The Micro four thirds vs four thirds standard

In summary the Micro Four Thirds standard holds 3 major changes over the four thirds standard. First is smaller overall form factor, second more intelligent lens interface, and third it creates a fully compatible system of lenses. The smaller form facts has a 50% reduction of the flange back length from 40mm to 20mm (with the removal of a mirror assembly) and a 6mm reduction of the mount diameter. The Micro Four Thirds standard also has a more intelligent lens interface, with 2 added pins which improves live view response, and allows both still image and movie capture. The 2 additional pins also allow for a smoother live view with shorter lag time, faster communication speeds between the lens and the body, and high speed data processing allowing HD movie capture. The Micro Four Thirds mount allows you to use nearly any other lens system ever created with the correct adaptor.

The overall goal of the E-P1 is to create a unique camera to the market. Olympus sees the audience for this category as three different types of individuals. Clearly the photo-enthusiast or hard-core photographers will love the small portable size and ability to add lenses. Those that consider themselves real ‘gearheads’ (you know who you are, you’ve probably got the latest iPhone and the new Kindle) will love the sophisticated look of the camera and enjoy the amount of raw power that is packed into this little device. Olympus also believes 20% of the market is looking to setup from lower quality cameras, but size, weight, and price holds many back from getting a higher quality camera. The new digital Pen series of cameras is designed to fill that need too. In my opinion I would say that for the most part the point and shoot market is dead, they are being replaced with cellphones (Such as the New iPhone 3G S with 3 MP, AF, and video). But very high quality cameras that will produce better quality images will not be replaced, and to have a camera which can produce extremely high quality images, and be friendly to carry and buy will fit that need.

E-P1 Compared to the E-420

The E-P1 is about a cm shorter and cm less in over width from the smallest SLR on the market (E-420). Olympus has been able to incorporate the IS unit, Shutter, image sensor and dust reduction in a much smaller package. With the Micro Four Thirds system has had to remove the finder, mirror box and AF unit. Overall the size of the camera is much smaller because of Olympus' precise fabrication with a very fine stainless steel like finish (I assume its lightweight aluminum though) which really makes the camera a pleasure to hold.