Olympus E-PL1 Pen with 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zoom Lens

The new Olympus E-PL1 Pen camera’s simple design and easy interface enable consumers to easily create amazing images never dreamt possible. Olympus PL1 delivers DSLR image quality and HD video.

The Olympus E-PL1 equals an affordable and powerfully simple all-in-one package that travels with you to capture life in the high quality that your memories deserve. “Many of today’s consumers want a camera with the professional still image quality of a DSLR and HD video in a compact body that’s as easy to use as a point-and-shoot,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Digital SLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Thanks in part to an image sensor that’s approximately eight times larger in size than what’s inside the average point-and-shoot camera, the Olympus E-PL1 delivers outstanding high-quality images. Add the flexibility of high-quality interchangeable lenses, the convenience of a built-in pop-up flash, in-camera creative features and technology designed to produce images effortlessly, and the Olympus PEN E-PL1 is the total consumer-friendly, multimedia package.”

This third generation of the Olympus PEN series combines powerful features in an easy-to-use package that will make capturing your life more fun. The new direct record button makes taking videos easier than ever and the new Live Guide functionality makes it simple to learn photography techniques without requiring the skills of a pro shooter. Recording HD movies with the Olympus E-PL1 Pen is simple, thanks to an easy-to-reach red “direct button” (red record button) on the back of the Olympus PL1 camera body. If you’re about to snap a photo and you realize a video would capture the spirit of the scene even better, simply press the record button and instantly you’re capturing videos! Easily toggle back and forth between capturing stills and videos by using your index finger to press the shutter button or your thumb to press the red record button. Having the ability to shoot still images and videos opens up a world of imaging possibilities.

The Olympus PL1 camera’s new Live Guide interface simplifies great photography and gets the results you desire at the touch of a button. Simply select Live Guide and press the up and down arrows on the back of the camera to slide through numerous photographic effects. Make adjustments and watch the LCD as the effects are made live – before the image is captured! Don’t worry about learning technical things like f-stops, shutter speed and white balance; jump right in by composing, adjusting exposure and more before the shot is taken. Seeing the results before snapping the image ensures you are getting the shots you want, and it will change the way you photograph. Shooting Tips are also included with Live Guide, so you can leave the manual at home.

Olympus Pen E-PL1 features:

- 12.3-megapixel sensor
- 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 zoom lens
- Inbuilt pop-up flash
- HD video recording (though as what resolution, Olympus hasn't said).
- 19 Scene-Select Modes
- Face Detection
- In-Camera Panorama
- ISO range of 100 - ISO 3200