Testseek.com have collected 110 expert reviews of the Olympus Pen E-PL1 and the average rating is 79%. Scroll down and see all reviews for Olympus Pen E-PL1.
March 2010
(79%)
110 Reviews
Average score from experts who have reviewed this product.
Abstract: About 47 years ago, Olympus went out on a limb to introduce a half-frame camera that featured interchangeable lenses and an image that measured 18x24mm rather than the movie film-derived 36x24mm film size. We are beyond film at this point, favoring d...
Good image quality for the price, Solid kit lens, High quality video, Builtin flash,
Possibly oversimplified control, No builtin viewfinder, Art Filters of limited use, Not as quick as it could be.
The Olympus E-PL1 is a worthy entry to the ILC ranks for those ready to step beyond the constraints of a typical point and shoot camera. Made for the type of person who chooses to go to the next step, but most likely not further, it offers great image ...
Abstract: So far, Micro Four Thirds cameras have been priced for the early-adopter crowd, with the first models from both Olympus and Panasonic debuting at about $800 (street) with their respective kit lenses. Now, the new Olympus Pen E-PL1 brings the entry pric...
Abstract: The Olympus E-PL1 is perhaps the most anticipated digital camera since the introduction of the company's first Micro Four Thirds camera, the Olympus E-P1. This time around, Olympus is targeting the beginner circuit, you know, shooters looking to ditch...
We expect that, if the Micro Four Thirds format is going to achieve critical mass in the marketplace, it will be with cameras like the Olympus E-PL1 and Panasonic GF1. These two are intriguing step-up choices for point-and-shooters who want a larger ...
The E-PL1's biggest limitation for video recording is the fact that it does not offer a Full HD 1920 x 1080 video mode. As far as 720p cameras go, however, the E-PL1 is a fairly good model. Olympus significantly increased the amount of manual controls...
Excellent resolution with lots of detail in the shots, Point-and-shoot interface that also allows user interaction, Superb JPEG engine makes camera's full capability easily accessible, Reliable metering and white balance (in natural light), Good AF performance (though kit lens holds it back), Hints of retro styling and SLR quality in a compact body, Collapsible kit lens is small and offers dece
Some highlight clipping (and poor dynamic range at ISO 100), Low resolution screen that's hard to see in bright light, No orientation sensor means having to rotate every portrait image manually, Exposure controls slow and awkward to use (by DSLR standards), 1/2000th max shutter speed combined with base sensitivity of ISO 200 limits, you to small apertures in bright light, i-Enhance picture mode
There are, perhaps, three types of potential users who might find themselves considering purchasing the E-PL1, all of who will find things to love and things to be frustrated by in the camera. The first is the compact camera user who wants better imag...
All in all, the Olympus E-PL1 is a nice offering for the Micro Four Thirds format. Given the target of where we thought manufacturers were heading with this format to begin with (i.e. a true bridge between DSLRs and point and shoot cameras), it seems...
some noise/noise reduction issues, low resolution LCD
Evaluating the Olympus E-PL1 isn't entirely straightforward, given the rate at which this particular market is changing. The Micro Four Thirds system has unquestionably pioneered the hybrid concept, but Samsung's NX10, Ricoh's GXR system and the promis...
Excellent, natural stills, Very low noise, even at high ISOs, Compact, lightweight, Loved the 17mm lens
Too expensive, Not many lens options, No viewfinder
Olympus’ PEN E-PL1 makes a resounding case for the emerging Micro Four Thirds format by shedding the bulk of DSLR but preserving outstanding picture quality....