Olympus E-P1 First Look: The Olympus Micro Four-Thirds Compact? Three Different Cameras Interpret the Same Scene: Olympus E-620 vs. Nikon D90 vs. Canon 5D Mark II

The Olympus E-P1 is Coming: Time to Start Saving

7 comments

Posted by Patrick on Jun 6, 2009 in Cameras

A camera maker is about to introduce a new camera that I think will end up being a serious game changer. That the camera maker is Olympus might be surprising, but if their new E-P1 ends up selling well, it will be a success well earned. It is no small secret that I’ve got a certain admiration for the Sigma DP2, in part because of the image quality provided (O.K., that’s the biggest part), but also because I think it’s important to support and applaud camera makers for taking the road less traveled, which for some mysterious reason has been DSLR performance in true compact size. Not just a small DSLR, but a compact sized-camera with uncompromised image quality.  A generation ago, this wasn’t all that uncommon, back in the day of film, small camera bodies were the norm. The current state of digital camera sensors has led to much different scenarios though, as it turns out getting all that technology in a small camera body isn’t that easy and the obvious choice was to put very tiny sensors inside these smaller cameras. In the meantime, us consumers are a pretty fickle bunch, constantly wanting more. For the camera makers this meant not increasing image sensor size, but adding pixels. Image resolution has improved, and manufacturing improvements with software tricks have brought significant improvements in overall image quality. But, we still haven’t gotten anywhere near close to DSLR performance in a compact sized body. Well, that it is until Sigma released the DP1.

The Sigma DP1 was a somewhat flawed camera, and not all of those flaws have been addressed with the DP2. But for quite sometime it’s had the mantle of DSLR performance in a compact body all to itself. That’s all about to change in about a week or so, when Olympus finally unveils what appears to be named the E-P1. And what a change it will be. As I mentioned in my post “The 5 Most Exciting Cameras Right Now”, the Olympus E-P1 will be a ground breaking camera. Not only will it be providing DSLR-like performance in compact form, but also DSLR-like features, namely interchangeable lenses. I don’t want to re-hash familiar territory, but the micro four-thirds format that the E-P1 will be built on, provides access to the incredible Olympus lens library via adaptor, and as demonstrated on the Panasonic G series of cameras, additional access to perhaps Panasonic lenses, Leica lenses, Zeiss, and others. It’s hard to explain how exciting this is, but count me in for the “I’ve been waiting for this for so long” club.

While I’m anxious to finally see this camera, that Olympus happens to be skillfully building some nice “buzz” for, I’m also curious to see what the fallout will be after the E-P1 is released. If sales are high, and they will be high amongst enthusiasts for sure, will the other camera makers respond? What do Nikon and Canon have in mind for a response for example? And will Olympus be able to maintain its early lead with future models, additional lenses, and fervent support? As a consumer, I hope for both, that Canon and Nikon will have definitive response, and that Olympus is able to quickly establish a fully fledged and well received camera system. I’ll admit though, that I’m really hoping this works out well for Olympus, and they get to enjoy their moment in the sun. One thing’s for sure, it’s time for a lot of us to start saving up for a new camera, and early word is the E-P1 isn’t going to be cheap.

The image courtesy norbelthomas.

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7 Responses to “The Olympus E-P1 is Coming: Time to Start Saving”

  1. Elliot says:
    June 7, 2009 at 11:56 am

    How many game-changers are you saving up for now? Last month it was the DP2. Now it’s the E-P1. What’s next — the Samsung NX, or Leica’s and Panasonic’s rumored upcoming entrants? ;)

    As we saw very clearly with Sigma’s DP1 stumble (which appears to be somewhat replicated in the DP2) the devil is in the details.

    No games are going to be changed unless manufacturers can provide for low noise, high resolution and fast shooting. So far the DP2’s noise handling seems lousy above ISO 400. As for Olympus the fastest lens for micro4/3 is f/3.5, and not even a fixed aperture at that. The promised 20/1.7 has gone AWOL and the E-P1 is instead seen with an f/2.8 prime attached.

    reply
    • Patrick says:
      June 7, 2009 at 5:29 pm

      elliot,
      There’s just no pleasing you. Yes, I’m partial to the DP2 image quality, and yes I’m very interested in the E-P1. Both provide/will provide IQ far superior to any compact with better ISO to boot.

      Also just by its very existence, the E-P1 changes the game, it will sell, other camera makers will respond, better lenses will come, etc.

      Besides, I’m easily excited by most things new, and anything different—and I kind of like sharing my enthusiasm…I don’t think my site would be any fun if rained on every parade.

      That said, I thought the 5D2 was the ‘bomb’ and I bought it. If I get that feeling about the E-P1, I’ll get it.

      reply
  2. Eolake Stobblehouse says:
    June 7, 2009 at 2:34 pm

    Well said, Patrick.
    If the Pen delivers on the promise, it will basically be a new category. Doesn’t happen often.

    I realized at one point that in the last three decades plus, by far most of the cameras I’ve owned and *used* have been compact in their class.

    Konica TC, Pentax ME-Super, Olympus OM-2, and a host of compact-compacts.

    reply
    • Patrick says:
      June 7, 2009 at 5:36 pm

      Eolake,
      thanks…
      and yes new shelves will have to be added for the E-P1, doesn’t quite fit in…anywhere.

      And it is interesting what cameras have evolved to given the cameras you mentioned, in size and proportion, the E-P1 is pure throwback. Strange, today’s classic (digital)SLR styling vs. yesterday’s SLR look.

      reply
  3. Eolake Stobblehouse says:
    June 7, 2009 at 6:23 pm

    Molding plastic changed the game. (If I understand what you’re saying.)

    reply
  4. Eolake Stobblehouse says:
    June 7, 2009 at 8:29 pm

    I’ve added some thoughts here.

    reply

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