Yeah, that leak did a number on the official “release moment” of Olympus’ new micro four-thirds camera. All the stats are there, but I forbore from weighing in on the thing. I’m cautious but bullish about the M4/3 phenomenon; they’re legit to be sure, but this first generation isn’t going to break any sales records. They’re too expensive and too limited at the moment — but that’s how DSLRs were back in the day, and now everyone wants one.
I suspect the non-SLR interchangeable-lens camera (AKA the EVIL system) will replace the point and shoot, and the phone or PMP will fill that snapshot role. But until they get that price down it’s not going to happen.
The E-P2 looks like an interesting camera. The problem I see right off the bat is that it’s almost the exact same camera that Peter found so underwhelming six months ago. Maybe he didn’t give it a chance, and maybe it was just in need of stuff like this accessory port to make it worthwhile, but the fact is that it’s not bringing a lot for the money.
You can get a fantastic DSLR and a lens or two for the price of an E-P2, or buy an incredibly slick point and shoot and have enough money left over to take a short vacation. It doesn’t mean the M4/3 style is bad, just that it’s new and doesn’t offer the same value proposition as the established technologies. $1100 is a lot to spend on a camera — enough that even early adopters will think twice. Especially considering how quickly Olympus improved on the E-P1. Why not wait?
Olympus is very proud of its electronic viewfinder, and I think the accessory port it fits into makes the E-P2 a tasty little gadget. Maybe you want a crossover device for home videos but the EVF isn’t really necessary. Okay, here’s decent 720p video with great sound through a real mic. Maybe you want a party cam, but don’t trust a point-and-shoot’s crappy little flash. Hey, it’s got a hot shoe and you’ll probably get some other stuff for the accessory port anyhow.
We may see the new Pen cameras (among their M4/3 brethren) grow into an interesting platform, but until they cost less than, say, a Rebel T1i or some such, the only thing they have to recommend them is their size. But this isn’t the last you’ll be hearing of micro four-thirds, not by a long shot.
I still think these M4/3 cameras are only for camera enthusiasts. The everyday consumer will not want a camera with an interchangeable lens. Not convenient. This is the mp3 era where everything is not about quality, but about being good enough.
Agreed these cameras are for enthusiasts, but I think the format will succeed. My vote is for the GF-1 which I tested side by side with the EP2 (I bought the GF-1)
The EP2 is cute and retro styled but the scroll wheel is cheap and loose feeling and the 20mm lens is slower than the 20mm 1.7 offered by Panasonic.
The consumer is already voting and the GF-1 is sold out just about everywhere. These cameras offer great value for money when compared to a DSLR.
The format sits between a compact which is for everybody and the DSLRs which are really more for pros.
What you get is more control over depth of field and a very nice image.
So yes these cameras are for enthusiasts but there’s a lot of us. If you love taking pictures and have a more than point and shoot in your wheelhouse of creativity you will love this camera and for $899 the GF-1 will rock your camera fetish.
As I said in my comments on the GH1 post. The best camera is the one you have with you and these cameras are exactly what enthusiasts want.
Did I read wrongly. You mean you’re testing E-P2 already? I though it is not in the market yet (announcement only).
I’m looking forward to compare it as well. I was hoping E-P2 could have improve on what is lack on E-P1.
If this format really does take over the point-and-shoot segment, I’m curious as to how many people will complain that there’s no button to zoom and they have to zoom the lens manually.