Olympus has announced a new version of its slick-looking PEN Micro Four Thirds camera with intuitive features and a lower price that is aimed at everyday users. The new PEN E-PL1, priced at $600, will include a built-in flash, faster autofocus and graphical interface that will enable casual photographers to easily achieve more sophisticated results.
The E-PL1 is a follow-up to last year’s E-P1 and E-P2 models, which were beautifully engineered but suffered from flaws, including a lack of a built-in flash, slow autofocus and a price tag that started at $800.
The new model is a bit blockier than its predecessors and lacks some of the original panache, but it has the same large image sensor, interchangeable lens capabilities and high-definition 720p video. And it’s still considerably more compact than a digital single-lens reflex camera.
The E-PL1, compatible with Micro Four Thirds lenses, will be sold in a kit with a 14mm to 42mm (28mm to 84mm equivalent) f3. 5/5.6 zoom lens.
Other differences between the E-PL1 and the previous models include a smaller LCD (2.7 inches vs. 3 inches) and a mono mike.
The new PEN E-PL1 will be available in mid-March in black, champagne gold and slate blue. Rik Fairlie
