More of the Olympus E-P1

After the first birds-eye shots of the new Olympus micro four thirds camera leaked onto the internet last week, it seems the front-on shots have finally emerged as the company hosts a series of announcements across the world today and tomorrow.

Update: Olympus Australia has confirmed the Pen E-P1 is coming to Australia in July. No pricing has been announced yet. Stay tuned for our hands-on preview over the coming weeks.

The E-P1 with the 17mm lens. (Credit: xitek.com)

The design is clearly inspired by the classic Pen camera, and the hints have all certainly been there — promotional campaigns about the history of the Olympus Pen have littered the official sites over the past few weeks. From the looks of it the E-P1 has taken more than just a cosmetic lift from the older camera — these shots show a 17mm f/2.8 lens tacked onto the body.

The E-P1 with the 14-42mm lens. (Credit: xitek.com)

Users on camera site Digital Photography Review have posted a full specification list, but in short the main areas of interest are:

• 4/3-inch, 12.3 megapixel sensor
• TruePIC V image processor
• 3-inch LCD with 100 per cent coverage
• Image stabilisation
• ISO 6400
• 720p HD video and stereo PCM recording, HDMI output
• Art filters
• Live View

We're particularly excited that Olympus seems to have jumped on the HD video bandwagon, and done away with the xD card format on this model. After some initial reservations from the mock-up shots, if this is the final design, we'd be more than happy to sling one of these over our shoulder and ride into the sunset Carmen Sandiego-style. Check out the leather carrying case and flash unit, all deliciously retro.

Word on the internet street is that the model will retail for around US$900. Hefty price or just right? Leave us your thoughts in the comments section below.