Olympus Pen E-P1 review

Is this really the dawn of a new era, or the last gasp of an old one...?

Our Score 4

Last reviewed: 2009-09-16September 16th 2009

Compact cameras Review

Price at launch	£700.00
Product Type	Mirrorless Camera
Battery Size Supported	Proprietary Battery Size
Maximum Video Resolution	1280 x 720
Effective Camera Resolution	12.3 Megapixel
Product Family	E
Image Stabilization	Optical
Colour	Silver
Brand Name	Olympus
Features	Face Detection
Screen Size	7.6 cm (3")
Video Formats	Motion JPEG (AVI)
Viewfinder Type	No
Weight (Approximate)	335.0 g
Minimum Focus Distance	200 mm
Maximum Image Resolution	4032 x 3024
Maximum Frame Rate	30 fps
Number of Batteries Supported	1
Battery Built-in	No
Battery Rechargeable	Yes
Battery Included	Yes
Display Screen Type	LCD
Total Camera Resolution	13.1 Megapixel
HDMI	Yes
Camera Assembly	Body with Lens Kit
Memory Card Supported	Secure Digital (SD) Card, Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Card
Height	70.0 mm
Width	121.0 mm
Depth	35.0 mm
Autofocus Points	225
Product Series	E
Image Formats	JPEG, RAW
Audio Formats	WAV
Flash Modes	Auto Flash, Red-eye Reduction
Focus Modes	Auto, Manual
Manufacturer	Olympus Corporation
Product Model	E-P1
Product Name	E-P1 Mirrorless Camera
Aspect Ratio	16:9
Manufacturer Part Number	N3592292
Manufacturer Website Address	www.olympus.co.uk
Marketing Information	The Olympus E-P1 marks an innovative new era in digital imaging. This new Micro Four Third camera upholds the legacy of the celebrated PEN family of cameras, with the photographic optics of an SLR and the size and simplicity of a point and shoot. Combining the still image quality of a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) with the A/V quality of both a High Definition camcorder and high-end audio recorder, the E-P1 is a virtual full-service imaging studio in one ultra-portable and stylishly retro body. With dozens of advanced features, the E-P1 makes documenting and sharing your everyday life easier and more creative than ever before.
Package Contents	E-P1 Micro Four Third Digital Camera M.Zuiko Digital 17mm 1:2.8 Pancake Lens BLS-1 (Lithium-Ion Battery) BCS-1 (Battery Charger for BLS-1) Micro Four Thirds Body Cap (BC-2) Shoulder Strap CB-USB6 (USB Cable) CB-VC2 (Video Cable) Software CD-ROM Operating Instructions Warranty Card
Display Resolution	230000 Pixel
Standard Warranty	2 Year