Olympus E-P2 Review

First Look posted 11/4/2009
Conclusion and Sample Photos added 2/4/2010
These include:
- Stylish black finish
- Continuous AF Tracking mode (C-AF+TR)
- Tracking AF in Movie mode
- Full manual exposure control in movie mode (shutter speed and aperture)
- Optional mic jack adapter for using external units
- Two additional Art filters (Diorama and Cross Process)
- New iEnhance picture mode
- Focus assist mode (with 7x or 10x magnification options)
- CEC compliance; control playback using your TV remote when plugging the camera into a CEC compatible HDTV set
- New Accessory port
- Included articulating (90°) VF-2 detachable EVF
- Brightness and Hue monitor adjustment when using the VF-2
Olympus E-P2 Features:
- 12.3-Megapixel Live MOS imager yielding 4032x3024 pixel images (4:3 aspect ratio)
- Choose from 4:3, 3:2, and 16:9 aspect ratios
- Micro Four-Thirds lens mount system
- Compatible with Four Thirds mount and Olympus OM lenses using optional adapters (MMF-1 and MF-2 OM)
- In-body (sensor-shift) Image Stabilization system
- TruePic V Image Processor
- Olympus System Supersonic Wave Filter Dust Reduction System
- iAuto (intelligent), Program AE, Aperture/Shutter Priority, Full Manual, and Custom exposure control
- 19 pre-programmed Scene modes as well as 8 "Art Filter" modes
- Compressed RAW and JPEG (Fine/Standard) formats, including RAW+JPEG (Fine or Normal)
- 1 custom and 6 preset "Picture" modes, including new iEnhance option
- In-camera image editing options, including RAW processing
- TTL Auto White Balance system with several presets, one-touch custom set, white balance compensation, and bracketing options
- sRGB or Adobe RGB Color Space options
- TTL 324-area ESP metering system with 18x18 grid, Center-weighted average and Spot options
- Shutter speeds from 2 - 1/4000 sec. seconds and Bulb
- Burst shooting at 3fps (max. 10 RAW images, or approx. 12 JPEG)
- 11-area Contrast Detect AF system with Single AF (S-AF), Continuous AF (C-AF), Continuous AF Tracking (C-AF+TR), Manual (MF / S-AF + MF) and Face Detection focusing modes
- Focus assist magnifies the live image by 7 or 10x to help userss during manual focusing
- 3.0-inch color LCD with 230,000 pixels, 100% frame coverage, and 15 levels of brightness adjustment
- New VF-2 electronic viewfinder that attaches via the flash hot shoe, and articulates up to 90°
- EVF monitor adjustments for brightness and hue (±7 levels each)
- Super Control Panel information display
- Record Motion JPEG (.AVI) movies at 720p HD (1280x720) or SD (640x480) resolutions (30fps) with stereo sound
- Manual exposure control in movie mode; adjust both shutter speed and aperture values
- Built-in digital level sensor and gauge helps you capture level shots
- Optional Optical Viewfinder (VF-1) for use with 17mm "Pancake" F2.8 Micro Four Thirds Lens
- Auto ISO sensitivity from 200 - 6400, Manual from 100-6400, 1/3 or 1EV steps (Movie mode 160 - 1600)
- Built-in hot shoe for external units
- Noise Reduction for long exposures
- SD/SDHC/MMC memory card storage
- Selectable video output with NTSC or PAL format
- HD output via MiniHDMI Type C I/O port
- Built-in stereo microphones
- Optional EMA-1 microphone input jack for optional external mics
- Accessory port accepts new VF-2 and EMA-1 adapter as well as future optional accessories
- CEC compliant
- USB 2.0 (High-speed) data and control interface
- Included BLS-1 Li-ion battery and compact BCS-1 AC charger
The E-P2 will be available in December, 2009 with an MSRP of US$1099.99 in two configurations:
- E-P2 with ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital zoom lens
- E-P2 with 17mm f2.8 Zuiko Digital zoom lens
Each kit includes:
- E-P2 body
- VF-2 electronic viewfinder
- ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital zoom lens or 17mm f2.8 Zuiko Digital zoom lens
- USB & Video cables
- Li-Ion battery pack (BLS-1) & battery charger (BCS-1)
- Shoulder strap
- OLYMPUS Master 2 software CD-ROM
- Manuals & registration card.
Additional Photos
Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.