The two lower-end models in the Olympus PEN range have been updated. The E-PL3 and E-PM1 were the mainstay of the PEN range for the last year, but the new E-PL5 and E-PM2 will now take over as direct replacements. It's a big update too with touchscreens and a 'new' sensor among the improvements.
Japanese companies often skip number four in a series of products, as it's pronounced the same as the word for death, so there's no E-PL4
Here's the E-PM2 with its new handgrip
The most obvious update to both is the addition of touchscreens, with spot focus and shutter release at a tap, plus easier menu navigation. The screens remain 3in across with 460,000 dots, but the flexibility of the E-PL5 has been increased over the E-PL3, with the screen now able to point forward for self-portraits. The E-PM2 still has a fixed screen, though the camera has gained one additional button - delete.
The new highly-flexible screen on the E-PL5 is a big plus
The E-PL5 now has the removable hand grip concept from the more-expensive E-P3 (see below), while the E-PM2 gains a small integral hand grip, which should make it easier to keep hold of compared to its predecessor.
Here's the E-PL5 with and without the screw-on handgrip
Inside, both cameras are now using the same 16-megapixel sensor as was in the recent, flagship Olympus OM-D EM-5 . It's a great improvement from the last-gen 12-megapixel sensor, as you can see in these test shots . There's also the same True Pic VI image processor, so you can expect the same speed and excellent JPEG quality as on the EM-5.
The rear of the E-PM2, with its single extra button
Unlike its immediate competitors, again such as the Sony NEX-5T , Olympus has chosen not include integrated Wi-Fi. However, UK cameras will come bundled with a Toshiba FlashAir 8GB Wi-Fi memory card, which will work with the menu system to provide upload capabilities.
New sensor aside, the touchscreen, self portrait display and Wi-Fi, all show how our use of traditional cameras has been changed by our love affair with smartphones.
Both cameras will be available mid-to-late October, with recommended prices of £600 for the E-PL5 and £500 for the E-PM2 - both with the FlashAir card included. These prices are likely to drop significantly though once retailers start competing for business.