Earlier this month, Olympus launched the PEN E-PL1, a 12.3-megapixel Micro Four Thirds compact that should be more affordable than their other Micro Four Thirds cameras. It was expected to ship next month, but for whatever reason, they’re available on Amazon now.
What did it give up to trim the price down to $600? Compared to the previous models, the E-PL1 has a smaller—but still good enough—2.7-inch screen, dropped the manual scroll dial, digital level and detachable EVF that can be found on the $800 E-P1 and $1,100 E-P2.
But for $600, you’ll still get everything else that makes for a good, advanced non-DSLR compact: RAW image support, optical image stabilization, a built-in pop-up flash (you won’t find this on the other two models), 720p HD recording, full manual controls, and the ability to switch Micro Four Thirds standard lens kits like a DSLR.
Interested? You should be—if you’re looking for a relatively affordable cam that will give you a lot more than the standard point-and-shoot. Selling for the promised price of $600 with the 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, the E-PL1 is available in black, slate blue, and champagne gold colors. Other optional lens, such as the 14-150mm f4-5.6 telephoto and 9-18mm f4-5.6 are expected to ship in June, but any other Micro Four Thirds standard lens from any other brand should fit.
Tags: Digital Cameras, Micro Four Thirds, Olympus, Olympus PEN Digital
