Olympus has released details of a new PEN compact system camera, the E-PL7. While the new model looks similar to 2012's E-PL5, it includes several significant changes including a more flexible vari-angle 3-inch capacitive touch screen, 81-point AF focusing, improved three-axis image stabilisation, TruePic VII image processor and enhanced Wi-Fi, smartphone and social media sharing capabilities.
Like the '5', the E-PL7 uses a 16.1-megapixel LiveMOS sensor and delivers 8 frames per second continuous shooting.
Olympus has redesigned the high-resolution (1.04 million dots) LCD screen so it flips downward, a feature it says is ideal for framing and capturing 'selfies'. The face detection system has also been redesigned to focus between shots, so you can shoot a sequence of in-focus self-portraits even when you actively change poses or camera angles.
The camera also promises good connectivity options, offering built-in WiFi and compatibility with all iOS and Android phones. Olympus has also updated its Olympus Image Share (OI.Share) app to offer more sharing and remote control options. Users can view the LiveView display on a smartphone, adjust key shooting variables and tap the screen to focus and shoot.
The PEN E-PL7 will be bundled with a new lens, the M.Zuiko 14-42mm EZ kit lens, which can be 'zoomed' remotely using the OI.Share app. The PEN E-PL7 will be available in black and silver versions from late September 2014. Pricing is yet to be announced.
