Olympus E-P1

The Olympus E-P1 has been officially announced. It looks like a winner to me. I'm eyeing it up to use as compact camera... when the price has come down (£750 with 17mm 2.8 pancake lens). It would be great to have SLR performance in such a compact body

Specs (take from DPReview & Photo Rumours)

• 12.3 Live MOS sensor
  
• True pic V image processor
  
• Built in IS (max 4 stops efficiency)
  
• ISO 200-3200 (100-16400 extendable)
  
• 3fp (max 14 Raw)
  
• HD movie 720p (max 7mins)
  
• SD/SDHC
  
• Dust Reduction system

I love the look of this. I used Oly Pens for years - and may well be tempted if I can afford one

I've been waiting on that bastard to get released... now I just have to wait another six months for the price to drop by half...

ditto!

There is a difference between SLR performance and SLR image quality. I seriously doubt the former. The autofocusing is by the standard P&S method of contrast detection so for me the jury is out till I can get some info on its performance. I like to have the shutter click when I press the release.

steve1 wrote in post #8121445
There is a difference between SLR performance and SLR image quality. I seriously doubt the former. The autofocusing is by the standard P&S method of contrast detection so for me the jury is out till I can get some info on its performance. I like to have the shutter click when I press the release.

It's not an SLR so I wont compare it to one,,, but it sounds like it will be 1,000 times better than the G10; the image quality is certainly much better.

Quite right Steve. I think it was on DPreview's preview of the E-P1 where it mentioned the pre production model they had was sluggish with AF in anything other than good light. It was a pre production though so I would think/hope they'd address that before releasing it. Otherwise it would be a big let down on an otherwise on paper a great camera. Time will tell.

wow it looks pretty sweet and classy! wonder if it'll come in full black...although i only just got my G10 a few months ago so i dont think i'll be getting another 1 for at least a yr or 2...maybe there'll be more micro 4/3 and lens or better DSLRs to choose from by then!

Biggest issue is going to be that as an early adopter you get:

Premium price
2 lenses to choose from
Or by a $180 adapter to mount other 4/3 lenses on them and have 1/2 speed AF.

tkbslc wrote in post #8123477
Biggest issue is going to be that as an early adopter you get:

Premium price
2 lenses to choose from
Or by a $180 adapter to mount other 4/3 lenses on them and have 1/2 speed AF.

That's true, I definitely want a 50mm equivalent prime lens to go with that little guy; once that's available and the price drops I'm selling the G9.

I think a 2nd revision of this model might be the the right point to buy if you need something like that. If I was looking for a camera and I don't have the G10 I would take a serious look... but without a good selection of lenses I'd rather go for a full SLR next.

gotak wrote in post #8123808
I think a 2nd revision of this model might be the the right point to buy if you need something like that. If I was looking for a camera and I don't have the G10 I would take a serious look... but without a good selection of lenses I'd rather go for a full SLR next.

Well an SLR will be better,,, but this little guy with a pancake lens isn't much bigger than a G10.. So it's all about size with this guy and there's nothing with a DSLR size sensor and interchangeable lenses this small anywhere else on the planet. (to my knowledge)

This looks very good. Price is a bit high, but I think if it gets to the $500 range, it will sell like hotcakes. I think the price will settle just above the G10/Lumix LX-3 price points. I actually like the choice of focal length they chose for that pancake. I think a 35mm focal length is more versatile than a 50mm focal length. This really is a neat little camera.

CJinAustin wrote in post #8123509
That's true, I definitely want a 50mm equivalent prime lens to go with that little guy; once that's available and the price drops I'm selling the G9.

CJ has it. It's not an SLR or an SLR substitute - it's (hopefully) a really good, robust replacement for stuff like the excellent G9.

It'll have to be good to make me sell mine and fork out shedloads of cash. But as someone else said - Time will tell.

I bought my excellent Oly E1 SLR for about 20% of the original sale price - that's been a hellova bargain.

Wonder if the digiPen will go the same route - if so....hmmmmmm

Oh crap...I'm liking this camera. I think I need one