The Smart New Olympus PEN E-PL7

The new Olympus PEN E-PL7 is a stylish, lightweight and compact interchangeable-lens camera that features much of the same technology as the award-winning OM-D models. Featuring the new 180˚ downward flip touch LCD screen, a Selfie-dedicated mode and built-in WiFi. The TruePic VII image processor works with a 16.05 megapixel Live MOS sensor and M.ZUIKO lenses to provide high resolution, superior color reproduction and high sensitivity.

The E-PL7 includes the in-body 3-axis VCM image stabilization system (derived for the OM-D E-M10) that compensates for horizontal and vertical shifts as well as camera shake along the axis, preventing camera shake with any lens. The on-board FAST AF system uses 81 points to cover the entire image. The Small AF Target and Super Spot AF modes allow you to zoom in and focus accurately on small sections of the frame. The E-PL7 can capture high-speed action with 8 fps sequential shooting, the processor supports the continuous capture of up to 20 Raw frames, or an unlimited number of JPEG frames, and the continuous AF with Tracking mode can accurately track and capture moving subjects as fast as 3.5 fps.

The 3” 1.04 million-dot HD touch LCD monitor transforms into a mirror display and the Selfie mode activates when the LCD is tilted to the 180˚ position. The shutter-release button appears on the screen so you can frame the image and shoot just 1 second after the button is touched. Selfie interval shooting allows you to capture images with a custom self-timer switching button that defaults to deliver 3 shots at 1-second intervals. With an electronic zoom lens attached, the lens automatically adjusts to the wide-angle position so the background will be included in the shot. The camera is paired with a bundled external flash to help you take selfies against dark, nighttime backgrounds and e-Portrait can be actived with a touch for enhanced skin textures—iAuto was also enhanced with selfies in mind.

The E-PL7 has built-in WiFi that makes it easy to connect to a smartphone using the Olympus Image Share app. Simply scan the QR code displayed on the LCD screen to sync the phone with the camera’s Wi-Fi network. The OI. Share shooting functions make it easy to operate the custom self-timer for sequential and selfie interval shooting, Live View can be displayed on the smartphone and the camera can be controlled by touching the smartphone’s display allowing you to send images to the phone to share on the Internet.

The OI. Share app offers various remote-shooting functions created to enhance the use of a variety of selfie options. Settings for a single, sequential high and low switching button, controls for the timer bar and interval shooting can all be accessed remotely on your smartphone. The Movie button allows you to record a movie at customized settings that include a customized time length for each clip. Live Bulb has been added to allow you to control and monitor the bulb photography process on your smartphone while the shutter is released and images may also be geotagged through this app.

The E-PL7 also offers many new creative features such as the Vintage and Partial Color art filters, Shade Effect, Photo Story (that includes a Layout mode), Panning scene mode and the Old Film movie effect. This camera is compatible with the optional HD VF-4 viewfinder that provides 1.48X magnification, a 2.36 million-dot LCD, eye-detect (to turn it on at the right time) and intuitive functionality to enable real-time viewing of shooting conditions.

Olympus is also introducing a full metal body, black version of the M.ZUIKO digital 12mm f/2.0 lens. A high-speed, single focal length, wide-angle lens that is ideal for high quality landscapes and street scenes captured in low light conditions. It has a snap ring that allows you to pan focus with a distance indicator.

The Olympus PEN E-PL7 body (in black or silver) with an M.ZUIKO digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R lens has a suggested retail value of $699.99, body only is $599.99. The M.ZUIKO digital 12mm f/2.0 lens (black) is $799.99.

 

More info on Olympus Imaging America Inc. here.

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