Olympus E-P2 Reviews

Biofos reviews the Olympus E-P2 and writes;
“…the E-P2 is a fantastic camera; it is small and reasonably light and can be just about be classed as pocketable. Its standard kit zoom is very capable, delivering sharp and quite contrasty images. The amount of customization available means the machine can be set to match your expectations or can simply be left at default and still produce very good results.”
Rating: N/A

CNET.uk reviews the Olympus E-P2 and writes;
“The enhancements that Olympus has made to the E-P2 over its E-P1 predecessor are worthwhile but hardly earth-shattering. It’s a good-looking camera and the quality of both its photos and movies is great. But it can be awkward to use and it costs much more than a digital SLR with comparable specs”
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

TechRadar reviews the Olympus E-P2 and writes;
“In our field test in winter daylight, and indoors, we found that this made you highly reliant on the camera’s high ISO settings. Fortunately, the quality of results taken at settings from ISO640 to 1600 looked extremely good.”
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

CameraLabs reviews the Olympus E-P2 and writes;
“It’s a tough choice and the Olympus E-P2 is certainly a compelling option with its built-in stabilisation, far superior electronic viewfinder and the chance to connect an external microphone. But then others will prefer the more detailed screen, popup flash, faster AF and longer recording times of the GF1, not to mention its cheaper price.”
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

TheOnlinePhotographer reviews the Olympus E-P2 and writes;
“The LCDs on the E-P1 and E-P2 are perfectly usable; however, I’m used to viewfinders. And therefore, the E-P2 is simply a better camera for me. I would buy it.”
Rating: N/A

PhotographyBlog reviews the Olympus E-P2 and writes;
“Overall the E-P2 joins the list of cameras that we didn’t want to have to hand back at the end of the review period. And incidentally, for Pen completists a black leather body jacket is being offered by Olympus for the E-P2.”
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Steve’sDigicams reviews the Olympus E-P2 and writes;
“is the E-P2 worth the extra $300 over the E-P1. This is a tough one to answer. With improved performance and features like the added Art filters, new iEnhance option, Continuous AF tracking in both still and movie modes, nice tilting VF-2 electronic viewfinder, manual exposure control in movie mode, and the upgraded MF assist options, I feel the increased price tag is fair.”

CNET.Australia reviews the Olympus E-P2 and writes;
“the E-P2 was only 0.2 second quicker than the E-P1, clocking in at 1.1 seconds. Start up to first shot was 2.4 seconds. Again, as we mentioned with the E-P1, this is definitely not a camera you will be able to use if you value quick SLR responsiveness.”
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

LetsGoDigital reviews the Olympus E-P2 and writes;
“Excellent picture quality, good resolution and a special photography experience is what the Olympus Pen E-P2 stands for. Therefore we have to look for the tiny differences that on the one hand have a large impact on the photo experience, and on the other hand are only minimally present. The electronic viewfinder is great, truly a very special accessory and quite unique in the market. The AF Tracking is also a great addition, giving just that bit of extra AF power the P1 lacks.”
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

LetsGoDigital reviews the Olympus E-P2 and writes;
“Excellent picture quality, good resolution and a special photography experience is what the Olympus Pen E-P2 stands for. Therefore we have to look for the tiny differences that on the one hand have a large impact on the photo experience, and on the other hand are only minimally present. The electronic viewfinder is great, truly a very special accessory and quite unique in the market. The AF Tracking is also a great addition, giving just that bit of extra AF power the P1 lacks.”
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

CNET.asia reviews the Olympus E-P2 and writes;
“The bottom line: Olympus second effort for Micro Four Thirds camera feels somewhat half-hearted, but users who wish to try their hands on this new format will find the E-P2 an attractive choice.”
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Olympus E-P2 User Reviews

GREAT knockabout small camera Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
“Bottom line: this camera represents a fantastic compromise between price, portability and picture quality. For those who can’t take their big DSLRs everywhere they want to take pictures, this is the best camera I’ve found. Folks who are moving up from point and shoots should get a “real” DSLR as their move-up camera; this thing is really for those who already have DSLRs and looking for a great 2nd camera. “ – Kaufman

Can’t live with it Can’t live without it Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
“I had been waiting for a camera like this for a few years and had tried what was already on the market but wasn’t happy with the quality of the image and kept returning those cameras. This camera meets or exceeds my expectations for a camera of this size and weight…. “ – William

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Olympus E-P2 Sample Photos

- Olympus E-P2 Sample Photos @ CameraLabs
- Olympus E-P2 Sample Photos @ PhotographyBlog
- Olympus E-P2 Sample Photos @ Steve’sDigicams
- Olympus E-P2 Sample Photos @ LetsGoDigital

Olympus E-P2 User Manual (PDF)

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- Download Olympus E-P2 User Manual (PDF – 14.3MB)

Olympus E-P2 Press Release

London, 5 November 2009 – Welcome back to the PEN story and the next chapter: “Back to Black”. This latest retro-chic digital Olympus PEN builds on EISA’s 2009/2010 “Best Camera of the Year”, an icon of style and quality. To enrich photographic potential, the new E-P2 includes a port for an electronic viewfinder or external microphones. Two additional Art Filters combine with the new i-Enhance function for yet more creativity and image enhancement. Two new Micro Four Thirds lenses are due in the first half of 2010: the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 (18-36mm*) super wide-angle zoom and M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 (28-300mm*) high-power telephoto zoom lenses. Cloaked in classic black, the hybrid photo and HD movie Olympus PEN boldly brings fun and simplicity back to SLR quality. It’s the next exciting chapter in a photographic story that is set to run and run. Available from January 2010 for £850 including the electronic viewfinder.

Building on brilliance
The new generation of PEN (E-P2) boasts an enviable pedigree. It comes hot on the heels of Olympus’ award-winning first Micro Four Thirds System camera inspired by the revolutionary Maitani design of the original PEN series. This second digital model takes usability and functionality even further by with diverse fresh features:

* Accessory port for accessories like viewfinder and microphones
* Two additional Art Filters (Diorama and Cross Process)
* Colour-boosting i-Enhance function
* AF tracking
* Remote slideshow control (via HDMI)
* HD movies in M-mode

Experience true framing freedom
A dedicated accessory port on the back of the camera extends flexibility. The first compatible device, an electronic viewfinder is included with the E-P2. Enjoy bright, high-resolution depictions under all conditions and a 100% field of view. Tiltable by up to 90°, reminiscent of medium format camera viewfinders it also promotes shooting from unique perspectives. Viewing picture information and adjustments as you go is a given. More accessory port attachments starting with an external microphone adapter for a variety of microphones will also follow soon.

Click for creativity
Inspiring creativity, two new Art Filters join the six already introduced by the E-P1. Use Diorama to create the illusion of a model world or flip colours around with Cross Process, both available for use in still or HD movie mode. Meanwhile, the new i-Enhance function boosts specified colours within the frame to add even more punch to the image if you so desire. Like its predecessor, the E-P2 offers the choice of aspect ratios and multiple exposures. Also remaining on board is the level gauge, i-Auto mode, and the flattering e-Portrait option.

AF tracking is added making the sharp capture of moving subjects easier than ever and when it’s time to take a look at the results, just kick back and relax as high-definition slideshows and HD movies can be viewed using the remote of a TV set connected to the camera via HDMI.

A legacy of chic styling and SLR quality continues
The latest PEN inherits the inimitable looks and ultra-compact form of its critically-acclaimed sister model in addition to all its outstanding technologies. Photographers benefit from a defined high-end standard based on the Micro Four Thirds System that guarantees SLR quality results. The large pool of compatible interchangeable lenses provides tremendous versatility – from the ultra-slimline M.ZUIKO DIGITAL Pancake to the complete Four Thirds lens line-up (with adapter). Attachment of an external flash unit, such as the retro-styled Olympus FL-14, extends the possibilities even more.

Reliably crisp images are secured through the 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS sensor combined with a dust reduction system and high-performance in-camera image stabilisation giving protection against shake to 4 EV. And at the core of this PEN is the guarantor for fast, top-quality image processing, even at up to ISO 6400: the state-of-the-art TruePic V engine. The Live Control GUI simplifies operation while the effect of functions can be monitored in real time – on both the 7.6cm/3.0” HyperCrystal LCD and the 1,440,000 dot electronic viewfinder.

HD movie magic
Capable of recording AVI format movies in 30fps 1280×720p HD resolution and boasting immaculate PCM sound quality, the PEN also lets users discover the magic of movie making. Seven minutes of footage can be recorded in a single shot. Furthermore, many still photography functions and options; including the application of Art Filters, depth of field, angle of view and AF tracking, remain operational in movie mode. Another new perk is the ability to film using the M-mode, good news for those with a creative touch. And because shooting is possible using any attached lens, a whole new world of framing potential emerges. Users can also capture high resolution still shots while filming at the touch of a button.

The Olympus E-P2 builds on its coveted predecessor’s wealth of high-performance temptations. “With the first PEN, many journalists and experts already told us that we had defined a totally new camera segment. Adding superb new features like an accessory port, viewfinder and new Art Filters has made an already incredible camera even better” explains Mark Thackara, National Marketing Manager at Olympus UK. This retro-cool model is finished in classic black and will become available from January 2010 at a price of £849 including the electronic viewfinder. An optional, matching black leather body jacket will also be on offer.

Pricing:

Full UK pricing on all kits is yet to be confirmed. The E-P2 14-42 Zoom kit with viewfinder included is expected to have an RRP of £849. This and the other kit prices will be confirmed nearer the availability date.

The Olympus E-P2 – main features:

Small & stylish design

* Extremely small and light-weight Micro Four Thirds System
* Stylish design with black metal finish
* Accessory port to clip-on electronic viewfinder and microphone adapter

SLR image quality

* 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor
* TruePic V image processor
* Built-in IS with max. 4 EV steps efficiency
* Adapter for all ZUIKO DIGITAL & OM lenses

Easy operation

* Live Control GUI for intuitive handling & real-time views of effects
* Automatic recognition of common scenes possible with i-Auto
* i-Enhance function to boost colours
* Clear skin with e-Portrait
* AF Tracking
* Two dials for easy handling
* Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology
* 20 shooting modes (5 exposure, i-Auto, 14 scene modes)

Creativity & HD Movie

* HD Movie with stereo sound featuring depth of field and Art Filters now available in M-mode
* 8 Art Filters, Multi-Aspect ratios
* Multi Exposure function
* Art Filters can be applied to previously taken RAW images in the camera and with Olympus software
* Enhanced creativity with special lenses e.g. fisheye is available via Four Thirds lens adapter

Additional features of the Olympus E-P2:

* Based on the Micro Four Thirds Standard
* HDMI interface
* Linear PCM sound recording
* Level gauge
* Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface
* 3fps with sequential shooting (max. 10 in RAW mode)
* ISO 100-6400
* Bracketing functions for white balance and exposure
* Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction system
* Wide dynamic range in highly lit areas
* Simultaneous writing of RAW and JPEG
* SD memory card slot (SDHC compatible)
* High-speed data writing and lossless RAW compression
* 7.6cm/3.0” HyperCrystal LCD
* AE/AF lock functionality
* Auto gradation adjustment to prevent blown highlights and
blocked-in shadows
* Remote release possible via the optional remote cable RM-UC1

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