Olympus Launches New PEN Cameras - E-P3, E-PL3, E-PM1

Olympus updated their entire PEN line of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras today, introducing successors to the venerable E-P2 and E-PL2 models as well as a new entry into the Olympus PEN family. These exciting new cameras bring new innovations into the world of the Micro Four Thirds System.

Olympus PEN E-P3



Designed as the new flagship of the Olympus PEN series, the E-P3 is aimed at camera buffs looking for a camera that combines traditional style and functionality with advanced digital capabilities and top-notch performance.

Featuring a new FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor) autofocus system, the E-P3 is touted to be the world's fastest auto-focusing camera when used with lenses incorporating the MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) mechanism. The number of focus selection points has also been increased from 11 to 35.

The E-P3 also features a new 12.3 megapixel High Speed Live MOS Sensor with full HD (1080i) movie capability, together with the new TruePic VI Image Processing Engine. The new sensor offers users new low-light shooting options with ISO sensitivity of up to 12800.



The E-P3 also features a 3.0-inch OLED display with touchscreen capabilities to match a new graphical user interface for easy operation. In addition to the usual modes of focusing, shooters can now touch the screen to determine the focus point and activate the shutter.

Responding to consumer feedback, Olympus has designed the E-P3 with a detachable grip, allowing users to select a form-factor that is most comfortable for them.

The E-P3 is available in black, white, and silver.


Taken with M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12mm f/2.0 on PEN E-P3, f/2.0, 1/60, ISO1600. One of the test shots we took with the PEN E-P3 at the launch, the camera gives us good dynamic range and noise control.

Olympus PEN Lite E-PL3



With the PEN Mini E-PM1 taking over the role of entry-level interchangeable lens camera, the PEN Lite is reconceptualised as the centrepiece of the Olympus PEN series. Fitting all of the image quality innovations (FAST AF, new sensor) of the E-P3 in a camera body weighing just 262 grams, the PEN Lite puts big-size functionality and performance into a small-size body.

By completely redesigning the PEN Lite from the ground up, Olympus has managed to make the PEN Lite even smaller than it's predecessor. More importantly, the PEN Lite now features a swivel type, 3.0-inch HyperCrystal LCD, the first ever in the PEN series. Able to tilt up and down, the swivel screen gives the PEN Lite high- and low-angle shooting capability.

The PEN Lite is available in black, white, silver, and red.

Olympus PEN Mini E-PM1



The PEN Mini is Olympus' newest entry-level introduction to the PEN series of interchangeable lens cameras. Featuring an ultra compact and lightweight body, the PEN Mini is targeted at the fashion-sensitive younger generation and first-time interchangeable lens camera users.

The PEN Mini represents the culmination of Olympus’s quest to maximise the size/weight reduction advantages of the Micro Four Thirds System standard. The ultra compact and light interchangeable-lens type camera, the camera body alone weighs just 215 grams, while the total in actual usage (with the standard zoom lens, flash, memory card and rechargeable battery) is still the world’s lightest at 401 grams. Available in a choice of six different colours, this model will appeal to a wide range of users with many different needs and requirements.

The PEN Mini is available in silver, white, black, pink, purple, and brown.

M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12mm f/2.0



Olympus also announced the latest addition to the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL series of compact lenses for the Micro Four Thirds system - the ED 12mm f/2.0 prime lens. With a 35mm equivalent of 24mm, this is a fast, wide-angle prime suitable for many applications. Manual focus can be enabled by sliding the focusing ring towards the camera body.

M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm f/1.8



With a 35mm equivalence of 90mm, the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm f/1.8 is a fast medium-telephoto lens suited for portraiture. A circular diaphragm is used in its construction in order to implement smooth bokeh.


Taken with M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm f/1.8 on PEN E-P3, f/1.8, 1/100, ISO400, +0.7EV. Sharp in focus with creamy bokeh, what's not to like?


Taken with M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm f/1.8 on PEN E-P3, f/1.8, 1/40, ISO1600, +0.7EV. Shooting straight into lights, we get good sharpness and good flare control.