Olympus PEN accessories are launched

With the launch of the Olympus Pen E-P1 in July 2009, Olympus pioneered a new market segment, transforming the image of the digital SLR among compact camera users, who had previously been wary of upgrading due to perceptions of “heavy weight, bulky size and complicated operation”. Since then, Olympus has rapidly grown this market segment, offering consumers an ever-widening selection of PEN series models to choose from.

To add even more versatility to its PEN line-up, Olympus has put together an extensive selection of system accessories to complement its camera models. While previous SLR accessories such as lenses and external flashes have been oriented towards the advanced user as reflected in their high prices and difficult operation, Olympus’s new accessories are expected to lower the hurdles with more affordable prices and easier operation.

To begin with, Olympus will be introducing three types of Converter lens — Fisheye, Wide and Macro, which can be attached easily to the M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II standard zoom lens. These converter lenses allow the user to gain a new appreciation of photography by shifting perspectives and points of view easily and comfortably. Olympus also anticipates that these converters will stimulate interest in more advanced photographic techniques and encourage users to purchase interchangeable lenses.

The MAL-1 Macro Arm Light is a convenient lighting accessory ideal for use when shooting small subjects such as jewellery and miniatures. Since this light can illuminate the subject from various directions, it makes it possible to enhance the quality of small subject photography by eliminating unnecessary shadows or, alternatively, by adding shadows to enhance the reality of the subject. It is an ideal accessory for those who want to shoot beautiful pictures of small articles to be put up for auction or displayed on a blog.

The Olympus Pen PAL PP-1 Communication Unit is a revolutionary new product that makes it possible to share images with friends and family directly from the camera. When connected to the new Accessory Port 2 on the Olympus Pen E-PL2, the PENPAL can transfer pictures to a Bluetooth device such as a smart phone or to another camera with the OLYMPUS PENPAL installed. No downloading, uploading, or computer required. Instead, picture data can be transferred instantly, allowing users to share their latest pictures with anyone, anywhere, anytime. It is also ideal for the users who want to show beautiful pictures shot with PEN on their smart phones or upload pictures from their smart phones to blogs or SNS.

In addition, attractively styled straps and cases made of high-quality materials will also be offered. Users can select from a variety of designs and colors to complement their own sense of style. as desired to enhance the pleasure of going out with PEN carried on them.

For the adventurous, Olympus has developed the PT-EP03 Underwater Case, which is designed to provide protection for the camera at depths up to 40 meters. It is also designed exclusively for use with the E-PL2 , it is smaller than the PT-EP01 Underwater Case for the E-PL1 (March 2010). The underwater white balance function incorporated in the E-PL2 makes it possible to shoot still images and movies with vivid color reproduction even without auxiliary lighting.