Olympus announces E-P2 interchangeable lens camera Olympus today introduced their E-P2 interchangeable lens camera. This camera is what I'd call an evolutionary update to the E-P1 (introduced less than six months ago), which adds a detachable electronic viewfinder (which uses a new accessory port), subject tracking AF, two new art filters, full manual controls in movie mode, and a couple of other minor items.
For those of you hoping for a sharper LCD, faster autofocus, or a built-in flash... well, you'll be disappointed. Some may also balk at the price -- the E-P2 will sell for $1099, which is $300 more than the E-P1 (which is not being discontinued, I might add).
For more details on the E-P2, check out my preview of the camera. If you want the short version, just check out these highlights:
Micro Four Thirds lens mount, with a 2X crop factor
Can use "classic" Four Thirds lenses with optional adapter; adapters for really classic OM lenses also available
Sensor-shift image stabilization
Same compact design as the E-P1, now in a new glossy black color
3-inch LCD display with 230,000 pixels
Live view with contrast detect AF, face detection, subject tracking (new), Perfect Shot Preview, a live histogram, and more
Bundle includes a new articulating electronic viewfinder which attaches to the hot shoe and plugs into a new accessory port on the back of the camera (just like on the Panasonic GF1); EVF has 1.44 million pixels, a magnification of 1.15X, and 100% coverage
Dust reduction system
Full manual controls, plus an "intelligent" auto mode for beginners
No built-in flash, so you'll need to mount something on the hot shoe for that
Two-axis electronic level
11-point autofocus system
Two new art filters: diorama (miniature) and cross process, plus a new iEnhance Picture Mode
HD movie mode with full manual controls, continuous AF with subject tracking, and stereo sound
New external microphone adapter lets you record better sound with your movies; adapter attaches to the hot shoe and uses the new accessory port; price not available
HDMI port; camera can be controlled from your remote control if you're connected via HDMI and your TV supports the CEC protocol
Uses BLS-1 lithium-ion battery; 300 shots per charge
Olympus also dropped some hints about what Micro Four Thirds lenses they're working on for the first half of 2010. They include an F4.0-5.6, 9 - 18 mm wide-angle, as well as an F4.0-5.6, 14 - 150 mm zoom. Pricing is not available at this time.
Still alive I made it back safe and sound from Asia and am currently working on a preview of something new. After that I'll be getting to the cameras that you wanted to see reviewed the most.
Oh, and I made a few updates to my Panasonic GF1 review based on my experiences with the camera on my vacation.
