Latest Olympus PEN trio unveiled

Olympus PEN E-P3
The PEN P3 is the first Olympus PEN to feature a touchscreen

Introducing the Olympus PEN E-P3, Olympus PEN E-PL3 (also known as the PEN Lite) and Olympus PEN E-PM1 (also known as the PEN Mini), the new range will see the discontinuation of other PEN models, with the exception of the E-PL1 which will continue to be available at a low price-point to appeal to newcomers to the PEN brand.

The PEN E-P3 will be known simply as the PEN.

All three cameras have 12 million effective pixels.

Olympus pen range

While sharing the same basic specs, the 3 new models are designed to appeal to different areas of the market. At the top of the range, the PEN E-P3 caters to advanced users, the E-PL3 (Lite) in the middle for those perhaps looking to upgrade from a high-end compact, and finally the E-PM1 (Mini) for photographers who want DSLR quality images in a compact body.

Also announced today, are 2 new M.ZUIKO prime lenses to slot into the existing PEN world lens line-up. First, a 12mm (effective 24mm) f/2.0 high-grade lens with an all-metal barrel and featuring a snap focus ring mechanism to switch between manual and auto focus. The lens is aimed primarily at E-P3 users and will have a street price of around £500.

PEN p3 with new 12mm f/2.0 lens

Above: Olympus PEN P3 with new M. Zuiko Digital 12mm f/2.0 lens

Secondly, a 45mm (effective) f/1.8 portrait lens is aimed at the more budget end of the market with a sub £300 street price upon release.

PEN p3 with new 45mm f/1.8 lens

Above: Olympus PEN P3 with new M. Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 lens

New kit lenses introduced with the new cameras have had cosmetic tweaks, including snap-on silver bayonet rings to match silver lenses.

New Olympus PEN models price and availability: 

The E-P3 will be available in August for an RRP of £799 including kit lens, but will also be available body-only. The E-PL3 (Lite) will be available in late summer, while the E-PM1 is expected in early autumn, prices for both cameras have yet to be announced.

Flashgun

A new wireless compatible flashgun is also introduced. The FL-300R fits onto any PEN camera and has a tilt mechanism for bouncing flash and macro shooting. A built-in wide panel covers angles as wide as 9mm (18mm equivalent) while it covers a range of up to 8metres.

Olympus fl-300r

Read on to find more detailed information and specs for each new Olympus camera and lens.

Amy Davies

Amy has been writing about cameras, photography and associated tech since 2009. Amy was once part of the photography testing team for Future Publishing working across TechRadar, Digital Camera, PhotoPlus, N Photo and Photography Week. For her photography, she has won awards and has been exhibited. She often partakes in unusual projects - including one intense year where she used a different camera every single day. Amy is currently the Features Editor at Amateur Photographer magazine, and in her increasingly little spare time works across a number of high-profile publications including Wired, Stuff, Digital Camera World, Expert Reviews, and just a little off-tangent, PetsRadar.