Olympus E-P1

Features

Although the E-P1's design is refreshing, its features lack in some aspects. Take a look at the table below for the three Micro Four Thirds cameras available.

Specifications/model	Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1	Olympus E-P1	Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1
Sensor resolution	12 megapixels	12 megapixels	12 megapixels
Dimension/weight	124 x 83.6 x 45.2 mm/385g	120.5 x 70 x 35mm/335g	124 x 90 x 45mm/385g
LCD size	3-inch, 460k-dot LCD with tilt-and-swivel function	3-inch, 230k-dot fixed display	3-inch, 460k-dot LCD with tilt-and-swivel function
Viewfinder	Electronic	None	Electronic
Max. video resolution	N/A	1,280 x 720 pixels at 30fps	1,920 x 1,080 pixels at 20fps
Audio	N/A	Stereo	Mono
Burst mode	3fps	3fps	3fps
Flash (built-in)	Pop-up	Nil	Pop-up
ISO range	ISO 100 to 3,200	ISO 100 to 6,400	ISO 100 to 12,800
Image stabilizer	Optical (via lens)	Sensor-shift (in-body)	Optical (via lens)
Still image format	RAW and JPEG	RAW and JPEG	RAW and JPEG
Memory media	SD/SDHC	SD/SDHC	SD/SDHC
Related links	Review		Review

Since the E-P1's form factor is very similar to that of high-end compact snappers, we decided to pit the Micro Four Thirds camera against two other popular advanced point-and-shoots.

Specifications/model	Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3	Olympus E-P1	Canon PowerShot G10
Sensor resolution	10 megapixels	12 megapixels	15 megapixels
Dimension/weight	108.7 x 59.5 x 27.1mm/229g	120.5 x 70 x 35mm/335g (body only)	109 x 78 x 46mm/350g
Zoom range/focal length	2.5x/24 to 60mm	N.A. Dependent on attached lens	5x/28 to 140mm
Viewfinder	None	None	Optical
Max. video resolution	1,280 x 720 pixels at 30fps	1,280 x 720 pixels at 30fps	640 x 480 pixels at 30fps
Audio	Mono	Stereo	Mono
Flash	Built-in	N.A.	Built-in
ISO range	ISO 100 to 3,200	ISO 100 to 6,400	ISO 80 to 1,600
Image stabilizer	Optical	Sensor-shift	Optical
Still image format	RAW and JPEG	RAW and JPEG	RAW and JPEG
Memory media	SD/SDHC	SD/SDHC	SD/SDHC
Related links	Review		Review

The lack of an onboard flash may make sense if it's to maintain the E-P1's retro design, but its target audience who are primarily users upgrading from a point-and-shoot may not appreciate it. Although Olympus did say that its Micro Four Thirds camera is able to take good-quality pictures even at high ISO settings to compensate for the absence of a flash, we still feel that having an additional light source will greatly sweeten the deal.

To keep up with trends, the E-P1 has an HD video-recording capability as well. What is really interesting about this feature is that users are able to incorporate Olympus' Art Filters into the clips. Effects such as Pinhole, Grainy Film and Soft Focus can be applied to the recordings and this delivers interesting results. But do note that filters such as Pinhole and Grainy Film will reduce the frame rates drastically and clips generated will appear jerky. Videos can be recorded up to a maximum of 7 minutes per movie in AVI format, which roughly equates to a 2GB file.

What we consider the biggest overhaul for Olympus is the use of SD/SDHC media for storage in the E-P1. Traditionally, the Japanese firm employed xD-Picture Cards for its point-and-shoots and CompactFlash media for its dSLRs. However, due to the petite chassis of the E-P1, Olympus opted for the more popular SD/SDHC format.

The 14-42mm zoom lens is also an interesting innovation. The optics is retractable, and when not in use this glass stands a mere 1cm taller than the already-slim 17mm pancake lens. The camera will automatically remind you to extend the lens when you power it on.

Regarding lenses, there are plenty of adapters which allow you to attach different lenses from other brands onto the E-P1 and other Micro Four Thirds camera. We tried the Four Thirds adapter (with Olympus 14-42mm lens) on the shooter and found that although focusing was a little bit slower, it was accurate. But do note that some of these adapters do not allow functions such as aperture priority or autofocus due to the different electrical contact points.

Tags: DSLR, Dial, Women, Adapter, Camera

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