Olympus Pen - Digital PEN

Digital PEN

In June 2009, Olympus announced the PEN E-P1, an interchangeable lens Micro Four Thirds system digital camera which carries on in the PEN tradition. Its external design is clearly inspired by the traditional PEN series.

In January 2010, Olympus followed up the release of the E-P1 with the E-P2. For the most part, the E-P2 is identical to the E-P1 except it is available in all-black, and includes the ability to mount a high resolution electronic viewfinder. It also features two new art filters. The new port included for the electronic viewfinder can also be used for a microphone (not included). The suggested retail price at release was US$1099. The long awaited Olympus E-P3 was announced on June 30, 2011, to positive reviews.

On February 3, 2010, Olympus Corporation announced a third camera, the Olympus PEN E-PL1, L standing for Lite. The camera was a success, with the E-PL2 following almost a year later, and the E-PL3 arriving in Fall 2011.

On June 30, 2011, along with the E-PL3 and E-P3 announcements Olympus also announced the E-PM1, or "Pen Mini". The Mini was released with almost exactly the same specifications as the E-PL3 but in a slightly smaller and lighter package. The most notable difference, aside from price, being the lack of a tilting screen on the Mini.