Whether the EP-1 is called a "pro camera" or an "amateur camera" or even a "hot dog" isn't what's important to me. What is important is how it can be used, and whether it makes the sort of photography I prefer easier to accomplish.
Superficially, the EP-1 has some compelling specifications: reasonably large sensor; interchangeable and probably excellent lenses; rather compact size and moderate weight. But upon closer examination, it wouldn't help me do my sort of work and would possibly make it more difficult.
Why? The lack of a viewfinder. This isn't a question of technology for me. I don't particularly care if the viewfinder is electronic, or optical, based on a moving mirror, or simply a decent wireframe. But I want something that is usable in adverse lighting conditions, and that can be used for subjects that don't stand still. If this viewfinder were to allow me to frame my photographs with accuracy, so much the better.
Many posters have commented that people above 40 y/o generally have difficulty using a camera equipped only with an LCD other than by holding it at arms' length. I'm one of those, and despite the dismissal of that issue by other-presumably younger-posters, it's very real for me. Of course, all I'd need to do to be able to see the LCD held close to my face is put on my glasses before using the camera.
Has any of the commentators thought about how the extra time involved to get those glasses in play would detract from the spontaneity that is often one of photography's virtues as an art form?
For the many photographers who don't make photos that are spontaneous, dependence on an LCD for framing may be adequate, though from what I've read--and experienced with similar viewing systems--you won't find it very useful when the sunlight hits it.
While the new Olympus Pen may be an interesting first effort, as a working tool for photographers, as a device for recording our world as events occur, I'd say it's less of a pen than a quill; a modern pen is instantly ready, easy to use, and doesn't interfere with the creative process. A quill, on the other hand, requires a good deal of effort to employ, is cumbersome in use (though lightweight and rather elegant in design), and makes the creative process much less spontaneous and smooth.
Now that Olympus has produced the EP-1, perhaps with its next effort it can design and manufacture the EP-2, a real pen, a useful tool, for the serious photographer.
