Olympus Confirms Second Generation PEN E-P2

Author Gordon Kelly
Published 5th Nov 2009
Olympus Confirms Second Generation PEN E-P2
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Just bought an Olympus PEN E-P1? Yep, the gadget world has done it to you again...

Less than six months since the launch of the original PEN, Olympus has announced the 'PEN E-P2' - the second generation of its Micro Four Thirds camera. On the outside the first thing you'll notice is the switch to an all black finish, but the biggest changes come internally.


Still remaining are the 12.3 megapixel sensor, the same interchangeable lens system with in-body image stabilisation and HD video recording, but newly added are:

  • An accessory port to accommodate the included detachable VF-2 Electronic View Finder (EVF) or optional external microphone adapter EMA-1
  • A newly-developed Continuous Autofocus (C-AF) Tracking System which tracks the subject across or back-and-forward through the frame
  • Two new art filters: Diorama & Cross Process for greater creative expression in your still images and HD videos
  • 'iEnhance' to automatically adjust colour and contrast for a more dramatic effect
  • Full Manual Control of shutter/aperture in Movie Mode
  • HDMI Control of camera's playback functions using the TV Remote when the camera is connected to an HDTV



In the US the E-P2 comes with either the Olympus M. ZUIKO Micro Four Thirds 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 (28-84mm equivalent) or 17mm f2.8 (34mm equivalent) lenses, though we're still waiting to see if the same choice is true for the UK. Surprisingly, Olympus will continue to sell the E-P2 alongside the E-P1 for the foreseeable future. Why, you may ask? Because we haven't yet come to the price.

Whereas the PEN E-P1 can currently be purchased for under £600 with a 14-42mm lens, the E-P2 will retail for a hefty £849 - roughly £250, or 40 per cent, more when it launches next month. Yep, the best doesn't come cheap, but perhaps you recent EP1 owners won't be kicking yourselves after all...

Update: The 17mm f2.8 (34mm equivalent) lens will be available in the UK, but a price has yet to be set.

Link:
Olympus PEN E-P2 Product Page

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comment Robin said on 5th November 2009

I hope the electronic vf is not as rubbish as Panasonic's superzoom Z28. To be honest with this P&S layout I see no point of using VF anyway the LV makes life easier and fun to... more

comment Ed said on 5th November 2009

@Kerwood: Panasonic already has responded.
http://www.trustedreviews.com/digital-cameras/review/2009/10/31/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GF1/p1

@ilovethemonkeyhead: It'... more

comment Voldenuit said on 6th November 2009

Still no mention of an improved screen. The 230,000 pixel VF on the EP-1 doesn't cut it for manual focusing (or even general usage). Also no mention of faster AF (then again, they ... more

comment ThatOne said on 13th November 2009

Do we still have people who can't work out that an object with no reflective component cannot be a DSLR? Please stop sowing confusion...

What is the ratio between t... more

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