Olympus E-P1 compact SLR camera

Five decades later, Olympus shakes up the photography world once more with the introduction of the first Micro Four Thirds model; the Olympus E-P1. The Olympus E-P1 system camera also provides the possibility to exchange lenses, just like a DSLR, but lacks a mirror box. Therefore, it is possible to design an extremely compact size, and we are in fact witnessing the merging of two important camera groups: compact and DSLR. The big advantage of a compact camera is its small size, whilst the advantage of a DSLR is without question its high image quality. Both advantages have now been brought together, resulting in one camera, thanks to the Micro Four Thirds system.

I had a pre-production model of the Olympus P1 (firmware 0.9) at my disposal for a short period of time. Due to this status, it is not possible to reach a final verdict on the image quality and performance of this camera. As soon as a full test sample of the Olympus E-P1 becomes available, we will publish an extensive Olympus E-P1 review combined with Olympus E-P1 sample pictures.

The Olympus E-P1 features a retro design; the metal has a stylish finishing touch and the camera features small dimensions. This new Micro Four Thirds system camera is a combination of the timeless appearance of the classic Olympus Pen series and the latest technology. The Olympus EP1 will be available in two colors; silver and white.
At the time of writing this preview, I have neither specification nor a manual at hand, which means I can only rely on the brief experience in practice. Filming in 1280x720 pixels at a frame rate of 30fps, with stereo sound and a maximum of 5 minutes in HD quality (4:3 or 16:9 ratio), works very nicely indeed. Personally, I had hoped for a continuous auto focus or AF tracking like on the Panasonic LUMIX GH1, but apparently this was not possible. However; it is possible to manually adjust the sharpness during filming via the focus ring on the lens or by pressing the AEL/AF-L button. Although it has to be said that focusing is not carried out all that smoothly in the latter case. When playing the captured video, the sound of the focus engine is heard in the video.
Compared to the video engine of another Micro Four Thirds system camera, the Panasonic DMC-GH1, the latter seems to be further enhanced. Continuous AF via AF tracking and aperture / shutter priority belong to the standard possibilities. Additionally, Panasonic developed a special lens (Panasonic 14-140 mm f/4-5.8 OIS HD) that provides silent focus. I wonder if the E-P1 would also benefit from the advantages of this lens. The Panasonic GH1 seems to hold the trump in this respect.
The Olympus E-P1 is not a speed monster, but a model that is based on a platform that gives life to an entire new camera segment, created by Olympus. In my opinion, the Olympus E-P1 is only the first of many possible models. A camera that will win a photographer’s heart in no-time, designed from a historically rich photography past.