Olympus this morning released its second generation compact, swappable lens camera. The E-PL1s is similar on the outside to the original but has widened the sensitivity from ISO 3,200 to 6,400. A new 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 kit lens has also reclaimed the title of lightest in the category by bringing the total weight of the body and lens to almost exactly one pound.
Other changes are less pronounced but include an updated, quieter autofocusing motor that prevents it from interfering with video recording. The Micro Four Thirds camera continues to shoot at 12.3 megapixels for stills and 720P video. It depends on attachments for a dedicated viewfinder and stereo recording, but it has its own flash and HDMI output.
The camera is shipping first in Japan on December 4 at estimated prices equivalent to $720 for the core kit and $960 for a version that adds a 40-150mm f4-5.6 telephoto lens; a new dark red color is an option alongside black and white. Olympus hasn’t detailed an American release so far.
