Olympus PEN E-PL7 Announced

 The new PEN E-PL7, black version, showing the LCD touch-screen monitor flipped down for shooting self portraits/ (Source: Olympus.)

Replacing the current E-PL5 model, the E-PL7 has been designed for photographers who are active social networkers and features an LCD monitor that flips down through 180 degrees to face forward and provide an unobstructed view of subjects in front of the camera. Touch controls include a novel ‘selfie’ mode with a specially designed interface that activates automatically when the monitor is flipped down, making it easy to capture individual or group ‘selfies’. The E-PL7’s exposure system is optimised for self-portrait shooting and rolling movements that can occur when the camera is held one-handed are corrected by built-in 3-axis image stabilisation, even in relatively low light levels.

Integrated Wi-Fi makes it easy to share images via social networks and also operate the camera remotely from a smart device’s touch screen. Setting up connections to smart devices is made simple by a QR code display. The Olympus Image Share app provides strong device integration and remote camera control.

The new camera will be offered in black and silver. Accessories to be released with the camera include leather body jackets in black, brown and light brown with matching lens covers that can be tethered to the camera or jacket. A special underwater housing, the PT-EP12 will also be available, along with the UFL-3 underwater flash.  

Current estimates are that the new camera will sell for AU$649 as a body alone, AU$849 in single-lens kit format with the 14-42mm EZ lens or $1049 as a twin-lens kit with 14-42mm EZ and 40-150mm lenses. Full product information will be available at http://www.olympus.com.au/Products/CompactSystem-Cameras/PEN-Bodies.aspx.

A detailed ‘First Look’ at the PEN E-PL7 with full specifications has been published separately.