Olympus PEN E-PL1 12.3 MP Digital Camera - Black (Kit w/ 14-42mm Lens)

There are endless reviews of this camera on the internet, most of which will tell you that the image quality is very good but just a little short of DSLR standard, etc. In the technical sense that may well be true (effect of size of sensor, contrast based focusing etc.) but what that kind of review doesn't really tell you is the quality of the shots you will get in the real world. They are superb, among the best shots I have taken with a four-thirds camera (and I have owned many Olympus four-thirds cameras) with good levels of detail even in relatively low light. I visit a number of National Trust properties each year and have been able to take many excellent detailed interior shots without the use of flash, mostly in very poorly lit rooms. I think this says much about the low-light/higher ISO performance of this camera. Mostly I have been using the 14-42mm kit lens, which has very good edge to edge sharpness and is remarkably good all round for a "kit" lens.

Not only does this camera take high quality pictures, but it is well built and, mostly, very intuitive to use. If you want to take more control of how the camera takes a shot, going through menus via the buttons/scroll wheel on the back is slower than using dedicated function buttons on a DSLR. However, you quickly get used to it and consequently the process gets faster. Although the screen is quite low resolution it is clear and you can usually frame a shot readily enough, though the optional EVF is useful in bright sunlight.

Overall, particularly at the prices it can now be bought for, I consider this camera to be something of a bargain.

I have had my Canon A710 IS for a few years and have been very happy with it but I have decided that I now need something more powerful and sophisticated. After extensive research on eBay and other sites, I felt that the Olympus PEN E-PL1 would suit my purpose. As a pensioner, I couldn't really afford a new one but I found on eBay a reconditioned camera for a price I felt I could afford. I haven't really done anything serious with the camera yet; I expect it will have plenty to do though over Christmas and I'll then have a better idea of its capabilities. From my few 'practice' attempts, I find the camera a good compromise between simplicity and advanced features. The monitor screen is large and clear and the various controls are easy to locate and learn. At the basic level, it serves as a 'point and click' camera; those who want advanced features and non-auto controls will find them. I was pleased to find that the camera, though a reconditioned model, came with a comprehensive manual, though I would also have liked an SD card (even of a low GB rating) to be included. The delivery was fairly swift, given that we are in the midst of postal delays due to the recent bad weather and Royal Mail backlog.

My reason for buying this type of camera was to step up from a simple digital point and shoot Panasonic camera to one that would offer better picture quality and greater creative possibilities without adding too much bulk and complication.

The reason I chose the E-PL1 in particular is that the long and short term reviews I found were generally favourable particularly stressing the quality of pictures available and also because the particular example I found on ebay cost little more than the latest generation of point and shoot models.

In practice I have found much to like about the E-PL1.

(1) It feels well built and capable of taking a reasonable amount of abuse without being any great weight and is comfortable to hold and use even in my relatively small hands.

(2) The auto mode means that good quality pictures can be taken straight out of the box.

(3) The semi automatic and manual modes offer the user a useful range of control.

(4) Picture quality is very good.

(5) The built in flash is convenient whilst the hot shoe offers the option of adding a more sophisticated unit if you choose.

As yet I've only scratched the surface of what is possible with the E-PL1 but I can confidently say that the experience of using this camera is a good one, it's fun to use and makes me want to take pictures.The only less than pleasant aspect of the E-PL1 is the manual Olympus provide, a copy of E-PL1 For Dummies is pretty much an essential purchase as a starting point to getting on with this camera.

Micro 4/3 is now a well established format and a good range of lenses is now available to buy new and second hand. In addition any lenses bought to go with the E-PL1 will carry forward to any other micro 4/3 camera bought at a future date. It's also worth noting that replacement batteries and a range of accessories, cases etc are widely available for the E-PL1 many at sensible prices.

The bottom line is simple . If you are a photography buff or someone who has to have absolutely the latest model the E-PL1 is probably not for you, on the other hand if you are looking for a relatively compact camera that offers excellent picture quality and the ability to take as much or little creative control as the user wants then you won't go far wrong with the E-PL1 especially given the price for which a good example & additional lenses etc can be found on ebay and elsewhere.

The OLYMPUS E-PL1 is a very good camera overall.The price is very reasonable for this type of camera and the end results are good. We can all nit pick and find a fault of some kind. The HD side of the camera is excellent and studio quality. It is easier to use than the E-P1 or the Panasonic G1 or GH1 so DON'T HANG ABOUT GET ONE TODAY.

Having until recently been a DSLR user, in fact the Professional Nikon D700 full frame camera, I found the Olympus E-PL1 a little basic. However, it's not in the same league as the Nikon so they can't be compared together.

The E-PL1 design - mirrorless system is the future. There will be a huge revolution in digital camera design. The E-PL1 has approximately the same Mpixel resolution as the Nikon D700. The picture quality wasn't as good as I was expecting but again I think that's because I'm still trying to compare it to the Nikon D700. If you've recently replaced your point and shoot compact with the E-PL1 you'll be very impressed with the picture quality.

The E-PL1 has loads of in camera features. These range from visual effects such as dark corners in the pin hole effect, black and white to various post shot editing options. All the features are generally found via the top dial so they are quick and easy to find.

The camera itself is small and quite compact. Even with the standard kit lens attached I managed to fit it into the smallest Tenba camera bag (something worth looking for). There are other lens available which is a very nice touch but make sure you know what you're buying as most Panasonic and Olympus lens require an adapter and then some will only be manual focus. Be warned.

Overall, this is a nice camera and I see great things for the mirrorless system. In the not too distant future, these cameras will start to overtake the DSLR. That's my prediction anyway.

Conclusion:

Great camera system, light and great quality with loads of accessories. Highly recommended.