Olympus PEN E-P2

The shot-to-shot timing of the EP-2 varied quite a bit depending on the mode used, with it being faster on all the regular shooting modes and a lot slower on the Art modes. In fact, the camera disables the continuous shooting mode in all the Art modes....

The Olympus Pen E-P2 serves up unique in-camera controls and an attractive, durable design, but it costs significantly more than an entry-level DSLR, lacks a built-in flash, and has autofocus issues.

Excellent resolution with lots of detail in the shots ; Appealing, bright and punchy out of camera results and well optimized JPEGs ; Improved AF performance (though kit lens holds it back) ; Pretty retro design puts SLR quality into a compact body ;...

Some highlight clipping (and poor dynamic range at ISO 100) ; Low resolution screen that's hard to see in bright light ; i-Enhance picture mode can't be disengaged when using iAuto ; No built-in flash (and the optional flash is expensive and pretty...

A slightly revised version of the E-P1 sees changes in all the right places. A great JPEG engine, in-body stabilization and the option to add one of the best electronic viewfinders we've seen combine to help it live up to its looks.

Compact, 12-megapixel camera with interchangeable lenses. Giant LCD screen. Great low-light performance, professional features including full manual control and RAW mode. That design is hot, son. Hot

A good deal more expensive than the nearly identical E-P1. Costs about the same as a full-sized DSLR. LCD viewfinder is lower-resolution than the main LCD and is annoyingly laggy. Viewfinder also hogs flash hot-shoe

D-SLR-quality images. Sharp images from ISO 100-800 at all f-stops. Low noise from ISO 100-1600. Attractive design. 720p30 HD video capture. Mini HDMI port

The E-P2 Micro Four Thirds camera has all the benefits and shortfalls of the less expensive E-P1, but it also includes a detachable electronic viewfinder.

First Look: The attractive Olympus Pen E-P2 serves up unique in-camera controls, interchangeable lenses, and a compact design, but it costs significantly more than an entry-level DSLR.