CNET Asia Explains Series

Specifically designed to provide photo buffs in the digital era with SLR quality and ultra-compact convenience, the new Olympus Pen E-P1 is an interchangeable lens camera that boasts astonishing slim, compact body, yet delivers the same high picture quality and expressive power as a digital SLR camera.


Pen Concept

Just like the incredibly small size of the original Pen series cameras was based on the revolutionary idea of the half-frame camera, which took pictures at half the size of 35mm film cameras, the development of the Micro Four Thirds System Micro Four Thirds for digital photography has made it possible for use to manufacture digital SLR cameras that are more compact than ever. The goal is to create an SLR that is as portable as a pen.


Unique Potential for Creative Expression

Defying conventional wisdom in terms of its size, shape and design, the Pen also offers unique potential for creative expression. Live View lets you shoot from outrageous camera angle, as well as allowing you to preview settings and effects before you shoot; Art Filters offer an exciting selection of new photographic styles; the Multi-Aspect function widens the boundaries of image expression; and HD Movie lets you take full advantage of the representation capability characteristics of the SLR camera.


Learn more of its features here
Image Quality
Micro Four Thirds

While the name "micro" might make you think that this new standard uses a small image sensor, it actually uses an image sensor identical to that used in the Four Thirds System. The E-P1 uses a 12.3-megapixel high speed Live MOS Sensor and the newly developed TruePic V image processing engine. It also incorporates the same top-rated functions found on the E-Series SLR cameras such as the dust reduction system and the built-in image stabilization mechanism. Naturally, the lenses are designed exclusively for use in digital photography.


M.ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses
Micro Four Thirds

M.ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses are designed exclusively for the Micro Four Thirds System by optimizing the mount diameter and signal contacts according to the standard. Reflecting the Olympus Pen's ability to achieve high image quality in a compact size, the digital-dedicated design of these compact lenses takes full advantage of the characteristics of digital photography, delivering light to every corner of the image sensor and ensuring high quality for both still and moving images.


Note: Interchangeable lenses designed for the Four Thirds System can be mounted using an adaptor.

Image Quality

• 324-division ESP metering mode for accurate photometry
• Various shooting modes for enhanced high quality shooting
• iAUTO for automatic camera setting by simply pointing the camera
• e-Portrait to enhance skin texture for a large-screen HD display adaptor


Learn more about the Olympus Pen E-P1 here
available in white and silver



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A web-gallery of photographs taken using an Olympus digial SLR camera.


Short essays of 'Travels' from photographers. Experience the Olympus E-System through the shots of these travels.