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This article is from July 1, 2011, and is no longer current.

Three New Olympus PEN Cameras

We’ve been fans of the Olympus PEN line of digital cameras since the E-P1 launched two years ago. These micro four-thirds cameras are small, mighty, and (you know this matters to you) retro-cool.
Now there are three more PEN cameras: PEN E-P3, PEN E-PL3, and PEN E-PM1. Only the E-P3 looks vintage, sadly, but all three models capture still images and HD video with a 12.3-megapixel image sensor.
The PEN E-P3 will likely be the most expensive of the new cameras. When it hits store shelves in August 2011, it will cost $900. That price includes an all-metal body and either a Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm II R Æ’3.5/5.6 zoom lens, or a Zuiko Digital ED 17mm Æ’2.8 prime lens.
Olympus says that autofocus is much faster in the new model than in previous PEN cameras, even when you’re using the E-P3 with older lenses.
The E-P3 is 4.8″ wide by 2.72″ high by 1.35″ deep. It weighs 13 ounces with the battery and memory card installed.

The PEN E-PL3 looks more modern and is smaller and lighter than the E-P3, at 4.31″ wide by 2.5″ high by 1.46″ deep. It weighs 11 ounces with the battery and memory card installed. One thing it has that the E-P3 lacks is a tilting LCD, which makes it easier to shoot tricky angles.
Olympus has not yet announced pricing or a ship date for the E-PL3.

The PEN E-PM1 abandons all attempts at classic camera cool; it even comes in pink and purple. However, it is the lightest of any Olympus PEN model, weighing in at just 9.3 ounces with battery and memory card.
As the bright colors suggest, this model is meant for more casual photographers, with a simplified user interface and easy-access buttons. Price and ship date are unknown at this point.

  • Anonymous says:

    …as long as it’s black.

    “As the bright colors suggest…”

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