The Olympus E-PL1 Pen is the first camera in the Olympus PEN series with a built-in pop-up flash that makes it easy to illuminate low-light subjects, reduce red-eye and fill in dark areas.

The camera is also compatible with a range of optional external flashes, including the Olympus FL-36R and FL-50R, which can be controlled wirelessly by the E-PL1 so you can dynamically control lighting as your photography skills grow. How do professional photographers capture the stunning images you see in the pages of glossy magazines and coffee-table books? Talent matters, of course, but you also need the right equipment. Rest assured that the Olympus E-PL1 has everything you need to produce vibrant, professional-quality images: a large image sensor, in-body Image Stabilization, Imager Autofocus, the proven Olympus Dust Reduction System and the TruePic V Image Processor.

This third-generation PEN is built for shutterbugs who always wanted better pictures and considered a DSLR, but were intimidated by the bulky size and complex interface. The new Olympus PL1 camera’s simple design and easy interface enable consumers to easily create amazing images never dreamt possible.

Olympus PL1 delivers DSLR image quality and HD video

This camera equals an affordable and powerfully simple all-in-one package that travels with you to capture life in the high quality that your memories deserve. “Thanks in part to an image sensor that’s approximately eight times larger in size than what’s inside the average point-and-shoot camera, the Olympus E-PL1 delivers outstanding high-quality images. Add the flexibility of high-quality interchangeable lenses, the convenience of a built-in pop-up flash, in-camera creative features and technology designed to produce images effortlessly, and the Olympus PEN E-PL1 is the total consumer-friendly, multimedia package.”

This third generation of the Olympus PEN series combines powerful features in an easy-to-use package that will make capturing your life more fun. The new direct record button makes taking videos easier than ever and the new Live Guide functionality makes it simple to learn photography techniques without requiring the skills of a pro shooter. Recording HD movies with the Olympus E-PL1 Pen is simple, thanks to an easy-to-reach red “direct button” (red record button) on the back of the Olympus PL1 camera body. If you’re about to snap a photo and you realize a video would capture the spirit of the scene even better, simply press the record button and instantly you’re capturing videos! Easily toggle back and forth between capturing stills and videos by using your index finger to press the shutter button or your thumb to press the red record button. Having the ability to shoot still images and videos opens up a world of imaging possibilities.

Olympus Pen E-PL1 features:

- 12.3-megapixel sensor
- Inbuilt pop-up flash
- HD video recording (though as what resolution, Olympus hasn't said).
- 19 Scene-Select Modes
- Face Detection
- In-Camera Panorama
- ISO range of 100 - ISO 3200