Last month, Olympus lifted the veil on a trio of 12.3-megapixel Micro Four Thirds cameras, replacing both models in its PEN line and adding the small and lightweight E-PM1. We already knew to expect an August ship date for the $900 E-P3, but now the corporate filled us in on its tilt-enabled E-PL3, so that it will be available in black, white, red, and silver when it ships in September. Priced at $700, the kit will include either a 14-42mm zoom or 17mm fixed lens, and may retail for an entire c-note higher than its predecessor, the E-PL2 . Olympus also announced the VF-3 Electronic Viewfinder (EVF), that will feature a 100-percent field-of-view, 90-degree rotation, and brightness and color temperature adjustments — though it feels like that last feature could potentially leave you with off-color images in case you mistake the EVF’s white balance for what the camera will capture. We’re still waiting on availability for the runt of the litter, but we imagine the E-PM1 will make its stateside debut soon — maybe even with a cost tag less than its rather pricey, beefier siblings.
Price and Availability Announced for Compact PEN E-PL3 Camera That Delivers Maximum Flexibility, Innovation and Amazing Image Quality for All; New Accessory Viewfinder Expands Your Point of View
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., July 27, 2011 – Imaging enthusiasts will rejoice knowing that they are able to finally get their hands at the desirable Olympus PEN E-PL3 – a resounding camera designed for photographers craving a transportable camera with pro quality and point-and-shoot simplicity. The PEN E-PL3 is an interchangeable lens camera offering a swish, metal body filled with versatile controls and lenses with professional image quality.
Available in September, the Olympus PEN E-PL3 could be sold on the affordable price of $699.99 and may deliver amazing image quality and lightning fast speed for brilliant still images and high-definition (HD) video. It’ll ship bundled with either a large-angle zoom M.Zuiko 14-42mm lens (28mm-84mm equivalent), optimized for instant autofocus (AF) and silent AF operation, or the M. Zuiko 17mm ultra-compact and conveyable wide-angle pancake lens (34mm equivalent).
The PEN E-PL3 is a member of the Olympus PEN family of compact system cameras that still includes the brand new E-P3 and E-PM1. Designed to assist innovation seekers capture and share their unique visions, the Olympus PEN E-PL3 combines pro quality with the portability of some degree-and-shoot and lines found on bulkier DSLR-type cameras.
Olympus also expands the ability of its PEN Micro Four Thirds system family today with the introduction of the compact VF-3 Electronic Viewfinder. Attractively priced at $179.99, the VF-3 easily attaches to Olympus PEN models with an adjunct port, in addition the Olympus XZ-1 for eye-level convenience.
Packs a robust Punch in a Small Package
The E-PL3 offers something for everybody. Full of the technology and image quality normally present in a DSLR, it is the size of a small, portable point-and-shoot camera and will easily travel with you. Its 3-inch, tilting high-resolution LCD screen helps you spot high above the group to capture amazing stills and HD video of live performances, sports events and more. Easily move to eye-level to capture superb detail of kids at play or maybe lower to the bottom to record baby’s first steps or a pet soundly sleeping. Never worry about missing a spontaneous moment since the E-PL3 shoots at 5 frames per second.
Offering the flexibility of interchangeable lenses, excellent quality low-light shooting as a result of the camera’s AF Illuminator, a high ISO of as much as 12,800, with a blazing fast autofocus system, a 12.3-megapixel Live MOS Image Sensor and TruePic™ VI Image Processor, the Olympus PEN E-PL3 becomes without equal travel companion. Discretely document the entire color and pageantry of the town, even in low-light, as you are making your thanks to your next destination.
Staying in for a more relaxed evening at home? Tech-enthusiasts should want to keep the E-PL3 ready by their side to capture family and friends, while showcasing their creativity. Easy-to-use technologies like in-camera Art Filters and image effects empower users to use their unique artistic vision to photographs and videos to allow them to easily share professional-quality creations. Accessing the entire camera’s options is quick and straightforward with a brand new intuitive interface.
See the arena through Your personal Eye
The VF-3 is ideal for photographers who just like the option of holding the camera as much as their eye to compose. With 100-percent field-of-view, not one of the recordable subject area is cropped, making composition with the VF-3 easy and accurate. The magnification and built-in diopter adjustment of the VF-3 allow for straightforward viewing. The VF-3 could be rotated as much as 90-degrees to deal with more obscure shooting angles for extra creative control. Furthermore, while you’re the type of individual that loves to tweak the settings in your TV, you’ll love the power to regulate the brightness and color temperature for your own particular tastes.
“The Olympus PEN E-PL3 is designed to capture spontaneous, authentic moments in amazing detail without the necessity to sacrifice portability or quality,” said Katie Roseman, senior product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “We’ve packed the affordable E-PL3 with technologies and image quality normally present in bigger DSLR-type cameras. Now, with the hot VF-3, consumers can get more of a DSLR-like experience from our cameras by searching through the viewfinder to compose the shot.”
Availability
The Olympus PEN E-PL3 kit should be available in black, white, red and silver, starting in September 2011. The kit includes the PEN E-PL3 body, lens, USB cable, video cable, BLS-1 Li-Ion battery pack, Li-Ion battery charger, shoulder strap, OLYMPUS [ib] software CD-ROM, manuals and registration card.
The updated Olympus Viewer 2 software is included with all new Olympus PEN cameras. The software helps users edit and organize photos and play back AVCHD video. Olympus Viewer 2 also enables users to experience new functions, including the appliance of latest art filters, effects and variations.
U.S. Pricing / Product Configurations
Olympus PEN E-PL3 Body with MSC M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED m14-42mm II R f3.5/5.6 Zoom or 17mm Lens Estimated Street Price: $699.99
Olympus VF-3 Electronic Viewfinder Estimated Street Price: $179.99
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