Olympus PEN E-P1

From TakenWithM43

Olympus PEN E-P1
Olympus Pen img 3486.jpg
Silver E-P1 w/ 14–42mm lens & VF-1 optical viewfinder
Overview
MakerOlympus
TypeMicro Four Thirds
ProductionSeptember 2009 (2009-09) – December 2010 (2010-12)
Intro price$750 USD body only (as of September 2009)
Lens
Lens mountMicro Four Thirds
Compatible lensesMicro Four Thirds/
Four Thirds via opt. MMF1 adapter
Image sensor
SensorFour Thirds
Sensor typeLive MOS
Sensor size17.3mm × 13mm
Maximum resolution4,034 × 3,024 (12.2 megapixels)
Stabilization2-axis IBIS
SensitivityISO 200–6400; Extended: 100
File format(s)JPEG, RAW
Color space(s)sRGB, AdobeRGB
Image processing
Image processorTruePic V
White balanceTungsten / Fluorescent (3) / Sunlight / Flash / Overcast / Shade
WB bracketing3 frames; ±2, 4, 6 mired steps
Orientation sensorBuilt-in
Focusing
FocusCDAF or Manual
Focus modesSingle AF (S-AF), Continuous AF (C-AF), Manual (MF), S-AF + MF
Focus areasFace detection / 11-area / Single area
Focus peakingNone
Exposure/metering
Exposure bracketing3 frames (0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1 EV steps)
Exposure modesAuto / Program / Aperture priority / Shutter priority / Manual / Art Filter / Scene
Exposure metering0–18 EV (324-zone multi-pattern sensing system)
Metering modesESP / Spot / Center-weighted / Highlight / Shadow
Flash
FlashExternal (not bundled)
Flash synchronization1⁄30–1⁄180 sec.
Compatible flashessee flash compatibility
Shutter
ShutterVertical travel focal-plane
Shutter speed rangeMech.: 1⁄4,000–2 sec.; Bulb: up to 30 min.
Burst rate3 fps
Intervalometer2-sec. or 12-sec. self-timer only
Viewfinder
ViewfinderVF-1 optical
Electronic viewfinderNone
Rear screen
TypeColor HyperCrystal LCD
Size3 in (76 mm) / 3:2 aspect
Resolution230K pixel
TouchscreenNone
Screen movementNone
Firmware
Initial version1.0
Latest version1.4 (as of April 15, 2010)
User flashableYes
Video capabilities
see Video formats
Connectivity
AV Port(s)Mini HDMI (type C) / RCA video out
Data Port(s)USB 2.0
Physical
Body featuresMetal / silver or white
Weather sealedNo
DimensionsWidth: 120.5 mm (4.74 in)
Height: 70.0 mm (2.76 in)
Depth: 35.0 mm (1.38 in)
Weight335 g (11.8 oz) (body only)
General
BatteryBLS-1 (Li-ion 7.2V, 1,150mAh)
Recording mediaSD, SDHC Class 6 recommended
Made inFlag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
SuccessorOlympus PEN E-P2
References
[1] [2](p4) [3] [4]

The Olympus PEN E-P1 is a digital mirrorless camera that is part of the Micro Four Thirds (M43) system. It was Olympus's first M43 offering and the initial model in the company's PEN line of rangefinder-style cameras. It is commonly referred to as simply the E-P1.

Rollout[edit | edit source]

The E-P1 was announced by Olympus on June 16, 2009.[5] It was available in black or silver and was initially priced at US$750 for a body-only kit, i.e. without a lens.[3]

It was the third camera for the system after the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1.


Features[edit | edit source]

The design of the E-P1 is reminiscent of the Olympus Pen half frame film cameras which were popular in the 1960s and hence the new camera is marketed as the Olympus digital PEN. The E-P1 takes a number of design queues from the Olympus Pen F, by which it was clearly inspired.

A pair of lenses were introduced by Olympus alongside the E-P1, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 14–42mm f/3.5–5.6 zoom and the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8 pancake-style prime lens. Reviewers noted that with the exception of the optical viewfinder, the E-P1 retained most of the features found on the Olympus E-620, a larger Four Thirds system DSLR, despite its compact M43 form factor.[2]

In addition to Micro Four Thirds lenses, Olympus offered adapters for Four Thirds lenses and OM Zuiko lenses originally manufactured for use on the classic OM series of film SLR cameras that Olympus produced in the 1970s and 1980s. These lenses could be used due to the short flange focal distance of the M43 design. Third party suppliers would add adapters for manual focus lenses in many different lens mounts.

The E-P1 does not have a built-in optical or electronic viewfinder, but instead uses the large 3-inch (76 mm) color "HyperCrystal" LCD on the rear of the camera. The fixed LCD panel with anti-reflective coating presents a 100% live view of the image as captured by the sensor. Olympus offered an accessory optical viewfinder, the VF-1, which was mounted in the flash hotshoe atop the camera and provided for an angle of view to match the 17mm lens.

The E-P1 auto focuses using contrast-detect autofocus.[2] Other features include 720p/ 30 frames per second video recording[2](p15) with the ability to process the video in camera with different effects.

In an interview, Mr Akira Watanabe, SLR Planning Department Manager for Olympus Imaging, explained that the E-P1 was developed to meet the demands of those who wanted a DSLR, but without the size problems that come with one.[6]

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, the first Micro Four Thirds camera

Comparison with Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1[edit | edit source]

At the time of the announcement of the Olympus E-P1, there were two other Micro Four Thirds camera on the market, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1, which is a hybrid video/stills camera. The three cameras materialize very different concepts, but all are built around a Four Thirds sized sensor and the Micro Four Thirds lens mount.

Both the G1 and GH1 have DSLR-inspired designs, with a hump on the top of the camera and a prominent grip for the right hand. The hump was necessary to accommodate the pentaprism in SLRs, but here it housed the electronic viewfinder (EVF). The E-P1, in contrast, has rangefinder-style design with a flat top and a tight button layout on the rear owing to its small size. In addition to the pentaprism hump and the grip the G1/GH1 adopted other conventions of the SLR-style including more dials and switches on the top and a looser button configuration on the rear. The E-P1 has a aluminium body, while the G1/GH1 are made of molded plastic. These two aesthetics (SLR-style vs. rangefinder-style) would continue to define future M43 cameras, with both companies eventually delivering cameras of each style

The E-P1 is more feature-rich than the G1 which is unsurprising given that it sold at a $200 price premium. The E-P1 has a built-in 2-axis sensor stabilization system and video recording capabilities, 6400 maximum ISO, the G1 does not have any of these. However, the G1 has an adjustable angle display, an electronic viewfinder and a built-in flash.


Successor[edit | edit source]

Further information: List of Micro Four Thirds cameras

The E-P1 was replaced by the Olympus PEN E-P2 which was announced on November 5, 2009.[7][8] The entry-level Olympus PEN E-PL1 was added a few months later.[9]


Reviews[edit | edit source]

Selected reviews of the E-P1:


Awards & recognition[edit | edit source]

  • The European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) named the E-P1 its best "European Camera" for 2009–2010.[16]
  • The PEN E-P1 was named the 2010 "Camera of the Year" by the Japanese Camera Journal Press Club. It also garnered the "Readers Award" from the same group based on the results of an online poll.[17][18]


Manuals & catalogs[edit | edit source]

Manuals
Catalogs


External links[edit | edit source]

Media related to Olympus E-P1 at Wikimedia Commons

  • "Olympus PEN E-P1 (product page)". Olympus UK. UK. Archived from the original on 2009-07-10.
  • "Q&A for E-P1". Olympus Japan. Archived from the original on 2017-12-16.


Images[edit | edit source]

Camera images
  • Olympus E-P1

  • Back view

  • Bottom view

  • Top view w/ 17mm lens

  • Front view w/ 17mm lens

  • Top view (closeup)

  • Back view (closeup)

  • Mode dial

Images taken with E-P1

Media related to Taken with Olympus E-P1 at Wikimedia Commons


Firmware updates[edit | edit source]

Olympus has released four firmware updates for the E-P1:[4]

Version Release Date Notes
1.0 — Original
1.1 September 15, 2009[23]
  1. Improved operation when using C-AF (continuous AF).
1.2 January 13, 2010[24]
  1. Reduced time of the MF ASSIST enlarged display to improve operability.
  2. REC VIEW enabled when the monitor's backlight is set to off.
1.3 March 3, 2010[25]
  1. Resolved issue in firmware version 1.2 where LEVEL GAUGE display did not move when using MF (manual focus)
1.4 April 15, 2010[26]
  1. Improved Auto Focus function when shooting still images and movies.
  2. Improved tracking of C-AF (continuous AF) when recording movies while using M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 lens or M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6.
  3. Support for the new M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 lens. Frame rate of live view may be reduced if this lens is used without updating firmware.
Information about this update


Recording formats[edit | edit source]

Still photography formats[edit | edit source]

File formats Image capture options Aspect ratio Image sizes
Size Resolution (Pixels) Megapixels
JPEG, Raw or both Super Fine (SF)
Fine (F)
Normal (N)
Basic (B) 		4:3[a] (L)arge 4,032 x 3,024 12.2
(M)edium 3,200 x 2,400 7.7
2,560 x 1,920 4.9
1,600 x 1,200 1.9
(S)mall 1,280 x 960 1.2
1,024 x 768 0.8
640 x 480 0.3
Notes:
  1. ↑ Other aspect ratios supported are: 3:2, 16:9 and 6:6 (i.e. square). These are simply cropped from the standard (4:3) image.

Video formats[edit | edit source]

AVI Motion JPEG[edit | edit source]

Menu designation Aspect ratio Resolution (pixels) Frame rate (frames/sec.) Max. recording time (min.) Max. file size Sound
HD 16:9 720p (1280 × 720) 30 7 2 GB Stereo PCM/16bit, 44.1kHz, WAV
SD 4:3 VGA (640 × 480) 14


Sources[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "PEN E-P1". Olympus UK & Ireland. Archived from the original on 2009-07-27. Retrieved 2009-09-25.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Joinson, Simon; Westlake, Andrew (July 29, 2009). "Olympus Pen E-P1 In-depth Review". Digital Photography Review. Archived from the original on 2021-11-08. Retrieved 2021-12-14.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Olympus E-P1 Pen Digital Camera Body (Silver)". B&H Photo and Video (US retailer). Archived from the original on 2009-09-09.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "PEN E-P1 Software & Apps". Olympus US Support. Archived from the original on 2020-09-28. Retrieved 2021-12-14.
  5. ↑ "Introduction of OLYMPUS PEN E-P1 Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens system camera". Olympus Global (Press release). June 16, 2009. Archived from the original on 2019-04-17. Retrieved 2021-12-15.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Grayson, Matt (June 18, 2009). "Olympus E-P1 Digital Camera Review". ePHOTOzine. UK. Archived from the original on 2020-08-07. Retrieved 2009-09-25.
  7. ↑ "Introducing the OLYMPUS PEN E-P2 Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens system camera with detachable Live Viewfinder". Olympus Global (Press release). November 12, 2009. Archived from the original on 2020-10-28. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
  8. ↑ "Olympus launches E-P2 Micro Four Thirds camera". Digital Photography Review. November 5, 2009. Archived from the original on 2015-01-23. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
  9. ↑ "Introducing the New Generation System Camera OLYMPUS PEN E-PL1 Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens system camera with a new Live Guide interface". Olympus Global (Press release). February 3, 2010. Archived from the original on 2010-04-10. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
  10. ↑ Barnett, Shawn; Weidelich, Zig; Etchells, Dave (September 25, 2009). "Olympus E-P1 Review". Imaging Resource. Archived from the original on 2021-04-25. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
  11. ↑ Laing, Gordon (November 28, 2009). "Olympus PEN E-P1". Camera Labs. Archived from the original on 2021-05-08. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
  12. ↑ Ryan, Philip (September 30, 2009). "Camera Test: Olympus E-P1". Popular Photography. Archived from the original on 2017-06-16. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
  13. ↑ Farace, Joe (January 1, 2010). "Olympus' E-P1; The Return Of The Olympus Pen". Shutterbug. Archived from the original on 2021-02-27. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
  14. ↑ Goldstein, Mark (July 13, 2009). "Olympus E-P1 Review". Photography Blog. Archived from the original on 2021-04-22. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
  15. ↑ Hogan, Thom (2009). "Olympus E-P1 Review". ByThom.com. Archived from the original on 2010-09-19.
  16. ↑ "Photography awards: 2009-2010". EISA. Archived from the original on 2017-09-19.
  17. ↑ "Olympus Celebrates PEN E-P1 Grand Prix Victory". Amateur Photographer. June 1, 2010. Archived from the original on 2020-10-29. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
  18. ↑ "OLYMPUS PEN E-P1 receives Japan Camera Grand Prix 2010 Camera of the Year and Readers Awards". Olympus (Press release). May 20, 2010. Archived from the original on 2021-03-05. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
  19. ↑ "Olympus Digital Camera E-P1 Instruction Manual" (PDF). Olympus USA. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2021-12-16. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
  20. ↑ "Not a Point & Shoot. Not an SLR...It's a PEN" (PDF). ManualsLib. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2021-12-16. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
  21. ↑ "Olympus E-P1 System Chart" (PDF). Olympus USA. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2021-12-16. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
  22. ↑ "Camera Finder / Olympus / E-P1". Flickr. Archived from the original on 2021-12-14. Retrieved 2021-12-14.
  23. ↑ Arva-Toth, Zoltan (September 15, 2009). "Olympus Issues Firmware Updates for E-P1 & Two Lenses". Photography Blog. Archived from the original on 2010-01-16. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
  24. ↑ Arva-Toth, Zoltan (January 13, 2010). "Olympus E-P1 Firmware 1.2". Photography Blog. Archived from the original on 2010-01-15. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
  25. ↑ Arva-Toth, Zoltan (March 3, 2010). "Olympus E-P1 Firmware 1.3". Photography Blog. Archived from the original on 2010-06-20. Retrieved 2021-12-16.
  26. ↑ Arva-Toth, Zoltan (April 15, 2010). "Olympus to Release Firmware Updates for Micro Four Thirds Cameras". Photography Blog. Archived from the original on 2010-04-19. Retrieved 2021-12-16.


Preceded by
None: new line 		Olympus/OMDS PEN digital cameras
September 2009–December 2010 		Succeeded by
Olympus Pen E-P2


Micro Four Thirds camera timeline
Brand Form Class 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Olympus/ OM System SLR-style
OM-D/ OM 		Professional E-M1X ‡
High-end E-M1 E-M1 II ‡ E-M1 III ‡ OM-1 ‡
Advanced E-M5 E-M5 II E-M5 III ‡
Mid-range E-M10 E-M10 II E-M10 III E-M10 IV
Entry-level E-M10 IIIs
Rangefinder
style
PEN 		Advanced PEN-F
Mid-range E-P1 E-P2 E-P3 E-P5 E-P7
Upper-entry E-PL1 E-PL2 E-PL3 E-PL5 E-PL6 E-PL7 E-PL8 E-PL9 E-PL10
Entry-level E-PM1 E-PM2
remote Air A01
Panasonic SLR style Hybrid GH1 GH2 GH3 GH4 GH5 GH6 ‡
Hybrid (streaming) GH5 II
High-end Photo G9 ‡
Mid-range G1 G2 G3 G5 G6 G7/ G70 G8/ G80/ G81/ G85 G90/ G91/ G95/ G99
Entry-level G10 G100/ G110
Rangefinder style Advanced GX1 GX7 GX8 GX9/ GX7 Mark III
Mid-range GM1/ GM1S GM5 GX85/ GX80/ GX7 Mk. II
Entry-level GF1 GF2 GF3 GF5 GF6 GF7 GF8 GX800/ GX850/ GF9 GF10/ GF90/ GX880
Video-focused SLR-style GH5S
Pro camcorder AG-AF100 series AG-AF100A series
Box-style BGH1
Kodak Rangefinder style Entry-level S-1
DJI Drone Professional Zenmuse X5R Zenmuse X5S
Enthusiast Zenmuse X5
YI Rangefinder style Entry-level M1
Blackmagic Design Rangefinder style High-End Video Cinema Camera
Pocket Cinema Camera Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Micro Cinema Camera
Z CAM 6K video E2-S6
4K video E1 E2
Mid-range E2-M4
Entry-level E2C
JVC Camcorder Professional GY-LS300
SVS-Vistek Industrial EVO Tracer EXO Tracer
Brand Form Class 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
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