The Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera is a dream come true for many photographers with 12 megapixels and technology normally found in much larger cameras and High Definition (HD) camcorders.

It features a PEN large-size image sensor that is 8 times larger than the ones in average point & shoot cameras. This sensor, combined with the TruePic V Image Processor, delivers excellent dynamic range, accurate color and reduced noise, all the way up to ISO 3200. With state-of-the art noise reduction technology and 3 in-body image stabilization modes, users will realize clear images with all compatible lenses under most lighting conditions.

The E-PL1's iAuto mode automatically identifies the scene you're shooting (portrait, landscape, night portrait, macro, or sport) and adjusts the settings to optimize results. While in iAuto you can engage Live Guide control which lets you compose your picture, manipulate the image with various in-camera effects like softening backgrounds, adjusting colors, and brightness before taking the photo.

Adding to the dream, recording HD movies (720p) with the E-PL1 is simple thanks to an easy-to-reach record button on the back of the camera body. You can toggle back and forth between capturing stills and video which opens endless shooting possibilities, for example you can shoot a portrait of a child and switch to video to capture the moment when he or she is playing with the dog that interrupted your shooting session.

This camera has 19 automatic scene-select modes which adjust camera settings according to the subject you are photographing plus 6 in-camera Art Filters (Pop Art, Soft Focus, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama and the new Gentle Sepia filter). These tools make image capture easy and can expand your creativity.

This E-PL1 comes with an M.Zuiko Digital ED Micro Four Thirds mount 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6L lens which is extremely compact and has a plastic mount which helps keep the weight down. It at has both ED and Aspherical lens elements which deliver very high imaging performance. Despite its small size it delivers amazing image brightness and contrast. It covers wide angle to moderate telephoto distances and is suitable for portraits, everyday shooting, and traveling.

Features

HD Movies

Shoot HD movies at 30 frames per second, with high-quality sound, in 720p with available manual control over aperture and shutter speed. This new level of control allows you to express your vision exactly how you want in your HD videos. A Direct HD Movie Button switches you from still to movie mode with the press of a button. You can also capture HD video (720p) using one of the six Art Filters for more creative shooting options.

Easy-to-Use Live Guide Control

With the E-PL1 you can see the results of your camera settings before you shoot allowing you to change the way you take a picture. Simply set the camera to iAuto, press OK to engage Live Guide, then press the up and down arrows on the back of the camera to easily slide through numerous photographic effects. Make adjustments and watch the LCD as the effects are made live -- before the image is captured. Live Guide also features a "Tips" section on how to compose a shot or shoot kids, pets, flowers and more. Or maybe you want to capture the fast-moving action of your subject with a little artistic blur, or perhaps freeze the action.

Built-in Flash

Use the built-in pop-up flash to easily illuminate low-light subjects. The camera is also compatible with a range of optional external flashes including the Olympus FL-14. The E-PL1 has wireless flash control using the FL-36R and FL-50R -- for dynamic lighting control.

In-Camera Art Filters

With 6 in-camera Art Filters (Pop Art, Soft Focus, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama and the new Gentle Sepia filter) you can explore your artistic side while taking both still shots and HD video. The Art Filters can be applied as you shoot, no additional software required.

12.3 Megapixels

The E-PL1's powerful 12.3 megapixel Live-MOS sensor packs a powerful high-quality imaging punch for such a compact camera, allowing you to capture more detail than ever before. The Live MOS image sensor delivers excellent dynamic range, accurate color fidelity and fine image details in both highlight and shadow areas.

In-Body Image Stabilization

The E-PL1's 3-mode In-body Image Stabilization system compensates for up to 3 shutter speed steps in the still shooting modes with any of its interchangeable lenses: Mode 1 for general shooting, Mode 2 for creative high-speed horizontal capture, and Mode 3 for high-speed vertical capture. The camera's Mechanical Image Stabilization automatically compensates for camera shake in low-light situations or when using a telephoto lens. In the Movie Modes the advanced Electronic Image Stabilization tracts the images both vertically and horizontally to achieve clear sharp movies.

Compact Size, Interchangeable Lenses

Olympus has packed a big sensor into a small camera. The stylish design of the Olympus PEN E-PL1 is much more compact than a traditional DSLR, but it still provides the option of interchangeable lenses.

In-Camera Slideshow With Sound

The E-PL1's enhanced playback functions allow you to employ effective fade-in/fade-out techniques, control the movie/still mix and speed, add captivating musical soundtracks, and much more.

Multiple Exposures

Multiple exposures make heightened creativity an easily-obtained objective. Two frames can be combined to create an image uniquely yours. Images can be combined in playback mode or directly on the LCD display.

iAuto with iEnhance

In the iAuto mode the E-PL1 automatically identifies the scene you're shooting - portrait, landscape, night portrait, macro, or sport - and adjusts the settings to optimize results. iEnhance can be used in any mode, and automatically engages when using iAuto to enrich color in any subject, just as the human eye sees it.

TruePic V Image Processor

In addition to more detail, the image sensor, combined with the next-generation TruePic V Image Processor, delivers excellent dynamic range, accurate color fidelity and reduced noise, all the way up to 3200 ISO.

19 Automatic Scene-Select Modes

The E-PL1 is equipped with 19 scene-select modes for effortless picture taking. Standard scene modes like Night-Scene, Portrait and Landscape are easy-to-use solutions for everyday shooting.

Dust Reduction System

A Dust Reduction System assures spot-free images. Every time you turn on the camera, the patented Supersonic Wave Filter silently vibrates, flinging and collecting dust so that it cannot interfere with the picture imaging at any time.

AF Live View with AF Tracking

AF Live View works as seamlessly as a point-and-shoot to display subjects, in focus, on the LCD the instant the shutter is pressed half way. AF Tracking locks your subject into focus right on the LCD, and constantly adjusts focus and brightness whether you or your subject is moving. With this mode, a simple push of the AF button and shutter release enables you to keep fast-moving and unpredictable subjects in focus.

In-Camera Editing

Make changes to your image after the shot, right in the camera. Adjust for red eye, crop an image, change the aspect ratio or saturation, and change your image to black and white...and more. In-Camera JPEG edit functions allow you to quickly tweak your images right in the camera so you can easily upload them to your favorite web site and share them with friends and family.

Face Detection

A Face Detection function reduces the chance of blurry faces when shooting groups of people, up to eight subjects at once, even if they're moving while you're pressing the shutter button.

Shadow Adjustment Technology

Shadow Adjustment Technology corrects for extreme light variations with high-tech efficiency. It can also be used in post-editing.

ePortrait

The ePortrait Scene-Select mode is useful for smoothing out the facial features of your subjects, which is a tremendous plus for High Definition video playback, or apply ePortrait post shot via .JPEG edit.

Multiple Aspect Ratio Shooting

The E-PL1 lets you select one of four aspect ratios (4:3, 3.2, 16.9 and 6.6) that help frame your images to whatever proportions you'd like. Aspect ratios are available for still photo and HD movie capture, for everything from conventional enlargements to viewing on widescreen monitors.

Accessory Port

The E-PL1 includes a port for new accessories including the SEMA-1 Microphone adapter set and the VF-2 live-finder, a detachable electronic viewfinder. The viewfinder easily slides onto the camera's accessory port and hot shoe to provide 1.15x magnification for a 100% field of view. The VF-2 rotates up 90° which is useful when shooting subjects from challenging angles. The external accessory port also allows for connection with the new EMA-1 external microphone adapter for enhanced audio capture.

Micro Four Thirds Mount

The Micro Four Thirds Mount on the E-PL1 provides many key benefits, including the effectiveness of a digitally designed image sensor, an ultra-compact design, and expandability and compatibility with all Micro Four Thirds Lenses and Four Thirds System Lens via the MMF-2 Adapter (not included).

SDHC Media Cards

The E-PL1 is capable of recording video to SDHC media cards to accommodate large files. (SDHC Class 6 cards are recommended). Videos, stills and high-fidelity audio can also be output via an HDMI cable, direct to any HD television.

Underwater Housing

The PEN E-PL1's compact design makes it the perfect companion for all of your dive trips. The PT-EP01 underwater housing (optional) has been specially customized for the Olympus PRO E-PL1 and is waterproof to a depth of approximately 130' (40 meters). With its durable, high-quality polycarbonate construction, this Olympus housing protects the camera from water while also cushioning it from knocks and bumps on land.

Specifications

Imaging

Resolution

12.3MP

Color Spaces

sRGB, Adobe RGB

Sensor

High speed Live MOS Sensor

File Formats

JPEG
RAW (12-bit lossless compression)
RAW + JPEG

File Size

RAW:

4032 x 3042 pixels (approx. 1/1.5 lossless compressed) Approx. 13.9MB

Set1(LF):

4032 x 3042 pixels (1/4 compressed) Approx. 5.7MB

Set2(LN):

4032 x 3042 pixels (1/8 compressed) Approx. 2.7MB

Set3(MN):

2560 x 1920 pixels (1/8 compressed) Approx. 1.1MB

Set4(SN):

1024 x 768 pixels (1/8 compressed) Approx. 0.3MB

Large:

4032 x 3024 Super fine (1/2.7 compressed) Approx. 8.2MB

4032 x 3024 Fine (1/4 compressed) Approx. 5.7MB

4032 x 3024 Normal (1/8 compressed) Approx. 2.7MB

4032 x 3024 Basic (1/12 compressed) Approx. 1.8MB

Middle:

3200 x 2400 Super fine (1/2.7 compressed) Approx. 5.4MB

3200 x 2400 Fine (1/4 compressed) Approx. 3.4MB

3200 x 2400 Normal (1/8 compressed) Approx. 1.7MB

3200 x 2400 Basic (1/12 compressed) Approx. 1.2MB

2560 x 1920 Super fine (1/2.7 compressed) Approx. 3.2MB

2560 x 1920 Fine (1/4 compressed) Approx. 2.2MB

2560 x 1920 Normal (1/8 compressed) Approx. 1.1MB

2560 x 1920 Basic (1/12 compressed) Approx. 0.8MB

Small:

1600 x 1200 Super fine (1/2.7 compressed) Approx. 1.3MB

1600 x 1200 Fine (1/4 compressed) Approx. 0.9MB

1600 x 1200 Normal (1/8 compressed) Approx. 0.5MB

1600 x 1200 Basic (1/12 compressed) Approx. 0.4MB

1280 x 960 Super fine (1/2.7 compressed) Approx. 0.9MB

1280 x 960 Fine (1/4 compressed) Approx. 0.6MB

1280 x 960 Normal (1/8 compressed) Approx. 0.3MB

1280 x 960 Basic (1/12 compressed) Approx. 0.3MB

1024 x 768 Super fine (1/2.7 compressed) Approx. 0.6MB

1024 x 768 Fine (1/4 compressed) Approx. 0.4MB

1024 x 768 Normal (1/8 compressed) Approx. 0.3MB

1024 x 768 Basic (1/12 compressed) Approx. 0.2MB

640 x 480 Super fine (1/2.7 compressed) Approx. 0.3MB

640 x 480 Fine (1/4 compressed) Approx. 0.2MB

640 x 480 Normal (1/8 compressed) Approx. 0.1MB

640 x 480 Basic (1/12 compressed) Approx. 0.1MB

Recording Format

Still: DCF, DPOF compatible/Exif, Print Image Matching III
Movie: AVI Motion JPEG(30fps)

Image Size

RAW: 4032 x 3024 pixels
JPEG: 4032 x 3024 pixels, 640 x 480 pixels

Aspect Ratio

1.33 (4:3)

Image Stabilization

Built into camera body

Modes

IS1: 2 dimensional activation

IS2: 1 dimensional activation in landscape frame to vertical direction moving

IS3: 1 dimensional activation in portrait frame to vertical direction moving

OFF

Focusing

AF system:
Imager Contrast Detection AF system
(When non high-speed imager AF compatible lens is used, it works as AF assist)

Focus Modes

Single AF (S-AF)
Continuous AF (C-AF)
Manual Focus (MF)
S-AF + MF
AF Tracking (C-AF + TR)

Number of Focusing Points

11-area multiple AF with the contrast detection system
Focus point selection:
Auto from all 11 areas
Single area from 11 areas
Auto from almost all areas when face detection is on
Free selection (from 225 points) when Magnified View mode is selected
Focus tracking available
Manual focus assist available

Lens

Lens

14-42mm L f/3.5 - 5.6 (35mm equivalent focal length: 28-84mm)

Groups/Elements

8/9

Angle of View

75° - 29°

Closest Focusing Distance

0.8' (0.25m)

Magnification

Max.: 0.24x (35mm equivalent 0.48x)

Number of Blades

7 (circular aperture diaphragm)

Aperture Range

f/3.5 - f/22

Filter Size

40.5mm

Dimensions

Not Specified by Manufacturer

Weight

Not Specified by Manufacturer

Exposure Control

Sensitivity

Auto: ISO 200 - 3200 (customizable, default: 200-1600)

Shutter Type

Computerized focal-plane shutter

Shutter Speeds

60 - 1/2000 sec
Bulb: up to 30 min (default: 8 min)
1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV steps (selectable)

Metering

TTL image sensor metering system

Metering Range

EV 0 - 18 (digital ESP, center weighted average, spot metering)

Exposure Modes

iAuto
P: Program AE
A: Aperture priority AE

Exposure Mode Control

Scene select AE:

Portrait

e-Portrait

Landscape

Macro

Sport

Night Scene

Night + Portrait

Children

Landscape + Portrait

Multiple Display Configuration

2 frames
Functions: auto gain, Live View, exposing on recorded picture

White Balance

Auto WB System:

High speed Live MOS sensor<

Preset:

Lamp (3000°K)

Fluorescent 1 (4000°K)

Fluorescent 2 (4500°K)

Fluorescent 3 (6600°K)

Daylight (5300°K)

Flash (5500°K)

Cloudy (6000°K)

Shade (7500°K)

WB Compensation:

±7 steps in each A-B/G axis (in Auto WB, Preset WB mode, 1-touch WB)

WB Bracketing:

3 frames in 2, 4, 6, steps selectable in each A-B/G-M axis

Mirror Lock-Up

N/A

Burst Capability

Approx. 3 frames/sec

Self Timer

12/2 sec (cancel available)

Remote Control

N/A

Picture Modes

i-Enhance

Vivid

Natural

Portrait

Muted

Adjustment Parameters:

Contrast

Sharpness and saturation level available in 5 steps for i-Enhance, Vivid, Natural, Portrait and Muted

Filter Effect:

Yellow, orange, red or green filter available for monotone in 4 gradation levels (Auto, High Key, Normal, Low Key)

Flash

Built-in Flash

Yes

Flash Modes

External:
Auto
Red-eye reduction
Red-eye reduction slow sync
Slow sync at 1st curtain
Slow sync at 2nd curtain
l-in
Off

External Flash Connection

YES
Compatible Olympus E-system flash units: FL-50R, FL-36R, FL-50, FL-36, FL-20, FL-14

Max Sync Speed

1/30 - 1/60 sec
Super FP: 1/125 -1/2000 sec

Remote Control

Wireless flash control available (4 channels, 3 groups)

Memory

Memory Cards

SD
SDHC ¹

close

Class 6 memory cards are recommended for movie shooting

Still Images per GB

Approx. 290 shots (IS ON, CIPA test standard) with BLS-1 Lithium-ion battery and Toshiba class 6 SDHC 4GB card ²

close

With 50% flash lighting

A/V Recording

Recording Format

AVI Motion JPEG (30fps)

Video Resolution

HD: 1280 x 720, aspect: 16:9
SD: 640 x 480, aspect: 4:3 (VGA)

Video Clip Length

HD: 7 min
SD: 14 min
Maximum file size: 2GB (limited by AVI format)

Audio Recording

Wave format base
Stereo PCM (64-bit, 44.1kHz)
Mono

Display

Display

2.4" LCD with Live View MOS image sensor

Field of View

100%

Display Modes

Normal
Grid line
Histogram (3 types)
Magnified view
Comparable view
Off (for optical view finder use)
Face detection: 8 frames max.

Languages

English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Russian, Czech, Dutch, Danish, Polish, Portuguese, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Croat, Slovenian, Hungarian, Greek, Slovakian, Turkish, Latvian, Estonian, Lithuanian, Ukrainian, Serbian, Bulgarian, Rumanian, Indonesian

Interfaces

Computer interface:

USB 2.0

TV interface:

HDMI (HD, mono or stereo sound)

HDMI:

Mini HDMI type-C (1080i/720p/576p/480p)

Flash attachment:

Hot shoe

External flash PC jack

Accessory Port (external microphones, electronic viewfinder

Operating/Storage Temperature

32 - 104°F (0 - 40°C) (operation)
-4 - 140°F (-20 - 60°C) (storage)

Weatherproofing

No

Power

Battery Type

BLS-1 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery

Power Adapter

BCS-1 battery charger

Physical

Dimensions (WxHxD)

4.51 x 2.84 x 1.63" (114.6 x 72.2 x 41.5mm) (excluding protrusions)

Weight

10.4 oz (296 g) (body only)
12.13 oz (344 g) (including battery and memory card)

Includes

• PS-BLS1 Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery
• PS-BCS-1 Battery Charger
• Replacement Lens Cap LC-40.5 f/ Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens f/ E-P1
• 260056 LR-2 Rear Lens Cap For E-P1 Lenses
• Shoulder Strap
• ib Software CD-ROM
• Instruction Manuals