shutter speed priority, and full Manual exposure modes, that will give you as much control over the exposure process as you can handle. There are also 13 pre-programmed Scene modes to choose from (like Portrait, Landscape, or Sports) as well as 6 new Art filter modes that allow you to explore your creative side.

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