The Olympus E-P1 marks the formal introduction of the Olympus Micro Four Thirds (4/3) camera system in the form of a high-quality, sub-compact digital camera. Designed around a 12.3-megapixel (17.3 x 13mm) Live MOS imaging sensor, the E-P1 enables pro-quality still and video imaging abilities in a small, unassuming package. Along with a new line of compact M.Zuiko Digital lenses, the new system is compatible with all existing 4/3-format fixed-prime and zoom lenses from 7mm through 800mm (114° to 1.5° AOV).

Clad in ergonomically-designed stainless-steel body panels, the Olympus E-P1 takes many design queues from the Olympus Pen F, a popular half-frame SLR that made its initial debut in 1959. But unlike the original Pen F, the E-P1 has the ability to produce vividly-detailed still photographs and HD video with stereo sound, both of which can be enhanced post-capture using the E-P1's advanced in-camera retouching and audio dubbing tools.

Essentially a 4/3-format DSLR minus the prism and mirror housing (hence the smaller body size), images can be composed and edited using the E-P1's 3" HyperCrystal LCD, which features anti-reflective coatings on its surface to enable live viewing of 100% of the image area under the brightest of lighting conditions. When shooting in manual focus, a 5x magnification of the center of the frame pops up as a focusing aid each time you adjust the focusing ring. (This magnification can be can be manually increased up to 10x)

This kit includes a compact 14-42mm M.Zuiko Digital zoom lens, which with an angle-of-view of 74-28.5 degrees, is an equivalent to a 28-85mm lens on a full-frame DSLR.

Other features found on the Olympus E-P1 include Dust Reduction technology, in-camera Image Stabilization, which enables low-light hand-held shooting with all 4/3-system lenses, advanced shooting modes, and creative post-capture editing tools.

• Compact Design with Pro-system Capabilities

The Olympus E-P1 combines the casual, easy-to-use persona of a pocket-size point-and-shoot camera with the imaging capabilities of a pro-level DSLR. As an extension of Olympus' proven 4/3 imaging system, the E-P1 can shoot casual stills and video as well as complex imagery with equal ease and precision

• High-Definition Stills and Video

The Olympus E-P1 enables high-definition capture of still and video images while maintaining full auto-focus functionality and image stabilization with all 4/3-format optics. And unlike video-enabled DSLRs, the Olympus E-P1 maintains full AF in video mode

• 12.3 MP 4/3-Format Live MOS Sensor

The E-P1 utilizes the same 12.3-megapixel Live MOS imaging sensor used in Olympus' 4/3-format DSLRs. Measuring 17.3 x 13mm, this sensor is half the size of 'full-frame' DSLR sensors (2x crop factor), but far larger than comparably-sized digital cameras, all of which lack the option of lens interchangeability

• Compatible with all 4/3-System Lenses

Aside from the physically smaller M.Zuiko Digital lenses, the Olympus E-P1 is also compatible with all FourThird-format lenses, which enables you to take advantage of one of the widest angle-of-view (AOV) selections available today (114° to 1.5° AOV, or 14 to 800mm)

• Live View Mode

Live View enables real-time viewing of your still and video images as you compose and capture them

• Advanced, Pro-Quality Autofocus & Metering System

The camera's 11-point Imager AF autofocusing system ensures quick and accurate focusing under all lighting conditions. For equally accurate metering, the Olympus E-P1 utilizes a 324 segment ESP metering system. There's also the option of selecting Spot or Center-weighted metering as desired

• In-Body Image Stabilization

An in-camera stabilization system allows for up to 4-stops EV of movement compensation with all 4/3 and Micro-4/3 format lenses

• Dust Reduction

Olympus' Dust Reduction, which runs an ultrasonic cleaning cycle each time you power up the camera, helps keep dust particles out of the image path

• Advanced Shooting and Post-Capture Editing Modes

Advanced shooting modes, including ePortrait for optimized portrait photography, iAUTO for decision-free shooting under most common shooting conditions, Shadow Adjustment Technology (SAT) for optimizing highlight and shadow details, and Art Filters (Soft Focus, Pale & Light Color, Light Tone, Grainy Film, and Pin Hole) are easily employed as needed. Other post-capture editing features include sound dubbing (in stereo) for still and video images

• High-Quality Stereo PCM Audio

You can record video with linear, non-compressed sound, as well as add sound to images post-capture

• Manual Focus Assist

When shooting in Manual Focus mode (MF) a 5x close-up of the center of the image is superimposed into a box at the center of the screen to aid in fine focusing. This magnification can be increased up to 10x magnification