Tech bytes for tea?

The PEN E-P3 - flagship model for the PEN series of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras from Olympus.

Externally similar to its predecessors, the PEN E-P3 has received a new sensor, image processing engine and the autofocus system has been tuned up to become lightning fast.

The PEN E-P3 is scheduled for release in Singapore on July 22, 2011 although the pricing has not been revealed yet. Online retailers such as Adorama is taking preorders for the PEN E-P3 at US$899 with M. Zuiko 14-42mm II R f/3.5-5.6 kit lens. The camera is available in black, white and silver. See the specifications here.

FASTer autofocus

Olympus claims that the new FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology) autofocus (AF) system makes the E-P3 the camera to beat when it comes to AF speed. The FAST AF is achieved through the combination of a few innovations.

Three colours are available - black, silver and white.

Firstly, the Live MOS Sensor is driven at double the previous speed – 120 fps – so that image data can be obtained more quickly than with previous systems. Secondly, the speed of the AF computations that generate the contrast information from the image data – in order to determine the degree of focusing – has also been doubled. Thirdly, the speed of communication for controlling the lens motion during AF has been increased. Finally, the response time from pressing the shutter release to the start-up of AF system has been shortened.

Overall, the imager AF speed has become almost three times faster than before.

I tried out the camera during its launch on 30 June and found the AF was indeed much faster than its predecessors the E-P2 and E-P1 – even at low light. An AF illuminator light – inexplicably absent in previous models – has a range of 3m for low light situations.

The number of focus selection areas has been increased from 11 to 35, enabling detailed, pinpoint AF across a wider area than before. To capture a moving subject accurately, the group area selection can apply AF to a limited region compose of 3 vertical and 3 horizontal areas.

Design and UI

The Olympus PEN E-P3 retains the retro design of the PEN series and looks similar to its predecessors.

The 3-inch, 610k-dot OLED display is not only bright and sharp but features a touch screen that is easy to use – in fact addictive. Simply tap the main subject on the screen to prefocus, or focus and take the snapshot immediately. The font and graphic design of the user interface and menu system has been improved to become more readable and good-looking.

In terms of external design, its retro look is similar to its predecessors with a few design and functional differences. There are now two Function buttons and a direct movie-recording button – making camera control easier. A built-in GN10 (ISO 200) flash – absent in previous models – is now available. Two designs of detachable camera grips are available in white, black or silver. Alternatively, leave the grip at home for a minimalistic look, showing off the metallic finish on the E-P3 body.

Inside the camera

Sideviews of the Olympus PEN E-P3.

A new 12.3 megapixel Live MOS sensor in the micro four thirds interchangeable lens digital camera promises an enhanced image quality. 1080i60 full HD movies in AVCHD format are now possible as is high-sensitivity shooting at ISO12800.

The dual core processor allows live view on the LCD panel and image processing when a shot is taken to be executed in parallel, decreasing the blackout time after snapping each photo. This, together with the aforementioned FASTer AF gives the E-P3 a snappier feel and makes it more responsive – especially when taking multiple shots at a go.

The E-P3 now ships with 10 Art Filters – precanned special effects that are applied to the JPEG image when you snap a photo. This is two more than the E-P2 and four more than the E-PL3. Art Filter bracketing is now possible for recording multiple Art Filtered pictures with a single snapshot.

Two new Art Effects are added – “Starlight” and “White Edge”, as well as a new Art Filter variation called the “Pale & Light Colour II”. The Art Filters can be applied during full HD movie shooting and the 3D Art Filter is compatible with the new 3D Photo Shooting scene mode.

Image processing has been enhanced by incorporating the “Full Detail” processing algorithm used in the E-5, the flagship DSLR from Olympus. New “Real Colour Technology” targets the reproduction of colours that are difficult to accurately reproduce such as emerald green and yellow making the image pop.

The “Advanced Shadow Adjustment Technology” (ASAT) tries to correct backlit photos by brightening the backlit subject independently without blowing out the bright background.