Well kids, I finally got my hands on the video files, so before I head out this fine Indianapolis Friday how about my mini-review of my photowalk experiences with the E-P1 and 14-42mm kit lens?

This is a podcast-enabled post, so if you subscribe to our videos you’ll be getting the video from the end here beamed to you, so don’t worry there.

Getting started, let’s look over the highlights of this beastie:

• 12 Megapixel 4/3 Sensor
• TruePic V Processor
• Smallest body with a DSLR sensor and interchangeable lenses your money can currently buy.
• 720p HD video
• Integral Olympus stereo digital audio recorder
• Art Filters

Ready to read my lengthy-ish review? Click below.

OK, the E-P1 is Olympus’ first foray into Micro Four Thirds, their new standard developed with Panasonic that uses the same ideas of their E-system DSLR, throws out the mirror-box and optical viewfinder ‘reflex’ system, and comes out with a smaller, leaner system with the same capabilities (imaging-wise) as the full-on E-system.

The first issue to address is how it fairs without an optical viewfinder (OVF). The Panasonic G1/GH1s addressed this with a well-received EVF, but Olympus has forgone even that and gone with the strictly point-and-shoot rear LCD for everything.

A lot of people were worried, as such, that framing in adverse conditions like bright daylight would be tricky. I’ve been able to confirm that while not the bestest of all possible solutions, the LCD’s viewability in bright light is good enough for composition, although checking metering and exposure will require a bit more trust in the cameras meter, histograms, and the odd trip to the shadows or a good cupped hand (a Hoodman Loupe might be just the accessory for those needing better functionallity in daylight).

The camera felt great in hand, very solid. The sensor-shift IS removed any trace of problems that might have been introduced by the point-and-shoot arm’s-length stance over the more stable DSLR stance. Olympus’ new overlaid control interface borrows a great deal from Canon’s PowerShot series cameras, and the L-shaped menu is quick to navigate with the thumb wheel and jog wheel. For times when I wanted to set the advanced controls, the traditional Oly Super Control Panel was just a tap of the “Info” button away and will be instantly familiar to anyone who has used an E-system body.

Most of the advanaced controls have to be enabled in the menu, so be sure t check your manual before assuming this is a crippled camera. Once unlocked the Gears menu is almost as extensive as the one on my E-3, and lets you change almost every aspect of the camera from the beep to how the different wheels behave in what modes. I opted to set the four-way to direct AF point selection something I got used to in the last E-3 firmware) over the dedicated ISO, AF, etc buttons (I found the new L-menu quite adequate for switch those).

Exposure and white balance were as to be expected, not perfect but competent. The TruePic V processor purportedy allows for a weaker AA filter by taking on more of the UV filtering and anti-aliasing in the circuitry, and it seemed to do a good job. Purple flowers, notoriously wonky on my E-3 because the ‘purple’ is actually our eyes seeing a bit into the UV spectrum, came out snappy and life-like, and not frustratingly blue. Subjectively I put ISO performance over 800 at about a stop better than my E-3, which is impressive.

I have no hard info on dynamic range or such, but I can say that (per the video at the bottom of all this), the pale light and color filter does do a good job at fitting a lot more DR into a shot then just the straight sensor, providing at least one practical justification for art filters.

The filters can all be used in video, although it should be pointed out the pinhole and grainy film will flat-out kill your frame rate. The pop art and soft focus are fun to run around with, though. All-in-all, I found art filters fun to goof off with, and occasionally they have real solid uses (pale light and tone and pop art especially. Pinhole is gimiicky, but every now and then it sings). They’re far more sophisticated than I would have guessed, as far as what they do.

The lens I had was the kit 14-42, which I was not excited about. I upgraded from the 14-42 regular Zuiko and have not looked back in my E-system, mostly because it wasn’t as sharp as the next lens up and because the yard-long minimum focusing distance was a bummer. The m.Zuiko is a notable improvement, and with a minimum focusing distance only about 5″ from the front element at 42mm it was a joy to use for getting in there and up close. Simply put, I am a converted man and the 14-42mm m.Zuiko is a bit more than the kit lens I ad assume it would be.

Wrapping up, my first experiences with this camera suggest it to be a fully competent if not record-setting camera for even a fairly demanding photographer, and equally adept at satisfying casual shooters. It’s clearly not an action camera, the LCD and focus will rule that out, but for art shooters like myself there aren’t many more appealing options. It’s size makes it fairly unassuming, and it just looks sharp as heck. I quite enjoyed it, and I intend to add one to my bag next year.

End-of-the-Post Linkiage:

• The E-P1 Test Flickr Set
• The Raw Footage intro the E-P1
• Product Page (Click link below picture and get the same stuff Oly’s site has)

Finally, the videos from out and about, just for context. I’ll get a few short clips from the E-P1 itself up soon.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmeMz5NcX-Y