First Look posted 11/4/2009
Conclusion and Sample Photos added 2/4/2010

The latest Digital PEN series camera from Olympus, the E-P2 compliments it's predecessor, the E-P1, with some exciting new features. While both cameras share very similar specifications, such as the same 12-megapixel Live MOS image sensor, Micro 4/3 lens mount system, 3.0-inch LCD, 11-area Contrast Detect AF system, etc., the E-P2 has been upgraded with options that many users cried for with the E-P1.

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

This new Digital PEN does not replace the popular E-P1, rather the E-P2 is being offered as an "upgraded" unit with a slightly higher price tag for the added features.


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.