Via dcresource.com. Today, Olympus announced an upcoming firmware update for their three digital PEN cameras, the E-P1, E-P2 and E-PL1. The update will improve autofocus speed with all MFT lenses, according to the press release, while dcresource speak of “about 15%”. The update will be released on April 22nd.
Well, I guess that’s good news, isn’t it? I just happened to read a post in the dpreview Micro Four Thirds Talk forum mentioning that eventually Olympus will catch up with Panasonic in terms of AF speed. So this is probably another step in that direction. I’m excited to see how much improvement the fw update will actually bring!
UPDATE: imagingresource feature an exhaustive article with speed charts and tech-talk on the topic, don’t miss it!
And another thought: I sincerely hope this or one of the next fw updates brings some of the enhancements of the E-P2 and E-PL1 to the E-P1 – like the new art filters or the better high-ISO performance, provided this is even possible via firmware.
Today seems to be review day. Nice!
dpreview have posted their long-awaited review of the Samsung NX10.
DCWatch have posted their review of the Leica M9.
And finally, Steve Huff has posted his review of the Olympus E-PL1 (titled “The best JPEG camera EVER?”).
Interestingly, Steve loves the E-PL1’s JPEG output so much he doesn’t even think of shooting RAW, and also he says he prefers the Olympus 17/2.8 over the Panasonic 20/1.7 on the E-PL1.
Yesterday I took the time to slander* stroll through a local electronics store after work, and stumbled across the new E-PL1 in black which they had on display. I couldn’t resist but take it in my hands and fiddle around with it a bit 
So these are my first impressions, comparing it to my E-P1:
- Although the shell is made from plastic and not from metal (as the E-P1’s), the E-PL1 feels very solid.
- The more pronounced grip makes it a bit easier to hold than the E-P1/2.
- The slightly smaller display is still big enough, although it seems a little less bright than the E-P1/2’s.
- The new “L” lens with plastic mount seems to be slightly lighter. The material the mount is made from seems to be quite solid – but only time will show if it will actually wear out quicker than a metal mount.
- The flash is a nice add-on, also the bounce trick (holding the mechanism down with one finger) is quite neat – although I personally don’t miss a flash at all on my E-P1 (and if I needed one, I would buy a real one!)
- The option of attaching the new external viewfinder with its 1.44 mp resolution is a real plus for the E-PL1 – it might actually be the addition to an E-P1 if you like to shoot manual lenses: Keep the E-P1 for your AF lenses and take the E-PL1 + VF for your manual ones. (But then again – you could also sell the E-P1, add to what you got for it the money for an E-PL1 and get the E-P2 …)
- I didn’t miss the E-P1’s control wheels that much – setting shutter speeds and aperture values with the buttons goes quick and easy – although a bit quicker and easier on the E-P1.
- The new 14x magnification mode is awesome – I wish they added that to the E-P1/2 with the next firmware update!
- The movie record button is as customizable as the Fn button, although the E-PL1 lacks a dedicated AFL/AEL button. But still, the E-PL1 is a bit more customizable than the E-P1/2.
All in all it seems to be a very neat little camera, and surely an option for anyone thinking of getting into the MFT system – especially if there is a budget. Personally, I’d still prefer the E-P2 for its nicer looks and more solid feel, but as I said the E-PL1 feels quite solid as well, and also doesn’t look that bad! (And it’s available in more colors!)
* Oops, that happens when you don’t look the word up in the dictionary! Okay, schlendern ≠ to slander!
dcresource have posted their full review of Olympus’ latest baby-MFT camera, the E-PL1. If you’re eager to learn how it handles, performs and compares to its bigger siblings, then you can read their review here.
Interestingly they like the E-PL1’s image quality better than the E-P1/2’s, especially at high ISOs. If Olympus didn’t give the PL1 a new sensor, this can only mean they tweaked the JPEG engine.
What I can say from sample shots I saw is that the E-PL1 seems to be heavier on noise reduction and sharpening to create more ‘consumer-friendly’ output. I wonder if there really is a difference in IQ on RAW level – maybe someone will find out in the future.
UPDATE: Steve Huff has just posted a ‘first look’ at the Olympus E-PL1. As always, he’s not going over technical considerations, but describes his personal impressions with the camera. Also, he’s got some very nice first pictures taken with the E-PL1 and Zuiko 17/2.8, which – in contrast to many others – he describes as ‘sharp’. Well, I’m surely excited to read his final review!
dpreview.com Micro Four Thirds Talk forum user Doug Brown thinks so, apparently. Here‘s why.
In summary, he thinks the step up in quality compared to other current consumer camera models, bundled with the ease of use due to the E-PL1’s newly designed interface, makes it the “new family camera for the digital age”.
We shall see if his prediction holds true.
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April 15th, 2010, 7:53 am | 
