Someone really ought to explain to the British Journal of Photography how to keep a secret. They leaked the Nikon D3s early, and now they’ve dropped the new Olympus E-P2 as well, which was expected to be announced later tonight. I guess they just think they’re too cool for school. Or maybe they read the embargo time wrong.
To be fair, much of the announcement was already leaked — we knew about the body style, as well as the electronic viewfinder and microphone add-ons. However the official specs are new.
Here are the vital statistics:
- 12MP
- 720p video at 30fps
- Manual focus and aperture control in video mode (awesome)
- AF tracking (focus lock for moving objects, handy)
- Tiltable electronic viewfinder (800×600, looks nice)
- Optional microphone adapter for better sound (very good)
- Some new image modes
It actually seems that the camera itself hasn’t changed much from its predecessor. The big add-on is the accessory port, which will probably sport more stuff than an EVF and mic in the near future. Price is quoted as £849 (~$1400), however I believe that includes both EVF and lens, since the original E-P1 cost $750 for a body-only version. The poor Brits have historically paid more in these situations, so I think we can expect a more reasonable price than that.
And shame, shame on BJP for leaking this information.
[via 43Rumors and PhotoRumors]
This is an interesting camera, but I’m not too sure its worth the price. You can easily pickup an older model DSLR from either Canon or Nikon for that money and its very likely to be better. This includes a good quality lens.
As far as I ca tell, this camera is selling on the gimiky look alone.
Monica S
Los Angeles Computer Repair
http://www.sebecomputercare.com
Nah, you might think that Monica, but with all my nice lenses and plenty of access to really nice SLRs, my wife still chooses to carry around a P&S in her purse, because she says SLRs are just too bulky and cumbersome. She is really interested in this type of camera though, because it gives her the flexibility of different lenses, without the bulk.
Jizz in my pants that camera looks awesome. Can’t wait to hear more about it.
I love its black color and new EVF (800 x 600). Don’t know if it’d be better than the GF1.
Monica, although principally I agree with some of your comment, this camera is not about competing with DSLR’s, which for the most part it can in respect to image quality and features, however this camera and the Lumix GF1 are about size and weight reduction in the hand as they are very small and light compared to even the lightest smallest DSLR’s.
The current E-P1 weighs a fifth of the lightest DSLR’s and has a sensor the size of Texas when compared to the very best P&S cams out there – the micro 4/3 format even though young, could very well be a serious professional bridge between DSLR & P&S size cameras.
The GF1 with its 20mm lens can produce mind boggling stunning images comparable to any pro-sumer DSLR.
As for price, these cams really should be in the $500-750 range with lens and I am sure with time they will fall in line with that, well that is of course unless Panasonic and Olympus make enough of them…
yea shame on BJP! shameeee!!
it’s a sweet camera, but I like panasonics camera better. Although they have a sweet retro design on the ep1.