Anyone check out the Olympus EP-1/Pen series?
 

I've been keeping my eyes on the PEN series for a while (EP1 or E-PL1). Looks like a decent transition from a compact, allowing great image quality and controls without as much bulk from the SLR's. It's one of the relatively few models using the 4/3 lens system.

Just wondering if anyone had any experience with it? I suppose the other camera's in my consideration set would be something like a Canon Rebel XS..but that's not quite as fun. :)

nice little camera. i was considering either the EP1 or the cannon G11.

i opted for the G11 because of the retractable lens and the fact that i can put it in my pocket while travelling. i couldnt do that with an EP1. i thought i may as well go with a nikon SLR if i couldnt put it in my pocket.

great features though, except that they leftout the flash and the viewfinder on the EP1 in order to keep the EP1 camera compact.

I don't own a PEN camera, but I have an olympus and am generally pleased with it. The following forum will have more reviews on the PEN cameras:

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the best website by far for camera comparisons is dpreview.com. you can compare feature by feature against numerous cameras. A photographers dream!

Olympus E-P1 Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

Canon or Nikon need to make a retractable lens version that can shoot in RAW format and have good dynamic range. But, I still will take my DSLR camera over these if I can't get the benefit of fitting it into a pocket.

It would be interesting if they made a prime lens (no zoom) model that had a good 35mm only, but had a f 1.4 or f 1.2 lens on it. Yet, still try to make it thin and lightweight.

ASU the G11 is retractable and shoots in RAW format- and fits in your pocket, albeit a large one

So it's the size of a compact but still has an SLR lens sticking out of it? The only reasons I'd go with a P&S over SLR are pocket sized, which this is not because of the lens, and to get into places that don't allow "professional" cameras, with the test being "does the lens come off?" so I don't see the appeal.

I remember when Olympus (and a few others) announced the 4/3rds lens system ... at the time it seemed like a really great idea. I still think it was, in a lot of ways. But in the end not getting Nikon or Canon or Pentax on board kinda sunk it as a universal DSLR standard. I'd be wary of buying an interchangeable-lens camera with a relatively limited selection of lenses.

But they seem to be aiming for a digital version of the old rangefinder market, and it's a great looking camera. It might appeal to people who don't want something that looks big and "professional" but instead something more like a traditional film P&S.

Not really my taste given the price but if you already carry a bag around with you that you could carry it in, and you don't care too much about not having the lens selection that you'd get with a Canon or Nikon DSLR ... I guess I can see the draw.

Looks like not only has Sony beaten their price on the mirrorless system with the NEX, the sensor housing is big enough that they could drop a full frame sensor in. It also has the benefit of accepting a lot more lenses. I still can't see myself being able to get a grip on something that small, but I suspect the SLR will be eclipsed by these for entry level interchangeable lens cameras in the next few years.

Im wary of the new Sony's. Seems pricy..and proprietary. Shocking I know. ;)

So I ended up buying the E-P1!

579$ at Bestbuy (Canada)...and they knocked off 10% as the only remaining model was the demo unit. No noticeable wear and tear on it and everything seems to be in order so far. No dead pixels. I'll have to check out the sensor at some point though.

First non-compact P&S for me so I'm pretty excited! Looks like now I'll have to learn the fundamentals beyond using the iAuto mode..

What time warp are you living in that you still expect dead pixels?

Almost any Canon can shoot in RAW with the CHDK hacks. My family has several of the A-series Canons and it works well on all of them. Opens up a lot more functionality as well. What I really like is that the hack lives on your SD card and by removing it or restarting then inserting the card, the Cam goes back to factory defaults. No permanent change.

CHDK Wiki

I use a Lumix DMC-GH1 and I quite like the micro-4/3 system. Sure, the lenses are in short supply, but when all else fails I have Canon and Nikon adapters that work just fine.