Rating 4.3 60 reviews
Manufacturer: Olympus
Trusted Reviews
15 years ago

Olympus Pen E-PL1

Just over a year ago I reviewed the Pen E-P1 , Olympus's first foray into the compact system camera market. The review was generally positive, but I criticised the camera's lack of a built-in flash and relatively high price compared to contemporary DSLRs.
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Cybershack
15 years ago

Review: Olympus Gold With PEN E-PL1

They say in the world of cameras that size is everything, and with its compact size and image quality, the Olympus PEN E-PL1 is tipped to be the next major technological breakthrough in photography.
Pros:
  • compact
  • video making capability
  • lens flexibility
  • good price
Cons:
  • not enough upgrade options
Read more on Cybershack
dpreview.com
14 years ago

Star buy w long legs

Bought this only a couple of months ago, ex-demo model that was being cleared so got it for a steal. For a model nearly two years old there was little expectation of being wowed, just thought it'd be fun to try it out at the price of a discounted mid-range compact.
Pros:
  • Bought this only a couple of months ago, ex-demo model that was being cleared so got it for a steal
  • For a model nearly two years old there was little expectation of being wowed, just thought it'd be fun to try it out at the price of a discounted mid-range compact
Cons:
  • Screen a bit low-rent and can wash-out in bright daylight Processor shows its age when using some art-filters in photo mode
  • and don't even think about using them in video mode
Read more on dpreview.com
wired.co.uk
11 years ago

Olympus E-PL1 dSLR review

The quality and creative flexibility of a dSLR camera , yet small enough to take anywhere: This has been a recurring dream of many photography enthusiasts and a dream which, for many, came true with the release of the gorgeous, but rather expensive, Olympus PEN E-P1 last year.
Read more on wired.co.uk
xbox.about.com
11 years ago

Those looking for an "intermediate" camera -- one that can serve as a bridge for a photographer wanting to move from a point and shoot camera to a more advanced model -- will want to pay attention to the E-PL1 from .
Pros:
  • Image quality is outstanding
  • especially compared to others in its price range
  • E-PL1 is very easy to use
  • Shop around
  • as prices have dropped recently
  • making it a very good value
  • Camera has a "retro" look and design
  • which is appealing
  • E-PL1 is a nice choice as an "intermediate" or "bridge"...
Cons:
  • Full manual controls are available
  • but can be tricky to find
  • Position of popup flash unit is a little awkward
  • Autofocus sometimes works slowly in low light
  • at least with kit lens
  • LCD works OK in sunlight
  • but it should be larger and have less glare in this price range
Read more on xbox.about.com
Overstock
16 years ago

Works good for me!

I am the reason the E-PL1 was made. A point and shooter who wants to move up to a better camera but doesn't want to break the bank. This does that very well and it's not so big that I mind carrying it around.
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flipkart.com
15 years ago

Balance of power and portability

This camera is the entry point to Olympus' respected PEN series. Even with the arrival of the E-PL3 and the further miniaturized E-PM1, this model provides almost all the features for those on a budget. The only real weakness it has over the newer models is slower focusing.
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proreviews.letsgodigital.org
15 years ago

Olympus PEN E-PL1 system camera review Olympus is making headway with the digital PEN, which is logical. It is a very smart concept and a very nice cross between a compact camera and an SLR camera. The design also makes it appealing to a lot of people.
Read more on proreviews.letsgodigital.org
J&R
15 years ago

The best all-around camera for everyone!

The first thing I noticed was the huge manual. It took many hours to go through it and explore all the options. I diligently learned all the nuances, then took it out for a night-shoot. That's when I learned that the iAuto setting is as good as anything I could do with the manual settings.
Pros:
  • Fanatastic full auto
  • Good Image Quality
  • Good Image Stabilization
  • Great in Low-Light
  • High ISO Performance
Cons:
  • No Viewfinder
  • Too many menus
Read more on J&R
Amazon
14 years ago

An absolute gem

For a camera under £300, the E-PL1 offers the best bangs-per-buck ratio available. I have nothing to add which hasn't already been said by the other positive reviewers on Amazon - I completely agree with them. A fantastic little compact system camera.
Read more on Amazon
4.3 from 60 reviews
5
30.0%
4
51.0%
3
18.0%
2
0.0%
1
0.0%

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