Olympus PEN E-PL1

Description

The new Olympus PEN E-PL1 is truly greater than the sum of its parts, with a surprisingly small camera body packed with technology normally found in bigger, bulkier and heavier professional Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras and High-Definition (HD) camcorders. This third-generation PEN is built for shutterbugs who always wanted better pictures and considered a DSLR, but were intimidated by the bulky size and complex interface. The new camera's simple design and easy interface enable photographers to easily create amazing images never dreamt possible.

 

The E-PL1 equals an affordable and powerfully simple all-in-one package that travels with you to capture life in the high quality that your memories deserve.




 

 

Features

• 12.3-mega pixel interchangeable lens digital camera; Micro Four Thirds format
• Includes 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 digital zoom lens; features built-in flash
• 2.7-inch Hyper Crystal LCD with Live View function; Continuous Auto focus (C-AF) tracking system
• Capture HD video with high-quality audio; new "Direct Button" for easy recording
• New Live Guide interface simplifies great photography; capture images to SD/SDHC cards (not included)

 

What's In The Box

• Olympus PEN E-PL1 12.3-mega pixel interchangeable lens digital camera
• 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 digital zoom lens
• Battery
• External battery chargers
• Cables

User Experience

"Pros
The best Olympus implementation of the m4/3 sensor
One of the best JPEG engines in the business
Relatively small and light
Built in flash
In camera Image Stabilization(IS)
Price (The cheapest m4/3 yet)
Optional EVF (A very nice 1.4mp unit but very pricey at $279)
Its available
Nice build quality

Cons
Slow Auto focus (Panasonic has this figured out. Olympus, not so much)
Missing Control Wheel slows down aperture, shutter, and exposure changes
Only 230k screen?!
1/2000 shutter speed?! A lot of P+S go to 1/4000
Locking lens is annoying to deploy and stow

Overall
A competent and nice camera that will take stunning images. Slow auto focus and clunky controls will make this camera frustrating to many people."

"Great compact size is very convenient for traveling, and the fact it is a DSLR-like camera with the interchangeable lens with manual adjustment makes it very appealing. Auto focus of this camera is amazing and intelligent, and it produces super clear focused photo even from a car that is driving at 75 miles/hr. Takes fabulous day and night photos when there's some light source. But when taking pictures at night in dark light condition, higher ISO has too much noise, especially starting at 1600. 3200 is out of question after attempted to take pictures of night sky. I guess I expected too much from it.. I think I'll deal with the weight and the size and go back to regular DSLR."

Over all the Olympus PEN E-PL1 is a very good camera, but with auto focus issues and poor performance in low light conditions it may not be for everyone. This camera is most suitable for an amateur who wants more then just a point and shoot but is not confident with a DSLR.

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