Center Valley, PA—Starting this month, the smallest, lightest and the most portable Olympus Pen camera—the E-PM1—will be available in six stylish colors (purple, pink, brown, white, silver, black) for $499.99.
Olympus says the “Pen Mini” is also the easiest Pen to use, with simple controls and a new user interface developed to take the guesswork out of capturing the perfect shot; menu options such as art filters, iAuto and scene modes, and movie recording are easily accessible. A step up from a point-and-shoot camera, the 12.3 megapixel E-PM1 provides a one-touch button to shoot up to 29 minutes of 1080i HD video with stereo sound, while six built-in art filters enhance artistry. Every art filter can be used in all shooting modes, including HD movie mode, to achieve dramatic results on the go without the need for a computer or editing software.
“The Olympus Pen E-PM1 is the ideal camera for those interested in DSLR quality in a compact camera design. It’s fun to use, super powerful, and its small size means it’s the ‘goes anywhere you go’ Pen camera,” said Katie Roseman, senior product manager, Olympus Imaging America. “Whether you’re recording your child blowing out the candles on a birthday cake, capturing an elaborate candlelit table setting at your favorite restaurant or chronicling a vacation, you will never worry about missing a fun or spontaneous moment with the Pen Mini by your side.”
To further ease of use, on-screen graphics appear on the 3.0-inch LCD, and a pop-up guide helps users understand settings. The E-PM1’s live guide system allows shooters to preview effects as they adjust them before the image is captured. And iAuto mode automatically identifies the scene—portrait, landscape, night portrait, macro or sport—and adjusts the settings to optimize results. User can also choose from 23 scene-select modes, including 3D mode, fireworks, sunset, children, macro, panorama, and more.
The camera’s sensor is the same size as those used in pro-quality DSLRs, and it’s complemented by Olympus’s in-body image stabilization technology, which makes it possible to use any compatible lens from wide angle to telephoto. New face detection autofocus adjusts focus automatically on the subject’s eyes, and photographers don’t need to worry about subjects appearing too dark against a light background with the E-PM1’s Advanced Shadow Adjustment technology.
Other features include: an AF Illuminator LED beam that permits the camera to focus faster in low light; a maximum sensitivity of 12,800 ISO; a slide-on flash included with camera; and compatibility with a range of interchangeable lenses, accessories and flashes.
The Olympus Pen E-PM1 kit will be available in September and includes the MSC M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm II R f/3.5-5.6 lens and FL-LM1 flash unit. $499.99. olympusamerica.com