Digital SLRs have been steadily improving over the last few years, but they still cling on to the form factor and designs of the 35mm camera era. Don’t get me wrong – I love the aesthetic – but if the sensor isn’t 35mm anymore, why is the body around it scaled to that dimension? The 4/3rds designs have moved this on but not felt like proper photographic tools – until Olympus released their E-P1, or E-PEN in homage to its illustrious forebear first introduced in 1959. Now Olympus have already brought out a new model in the E-Pen range – the E-P2.

The E-P2 takes the concept to a new level, with a serious sleek black look and even more pro pretensions. It continues the E-P1 successes with built-in image stabiliser, high ISO capabilities, 12 megapixel sensor, and a form factor that makes it both pocketable and useable. Add in HD movie recording, still AF tracking, and an accessory port that allows the attachment of an old school swivelling electronic viewfinder.

I rarely take my big DLSR out with me these days – and am therefore seriously tempted by a photographic tool this capable and this compact.