Olympus E-P1

[photohiker]

Looks like it is about to break cover.

It's an Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens camera using the Micro 4/3rds format.

Images have leaked onto the web of the camera sporting a tiny 17mm/2.8 here, here, and here

Size comparison with other popular compact cameras here. Bottom line is it looks about the same size as a Panosonic LX3

Remains to be seen how effective it is, and how much control is available to the user.

I've also been hearing rumors that Canon is preparing a competitor camera perhaps using an APS sensor size.

Michael

[shutterbug]

I am very interested in this camera as my P&S. Can't wait for its release.

[adam]

it's really exciting!

[photohiker]

Fullsize image and further rumored specs and prices.

Apparently the release is tomorrow.

Michael

[tntman]

Lots of leaks all over the web now...

It's an interesting camera. I think it would serve as a great point and shoot... something that is compact yet highly capable due to the larger sensor size! I would be nice to mount some Leica M lens onto it though! Panasonic has made official m4/3 Leica M and R adaptors which is also compatible with the EP1..

We just need to wait till arvo, Japan time for the official release!

[photohiker]

It's up on the Olympus Site now.

[surenj]

Would be interesting if it does video + has 1.8 lenses..

Also would have preferred a hard on & off button rather than the soft one on this. Wonder what the start up time would be?

[gstark]

It's up on the Olympus Site now.

Interesting that they're reviving the old "Pen" name for this. I hope that they make a good selection of glass for this .... the Pen F was a half frame compact 35mm film camera, and this new camera marries well with that concept.

But I wish they would change their website so that the sound is NOT on by default. That is enough to piss off many prospective viewers. Their marketing and website dweebs need to have a good swift kick up their backsides for implementing that!

[aim54x]

Looks very interesting, esp with the IS and those sleek lines...and I dont mind not having a built in flash. Looks like the DP2 has some competition!

I wonder how it would be like as an IR camera?

[Grev]

I love everything about this camera except for one thing, x2 magnification for focal lengths isn't good for me, can't really use the Leica M mount lenses to their full potential... The Voigtlander 35mm f1.2 becomes a 70mm f1.2... Let alone the 40mm f1.4 and 50mm f1.5 becoming telephoto lenses...

[aim54x]

The Voigtlander 35mm f1.2 becomes a 70mm f1.2... Let alone the 40mm f1.4 and 50mm f1.5 becoming telephoto lenses...

wouldn't that just give you access to crazy fast telephoto primes?? I wouldnt complain, but I would really need some crazy fast wides to round out the kit.

[tntman]

The samples pics I've seen so far have'nt been that impressive.. its typical Olympus oversharpening!

Panasonic G1 actually has better pic quality, however time will tell as its only "Beta" software at the moment...

The $1399 kit price (teds) is a bit unappealing...