Olympus Expands Micro Four Thirds Lineup With The New E-P2
Key specifications of the E-P2 include a 12.3-megapixel image sensor, in-body image stabilization, fast Imager Autofocus, 3-inch full color HyperCrystal LCD, Olympus Dust Reduction System, and the TruePic V Image Processor. The image sensor in the E-P2 is the same one used in the E-30 and E-620 DSLRs.
In comparison to its predecessor, the E-P2 adds an accessory port for a new high resolution electronic viewfinder or an optional external microphone adapter, two new Art filters, and a stainless-steel all-black body. The E-P2 also received a newly-developed Continuous Autofocus (C-AF) Tracking System and a new i-Enhance color boosting function.
The included detachable VF-2 Electronic View Finder (EVF) provides 1.15x magnification and a 100% field of view. To help minimize image ghosting on fast-moving subjects, the viewfinder refreshes quickly. For your convenience, the VF-2 can rotate up to 90 degrees, allowing you to look down into the viewfinder. This is especially useful when shooting subjects from challenging angles. The optional EMA-1 external microphone connector will accept the optional Olympus ME-51S stereo microphone as well as other microphones.

Accessories for the E-P2 include the previously released 14-42mm and 17mm Micro Four Thirds lenses as well as a MMF-1 Four Thirds System Lens Adapter which makes the E-P2 compatible with all Four Thirds System lenses. Using the MF-2 OM Lens Adapter, you'll be able to attach Olympus OM film-based lenses to the E-P2 as well. Finally, an optional FL-14 flash unit is available.
Olympus also announced two new Micro Four Thirds System lenses today that will be available in the first half of 2010. The new super wide-angle zoom M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 lens (18-36mm equivalent) and high-power wide to telephoto zoom M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-150mm f4.0-5.6 lens (28-300mm equivalent) are designed for use with the Olympus PEN E-P1 as well as the E-P2.
The Olympus E-P2 will be available in December and will come with the VF-2 electronic viewfinder and either the 17mm f2.8 Zuiko Digital pancake lens or the 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens for a suggested retail price of $1,099.99. Olympus plans to sell the E-P2 alongside the original E-P1.
