Here is a new ad currently running in England, featuring Kevin Spacey, In it, he uses the word “hurty” to sell Olympus Pen cameras. Still hurting from K-Pax, K-Space?

[Copyranter]

The Olympus E-P2 is less a sequel to the E-P1 micro four thirds camera and more a refinement of the original idea. It’s basically the same size as the E-P1 (a hair taller, actually), and snaps shots with the same 12.3MP sensor. There’s still no integrated flash, and the retro stainless steel body has been coated with black paint (not having seen the E-P2 in person, I still think I may prefer the original) much like the similar Panasonic GF1.

What’s new is an accessory that will come standard in every kit configuration—an articulating VF-2 electronic viewfinder that attaches to the hot shoe mount. It takes advantage of a new, still-unnamed accessory/data port, meaning it’s incompatible with the E-P1.

This accessory port also allows for a new stereo microphone mount that will move sound capture a bit away from the camera’s body.

Maybe the biggest real improvement, however, is a Continuous Autofocus (C-AF) Tracking System that follows subjects through the frame, hopefully addressing one of the E-P1’s greatest weaknesses, its long focus times.

The E-P2 will be available this January in two equally priced kits.
E-P2 Body with ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens and EVF: $US1100
E-P2 Body with 17mm f2.8 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens and EVF: $US1100

With the E-P1 already going for about $US750 with a lens, and with the E-P2 taking what’s expected to be near-identical shots for hundreds more (though including an EVF standard), we’ll let you do the math.

Olympus has also announced two new micro four thirds lenses on their way, a super wide 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 lens (18-36mm equivalent) and a super zoomy 14-150mm f4.0-5.6 lens (28-300mm equivalent). It is good to see the company supporting their own standard with more enticing native lenses.

THE PEN IS NOW MIGHTIER: OLYMPUS EXPANDS THE POWER AND PERFORMANCE OF THE E-P1 WITH THE NEW E-P2

New Electronic Viewfinder, External Audio Port, Autofocus Tracking and More Creative Control All in a Retro Black Metal Body – Looks as Good as it Performs

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., November 5, 2009 – Less than six months after launching the groundbreaking PEN E-P1 Micro Four Thirds camera, Olympus proves that evolutionary change can happen incredibly fast by releasing the E-P2 with even more power and performance. The new PEN, like the E-P1, is the world’s smallest 12.3-megapixel interchangeable lens system with In-body Image stabilisation. It blends the high-quality still images like that of a DSLR with High Definition (HD) video, stereo Linear PCM audio recording and In-Camera Creativity inside an ultra-portable body. Along with several new features, and eight in-camera Art Filters that can be applied to still images and HD videos, the result is mighty powerful and creative.

The innovative E-P2 offers more of what photo enthusiasts have been asking for:

* A stylish retro black metal body reminiscent of a traditional PEN camera;
* Accessory port to accommodate the included detachable VF-2 Electronic View Finder (EVF) or optional external microphone adaptor EMA-1;
* A newly-developed Continuous Autofocus (C-AF) Tracking System tracks the subject across or back-and-forward through the frame;
* Two new art filters: Diorama & Cross Process for greater creative expression in your still images and HD videos;
* iEnhance to automatically adjust colour and contrast for a more dramatic effect;
* Full Manual Control of shutter/aperture in Movie Mode; and
* HDMI Control of camera’s playback functions using the TV Remote when the camera is connected to an HDTV.

“The high demand for the E-P1 demonstrates that today’s photo enthusiasts and consumers want the high-quality imaging like that of DSLRs in a compact retro design. The fact that it also offers HD video, creative functions and high-end stereo sound makes it even more desirable,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Digital SLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “The new PEN builds on the success of the E-P1 by adding many of the features that were on enthusiasts’ wish list for the second generation: an EVF for composing with your eye close to the camera, the ability to add an external microphone, C-AF tracking, and a black metal body. With each new PEN, Olympus continues to enhance the line, and the future looks very bright.”

The E-P2 comes with either the small and lightweight Olympus M. ZUIKO Micro Four Thirds lenses: 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 (28-84mm equivalent) or 17mm f2.8 (34mm equivalent). The camera adds to the new category created by the E-P1: Not a P&S. Not an SLR. It’s a PEN.

Accessorize: Everything Goes with Basic Black

The E-P2 incorporates a new port for connecting new accessories including an optional EMA-1 Microphone adaptor and the VF-2 live-finder, a detachable electronic viewfinder that comes with the E-P2. The live-finder easily slides onto the camera’s accessory port and hot shoe when needed to provide 1.15x magnification, a 100% field of view with amazing resolution, brightness and contrast. The viewfinder refreshes quickly to minimize image ghosting on fast-moving subjects.

The VF-2 rotates up to 90 degrees to enable photographers to look down into it, which is useful when shooting subjects from challenging angles. The built-in diopter adjustment and high magnification offer easy viewing with and without glasses.

For those who want to capture enhanced audio, the new EMA-1 external microphone connector can be plugged into the new camera’s external accessory port. The connector will accept the optional Olympus ME-51S stereo microphone or any microphone of their choice.

Olympus has a variety of other accessories to maximize the functionality of the new PEN, including the previously released 14-42mm and 17mm Micro Four Thirds lenses. The MMF-1 Four Thirds System Lens adaptor makes E-P2 compatible with all Olympus ZUIKO Digital SpecificTM lenses and other Four Thirds System lenses from Sigma, Panasonic and Leica.

Olympus OM film-based lenses can be attached to the E-P2 with the MF-2 OM Lens adaptor. Additionally, an optional FL-14 flash unit, suitably small for the camera, adds more lighting versatility to your shots.

Stay focused on Your Targets Wherever They Roam

Sometimes it can be hard enough to keep up with kids, let alone take pictures of them. The E-P2’s new C-AF Tracking and AF Target Registration locks your subject into focus, and constantly adjusts focus and brightness whether you or your subject is moving. With this mode, a simple push of the shutter release enables you to keep fast-moving and unpredictable subjects in focus – tracking subjects from left to right and from front to back – within the frame, automatically ensuring that even active subjects are captured clearly.

Even More Ways to Create

Olympus pioneered easy-to-use in-camera art filters for still images captured inside its E-System DSLRs. It was the first company to offer the ability to apply art filters to High Definition video recordings captured with the E-P1. Now, the E-P2 continues this tradition of innovation with eight in-camera art filters, including two new filters: the Diorama and Cross Process. The Diorama art filter gives users a miniature model photo feeling by narrowing the depth of focus and enhancing colour and contrast. The selective focus that this filter offers lends intimacy to images of even the largest subjects like canyons or cityscapes.

The Cross Process art filter offers an unexpected look to images and videos by changing the colour and contrast of subjects on the fly. Using this mode can result in surreal other-worldly images. Whether you’re a videographer, documentarian or established director – or just want to shoot like one – Art Filters set your images and videos apart from the pack. Since they’re built into the camera, you can achieve dramatic results on the go without needing a computer or editing software. These new filters are a welcome addition to the Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light colour, Light Tone, Grainy Film and Pin Hole filters previously available on the E-P1.

Because the PEN is an interchangable lens system camera, you also have more creative options for video capture. You can attach any one of the new super-compact Micro Four Thirds lenses or, because the camera can accept many of the other Four Thirds Format lenses with an available MMF-1 Four Thirds System Lens adaptor, you can add anything from an extreme wide-angle fisheye lens to a super telephoto lens for a wide range of expressive options. All the while you will have more DSLR-like control over depth of field, focus, white balance and ISO. It begs the question, “What will you create?”

iEnhance for Radiant Colors

The E-P2 includes a new picture mode called iEnhance, which analyzes colours and brightness. The new mode mimics what the naked eye sees. For example, a beautiful sunset looks awesome in person and generally seems to fade when captured in an image. With iEnhance, the warm yellow and orange colours are heightened to be brilliant and closer to the actual scene. The result is exceptionally clear imaging with a dramatically lifelike colour. iEnhance can be used in any shooting mode – from program to manual – and automatically engages when in iAuto.

HDMI Control from Your HDTV Remote

The new PEN makes sharing your content easier than ever. Just connect the E-P2 to your HDTV with an optional HDMI cable and use your HDTV’s remote to control playback functions and navigate the camera’s menus from the comfort of your favourite couch or chair.

Manual in Movie Mode

The E-P2’s manual movie mode allows for independent control of aperture and shutter for expanded exposure and creative control. Now you can adjust the shutter to control the depth of focus while using the aperture to set the overall brightness of the video. This level of control allows you to express your vision exactly how you want in your HD videos.

Make a Design Statement

The E-P2’s high-end, stainless-steel all-black body is easy to handle and carry, and has the styling and refinement of a precision chronometer. Its retro-chic look turns heads, from tech-aficionados and camera buffs to the style-conscious and everyday point-and-shooter. Built rock solid, it fits comfortably in a jacket pocket or a handbag for impromptu street-shooting or any spontaneous adventure. The E-P2 lets you do more and go more places while capturing your life, thanks to its compact size – 4.74″(W) x 2.75″ (H) x 1.37″ (D) – and light 11.1-ounce body. Attention to detail is visible in every aspect of the PEN’s design, including the currently available small and lightweight 14-42mm and 17mm M. ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses as well as the newly announced 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 (18-36mm equivalent) and 14-150mm f4.0-5.6 (28-300mm equivalent) M. ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses.

Ultra-Compact Body Delivers Superior Image Quality

The E-P2 has everything you need to produce vibrant DSLR-quality images: a large 12.3-megapixel imager, In-body Image stabilisation, fast Imager Autofocus, the proven Olympus Dust Reduction System and the new TruePic™ V Image Processor.

As the second Micro Four Thirds camera from Olympus, the E-P2 provides the same image quality as current Four Thirds format E-System cameras because it has the same image sensor size as the E-30 and E-620 DSLR models, but in a much smaller body. This high-performance 12.3-megapixel Live MOS image sensor delivers excellent dynamic range, accurate colour fidelity, and a state-of-the-art amplifier circuit to reduce noise and capture fine image details in both highlight and shadow areas.

The E-P2’s Live MOS image sensor is complemented by Olympus’ TruePic™ V Image Processor, which produces clear and colorful photos using all the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible. The image processor is noted for accurate natural colour, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue skies and precise tonal expression; it also lowers image noise in photos shot at higher ISO settings (ISO 100 to ISO 6400), enabling great results in low-light situations.

Be a Mover, Not a Shaker

Any lens attached to the E-P2 will deliver blur-free images thanks to three modes of In-body Image stabilisation that compensate for up to four steps EV (exposure value). Mechanical Image stabilisation automatically compensates for camera shake in low light or when shooting without a tripod. Since the PEN is the world’s smallest interchangeable lens camera with In-body Image stabilisation, you’ll feel comfortable taking it on the road with you to capture the action. As an added advantage, the built-in image stabilisation works not only with the M. Zuiko lenses but all Four Thirds lenses and even older OM film-based lenses when used with the appropriate adaptor for the E-P2.

Small Real Estate with an Amazing 3-Inch LCD View

Consumers accustomed to composing and focusing using a point-and-shoot camera’s LCD will appreciate the E-P2’s 100 percent accurate, 3-inch full colour HyperCrystal LCD, which gives them the same easy, seamless experience when shooting still images or videos. The camera’s Live Control function makes it easy to compose, edit and shoot pictures or videos without stopping to access various menus. The E-P2’s fast Imager Autofocus in Live View also enables you to compose, focus and capture the shot quickly and easily without ever taking your eyes off the large LCD.

The LCD displays 230,000 pixels in vivid colour and includes HyperCrystal technology, which offers many times the contrast of conventional LCD monitors for easier viewing in both preview and playback. It also provides a wide viewing angle of 176 degrees, which ensures that images can be composed from even the most obscure angles.

This Camera Leaves Others in the Dust

You don’t have to waste precious time worrying about dust ruining the perfect image; instead, spend more of that time shooting with the E-P2. The proven Olympus Dust Reduction System produces spot-free photos with the exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter™, a patented ultrasonic technology that vibrates to remove dust and other particles from the front of the image sensor, capturing it on a special adhesive membrane every time the camera is turned on.

What You See Is What You Get

When viewing the LCD in Live View, Art Filter effects and settings like white balance and exposure are viewable right on the LCD, and their impact is seen instantly on the display. Real-time monitoring offers amazing versatility and creative control, and users who apply a setting have instant gratification because what they see on the camera’s LCD is what they’ve captured. For musicians used to applying audio effects like reverb to their instruments before recording them, the concept of setting the E-P2 to capture precisely the kind of image they want before they press the shutter makes perfect sense. For imaging purists who want to shoot without filters, and apply them to images inside the camera later, or just edit images back at their computers, the E-P2 provides these options and opens more in-the-field creative possibilities.

Mix It Up with Multiple Exposure

With the E-P2’s Multiple Exposure function available for still image capture, you are free to tell a visual story your way, whether in a portrait, a landscape or a combination of both. The image capture options allow you to shoot one shot, then another and combine them in real time, or capture both shots separately and combine them in the camera later. Overlay your face on top of your pet’s face. Create an “identical twin” of yourself. Put the moon in the sky at noon. Your ability to manipulate space and time makes this new creative multimedia device a veritable time machine.

Frame Your Works of Art Inside the PEN

You can often achieve greater photographic expression by framing a scene in a unique way. The E-P2 provides four aspect ratios that serve as masks to frame your image to the desired proportions, including: the standard 4:3 aspect ratio that is suited to an 8 x 10-inch enlargement; the 16:9 aspect ratio that will display your images beautifully on a widescreen television; and other popular aspect ratios such as 3:2 and 6:6. The Multi-Aspect Shooting further expresses your creative vision when combined with Art Filters and multiple exposures. What will you create?

Stereo Audio Sounds As Good As the PEN Images Look

Like the innovative Olympus LS-11 portable audio recording device that puts the power of a recording studio in your pocket, the E-P2 features uncompressed CD-quality 16 bit/44.1kHz Linear PCM stereo recording capability to capture the rich sound quality of your scene. When you shoot with the E-P2, it’s like having a sound technician built into your camera to capture the nuances of the audio happening all around you. It has the versatility to record and play back in the WAV format and can record with its built-in stereo microphone. Whether recording audio while shooting a video or adding audio by recording a narration to your still images, the E-P2’s audio sounds as great as its images look. Now, with the new stereo microphone adaptor, there is new freedom in audio capture with the PEN.

Create Your Own Multimedia Slideshows with Stills, Video and Audio Inside E-P2

Content is king, and with the E-P2 you have your own portable kingdom of still images, HD video, and audio to remix at your command. In playback mode you can seamlessly mix stills and movies inside the camera to create a multimedia slideshow; dub in one of five built-in dramatic background music options to provide a soundtrack for your cinematic creation. Plug the E-P2 into any HD television with an HDMI cable and show off your masterpieces to your audience before your DVD arrives in stores!

As Easy to Use as a Point-and-Shoot with SLR-Quality Technologies

The E-P2 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. Capturing beautiful portraits is easy with the new ePortrait Mode. It enables you to smooth your subject’s skin – all in the camera and before capture! Additionally, edits can be made post-capture using the ePortrait mode.

Shooting scenes with both highlights and shadows can often be a challenge because of the extreme contrast between dark and bright areas. The E-P2 addresses this challenge with Shadow Adjustment Technology that adjusts for extreme light variations and maintains visible detail in both the shadow and highlight areas of the scene. Now users can see and preview the gradation on the Live View LCD and capture images showing the shadow detail they saw. This feature is also accessible in the Edit menu after the shot has been taken.

The E-P2’s Face Detection reduces the chance of blurred subjects in images by recognising up to eight people’s faces and the background, tracking the faces within the image area, even if people are moving, and automatically focusing and optimizing exposure for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures (ideal for large family or party group photos).

Don’t like changing camera settings for each shooting situation? The E-P2’s Intelligent Auto Mode automatically identifies what you’re shooting (Portrait, Landscape, Night + Portrait, Macro, Sports) and adjusts settings to capture the best result depending on the situation. First-time users will enjoy this quick and hassle-free feature, which does the thinking for them and produces incredible images like a pro.

The E-P2 offers ease-of-use and flexibility to meet your shooting style. Choose the Live Control technology, an advanced control panel system that incorporates the use of the sub dial and enables you to see the image and the menu controls all at the same time on the LCD. As a result, you can use the main and sub dials to select modes and adjust settings without having to take your eyes off the subject. Or if you prefer, shoot with the Super Control Panel, which is familiar to any serious shooter. These options along with the camera’s intuitive button layout make the camera simple to use. The E-P2 records to SDHC media cards to accommodate large files including videos with In-Camera Creative Features and uncompressed audio.

Digital Leveler

The E-P2 is equipped with an internal Digital Level Sensor that detects the camera’s pitch and roll and indicates it on the control panel. This Digital Leveler is a tremendous benefit when capturing architecture and landscapes. Level the perfect coastline shot on your next tropical vacation without being tethered to a computer and editing software.

Magnified Focus Assist

The E-P2 provides two optional methods to help the user focus: a Magnified Focus (MF) Assist Function and Magnification Display. When using manual focus, the MF Assist feature aids with critical focus by allowing you to zoom in on part of the image by simply turning the focusing ring on the front of the lens. The Magnification Display enables you to selectively enlarge the image on the LCD at the touch of a button. This mode works for both autofocus and manual focus. Both MF Assist methods provide up to a 10x magnification of a single point of the image for critical focus; perfect for macro or still-life photography.

18×18 Metering Modes

This mode divides the image area into an 18 x 18 grid, metering each of the 324 separate cells to obtain optimum exposure. In addition to 324-division ESP metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering modes are also available.

OLYMPUS Master 2 Software

Use the included OLYMPUS Master 2 software (Mac and PC) to easily download images and videos from the camera or other external device, such as a USB drive, and automatically organize them into albums and groups and by date. Develop high-quality RAW images, apply Art Filter effects, edit and print images. Also, apply the most common editing functions to your HD videos. Update camera and lens firmware through the software and download additional menu languages. A direct link makes uploading your images and videos to YouTube™ easier than ever.

OLYMPUS Studio 2 (Trial Edition Included)

Extend the capability of Olympus Master 2 with Olympus Studio 2. In addition to the functions of OLYMPUS Master 2, this software includes a lightbox mode and selection marks for comparing and sorting multiple images. RAW processing is enhanced with additional controls for finer adjustments. The trial edition can be used for 30 days after installation. After the trial period has expired, a licence key is required for further use.

Availability

The Olympus E-P2 will be available in December 2009. It includes E-P2 Body, VF-2 Electronic View Finder, ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens or 17mm f2.8 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLS-1), Li-Ion Battery Charger (BCS-1), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS Master 2 Software CD-ROM, Manuals and Registration card.

U.S. Pricing / Product Configurations

E-P2 Body with ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens and Electronic View Finder

Estimated Street Price: $US1099.99

E-P2 Body with 17mm f2.8 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens and Electronic View Finder

Estimated Street Price: $US1099.99

Mark’s a micro four thirds convert, though he preferred Panasonic’s new GF1 to Olympus’s retro-sexy EP-1, which lacks features like a viewfinder and flash. Olympus might fix that tonight by announcing the EP-2, if the signs are to be believed. If so, I hope it looks just as good as the original. [Photo Rumors and 43 Rumors]

The Price

$US379

The Waterproofing and Toughness

It’s rated to 10 metres without a case, making it just as pressure resistant as the Powershot D10. And there’s a 30-metre case available for deeper excursions, too, which the Canon doesn’t have. It is the only periscoping internal zoom lens with a mechanised metal cover. Like the Pentax W80 and Canon Powershot D10, it can operate at down to -10C, making it ideal for winter sports. It’s shock rated to a drop of 2 metres and crushproof to 100kg. It’s heavy and almost completely metal. The screen and lens are coated with a water resistant substance, keeping droplets from getting in the way of clean shots. It’s a monster. All it needs is a damn turret and you could send it into a warzone.

The Pictures

Now for the slightly sad part. Relative to other test shots by other waterproof cameras, the photos were, well, middling and grainy. I don’t believe that picture quality is necessarily a main concern on waterproof cameras—water quality is a bigger determination here—but as an above water camera, there are better choices. I did find the multiple underwater modes for surf/snow on the ground (pumps exposure), the high speed and landscape under the sea, and video modes to be a nice touch. The camera is also dual stabilised using optical and high ISO to reduce shakes. The biggest problem I had was the focus lag which caused plenty of missed action shots. That was a negative thing for me in an otherwise great user experience. Oh, there’s a beauty mode, which combines face detection with softening algorithms on camera—there’s a cool animation with sparkles that it plays while it renders—that take wrinkles and shadows out of faces. Kind of works!

The Video-ooh No

What the shit: The 640×480 pixel video looked kind of jittery at times and was washed out all the time and—the worst part—limited to 10 second clips. This, for me, is somewhat of a deal breaker. When you’re outside, motion shots are a given. I need better video on this camera!

Quirks

Yes, it uses XD cards, and a variation of ye old mini and micro USB, so I had to hunt for some gear to transfer shots.

The Bottom Line

As tough as it gets, but photos are a little underwhelming and video fall way short. I’m definitely conflicted here.

The toughest point and shoot in the world

Video sucks

Photos a bit soft

Essentially an E-620 without the perks, the E-600 looks to be the exact same 12MP camera as its older sibling with the same 2.7 inch rotating live preview screen. But to bring the cost of a fully loaded 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 lens kit down by $US100, the aptly priced $US600 E-600 removes a few key features:

• backlit buttons (ouch)
• three art filters (no biggie)
• two-shot multi exposure mode (half ouch)
• aspect mask control (I admit to not knowing what the hell this is, so I’m going with “no biggie” but correct me if I’m wrong)

So if you were considering an E-620, it’s probably worth saving the extra $US100 to reinvest that cash into more glass—assuming you can wait for its release this November. [Imaging Resource via Electronista]

The Design:
You can see it from the moment you take the EP-1 out of the box – design is central to this camera’s very essence. Sure, it’s not a new design, but the silver body with leather trims are as classy as you can get, while the camera has a satisfying weight to it that really reminds you that it’s a premium piece of kit. That’s not to say it’s heavy – I spent a good chunk of Sunday with the Pen hanging from my neck, and barely noticed it was there.

The Lenses:
The EP-1 came with two micro four-thirds lenses in the box: a 17mm f2.8 wide angle and a 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 zoom. Both lenses worked pretty well, but it was the zoom lens that really captured my affection. Not because it was a superb piece of glass or anything, but because it locked down to about half the length when not in use. Once attached, you twist the lens to zoom and it would extend, but not retract all the way back in unless you pulled a switch. I love things like that.

The controls:
Easy, easy, easy. I’ve generally been a Canon man in the past, but I was blown away by how simple it was to adjust things like ISO, white balance, aperture and shutter speed. The Art mode was nice for a bit of fun, and Olympus’ standard 10 million 19 scene modes are just a turn of the mode dial away.

Video:
I only tested out the video recording feature at night in some fairly average lighting, and it showed. It wasn’t terrible quality – it actually looked fantastic on the Pen’s LCD – but when viewed on my laptop it was a bit grainy and noisy. Still, it was definitely good enough quality for YouTube, and that’s what we really care about, isn’t it?

Issues:
As I mentioned last week, the first thing I did with this camera was lift it to my eye to look through the viewfinder that doesn’t exist. Not that this is a big problem at all, but it does take some getting used to. The optional viewfinder attachment which slides into the hotshoe is an option, but it was frustrating when using the zoom lens – the viewfinder doesn’t zoom with the lens, so you actually have no idea of what you’re shooting.

Similarly, the lack of a built-in flash means that low light shots are a tad harder to capture. Ultimately this isn’t a bad thing, it’s just a change from what many photographers will be used to.

Bottom Line:
Right now, I really want to spend more time with this camera. I’m not completely in love with it yet, but I really want to continue this relationship to see where things go. There’s the potential for something very special with the EP-1 – I’m hoping Olympus let me play with it again sometime soon to see where this goes…

I’ve just taken it out of its box, so don’t expect too detailed a rundown of its pros and cons just yet. But even in those initial moments, its a weird sort of camera – although not necessarily in a bad way. The first thing I did, after attaching the lens and removing the lens cap, was to raise the camera to my eye like I would a traditional DSLR. I actually brushed the LCD against my nose before I remembered that the EP-1 doesn’t have a built-in viewfinder.

I’ll be playing around with this a fair bit over the weekend, as well as checking out the new Panasonic Lumix FP8 compact snapper. Fortunately we’re having a bit of a baby party on Sunday, so there should plenty of photos to be taken.

Anybody else have a date with a gadget this weekend?

The Olympus Pen E-P1 is a beautiful Micro Four Thirds re-imagining of the famous Pen half-frame DSLR from the 1960s. So it’s only suitable that the most distinctive part of their advertising campaign is, ahem, inspired by a previous work.

Above, you see Olympus’ “The PEN Story,” a charming collection of some 9600 prints strung together in stop motion animation. From the video’s YouTube description:

This is the PEN Story in stop motion. We shot 60.000 pictures, developed 9.600 prints and shot over 1.800 pictures again. No post production! Thanks to all the stop motion artists who inspired us. We hope you enjoy :-) Song & Lyrics by Johannes Stankowski
Produced and Arranged by Michael Kadelbach.

Thanks all around! Thanks for everyone! Now watch this:

That’s “Stop motion with wolf and pig,” a video made by this Japanese fellow. The aesthetic similarities are obvious, but forgivable. The conceptual similarities? Not so much. Our tipster:

From the beginning with opening envelope, to the stairs, trains, swimming, the whole thing is a complete rip off. Kind of crosses the line between inspiration and theft. Unless they hired him to do it, which seems unlikely.

That Olympus didn’t directly thank Mr. Wolf ‘n Pig doesn’t take away from the fact that their video is equally—if not more—technically impressive than the one that inspired it, but it couldn’t hurt to at least acknowledge the poor kid’s work a little more directly. [Thanks, Nick B! <— (see, that wasn't so bad!)]