14 DAY TRIAL // Rumors regarding the incoming release of the next PEN model from Olympus, the E-PL2, have been floating around the Internet for quite a while now, but it seems that the company has finally decided to officially unveil it at CES 2011.
As some of you might known, the E-PL2 represents the fourth generation in the Olympus PEN family of compact interchangeable lens digital cameras and brings quite a few improvements compared to its predecessors, including here a very modern connectivity option.
According to Olympus, the most important update brought to the E-PL2 is the new video recording optimized MSC Lens, an ED m14-42mm f3.5/5.6 zoom lens (28mm-84mm equivalent) that offers users a higher speed and silent autofocus, which is particular useful when recording HD videos.
The camera also sports a 12.3-megapixel Live MOS Sensor, plus a new 3-inch 460,000 dot LCD, as well as revamped Live Guide system, called Live Guide II, that lets users preview HD video and still image effects.
Another interesting addition is represented by the new, more ergonomic body design, as well as the fact that ISO capabilities have been pushed up to 6400.
Beside the aforementioned lens, Olympus has two other useful accessories ready for the E-PL2, namely the Macro Arm Light (MAL-1), used for providing more light for macro shots, and the PENPal, a communication unit for storing up to 2600 images and transferring them via wireless Bluetooth to other Bluetooth-enabled devices, (both accessories connect to the E-PL2's hot-shoe connector, by the way).
"The innovative PEN E-PL2 is designed to go with you and grow with you – it's the total compact multimedia package," said Katie Roseman, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc.
"We've expanded everything but the size of the camera. Live Guide II, new art filter variations and enhancements for instant gratification, three converter lenses and MAL-1 close-up spotlight will all help grow your creative potential, while the Olympus PENPal lets you send images straight from the camera to your smart phone for social sharing," the company's rep added.
The Olympus E-PL2 Kit will be available in January 2011, and the E-PL2 Body with MSC M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED m14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zoom Lens will have an estimated street price of around 600 US Dollars, which is pretty OK, all things considered.
