XXX rated: The ultra-bright, ultra-high quality XZ-1 – only for adults

Hamburg, 6 January 2011 – First came the PEN revolution in the Micro Four Thirds camera category, now Olympus has torn up the rule book once more – with the new XZ-1, its game-changing pocket-sized flagship that sets a new benchmark for rival compacts to follow. The XZ-1 is ideal for camera-savvy amateurs and professional photographers looking for a second camera. In addition to Olympus’ trademark stunning design; it delivers uniformly clear pictures even in low light, to SLR standards. The XXX rating that achieves this category-defying quality? A combination of three state-of-the-art features: the x-tremely large, super-sensitive CCD sensor, the x-tremely fastTruePic V image processor and the x-tremely bright 1:1.8-2.5 i.ZUIKO DIGITAL lens. The XZ-1 is the first compact camera to come with a lens from ZUIKO, renowned as a leading manufacturer of the high-end optics that used to be available only in SLRs. It is also compatible with an ever-growing range of dedicated Olympus PEN accessories for mirrorless cameras. To further boost the quality of stills and movies, users can add an external flash, electronic viewfinder or external stereo microphone, with more accessories still to come. The compact XZ-1 comes in a matt black or white lacquered body with a large 3-inch OLED screen and the sharp looks to match its professional spec. It will be available from late January 2011 for £399.

X-ceptional picture quality
Whether it’s High Definition movies or beautiful still photographs, the XZ-1 delivers remarkable image quality for a compact. In fact, for any size of camera. Precious few non-professional cameras can compete with the shining, corner-to-corner clarity of the images it captures – thanks to the unique combination of Olympus lens, large sensor and processor. The dedicated 1:1.8-2.5 super-bright, 4x wide-angle i.ZUIKO DIGITAL lens ensures a pure supply of light with reduced ghosting and flaring. From 1-cm macro shots to sweeping landscapes, from portraits to groups of friends at a party, its 70-year pedigree is reflected in every shot. The larger size of the XZ-1’s 1/1.63 inch CCD sensor complements the lens. Unlike with regular compacts, users can reduce depth of field in their images to capture close subjects in sharp focus while leaving the background blurred. In combination with Olympus’ high sensitivity TruePic V image processor, these top-class components give XZ-1 users the sensational imaging potential of an SLR in a camera not much bigger than a smart phone.

X-cellent low light performance
The holy trinity of lens, processor and sensor combine with an array of high-end features to ensure the XZ-1 captures stills – and movies – that stay sharp and radiant from corner to corner even in low light. Compared to a regular 14 Megapixel CCD sensor, the light-receptive area of each pixel on the Olympus sensor is twice as large. Together with the sensor and ultra-bright lens, Dual Image Stabilisation, ISO 6400 sensitivity and AF illuminator (for focusing in dark conditions) users can shoot clear, low-noise images in poor light without ruining the atmosphere by using a flash. The XZ-1 also performs in very bright conditions. To offset the ultra-bright lens, it features one of the fastest shutter speeds on a compact camera (1/4000 sec.), reducing the risk of over exposure and blurring in sunlight, snow – or when using the flash.

X-treme creativity
The XZ-1 allows every artistic impulse free reign. For ambitious, ‘hands-on’ users, the front lens control ring and menu wheel give pro-style access to the full complement of manual shooting modes (P/A/S/M). Special options include shooting in RAW mode, Multi-Aspect ratio and six special effect Art Filters that even work in HD Movie mode. With super macro, wireless flash control and high-speed AF Tracking, it’s never been easier for compact users to express their creativity.

Style
Celebrated for the classic retro design of the slightly larger, mirrorless PEN series, Olympus designers have created with another masterpiece in the XZ-1, available in matt black or with white lacquering. Compact and lightweight, it slips easily into a pocket, so users can capture sharp and striking images wherever they want to.

The Olympus XZ-1 will be available for £399 from January 2011.

Outstanding features:
Image Quality
• 1:1.8-2.5 super-bright 4x wide i.ZUIKO DIGITAL zoom lens
(28-112mm*) for images with uniform clarity from macro to infinity
• 10 Megapixel 1/1.63” HS CCD high sensitivity sensor for outstanding shots with reduced depth of field
• Dual Image Stabilisation for blur-free, fast-moving shots
• TruePic V image processor for supreme colour reproduction and less image noise
• HD Movie with sound for capturing crystal clear movies suitable for playback on a big HD TV

Usability
• 3.0” OLED (610,000 dots) display for improved playback and visibility during shooting with enhanced contrast, brightness and angle of view
• Manual controls for fast and easy professional adjustments
• Live Guide and i-Auto for easy operation – even by beginners
• Lens ring and menu wheel for precise manual control and quick selection of modes and settings

Creativity & Flexibility
• 6 Art Filters for adding creative effects to HD movies and stills:
Pop Art, Soft Focus, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama and
Dramatic Tone
• Accessory Port for compatibility with a growing range of accessories including an external flash, electronic viewfinder and external stereo microphone

Other key features
• ISO 6400 for excellent imaging despite poor light
• HDMI TV interface for easy camera operation during playback via the TV remote
• Multi-Aspect ratios for the ideal format (16:9, 3:2, 4:3 or 6:6)
• Bracketing functions for white balance and exposure
• SD memory card (SDHC and SDXC compatible)**

* 35mm equivalent.
** SD is a trademark of SD Card Association.

For a full list of features, please go to www.olympus.co.uk

Appendix

1:1.8-2.5 i.ZUIKO DIGITAL lens
ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses, first developed for Olympus cameras in 1936, provide precision and quality for professionals and amateurs alike. The 1:1.8-2.5 lens design exploits the full potential of the XZ-1’s digital image sensors, resulting in clear photos with strong colours and sharp contrasts, right to the edges of the image.

AF Tracking
This system tracks a moving subject automatically and keeps it continually in focus – for optimally focused and exposed pictures. It even memorises the subject when it goes out of frame and resumes tracking when it reappears.

Art Filters
Make it possible to create special artistic effects in still images and movies directly in the camera.
Diorama: Gives images a miniature model feel by narrowing the depth of field and
enhancing colour and contrast.
Dramatic Tone: Boosts the contrast to give images a more dynamic atmosphere. Like most Olympus filters, Dramatic Tone is unusual because it works with both movies and stills.
Grainy Film: This effect recreates the powerful expression of grainy, high-contrast black and white pictures. The resulting strong presence and dramatic atmosphere make the subject stand out impressively.
Pin Hole: Reduces peripheral brightness, like with an image seen through a pinhole. A unique colour tone results in a style that has an air of secrecy or portrays the feeling of being lost in another dimension or space.
Pop Art: Enhances colours, making them stronger and more vivid, to create high-impact pictures that express the light-hearted feeling of the pop art style.
Soft Focus: Creates a soft tone that gives pictures an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere. It renders pictures as though they were veiled in heavenly light, without obscuring details such as hair or flower petals.

Dual Image Stabilisation
Providing two-fold protection, this special function helps to avoid image blur caused by camera shake or fast-moving subjects. It combines high ISO values with a CCD-based mechanical image stabiliser, where a built-in gyro sensor detects camera movement and adjusts the CCD accordingly.

HD Movie (720p High Definition)
High Definition video (HD video) delivers a high-quality movie experience when played back on an HD TV. In HD Movie Mode, the camera captures HD video using the advanced Motion JPEG movie compression format at a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels and a rate of 30 frames per second.

HS CCD Sensor
The High Sensitivity CCD Sensor is larger than the sensors usually found in compact cameras and its pixels are larger than those in comparable 14 Megapixel sensors, too. It provides outstanding image quality in any lighting conditions, including twilight, low light, dusk and dawn.

i-Auto Mode
The “intelligent-Auto” mode uses advanced automatic detection technology that enables the camera to automatically recognise the most commonly shot scenes. This makes it possible to capture perfect photos without the need for manual settings.

Multi-Aspect
The XZ-1 lets photographers choose one of four aspect ratios so they can frame scenes individually and add expression to shots. The ratio selected shows up on the camera’s LCD. Users can choose from 16:9, 3:2, 4:3, and 6:6.

TruePic V image processor
Olympus’ cutting edge image processing engine. It automatically enhances important aspects of image quality, including colour reproduction (colour range, saturation and brightness) and picture sharpness (reduced image noise, improved edge reproduction), as well as providing faster processing speeds. Furthermore, it supports Art Filters, HD Movie recording and high sensitivity shooting at up to ISO 6400 – for unprecedented creative expression.

OLED
Organic light-emitting diode displays emit light directly and offer significant advantages over LCDs: better power efficiency, deeper black levels, increased contrast, more realistic colours, wider viewing angles and improved brightness.

Fast-growing Olympus PEN system adds new twist

Even easier to use with new accessible accessories: the new Olympus PEN E-PL2

Hamburg, 6 January 2011 – Olympus revolutionised easy-to-use high-performance camera design with the first-ever PEN. Now the E-PL2 takes that revolution to a whole new level. It’s never been easier for beginners to capture photos and movies in professional SLR quality. A larger 3 inch display, Live Guide access in HD Movie mode, the handy Live Wheel feature selector and a faster, lighter, virtually silent M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm 1:3-5-5.6 II lens all add to the latest addition to Olympus’ Micro Four Thirds family is a feast for the eyes, a beautiful camera with a fresh, contemporary design. It’s also ideal for the social networking generation – thanks to compatibility with Olympus’ new PENPAL Bluetooth® Communication Unit** and the ever growing range of dedicated PEN accessories. For ambitious users, the E-PL2 offers every opportunity to explore their creativity. They can experiment with Art Filters in still and HD Movie mode, including the new Dramatic Tone filter, and choose from 16 dedicated Micro Four Thirds lenses, three new conversion lenses (macro, fish-eye and wide), plus 27 Four Thirds and more than 500 other lenses in total (using an adapter). For fans of fuss-free photography, the E-PL2 offers superb image quality and unlimited creative freedom with none of the hassle. The E-PL2 is available from January 2011 for around £500.

PEN usability
The lightweight, compact E-PL2 is a landmark in user-friendly and beautiful camera design. With a series of intelligent enhancements, it sets another new benchmark for rival system cameras to live up to and even improves on the legendary usability of the multiple award-winning Olympus PEN E-PL1. Like its predecessor, the E-PL2 comes with the excellent integrated Live Guide that teaches beginners step-by-step how to capture great shots – and this user-friendly feature is now available in HD Movie mode, too. The new Live Wheel on the back makes it easier to navigate menus and pick out the right feature or mode, while the larger 3” LCD with 460,000 dot resolution is ideal for framing and reviewing shots. Another worry-free feature is the new SDXC* card format that provides the flexibility of a ‘future-proof’ medium with huge storage potential – for high-capacity image files like High Definition movies.

PEN creativity

Like the E-PL1, the E-PL2 is two great things in one – a top-notch stills camera and a compact camcorder for capturing High Definition movies. Ideal for budding filmmakers, the E-PL2 now lets users get creative with one of six Art Filters, even in HD Movie mode – a feature PEN rivals simply can’t match. Among the filters is the new Dramatic Tone Art Filter (taken from Olympus’ E-5 D-SLR flagship for professionals) that enhances contrast to create movies and stills with a powerful, otherworldly look. What’s more, the upgraded Art Filter II feature means users can now overlay additional effects (Art Frame, Pin Hole and Soft Focus) on top of existing ‘filtered’ shots.

PEN quality
Every PEN camera delivers excellent image quality. To ensure that quality with fast-moving subjects, the E-PL2 comes with the near-silent M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 II lens (equivalent to 28-84mm for a 35mm camera) that not only focuses faster, but also prevents the whir that can otherwise ruin a good home movie soundtrack. With ISO up to 6400, shutter speed up to 1/4000th second and sequential shooting at 3fps, the E-PL2 is fully equipped to make the best of the superb M.ZUIKO DIGITAL lens system – and deliver excellent images even in poor light. Another advantage for PEN owners is the effective in-body image stabilisation system that corrects camera shake irrespective of the lens or adapter attached. This ensures M.ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses are lighter than the competition, since they don’t require in-built IS of their own. With its 12.3 effective Megapixel High Speed Live MOS sensor, Multi Exposure for combining up to three RAW images and built-in flash, the E-PL2 is packed with trademark PEN technology. This heritage shines through in outstanding photo and HD Movie quality – no matter how unskilled the user.

Next-generation PEN accessories

E-PL2 users have more opportunities than ever to add to their camera’s potential. The Accessory Port 2 opens up a new world of creative and networking options thanks to the rapidly expanding range of PEN accessories. For example, the new optional PENPAL Communication Unit**, the perfect add-on for the facebook® generation. Compatible with any camera equipped with Accessory Port 2, PENPAL lets users store and send compressed images directly from the camera to a computer or smart phone via Bluetooth® – at the touch of a button. In an instant they can share their best shots with friends, family and colleagues via social networks. Other mouth-watering accessories include the SEMA-1 microphone kit, optical and electronic viewfinders as well as the new MAL-1 Macro Arm Light for precision illumination of macro photos or close-ups of items users want to auction online. Users can also choose from a huge selection of lenses. In addition to the 27 Four Thirds and 500 other lenses available via an adapter, the E-PL2 is compatible with Olympus’ prize-winning M.ZUIKO DIGITAL range of specialist Micro Four Thirds lenses. This now extends to the WCON-P01 wide-angle conversion lens for party and landscape shots, the FCON-P01 specialist fisheye converter for creative effects and the MCON-P01 macro converter for extreme close-ups. As a special treat for the creatively inclined, the E-PL2 is compatible with the RM-UC1 cable release that offers the option of locking the release button for bulb exposure.
The E-PL2 Olympus PEN will be available from around £500 from early January 2011.

E-PL2 main features:

Image Quality

• Art Filters in HD Movie and still modes, incl. Dramatic Tone Filter
• Supersonic Wave Filter dust protection system
• Ultra-effective built-in image stabilisation
• Compact M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 II fast and near-silent lens (Movie and Still compatible)
• 12.3 effective Megapixel High Speed Live MOS sensor

Ease of Use
• 3.0” LCD with 460,000 dot resolution
• Easy-to-use Live Wheel feature menu
• Live Guide in HD Movie and still mode
• Live View in HD Movie and still mode

Creativity & Flexibility
• Accessory Port 2 for compatibility with a growing variety of PEN accessories
• PENPAL Communication Unit compatible**
• Compatible with new MAL-1 Macro Arm Light
• 1/4000th sec. shutter speed with 3fps sequential shooting
• Multi Exposure mode for 3 RAW images
• ISO 6400 sensitivity
• Long-life BLS-5 Li-ion battery
• Compatible with three new conversion lenses:
WCON-P01 wide-angle (for 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 II lens)
FCON-P01 specialist fisheye (for 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 II lens)
MCON-P01 macro (for 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 II, 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 and
14-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 lenses)

Other highlights
• Compatible with 16 Micro Four Thirds, 27 Four Thirds and more than 500 other lenses (via an adapter)
• Stunning new PEN design
• SDXC card compatible*

For a full list E-PL2 features, go to www.olympus.co.uk

The Olympus PEN E-PL2 is available in the following configurations:
• E-PL2 Kit with M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 II lens
• E-PL2 Double Zoom Kit (DZK) with M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 II and M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 lenses
• E-PL2 10.7x Zoom Kit with M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 lens

* SD is a trademark of SD Card Association.

** Images can be sent from the PENPAL Bluetooth® Communication Unit to a Bluetooth®-capable smart phone that supports the OOP or BIP Bluetooth® profile. Please check the compatibility of your smart phone before you purchase.

Appendix

Art Filters
Make it possible to create special artistic effects in still images and movies directly in the camera.

Diorama: Gives images a miniature model feel by narrowing the depth of field and
enhancing colour and contrast.
Dramatic Tone: Boosts the contrast to give images a more dynamic atmosphere. Like most Olympus filters, Dramatic Tone is unusual because it works with both movies and stills.
Grainy Film: This effect recreates the powerful expression of grainy, high-contrast black and white pictures. The resulting strong presence and dramatic atmosphere make the subject stand out impressively.
Pin Hole: Reduces peripheral brightness, like with an image seen through a pinhole. A unique colour tone results in a style that has an air of secrecy or portrays the feeling of being lost in another dimension or space.
Pop Art: Enhances colours, making them stronger and more vivid, to create high-impact pictures that express the light-hearted feeling of the pop art style.
Soft Focus: Creates a soft tone that gives pictures an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere. It renders pictures as though they were veiled in heavenly light, without obscuring details such as hair or flower petals.

Built-in image stabilisation
Built directly into the camera, this feature can stabilise any attached lens, thus improving the image quality of photos. First a gyro sensor detects the precise direction of the camera shake then, using the on-board Supersonic Wave Drive (SWD), the image sensor shifts to compensate for the unwanted movement.

Conversion lenses

Fish-Eye lens converter:
Offers a whole new level of creativity. Depending on the lens, it captures a distorted hemispherical image covering 120° – to generate dramatic shots with a wrap-around quality.

Macro lens converter:
Enables the user to capture fascinating close-ups from as little as 24cm away from the subject (depending on the lens). Perfect for unusual shots of the natural world.

Wide-angle lens converter:
Ideal for shooting in confined spaces, a wide-angle lens converter allows the user to capture a broader shot, for example to include more people at a party. What’s more, it dramatically alters the proportions of close and distant subjects. Subjects nearer the lens appear much larger while subjects in the background shrink – creating a dynamic sense of depth.

Macro Arm Light
Not one light, but two bright LEDs – each on the end of its own fully flexible metal arm and powered by the camera. Both arms extend out up to 17cm from a sleek and slender unit mounted on the Accessory Port. For macro shots or attractive close-ups of small items for sale in online auctions, the Macro Arm Light is ideal for getting the lighting just right.

Micro Four Thirds Standard
Micro Four Thirds was developed to maximise the performance potential of digital imaging technology. It allows users to enjoy the same high image quality as with the Four Thirds Standard’s 4/3-type image sensor in a much more compact camera body. The new
Micro Four Thirds Standard has made it possible to develop ultra-compact digital camera systems with interchangeable lenses that are unlike anything seen before. It also incorporates a greater number of lens-mount electrical contacts for the support of new features and expanded system functionality in the future.

Multi Exposure
With this feature, up to three RAW images can be overlapped to create a new picture while shooting or in Editing Mode.

PENPAL
A sleek Communication Unit for storing up to 2600 images and transferring them via wireless Bluetooth^® to other Bluetooth^®-enabled devices, such as a mobile phone, PC or even another PENPAL-equipped camera. From there it’s easy to share them with friends in online communities or via e-mail.

Supersonic Wave Filter
Dust entering digital cameras with interchangeable lenses can affect image quality. The Supersonic Wave Filter is a transparent filter located between the camera’s shutter and sensor. It shakes off settled dust particles by generating a series of ultrasonic vibrations. Olympus was the first to incorporate dust protection.

With the Olympus µ TOUGH-6010, photographers never have to worry about going where a camera can’t take the knocks. In addition to being freezeproof to -10 C, it is waterproof to 3m* and provides shockproof protection against drops of up to 1.5m**. The versatile 3.6x wide optical zoom (28-102mm***) seen on the TIPA award winning µ TOUGH-8000 is also on board for great group photos or close-ups of distant subjects. To make those shots even more memorable, the µ TOUGH-6010 now features inspiring Magic Filters. By applying Pin Hole, for example, images will seem to have been taken with a traditional pin hole camera. Pop Art, Fish-Eye, and Sketch add interesting effects of their own. What’s more, Dual Image Stabilisation keeps images blur-free even in rough and tumble environments. And so you’re always ready for that perfect shot, a practical Tap Control mode gives even gloved-hands easy access to a range of settings which can be viewed on the 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal III LCD. The display’s new “triple coating” protects it against reflection, scratches, and moisture to ensure comfortable shooting on the ski slopes and under water.

Since you don’t get a second chance for the perfect shot in the heat of the action, the µ TOUGH-6010 also boasts a range of clever functions. Delivering perfect images of once in a lifetime moments i-Auto Mode, for example, automatically adjusts camera settings to one of five recognised commonly-used scenes. In addition, Advanced Face Detection Technology detects up to 16 faces for consistent quality across group portraits. And for a flawless look under tough conditions, Beauty Mode is on hand to smooth out imperfections and leave subjects looking refreshed.

The shockproof, waterproof, and freezeproof µ TOUGH-6010 is a sturdy and reliable companion that will meet any challenge. It arrives in stores in July 2009 along with a new software version: Olympus Master 2.2 for more image management and editing possibilities.

The Olympus µ TOUGH-6010 – main features:

• Shooting when it’s getting tough, wet and cold – shockproof to 1.5m**, waterproof to 3m* and freezeproof to -10°C
• Available in Titanium Grey, Turquoise Blue, Lava Red
• High-precision 3.6x wide optical zoom (28-102mm***) to capture great scenes through to stunning close-ups even in extreme conditions
• Avoids blur thanks to Dual Image Stabilisation (combines mechanical and digital image stabilisation)
• TAP Control Menu for great convenience
• 12 Megapixels to make poster-size prints
• 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal III LCD for best ever preview even in brilliant sunlight and at extreme angles (230,000 dots)
• Advanced Face Detection of up to 16 persons for perfectly focused and exposed faces. In combination with Shadow Adjustment Technology other main parts of the picture are also correctly exposed.
• The easy way to perfect images – Intelligent Auto Mode (i-Auto) detects the five most commonly used scenes and adjusts settings, focus and exposure automatically
• Spice up your pictures with built-in Magic Filters
• Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound (up to VGA resolution at 30fps)
• xD-Picture Card and microSD**** Card compatible

Advanced Face Detection Technology
A technology that searches for faces in a composition and recognises them as the main subject. It then automatically puts them in focus and optimally adjusts exposure to create an image that’s sharp in the right places and ideally exposed. Advanced Face Detection Technology can detect up to 16 faces.

Beauty Mode
Beauty mode touches up the appearance of subjects even while the shot is being taken. This feature recognises faces and automatically makes skin on the face and adjacent areas appear smoother, brighter and more youthful.

Dual Image Stabilisation
Providing two-fold protection, this special function helps to avoid image blur caused by camera shake or fast-moving subjects. It combines high ISO values with a CCD-based mechanical image stabiliser, where a built-in gyro sensor detects camera movement and adjusts the CCD accordingly.

i-Auto mode
This “intelligent-Auto” mode uses advanced automatic detection technology to allow the camera to recognise the five most commonly used scenes automatically. They enable the capture of perfect photos without any need for manual settings.

Magic Filters
Enables special artistic effects to be created directly in the camera.
Pop Art: Enhances colours, making them stronger and more vivid to create high-impact pictures that express the happy, light-hearted feeling of the pop art style.
Fish-Eye: Reproduces the dramatic effect of a fish eye lens, lending a new perspective to the whole scene with a “round” effect.
Sketch: Gives the impression that subjects have been sketched by an artist by transforming images into line drawings.
Pin Hole: Reduces the peripheral brightness like an image seen through a pinhole. Added to this is a unique colour tone that results in a style that has an air of secrecy or portrays the feeling of being lost in another dimension or space.

microSD compatibility
A special attachment comes bundled with this camera which provides for microSD card compatibility in addition to being able to use xD-Picture Cards.

Shadow Adjustment Technology
A technology designed to improve exposure for pictures with dark areas. Using a sensor that works much like the human eye, dark parts of a composition (e.g. a shadow under a tree) are identified and the camera then adjusts the exposure settings accordingly for those areas. The result is a more realistic and detailed picture.

TAP Control mode
“TAP Control Mode” is a unique interface that lets users access a range of camera functions by simply tapping on the camera body. Quick View mode, Scroll Playback Pictures and a user-defined function (Flash or SAT) can be accessed by tapping at particular points of the camera.

It’s not a compact, it’s not an SLR, it’s a Pen.

When he originally designed the first of many Pen cameras, Maitani could not have suspected that he was starting a revolution. Selling over 17 million units, the Pen became one of the most trusted, popular, and successful camera series ever. The removal of the mirror box in the 21st century has brought the legendary series back. Mirror-less
construction is the foundation for both the Olympus Pen E-P1?s stunning new design and its remarkably compact size. Everyone will fall in love with the camera?s irresistible retro-look. It is reminiscent of the classic Olympus Pens, which were cherished for their compactness, usability, and affordable price.

Five decades later, the E-P1 promises to honour the memory of its famous forefathers. It hails the beginning of the next generation of the digital era. In addition to all the advantages of Olympus imaging technology, the new ultra-compact hybrid device can even record HD quality movies with sound and stunning creative effects familiar from still photography. In addition to the application of Art Filters, it includes the ability to vary depth of field, angle of
view, and autofocus during recording.

The Olympus Pen E-P1 reinvents high-end stylish photography for the new millennium. The new model and its two accompanying Micro Four Thirds lenses will hit stores in July 2009.

Standard Kit Price £699.99 with 14-42 Zoom lens

The Olympus Pen E-P1 main features:

Small & stylish design

• Extremely small and light-weight Micro Four Thirds System
• Stylish design with metal finish
• Two colours

SLR image quality

• 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor
• TruePic V image processor
• Built-in IS with max. 4 EV steps efficiency
• Adapter for all ZUIKO DIGITAL & OM lenses

Easy operation

• New developed GUI for easiest operation via Live Control
• Automatic recognition of common scenes possible with i-Auto
• Clear skin with e-Portrait
• Two dials for easy handling
• Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology
• 20 shooting modes (5 exposure modes, i-Auto mode, 14 scene modes)

Creativity & HD Movie

• HD Movie with stereo sound featuring depth of field and Art Filters
• Art Filters, Multi-Aspect ratios
• Multi Exposure function
• Art Filters can be applied to previously taken RAW images in the camera and with Olympus software
• Enhanced creativity with special lenses e.g. fisheye is available via Four Thirds lens adapter

Additional features of the Olympus Pen:

• HDMI TV interface
• Linear PCM sound recording
• Level gauge
• Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface
• Three frames per second with sequential shooting (max 14 in RAW mode)
• ISO 100-6400 for wide-ranging sensitivity
• Versatile bracketing functions for white balance and exposure
• Reliable Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction system
• Based on the Micro Four Thirds Standard
• Wide dynamic range in highly lit areas
• Simultaneous writing of RAW and JPEG
• SD memory card (SDHC compatible)
• High-speed data writing and lossless RAW compression for quick processing
• Large 7.6cm/3.0″HyperCrystal LCD
• AE/AF lock functionality for individual customisation
• Auto gradation adjustment to prevent blown highlights and blocked-in shadows
• Remote release possible via the optional remote cable RM-UC1

The Olympus Pen E-P1 is available in the following configurations:

• E-P1 Kit Silver/Black (E-P1 body silver & M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens black)
• E-P1 Kit Silver/Silver (E-P1 body silver & M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens silver)
• E-P1 Kit White/Silver (E-P1 body white & M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens silver)
• E-P1 Pancake Kit Silver (E-P1 body silver & M. ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm 1:2.8 Pancake lens silver & VF-1)
• E-P1 Pancake Kit White (E-P1 body white & M. ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm 1:2.8 Pancake lens silver & VF-1)
• E-P1 Double Lens Kit (E-P1 body silver & M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens silver & M. ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm 1:2.8 Pancake lens silver & VF-1)

New accessories:

• M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens
• M. ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm 1:2.8 Pancake lensMMF-1 adapter for all Four Thirds lenses
• MF-2 adapter for all OM lenses
• FL-14 flash
• VF-1 external optical view finder
• Leather strap in white and brown
• Leather body jacket in white and brown

* 35mm equivalent

Retail Price Guide

E-P1 Body silver 599.99
E-P1 Body white 599.99
E-P1 & 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 silver/black 699.99
E-P1 & 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 silver/silver 699.99
E-P1 & 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 white/silver 699.99
E-P1 Pancake Kit silver & OVF 749.99
E-P1 Pancake Kit white & OVF 749.99
E-P1 & 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 &
17mm 1.2.8 silver/silver/black & OVF 849.99

Lenses and adapters
ES-M1728 silver 289.99
EZ-M1442 silver 289.99
EZ-M1442 black 289.99
MF-2 149.99
MMF-1 149.99

Article
FL-14 159.99
VF-1 99.99
LC-37 9.99
LC-40.5 9.99
BC-2 6.99
LR-2 6.99

Article
CS-10B White Leather Body Jacket 59.99
CS-10B Dark Brown Leather Body Jacket 59.99
CSS-S109LL White Leather Strap 49.99
CSS-S109LL Dark Brown Leather Strap 49.99

HOT NEWS – Special Public Preview Events in the UK:

To honour the Pen 50 Year anniversary – the first 50 people to order a Pen Digital Kit on the day will receive a limited edition £300 Cross Fountain pen with engraved plaque and be one of the first to receive their new Pen Camera just a few days after this launch event.

The camera will then be available for demonstration at the New Oxford street store from the 26th onwards.

Saturday June 27th there will be further previews at:

Jessops:
Cardiff
Birmingham
Bristol
Glasgow Sauchiehall St

London Camera Exchange – Norwich
Jacobs – Leicester
Frank Wilkinsons – TBC

EP1 SHORTGUIDE -pdf file

Olympus Website

For full up to date specification and a the Pen story please visit: www.olympus.co.uk/pen