Small and light body with SLR-quality | Expressive Power | Easy operation | Versatile functions
With conventional SLR cameras, the image is captured through the lens, passed through a mirror and pentaprism, and viewed on the viewfinder screen. With the Micro Four Thirds System standard, on the other hand, the mirror has been eliminated. With no need to incorporate a mirror box inside the camera, the length of the flange back can be reduced by about half without changing the image sensor size or compromising the image quality. Compared to our E-420 - the world's smallest* digital SLR camera - the width has been reduced by about 8.5 mm, the height by about 20 mm and the thickness by about 18 mm. As a result, the overall volume has also been reduced by approx.58%.
* Among interchangeable-lens type digital SLR cameras (as of June 16, 2009, our in-house research).
The image sensor uses a High-Speed Live MOS Sensor featuring 12.3 megapixels and a high-speed readout. In combination with the high optical performance provided by Micro Four Thirds lenses, this sensor captures high-resolution images that accurately reproduce your composition with exquisite detail, rich gradations and natural colours.
The TruePic V image-processing engine is a refined version of the high-performance TruePic III+ engine, delivering clearer, higher-resolution images by exploiting the full performance of the lens. Sophisticated noise reduction that removes noise without obliterating details allows high-sensitivity shooting at ISO 6400 and beautifully reproduces delicate colour changes.
A newly developed compact image stabilization mechanism is integrated in the camera to compensate for camera shake by up to 4 EV steps*. Since the stabilizing mechanism is built into the camera body, it can function with any lens without compromising its optical performance. Two modes - I.S.2 (horizontal) and I.S.3 (vertical) make possible blur-free panning shots in either the horizontal or vertical direction. The image stabilization mechanism works also when the mount adapter (optional) is used.
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses are designed exclusively for the Micro Four Thirds System by optimizing the mount diameter and signal contacts. Reflecting the PEN's ability to achieve high image quality, the digital-dedicated design of these compact lenses takes full advantage of the characteristics of digital photography, delivering light to every corner of the image sensor and ensuring high quality for both still and moving images.
