Providing photo enthusiasts with additional attributes over the Pen E-P1, Olympus released their E-P2 Micro Four Thirds camera. This Pen camera is more powerful than E-P1. The camera, like E-P1 is claimed to be the world’s minute 12.3-megapixel interchangeable lens system with In-body Image Stabilization.
The Pen camera merges high-quality still images such as DSLR with High Definition (HD) video, stereo Linear PCM audio recording and In-Camera Creativity within an ultra-portable body. The device comes with an eight in-camera Art Filters that can be used for still images and HD videos.
The pen camera embraces a chic retro black metal body similar to a conventional Pen camera. The device comes with an accessory port to hold the built-in removable VF-2 Electronic View Finder (EVF) or optional external microphone adapter EMA-1. A newly-developed Continuous Autofocus (C-AF) Tracking System trials the object across or back-and-forward through the frame. Two new art-filters like diorama and cross process are available for superior creativity in still images and HD videos. iEnhance can be used to mechanically regulate color and contrast for an additionally striking impact. With iEnhance, yellow and orange colors can be sharpened to look radiant and nearer to the real scene.
John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Digital SLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc, commented, “The high demand for the E-P1 demonstrates that today’s photo enthusiasts and consumers want the high-quality imaging like that of DSLRs in a compact retro design. The fact that it also offers HD video, creative functions and high-end stereo sound makes it even more desirable. The new PEN builds on the success of the E-P1 by adding many of the features that were on enthusiasts’ wish list for the second generation: an EVF for composing with your eye close to the camera, the ability to add an external microphone, C-AF tracking, and a black metal body. With each new PEN, Olympus continues to enhance the line, and the future looks very bright.â€
The Live MOS image sensor is complemented by Olympus’ TruePic V Image Processor, which generates clear and colorful photos by means of all the pixel information for every image to offer the best digital images. Full manual control of shutter/aperture can be utilized in movie mode. HDMI control of camera’s playback functions can be done via the TV remote when the camera is connected to an HDTV.
Consumers used to composing and focusing via a point-and-shoot camera’s LCD may value the E-P2’s 100 percent precise, 3-inch full color HyperCrystal LCD, which provides simple, flawless experience when shooting still images or videos. The Dust Reduction System creates spot-free photos with the unique Supersonic Wave Filter, a patented ultrasonic technology that vibrates to get rid of dust and other particles from the front of the image sensor. Multiple Exposure function may assist the users to capture shots in any way they want like a portrait, landscape mode or a combination of both.
The E-P2 presents four aspect ratios that provide as masks to enclose the image to preferred proportions, counting: the average 4:3 aspect ratio that is suitable to an 8 x 10-inch magnification; the 16:9 aspect ratios that can exhibit images brilliantly on a widescreen television; and other popular aspect ratios like 3:2 and 6:6. The device’s Face Detection decreases the odds of taking hazy objects by recognizing up to eight people’s faces and the background, trailing the faces in the image area, even if individuals are moving. The Pen camera is ready with an internal Digital Level Sensor that identifies the camera’s pitch and roll and signifies it on the control panel.
Olympus Master 2 software could be used to download images and videos from the camera or other external device like USB drive, and mechanically arranges them into albums and groups and by date. Users can update camera and lens firmware. A straight link enables uploading images and videos to YouTube. The E-P2 boasts of either the tiny and lightweight Olympus M. ZUIKO Micro Four Thirds lenses like 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 or 17mm f2.8. A trial edition for this software can be used for 1 month following installation.
E-P2 will be available from December, 2009. The approximate price of E-P2 Body with ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens and Electronic View Finder and the E-P2 Body with 17mm f2.8 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens and Electronic View Finder is $1099.99 (approx Rs. 51,490).
