Digital Home Thoughts: Olympus PEN E-P1 Makes DSLR Quality Portable

"The camera features a 12 megapixel live view anti-shake sensor, a 3" screen, 16:9 Aspect Ratio: 1280 × 720 HD 30fps video recording with stereo sound, art filters, multiple exposures, shadow adjustment, a metal body and is available with a 14-42mm kit lens or 17mm pancake lens. The Olympus PEN E-P1 is available for around £699 with the 14-42mm kit lens as tested here. The camera is enclosed in a metal body and is available in silver or white. The camera measures approx. 120.5 x 70 x 35 mm (excluding protrusions), and weighs approx. 335g. excluding lens, battery and memory card."

DigiCam Review has decided to take the curious EP-1 and see if its new and "innovative" design could really stand up against proper DLSRs. After putting the quasi-DSLR through the gauntlet, the EP-1 emerges victorious, meeting all the hopes and dreams of photographers everywhere! Well, maybe it isn't groundbreaking, but the EP-1 definitely is a step forward since DSLRs have traditionally been large, bulky affairs. Granted, the smaller camera body is only slightly helpful, since since over time, you will find you have a collection of lenses and other toys that just had to be bought, but a lighter load, especially while taking pictures, is appreciated, especially when you do not have to sacrifice image quality or features. The EP-1 is likely going to be one of those cameras that marks a shift in the industry. It probably will never completely replace the DSLR with its design, but it will definitely make the market more accessible and palatable to photo bugs!