Over 18 months have passed since the E-P2 was released, and this week Olympus has launched its long-anticipated replacement: the E-P3. The latest generation of the ever-popular PEN range of Micro Four Thirds system cameras still sports it’s classic, retro styling as well as some rather exciting new features.
In addition to the EP-3, Olympus has also announced the E-PL3 (PEN Lite) and a brand new member of the PEN family, the E-PM1 (aka the PEN Mini) and two new Micro Four Third lenses: a 12mm M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED wide angle ‘Street Photography’ lens and a 45mm M.ZUIKO DIGITAL portrait lens.
What's new?
- The addition of FAST AF (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Techonology) which, Olympus claims, makes this the “fastest* auto-focus of any camera with interchangeable lenses”
- Olympus has boosted light sensitivty up to an impressive ISO 12800
- A new touch-sensitive three-inch OLED display, which has a brighter display and is more energy efficient when compared to similar LCD screens.
- Current PEN system users will also note the addition of two new dials on the back of the camera, offering much quicker adjustment of aperture and exposure settings.
In comparison: E-P3 vs E-P2
| E-P3 | E-P2 |
|
| Megapixels | 12.3 | 12.3 |
| ISO Max | 12800 | 6400 |
| HD Video Max | 1080p @60 fps | 720p @30 fps |
| Autofocus | 35-point | 11-point |
| FPS | 3 | 3 |
| Screen (pixels) | 3.0" OLED(610k) | 3.0" LCD(230K) |
| Weight | 321g | 335g |
The Olympus E-P3 will be available from August 2011 in Black, Silver and White as body only and with a range of lenses:
Olympus E-P3 with 14-42mm Lens
*As of June 2011