Olympus has updated its retro chic digital Pen series of cameras, with the introduction of the E-P2.

Arriving hot on the heels of the E-P1, which was launched a mere five months ago, the camera once again boasts a Micro Four Thirds sensor which pelts out 12.3MP images.

Olympus is calling the E-P2 the "world's smallest interchangeable lens system" (as it uses Micro Four Thirds it can't quite brand it a DSLR) and while it's great to see another version of the digital Pen on the market-place, the tweaks that have been made are minor.

Accessorise

What is different to the E-P1 is that you can now get the camera in black – more reminiscent of the traditional Pens – and there is a new accessory port which can handle external mics and a high-res electronic viewfinder.

Under the bonnet, autofocus has been improved with the inclusion of AF tracking and picture colour can also be boosted with the i-Enhance mode.

As for special effects, there are two new art filters included in the features: Diorama and Cross Process – which help to give your snaps that 'darkroom' feel.

Unfortunately there is still no word on a flash for the Olympus EP series, which is a tad annoying.

With a release date of January 2010, the Olympus E-P2 will cost around £850 and come complete with an electronic viewfinder and a 14-42mm zoom.

Go to www.olympus.co.uk for more details.