New Accessories for the Olympus PEN Series Announced

olympus_m43_12mm-f2_500.jpgOlympus was very excited today to launch three new models in its PEN series of compact digital camera systems with interchangeable lenses.  The new models will include the top of the line E-P3 (which will have an MSRP of just under $900 and feature a 3.0" touch screen LCD), the middle ground E-PL3 (pricing not yet announced, it features an exclusive titling 3.0" touch screen), and the E-PM1 (the smallest and lightest in the series; again, still waiting on the price).

And with any new camera announcement, Olympus is set to debut a few new accessories along side the new PEN cameras:

LENSES

First, we have two new high-speed and near-silent Micro Four Thirds Lenses:

  • M. Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f2.0.  A prime lens for wider shots and low light situations.  It's available now with an MSRP of $799.99.
  • M. Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f1.8.  Another prime for portraits with much shallower depth of field possibilities than the 14-42 kit zoom lens.  It will be available in September, with an MSRP of $399.99.
Both are a part of the MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) line compatible with the PEN series camera.  Designed to be super fast for still, but ultra quiet so as not to be heard by the PEN series built-in stereo microphones.  For those who haven't checked out our preview pages for the E-P3, E-PL3, or E-PM1, the kit lens for all three cameras is an M. Zuiko Digital ED 14mm-42mm II R f3.5/5.6 zoom lens (28mm-84mm equivalent).

There is also an M. Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm II R f4.0-5.6 zoom lens (80-300mm 35mm equivalent) available, but it not an "MSC" lens.

OTHER ACCESSORIES

Rounding out the accessories, we have the:

  • FL-300R Compact Flash. While the FL-300R can function as a wireless remote flash or a bounce flash, and is therefore designed for all three of the new PEN series cameras, it's important to point out that the new more affordable models, the E-PL3 and the E-PM1, do not have a built-in flash, and buyers may want to pick one of these up for low light situations.  This FL-300R is available now for $169.99.
  • MCG-2 Exchangeable Camera Grip.  Exclusive to the E-P3, this black or beige accessories is design to extend the E-P3's camera grip area for more comfortable hand-held shooting.  At $19.99, you can buy the grip now.
For more information, head over to the Olympus website.