Olympus unveils three SLR-like cameras, commits fully to the format

Today Olympus makes a full-court press in its commitment to the mirrorless camera format: The company has announced three new Pen-series SLR-like cameras, which will each accept interchangeable lenses.

This big introduction, along with several other recent SLR-like launches (such as this one by Pentax) reveals that the format is here to stay. Each of the Pen cameras (like the Olympus PEN E-PL2 we reviewed earlier) is 12 megapixels, can capture 1080i HD-resolution at 60 frames per second, and includes special Live Guide II modes.

Here are some additional the details on each:

Pen E-P3: This model is targeted at serious photographers. Olympus has overhauled the auto-focus (AF) system and claims it's the world's fastest. The camera also features 35 AF points, better tracking, and a 3-inch OLED screen—which has touch-screen features for playback, but strangely, not for shooting. Olympus says its new processor reduces the "blackout" time between images appearing on the LCD after they've been taken.

One unique and useful feature of the Pen E-P3 is that you can choose one of two handgrips on the camera or remove them altogether for a more streamlined look. The Pen E-P3 will also include many art filters and 3D still-photo capabilities.

Pen Lite E-PL3: This camera will be a scaled-down version of the E-P3, with an even thinner camera body but with a 3-inch swiveling LCD. According to Olympus, the Pent Lite E-PL3 can fire off 4 frames per second with image stabilization on and 5.5 fps when the IS is turned off.

Pen E-PM1: This model is even simpler than the E-PL3; it will include a fixed LCD and will be simple to use and easy to carry. The Pen E-PM1 include a unique GUI, which Olympus is calling a stripe screen menu; the company claims it is more intuitive than traditional menu systems. The camera will also include a removable flash, similar in design to the ones found on the Sony NEX-5 and NEX-3.

In addition to the new cameras, Olympus has announced two new prime (non-zoom) lenses: a 12mm f/2.0 wide-angle lens (available now for $799.99, street price) and a 45mm f/1.8mm portrait lens, coming in September at $399.99. It has also announced an external flash for the Pen series, the FL-300R strobe, which produces a more powerful flash than a pop-up flash (out now, $169.99). It also lets you bounce the light and use the strobe wirelessly.

The E-P3 will be available in July at $899.99 (street price), with either an m14-42mm II R f3.5/5.6 zoom lens or a m17mm f2.8 prime lens. Olympus has not yet announced pricing or dates of availability for the E-PL3 and the E-PM1.


The Olympus Pen E-PL3

The Olympus Pen E-PM1

—Terry Sullivan