HD video

The E-P1 has the ability to capture full HD quality video. Olympus has even added the ability to use the art filters while capturing HD video. But for actual samples we will again have to wait for a couple of days until I can get my hands on a version 1.0 camera. Also I can already see the forum loaded with posts about poor quality video, and so I think that the majority of issues will be people who do not have Class 6 speed SD cards. Really I think it was good that Olympus choose to leave behind the XD cards with the camera in this class, and instead focus on using a faster media type. The SD card, and Battery (which is the same as that found in the E-4x0 series of cameras) are accessed on the bottom of the camera -

How do the different video modes compare between the GH1 and E-P1?

	Panasonic GH1	Panasonic GH1	Olympus E-P1
Resolution	1080i	720p	720p
Frame Record Rate	24fps	60fps	30fps
Movie Format	AVCHD		AVI
Sound Format	Stereo - Dolby (With external mic option)		Stereo (Liner PCM)
AF in movie mode	S-AF, C-AF w/ 14-140mm		S-AF, C-AF (w/ all M.Zuiko & Zuiko digital lenses during recording)
IS	In lens		Sensor-based IS (works w/ all lenses, and legacy lenses when focal length is set)
Exposure control	iAuto, P/A/S/M, 9 mode		P/A + Six Art Filters
Recording time at highest quality	12 min		7 min
Still image capture	No		Yes

First I would not call myself a video expert. I have spent a lot of time looking at video stuff, and really I am amazed at the over complexity that comes with HD video. Even AVCHD seems to be similar to still image RAW format, in which it takes time for vendors (e.g. Apple, Adobe, etc) to update codex to read it properly. So that is a bit of a pain. On the GH1 at 1080i the video is choppy, and really for any moving subject from my brief hands on experience with the camera the imae quality is better at 720p. Also Of all the SLR cameras on the market the Panasonic GH-1 does seem to support the best video options, and I have really been thinking of buying one, but I am still waiting for them to be in stock in the USA, and am left wondering did Panasonic drop the ball again? I haven't even been sent a review unit, and with 35,000 - 40,000 people reading this site each month I am a bit worried about Panasonic, but the Panasonic 14-140mm HD lens does look attractive. However, compared to the ultra compact, and affordable E-P1 the Olympus Pen is looking like a very good option.

In-Camera Multiple Exposure

Just like on the E-30 you can combine images together for a unique image in both recording mode and playback.

In-Camera Image Aspect Control

The E-P1 has 4 aspect rations for shooting - 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, and 6:6.

Shadow Adjustment Technology (SAT)

SAT is really one of my favorite technologies. It has changed my opinion on shooting jpegs. It really enhances the perceived dynamic range of a photo, lifting the shadows and brings the image closer to what you perceive with your eyes.

Manual Focus Assist Function

The MF assist function zooms into where the camera found the focus point at 7x. (I also think that the camera does 5x, and 10x if I remember correctly) This zoom in function allows for very precise focusing that in my opinion is a very useful feature. Though it takes a bit to get use to using.

Face Detection

With Olympus face detection it can automatically recognize and focus on up to 8 faces in one scene. The camera seeks to adjust exposure so that they are correctly exposed, this mode can also be combined with SA. If you have the camera set to zoom into an image when the focus ring is adjusted, it can be used with face detection.

True Pic V

Olympus has been working very hard to improve the imaging processing engine. From the sample images I have seen the high ISO settings are improved by around 1 Stop over the E-30 (giving us ISO 6400 which is the first 4/3 camera to offer that ability). Olympus tells me that noise suppression has been improved to the degree that shots taken at ISO 3200 won’t render any more noise than a shot taken at ISO 1600. Second images are much sharper, and show the same dynamic range as from the E-30. Again soon I will publish some images from the camera.

Image Stabilization for Stills and Movies

The E-P1 claims that you can gain up to 4 EV (exposure Value) stops regardless of the lens selected. (Even legacy film lenses). The 4 IS methods are IS-1 applies IS correction to both horizontal and vertical movement. IS-2 applies to IS correction to vertical movement only. IS-3 applies IS correction to horizontal movement only. And the new Movie Mode EIS (electronic image stabilization) sensors detect camera shake and respond by slightly moving the image so that it remains in the same place on the sensor.

Digital Level Gauge

The Level Gauge displays both pitch and roll on the Live View LCD. The E-P1 has the digital level built in to the camera (as did the E-30) this feature is invaluable to me. It quickly lets you get level when shooting, and replaces in nearly every case I can think about a spirit level.

i-Auto - Intelligent Auto

Automatically detects the subject and sets the camera to one of 5 different scenes. Night Portrait, Portrait, Landscape, Action, and Close Up.