The Olympus M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 EZ ($349.99 direct)($299.00 at Amazon) isn't the sharpest lens available for Micro Four Thirds cameras, but it's one of the smallest zooms that you'll find for any camera. If you value compactness, and are willing to shoot at a narrower aperture for maximum image quality, it delivers images that are just a bit sharper than the similar Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH.($247.99 at Amazon) If you value image quality over size, consider the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm f3.5-5.6 EZ, which offers a longer zoom range, a weatherproof design, and a macro shooting mode. The lens is really, really small. It measures just 0.9 by 2.4 inches (HD), weighs 3.2 ounces, and supports 37mm threaded filters. It's a power zoom design, so it extends when you power up the camera; the zoom action is controlled by the textured ring that surrounds the lens barrel. The zoom action is smooth and quiet.The minimum focus distance varies based on focal len...
The Olympus M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 EZ isn't a top-shelf optical performer, but it is impressively compact.
Very compact; Power zoom operation; Minimal distortion
So-so performance at maximum aperture; Edge sharpness leaves a lot to be desired