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superb vintage camera.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Not since the rugged, sound reliability of the 35mm Olympus Trip nearly 20 years ago has my camera collection included an Olympus. The introduction of the new digital 'Pen' intrigued me and I read just about every review going. Brilliant concept - why does an electronic image-gathering SLR need the bulk and movement of a pentaprism and mirror? Olympus - and seemingly Panasonic - have created superbly convenient and portable SLR-type systems, and built them to last. Great results so far and I've yet to even test its creative potential, let alone challenge it. Take your time and try one out - WITH AN OPEN MIND. Too many comparisons with the DSLR you are used to (or aspire to) will confuse the issue. The Pen works fabulously well even though the choice of dedicated lenses is still minimal. Adaptors aren't cheap, but they will enable you to use whatever SLR lenses you still hold dear. The build quality and features seem to be right up there with the best of Nikon at the same, or even 50% higher, prices. Minor irritation - and yes I'm comparing with what I've had before - is the fixed screen. I know there will come a time when I'll leave the Pen in the gadget bag to use the Canon PowerShot for those low, awkward, seemingly inaccessible shots that the hinged/pivoted screen lets you frame more easily. Well done Olympus for going SD card - much more user friendly than their xD. No you can't charge the battery on board - just have more batteries and manage them differently. Many other reviews lament the absence of built-in flash, but I bit the bullet and bought the tiny FL14 on eBay (about 1/2 the ridiculous £159 rrp). Hardly necessary just yet as the low-light sensitivity and images produced are stunning. Again though, there will be a time when flash is crucial and the FL14 hardly bulks up the E-P1 body too much for a coat pocket. And don't forget that the little bundle of hardware carries HD Video capability... Awesome results there too. I've yet to submit any of the Pen's work for professional publication, but I have 100% confidence in it. It is a great innovation, delivers great images and it is built to last. (SO important that) Please, Olympus - don't go overboard with "style" and "design concepts". You've started something small(er) in a really big way! FUNCTION first; form/fashion/trend/style must stay a LONG way down the list.Read full review