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Press Release - 16 June 2009
Olympus rewrites
history - The Olympus Pen: A legend returns
In 1959, Olympus
changed the face of photography by pursuing one simple idea: create a camera
as easy to use and carry as a pen. Designed by renowned style guru Yoshihisa
Maitani, the Olympus Pen triggered a camera boom that would last through
the end of the 1970s. Today the legend comes alive again in digital form
with the release of the E-P1. This first groundbreaking Olympus Micro Four
Thirds model comes at a time when mirrors are no longer a necessary
component for digital cameras with interchangeable lenses. Incredibly small
size, retro style, and ease of use are a nod to the Pens past. However, D-SLR
quality and a host of new features place the E-P1 at the leading edge as
Olympus innovative technologies reimagine the future. Now everyone can have
the best of both worlds: high-end design and D-SLR performance. The E-P1
will be available for purchase in July 2009 at a retail price of 699.99.
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-P1s stunning new design and its remarkably compact size. Everyone
will fall in love with the cameras 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. The E-P1 will be available for a retail price of xxx.
The Olympus Pen E-P1
main features:
Small & stylish design
SLR image quality
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12.3 Megapixel Live
MOS Sensor
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TruePic V image
processor
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Built-in IS with
max. 4 EV steps efficiency
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Adapter for all
ZUIKO DIGITAL & OM lenses
Easy operation
-
New developed GUI
for easiest operation via Live Control
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Automatic
recognition of common scenes possible with i-Auto
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Clear skin with
e-Portrait
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Two dials for easy
handling
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Face Detection and
Shadow Adjustment Technology
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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
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Art Filters,
Multi-Aspect ratios
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Multi Exposure
function
-
Art Filters can be
applied to previously taken RAW images in the camera and with Olympus
software
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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
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Hi-Speed USB 2.0
interface
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Three frames per
second with sequential shooting (max 14 in RAW mode)
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ISO 100-6400 for
wide-ranging sensitivity
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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
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SD memory card (SDHC
compatible)
-
High-speed data
writing and lossless RAW compression for quick processing
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Large 7.6cm/3.0
HyperCrystal LCD
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AE/AF lock
functionality for individual customisation
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Auto gradation
adjustment to prevent blown highlights and blocked-in shadows
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Remote release
possible via the optional remote cable RM-UC1
Main Features of the E-P1
Dignified Exterior Design - MFTS's
unique mirrorless structure makes possible a compact, lightweight camera
that can be taken anywhere. With its compact design and attractive metallic
finish, this bold new camera expresses a sense of compressed power.
Mirrorless structure for compact,
lightweight body that can be taken anywhere
With conventional SLR cameras, the image is captured through the lens,
passed through a mirror and pentaprism, and viewed on the viewfinder screen.
With the Micro Four Thirds System standard, on the other hand, the mirror
has been eliminated. With no need to incorporate a mirror box inside the
camera, the length of the flange back can be reduced by about half without
changing the image sensor size or compromising the image quality. Compared
to our E-420 the world's smallest* digital SLR camera the width has been
reduced by about 8.5 mm, the height by about 20 mm and the thickness by
about 18 mm. As a result, the overall volume has also been reduced by
approx.58%.
* Among interchangeable-lens type digital SLR
cameras (as of June 16, 2009, our in-house research).
Compact design and attractive metallic
finish express a sense of compressed power
While recapturing the same sense of high quality and compressed power exuded
by the original OLYMPUS PEN F, this new camera is much more than just a
nostalgic tribute to the past. Instead, its design also reflects the fact
that this is a digital camera that represents the future of digital
photography. Finished with aluminium on the top and bottom and stainless
steel on the sides and back, this camera looks good, feels good, and
promises the joy to fun. 3D CAD was used to implement the design - such as
the complex shape around the shutter release button and the curved surfaces
on the corners. We also used highly accurate press technology to achieve a
high-grade exterior with a finish that conveys a powerful sense of
precision.
Easy of use - High-Speed Imager AF
enhances comfort of Live View shooting. The Live Control function
facilitates easy, intuitive camera setting by selecting icons displayed on
the LCD, while the iAUTO function automatically evaluates the scene and
adjusts settings accordingly.
High-Speed Imager AF enhancing comfort of
Live View shooting
The E-P1's autofocusing system uses our High-Speed Imager AF, which detects
the contrast values on the image sensor and drives the lens to the position
where the peak values are obtained. This focus adjustment method enables
Live View shooting with the same ease of use offered by compact digital
cameras, so even a person unfamiliar with digital SLRs can easily take
excellent pictures of SLR quality.
Live Control function facilitates easy,
intuitive camera setting by selecting icons displayed on the LCD panel
The newly developed Live Control function allows even a person unfamiliar
with digital SLRs to start using the camera immediately after purchasing it,
allowing them to adjust settings easily and intuitively while viewing the
Live View monitor. Icons that correspond to all of the camera's buttons and
dials are displayed on the Live View monitor and can be easily selected and
operated using the main and sub dials - all without the user having to take
their eyes off the image on the monitor. Any changes made are applied to the
Live View image in real time, allowing the user to concentrate on shooting
pictures.
iAUTO function automatically evaluating
the scene and adjusting settings accordingly
iAUTO is a fully automatic camera setting mode, which automatically sets the
optimum scene mode (Portrait / Landscape / Macro / Sports / Night Scene /
Night Scene & Portrait) when the camera is pointed at the subject. This
function ensures that the optimum shooting mode is set without the user
having to spend time adjusting the camera when a momentary shooting
opportunity arises.
Power to create - The 4/3-inch,
12.3-megapixel High-Speed Live MOS Sensor and newly developed TruePic V
image processing engine offer high image quality equivalent to conventional
SLR cameras. This new camera offers HD movie shooting, high-quality linear
PCM audio recording, as well as versatile new functions for creative
photographic expression such as the Art Filter.
4/3-inch, 12.3-megapixel High-Speed Live
MOS Sensor and newly developed TruePic V image processing engine offer high
image quality equivalent to conventional SLR cameras
The image sensor uses a 4/3-inch High-Speed Live MOS Sensor featuring 12.3
megapixels and high-speed image processing. Exactly the same sensor size as
the Four Thirds System standard, this sensor captures high-resolution images
that accurately reproduce the intended composition with exquisite detail,
rich gradations and natural colours.
The newly developed TruePic V image processing engine delivers clearer,
higher-resolution images by exploiting the full performance of the lens.
Sophisticated noise reduction that removes noise without obliterating
details allows high-sensitivity shooting at ISO 6400 and beautifully
reproduces delicate colour changes even in shooting without a flash.
HD movie shooting and high-quality linear
PCM audio recording
HD-quality movies can be recorded with the widescreen 16:9 (1280 x 720, 30
fps) aspect ratio, as well as with the standard 4:3 (640 x 480, 30 fps)
ratio. Because the image sensor is much larger than those used in normal
camcorders, this camera not only delivers higher image quality but also
makes it possible to exploit a variety of effects unique to
interchangeable-lens photography, such as the defocused image backgrounds
produced by controlling the aperture or the arresting perspectives that can
be achieved with different interchangeable lenses. The electronic image
stabilization mechanism is built into the body so it can stabilize movie
images and reduce camera shake regardless of the lens used.
The Art Filters can also be applied to movies* so stylish movies can be
created with the user's own personal stamp. In addition, the movie + still
image shooting function automatically saves the last frame of the movie as a
still image. The audio portion is recorded using the linear PCM format - a
digital non-compressed recording format featuring high sound quality. Just
like Olympus's top-rated digital IC recorders, this camera delivers superior
audio quality with high fidelity. Audio post-recording is also easy to do
right on the camera.
* When an Art Filter is used, the frame rate varies according to the Art
Filter type.
Versatile new functions for creative
photographic expression such as the Art Filter
Versatile new functions for creative photographic expression such as the Art
Filter Incorporating the same Art Filter function introduced on our E-30 and
E-620 digital SLR cameras, the E-P1 makes it easy for anyone to create
photographic images that reflect their own personal vision. The Art Filter
effects can also be applied to previously recorded RAW images. This means
that various effects can be applied to previously recorded RAW data using
the camera alone.
The following 6 Art Filters are incorporated in this camera :
POP ART
Enhances colours, making them stronger and more vivid, creating high-impact
pictures with a pop art feeling
SOFT FOCUS
Gives images a light, ethereal look and evokes a dreamy, mystical mood
PALE & LIGHT COLOUR
Utilizes muted colour tonalities to create a mood of reflection and
nostalgia
LIGHT TONE
Subdues highlights and shadows to reflect the ambience of a perfectly
illuminated scene
GRAINY FILM
Recreates the rich, grainy look and tonality of black & white photography,
imparting a dramatic feel to images
PIN HOLE
Reduces the peripheral brightness, recreating the unique style and colouring
produced by toy cameras
Multi-Aspect function for selection from 4
aspect ratios
Four aspect ratios are available: standard 4:3; 16:9 for impressive,
cinematic-style widescreen images; 6:6 - used by medium-format cameras; and
3:2, which is equivalent to the 35mm film size. The image obtained from the
selected aspect ratio can be checked on the Live View monitor so that
optimum one can be selected according to the intention and purpose.
Multi-exposure function with Live View
monitor display of current view superimposed on previously captured image
With multi-exposure, a previously recorded RAW data image is displayed as
the base image on the Live View monitor while another image is shot and
superimposed. The final result can be checked on the monitor before shooting
and the gain is corrected automatically by the camera. Images stored on the
memory card can also be superimposed via the play / edit menu (RAW data
only, up to 3 pictures). This makes possible not only the multi-exposure of
consecutive scenes but also synthesis of an image by superimposing images
recorded at different times and places.
Other Features
Built-in image stabilization mechanism
with a correction effect up to 4 EV steps*
The body incorporates a new compact, high-performance image stabilization
mechanism that compensates for camera shake by up to 4 EV steps* regardless
of the lens used and is even effective during horizontal panning. The image
stabilization mechanism also works when the optional MMF-1 Four Thirds
Adapter, the optional MF-2 OM Adapter is used. In this case, the user simply
enters the appropriate focal length.
* According to our in-house testing conditions.
Reliable Dust Reduction System
If dirt or dust gets inside the camera body during lens replacement and
attaches to the low-pass filter or image sensor, it will be captured in the
image and spoil it. Because the image sensor is not covered by a shutter
unit, this problem is even more critical with this camera. Olympus took the
lead in finding a solution at the very beginning of development of
interchangeable-lens type digital SLR cameras. Whenever the camera is turned
on, the SSWF (Super-Sonic Wave Filter) installed in front of the image
sensor is automatically activated, blasting dust away from the image sensor
with supersonic vibrations. Removed dust is caught by a dust absorber. The
tremendous power of the supersonic waves can even remove dust that cannot be
removed merely by shaking the image sensor or dust that is attached by
intermolecular force and cannot be removed by discharging static
electricity.
Because this camera is based on the Micro Four Thirds System standard, we
modified the Dust Reduction System, changing the SSWF shape from circular to
rectangular and dividing the supersonic oscillator into two vertically
arranged sections in order to reduce the size of the unit, while maintaining
its high efficiency.
HDMI output for high-quality image
playback
The camera can be connected to an HDMI-equipped TV set via a commercially
available HDMI mini-cable to view high-quality HD movies and still images on
a large TV screen together with stereo audio.
Multi-Mix Slideshow playback with
background music
Slideshows that mix still images, movies and sound can be created. The
camera incorporates 5 kinds of background music composed by a Japanese
famous music creator DAISHIDANCE, as well as slideshow control functions
including still image fade-in/out, audio post-recording, and background
music volume adjustment.
e-Portrait function for smooth rendering
of skin texture
The "e-Portrait" scene mode compensates for skin for a smoother texture.
When e-Portrait is set before shooting, the camera saves the images both
before and after compensation*. The compensation effect can also be added in
the edit mode after shooting to further improve the look of the best shot.
Shadow Adjustment Technology for
beautifully balanced exposures of foreground subjects and background scenery
The camera's Face Detection function of the camera detects up to 8 faces and
optimizes focus and exposure appropriately. The Shadow Adjustment Technology
function is interlocked with Face Detection and optimally controls the
exposure of the human faces and the background scenery. If human faces look
dark during shooting against backlight, this function activates the
Gradation Auto function to brighten the faces without over-exposing the
background, making it easy to shoot pictures that look as natural what you
see with your own eyes. Face Detection is also usable during image playback
and the detected faces can be magnified to check the facial expressions in
the picture.
Gradation Auto function to prevent
over-exposed and under-exposed images
When the gradation is set to Auto, the Shadow Adjustment Technology is
activated to adjust the brightness of highlighted and shadowed areas,
preventing over-exposure or under-exposure, producing images that look as
natural what you see with your own eyes.
A total of four gradation settings are available: High Key, Standard
(default), Low Key, and Auto.
MF Assist function supporting manual
focusing with auto image magnification
During manual focusing, turning the focus ring magnifies the central part of
image by 7X or 10X automatically. This enables accurate focusing by
observing the magnified image on the Live View monitor.
Level Gauge display on Live View monitor
Using the dual axis sensor incorporated in the camera, a 2-direction level
gauge corresponding to vertical and horizontal directions can be displayed
on the Live View monitor. This is convenient when the image does not contain
a line indicating horizontality or when shooting in the dark.
Highly accurate 324-area metering system
This metering mode divides the image area into an 18 x 18 grid, metering
each of 324 separate areas to obtain optimum exposure with high accuracy
even under complex light conditions. A total of three metering modes are
available, including the centre-weighted metering and spot metering as well
as the 324-area digital ESP metering.
Electronic Flash FL-14
The FL-14 is an external flash featuring a simple but attractive design that
complements the design of the E-P1 camera. Despite its compact size and
light weight, the FL-14 features the GN (Guide Number) of 20 (ISO200),
assuring flash shooting with stable light and optimum brightness.
Optical Viewfinder VF-1
The VF-1 is an optical viewfinder designed that can be attached externally
when the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm f2.8 lens is used. It is capable of supporting
quick shooting taking advantage of the lensfs full
range. It uses a bight frame type 17 mm viewfinder display to enable
comfortable picture composition.
Four Thirds Adapter MMF-1
The MMF-1 is a lens mount adapter that enables any existing Four Thirds lens
to be mounted on the E-P1 camera. With the Olympus ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses,
shooting with autofocusing is possible. Four Thirds System-compliant lenses
from other manufacturers can be mounted as well.
OM Adapter MF-2
The MF-2 is a lens mount adapter that allows the user to mount an OM system
lens the compact system lens used with our traditional SLR film cameras.
With the MF-2, users can freely combine legacy assets from the era of the
35mm film camera with the latest technologies of the E-P1 including movie
shooting, Art Filter effects and built-in image stabilization mechanism.
* Production of OM system lenses has been discontinued.
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