Olympus has been bringing Micro Four-Third cameras to the market faster that expected. After the E-P1 and E-P2, they have now released E-PL1 which is cheaper by US$ 200.

Here are the specs.

  • Kit includes 14-42 Zoom lens
  • 12 MegaPixel
  • 2.7″ LCD
  • HD Video support
  • List price US$ 599

E-PL1 has a few advantages over E-P2:

  • Dedicated REC button
  • Magnified live view button
  • Up to 14x live view magnification
  • Lighter low-pass filter
  • Built-in flash

E-P2 advantages over E-PL1:

  • Two control dials
  • More direct-access buttons (including ISO and white balance)
  • Superior image stabilization system
  • AE/AF lock button
  • Orientation sensor
  • Larger, 3.0″ LCD
  • More substantial construction
  • 1/180 sec flash sync speed (rather than 1/160)
  • Maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 sec (rather than 1/2000)
  • Maximum ISO of 6400
  • Virtual level display
  • Built-in stereo mics/speakers
  • Optional wireless remote
  • Electronic View Finder (EVF) bundled, in EPL-1 it is optional

Detailed comparison of all the three models at DP Review.