A wealth of camera choices

By DON LINDICH, Special to the Star Tribune

Last update: September 18, 2009 - 2:06 PM

Q My digital camera just broke, and I need to replace it. What are you recommending these days?

NATE L., Minneapolis

A In digital SLRs, I usually recommend Olympus and Pentax because of the excellent, affordable kit lenses and the in-camera image stabilization. If you are a serious or professional shooter, you are probably best served by Canon and Nikon SLRs, because they have the most advanced camera bodies and most elaborate lens selection. Canon, Fuji and Panasonic tend to be tops in compact camera picture quality.

Think you might like something between an SLR and a compact?

The new Olympus E-P1 Digital PEN (www.getolympus.com) has taken the photo world by storm, selling out almost everywhere and creating a frenzy of interest. The E-P1 is a compact, live-view, 12.1-megapixel camera with in-camera image stabilization and interchangeable lenses. Part of its strong appeal is undoubtedly due to the beautiful, retro-chic design and stylish, solid metal body that harks back to the original Olympus PEN cameras of many years ago. The E-P1 comes in a kit with either a 17-millimeter fixed lens or a 14-42mm zoom lens that collapses into the camera body for easy carrying. I recommend the zoom kit for its flexibility and optical quality. Both kits sell for $799.

In terms of image quality, Olympus has knocked one out of the park. True to form, the kit zoom has outstanding optics and the camera features Olympus' latest image processing and sensor technology. Pictures have tremendous detail, beautiful, accurate color, and the image stabilization and dust removal features keep things looking clean and sharp. Selectable Art Filters allow you to express your creativity with different styles such as Pop Art, Soft Focus and Pinhole Camera, among others.

The E-P1 also records high-definition 720p video at 30 frames per second in the familiar AVI format. The video looks excellent, although you can hear the lens focusing and it is not quite as sharp as my 1080i Canon HF10 AVCHD camcorder. The E-P1 won't replace a camcorder, but it will definitely let you record fantastic-looking HD video whenever you want.

The E-P1 does not focus as quickly as an SLR, so if you are shooting sports you should look elsewhere. Micro Four-Thirds lens selection is paltry at the moment, although you can use regular Four-Thirds lenses with an adapter. There is no built-in flash, so plan on picking up an external unit such as the Olympus FL-14, which sells for $99 when purchased with the camera.

This is one of those few products that largely live up to their hype.

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