Olympus E-P2 due with built-in viewfinder?
updated 12:05 pm EDT, Tue August 4, 2009
Olympus E-P2 Rumor
Olympus is already preparing a sequel to its E-P1 that would address at least one main complaint about the Micro Four Thirds camera, according to a claim by French magazine Chasseur d'Images. Coming from the same issue that accurately leaked the Nikon S1000pj under its working codename, the assertion intercepted by Photo Rumors has an Olympus E-P2 adding a built-in viewfinder. The current model only has an optional viewfinder that needs to use the camera's hot shoe, preventing it from using flash at the same time and providing a view separate from what the lens itself sees.
Other feature upgrades if any haven't been revealed at this early stage.
The E-P1 has been heralded as one of the smallest cameras to have interchangeable lenses thanks to Micro Four Thirds' absence of a traditional, large mirror setup, but it has been criticized for lacking both a viewfinder and flash in the main camera body. Olympus has defended the design by noting that its size goal demanded removing these features. By comparison, the Panasonic Lumix GH1 has both an electronic viewfinder and flash but has a larger body closer to that of DSLRs.












EP 1
08/04, 01:03pm reply
It is also missing the flash but even without out those features, it is a drool worthy camera. I would have bought it if I had the money.
alfredo
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 1999
It's a great camera
08/04, 01:29pm reply
Only thing I'd add is a focus assist bulb for low light. If they can update the accessory flash (maybe through firmware?) it'd be even better.
cmoney
Dedicated MacNNer
Joined: Sep 2000
looks great
08/04, 01:48pm reply
I'd love a DSLR, but they're just too honkin' BIG to lug around. And I used to complain about how big my Nikon FM2 was!
DSLRs are too big and the "pro-sumer" cameras like the Canon G10 have some unpalatable limitations.
These things look like a great solution and a viewfinder would be an excellent addition. Olympus lenses don't excite me.
JeffHarris
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 1999
Sensor
08/04, 04:47pm reply
I would also revisit the sensor on this camera. The sensor is a little like the consumer 12MP cameras. I would put in a nice pro sensor, with less Megapixels, and more quality pixels. They should take a hint from Panasonic's prosumer cameras. This camera would be totally fine with a nice, large 6MP sensor, which would also in turn give it much faster write speeds in RAW mode.
shawnde
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2008