Olympus' E-P2 Micro Four Thirds camera has been revealed early thanks to a preview posted in advance. The rangefinder-like design is now known by BJP to be getting only a handful of new features but will importantly bring AF motion tracking and consequently fix a common complaint of slow autofocusing with the E-P1. Alongside this, it brings in a new electronic viewfinder option that is both very high-resolution (1.44 megapixels) and which pivots up to 90 degrees off-axis.

The camera will also have the option of a stereo microphone to boost sound quality for the 720p movie mode, add an i-Enhance feature to artificially boost color saturation, and expand the Art Filter modes with Cross Process (color inversion) and Diorama (tilt-shift) software effects both in movies and in stills. A black camera body will join the existing silver and white models.

A 12-megapixel sensor, 3FPS shooting and other traits of the E-P1 should persist in the refresh.

In spite of its holiday unveiling, the E-P2 now isn't due to ship until January. UK residents will pay £849 ($1,407) for a kit with the existing 14-42mm lens, though an official US announcement is due very early tomorrow and will likely see a price closer to the E-P1's $850.