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Olympus E-PL1 Review
First Look posted 2/3/2010
Conclusion and samples added 4/12/2010
Welcome a new member to the Olympus Digital PEN series, the E-PL1. Like its siblings, the E-PL1 still has a more retro look to it, but with an added hint of modern flair. With additions like a meatier hand grip, built-in pop-up flash unit and a more compact all aluminium body, the E-PL1 shows its differences. Another big difference is the price tag. With a MSRP of $599.99, it's $200.00 cheaper than E-P1, and $500.00 cheaper than its big brother E-P2. For the money you get the same resolution (12.3 megapixels), the same movie size (720p @ 30fps), along with many of the other features found on the E-P1/E-P2. What do you not get for the money? Well, about all we see is a smaller LCD, monaural sound, six art filters instead of 8 (E-P2), no included VF-2 electronic viewfinder, and the aluminium body as opposed to the full metal/stainless bodies of its predecessors.
Olympus E-PL1 Features:
The E-PL1 will be available in March, 2010 with an MSRP of US$599.99 in your choice of Black, Champagne Gold and Slate Blue body colors.
Other colors available include Black and Slate Blue:
Conclusion and samples added 4/12/2010
Quick Take |
Pros |
| Excellent build quality; Comfortable and stylish aluminium body; Captures tac sharp 12-megapixel photos; Excellent shooting performance; Capable Continuous AF tracking option; Versatile exposure and creative mode options; Great High ISO performance up to ISO 3200; Finally a built-in flash unit; Accessory port for additional accessories; like the EMA-1 external microphone jack; Excellent price tag |
|
Cons |
| Decent HD video quality; No more sub control dial; Smaller LCD compared to its siblings |
Bottom Line |
| Olympus has hit a home run with the introduction of their latest Digital PEN, the E-PL1. Not only does it offer all of the features we love about this line, but they added the much needed built-in flash and lowered the price to only $599US! Read more in our Full Conclusion. |
Welcome a new member to the Olympus Digital PEN series, the E-PL1. Like its siblings, the E-PL1 still has a more retro look to it, but with an added hint of modern flair. With additions like a meatier hand grip, built-in pop-up flash unit and a more compact all aluminium body, the E-PL1 shows its differences. Another big difference is the price tag. With a MSRP of $599.99, it's $200.00 cheaper than E-P1, and $500.00 cheaper than its big brother E-P2. For the money you get the same resolution (12.3 megapixels), the same movie size (720p @ 30fps), along with many of the other features found on the E-P1/E-P2. What do you not get for the money? Well, about all we see is a smaller LCD, monaural sound, six art filters instead of 8 (E-P2), no included VF-2 electronic viewfinder, and the aluminium body as opposed to the full metal/stainless bodies of its predecessors.
Olympus E-PL1 Features:
- 12.3-Megapixel Live MOS image sensor produces large 4032x3024 pixel photo
- Direct button for HD movie recording
- Choose from 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 and 6:6 aspect ratios
- Micro Four-Thirds lens mount system
- Compatible with Four Thirds mount and Olympus OM lenses using optional adapters (MMF-1 and MF-2 OM)
- In-body (sensor-shift) Image Stabilization system
- TruePic V Image Processor
- Olympus System Supersonic Wave Filter Dust Reduction System
- iAuto (intelligent), Program AE, Aperture/Shutter Priority, Full Manual, and Custom exposure control
- 19 pre-programmed Scene modes as well as 6 "Art Filter" modes
- Compressed RAW and JPEG (Fine/Standard) formats, including RAW+JPEG (Fine or Normal)
- In-camera image editing options, including RAW processing
- TTL Auto White Balance system with several presets, one-touch custom set, white balance compensation, and bracketing options
- sRGB or Adobe RGB Color Space options
- TTL 324-area ESP metering system, Center-weighted average and Spot options
- Shutter speeds from 2 - 1/4000 sec. seconds and Bulb
- Manual Focus Assist
- 2.7 inch HyperCrystal LCD with anti-reflective coating
- Accepts new VF-2 electronic viewfinder that attaches via the flash hot shoe, and articulates up to 90°
- EVF monitor adjustments for brightness and hue (±7 levels each)
- Record Motion JPEG (.AVI) movies at 720p HD (1280x720) or SD (640x480) resolutions (30fps) with stereo sound
- Auto ISO sensitivity from 200 - 6400, Manual from 100-6400, 1/3 or 1EV steps (Movie mode 160 - 1600)
- Built-in hot shoe for external units
- SD/SDHC
- Selectable video output with NTSC or PAL format
- HD output via MiniHDMI Type C I/O port
- monaural microphone
- Optional EMA-1 microphone input jack for optional external mics
- Accessory port accepts new VF-2 and EMA-1 adapter as well as future optional accessories
- CEC compliant
- USB 2.0 (High-speed) data and control interface
- Included BLS-1 Li-ion battery and compact BCS-1 AC charger
The E-PL1 will be available in March, 2010 with an MSRP of US$599.99 in your choice of Black, Champagne Gold and Slate Blue body colors.
Each kit includes:
- E-PL1 body
- ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital zoom lens
- Li-ion battery BLS-1
- Li-ion battery charger BCS-1
- USB/Video Multi cable
- Shoulder strap
- ib Software CD-ROM
- Instruction manual
- Warranty card
Other colors available include Black and Slate Blue:
Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.
| Olympus PEN E-PL5 16.1MP Mirrorless Camera - 14-42-(Lens-1) mm f/3.5-5.6 3x Zoom Lens - White | |||
| Seller | Price | In Stock | Seller Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 | $599.00 |  3056 reviews | |
 | $699.99 |  557 reviews | |
 | $668.99 | 1276 reviews | |
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