Olympus Pen E-P1 Micro Four Thirds Digital SLR Camera (14-42mm Black & 17mm Silver Pancake Lenses & VF-1 External Optical View Finder Kit) – Silver
Tuesday, May 26th, 2009 at
10:40 am
- Underneath its retro design, this Olympus E-P1 Pen is a compact digital camera packed with technology, and which can be used with all kinds of lenses. Plus, it was crowned “Best European Camera” for 2009-2010 at the European Imaging and Sound Association awards. Based on the original Olympus Pen series launched in 1959, the new E-P1 has been brought into the 21st century with a Micro 4/3 sensor and a large 3-inch viewfinder screen. The camera body is incredibly light and can be used with a
- range of lenses (including the 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and 17mm f/2.8 Pancake included here). Optional adapters also mean you can use it with 4/3, Zuiko and OM lenses. It has face-detection and a variety of automatic scene modes, handy for shooting in all kinds of situations. You can even adjust shadows and enhance facial detail for perfect portraits and rich, sweeping landscapes. The E-P1 can record high-definition video with stereo sound too, and it’s the perfect compromise between a compact and
- SLR camera.Supplied with VF-1 optical viewfinder
SLR image quality with a High Speed 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS sensorArt Filters,Multi-exposure,Wireless flash,Multi-aspectHigh-performance built-in image stabiliserExcellent variety of digital lenses… more >>
Rating: 
(out of 10 reviews)
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Review by PB for Olympus Pen E-P1 Micro Four Thirds Digital SLR Camera (14-42mm Black & 17mm Silver Pancake Lenses & VF-1 External Optical View Finder Kit) – Silver
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The E-P1 received much fanfare on launch because it is effectively a game-changing product. This was something of a gamble for Olympus, but also part of their heritage; Olympus have a proud history of innovative, high quality, small cameras including this product’s namesake, the Pen, and the OM series of manual focus SLRs.
The four-thirds (FT) format has never truly convinced serious photographers for one reason or another. The sensor is considerably smaller than APS-C sensors on other brands’ DSLRs which leads to comparatively more noise at high ISO shooting. The image format is a little different to the classic 35mm frame. The depth of field control is a little less pliable. But for all of that, the four thirds sensor is enormous compared to other compacts.
Compact digital cameras have seldom offered the serious photographer much to shout about. The E-P1 changes that – if you are willing to stretch your perception of what is “compact.” The E-P1 is smaller than any DSLR… but bigger than anything you might consider a compact camera. It sits in between the two. If you want something to slip into your top pocket, you need to look elsewhere. This isn’t the one for you.
The E-P1 produces lovely results in Jpeg and raw formats. I have nothing but praise for the images themselves. Even the ISO performance is more than reasonable at 800+ speeds.
The in-body image stabiliser is a fantastic feature as this means you can use any lens and still get IS-assisted shots. And speaking of lenses, the kit zoom is a fine example of a standard zoom. It is not particularly fast, but it is exactly the same speed (aperture range) as an equivalent Canon or Nikon kit zoom. The 17mm f2.8 prime lens is a beaut on paper, but it falls a little short of expectations in practice. It is neither as sharp nor as fast as its premium price tag suggests.
Of course, a benefit of interchangeable lens system cameras is that you don’t need to buy the 17mm. I would recommend the Panasonic 20mm f1.7 prime lens – also a micro four-thirds (mFT) format lens which works beautifully on the E-P1 body — and benefits from the in-body IS.
Some others are unhappy about the lack of an in-body optical viewfinder and flash. I am inclined to go along with these criticisms, but only to a small extent. An optical rangefinder would have been nice, but it would also have meant a larger form factor and/or optical compromise. I don’t really care for flash photography, but I can accept that sometimes, a shot of fill-in flash is nice to have in very contrasty light. However, neither of these omissions are show-stoppers for me because: if it’s too dark to shoot, don’t; if it’s too bright to shoot, don’t.
Another area where some web-based reviewers have been critical of the E-P1 is it’s “slow auto-focus”. I cannot agree with this one bit. The E-P1′s auto-focus may not match the speed of a pro-spec DSLR, but then, neither do most DSLRs. I wonder whether people jump on imaginary bandwagons sometimes – if you’re buying the camera to take photos at an F1 race, well, you will have to rely on good technique rather than the camera alone to get sharp shots every single time – and that would be the same for just about any DSLR, too. The AF system in the camera is perfectly acceptable – even ‘fast’ – for all the usual situations. I get as high a proportion of good shots of my restless children with the E-P1 as I do with a high-end DSLR. If you are unsure about the AF speed, don’t take web reviewers’ word as gospel (not even mine) – go to a store and try it out for yourself.
The ergonomics of the E-P1 are a joy. Lovely to hold and the switchgear is nicely machined and damped. You know you are using a quality product and you feel like you spent your money wisely when you use the camera. Am I over-selling it when I say that there is nothing as tactically orgasmic this side of a Leica or Contax? Probably, but it’s so lovely to hold and use! This is where, for me, it is a hands-down winner over the Panasonic GF1, which is conceptually very similar.
Sadly, all digital products seem to be built with disposability in mind. Where film cameras were built with the expectation to work for 20-30 years, digital cameras seem to be replaced by the buyers every couple of years. The E-P1 feels like it would last well beyond 10 years.
Another bonus of the mFT format is that through the use of adapters, you can attach a great range of manual focus lenses to the E-P1. Leica, cine, Zuiko OM, Canon FD… all lovely optics bringing their own character to your shots. And that’s not even mentioning the different film modes and frame sizes you can use.
Another thing I love about the camera is the amount of customisation that is available. I am a long-time Canon SLR shooter. I have over 10 years experience of using Canon and so, my fingers and thumbs are drawn to particular gestures and movements as a learned instinct. Typically, Nikon controls are a little different and switching takes some getting used to. The default controls on the Olympus are also a little different to Canon, but I have been able to set them up to work the way I like. For instance, the scroll wheels run counter-intuitively (for me) out of the box. After a little dig into the customisation menu and a single change to one line, the wheels now scroll as I am used to. Switching between cameras is not a chore. This is just one example – users can change so much about how the camera works to suit them. Of course, the defaults are fine especially for those who have no previous experience or are Olympus shooters.
This camera really brings the joy of photography back for advanced photographers, and introduces newbies to a whole new world of creative possibilities.
I cannot recommend the E-P1 highly enough. It only loses a star because the 17mm lens doesn’t match the body’s excellence or Zuiko’s reputation for excellent optics.
Review by TreeTop for Olympus Pen E-P1 Micro Four Thirds Digital SLR Camera (14-42mm Black & 17mm Silver Pancake Lenses & VF-1 External Optical View Finder Kit) – Silver
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The Olympus EP-1 is a lovely camera!
I always preferred compact digital cameras for the obvious reasons, simple to use, easy to carry around. However, I was never absolutely happy with the quality of the images and I recently decided to invest in a new camera. At this point I thought I will go for a top of the range compact. I tried a number of them, but still didn’t get the results I was looking for.
I then came across some information about the Olympus EP-1. I decided to go for it as I was excited with the idea of having a camera capable of SLR quality images with a much smaller body than you would normally expect. Almost four months later, I am happy to say that I am absolutely happy with it! I love it! I am very pleased with the results.
I believe the camera delivers exactly what it promises. High quality images from a camera that is small enough to carry around with ease. It can be used as a simple point and shoot or you can be more adventurous and adjust the settings manually.
The quality of the images is excellent, even when viewed at full size. For me, this is the deciding factor. The images are clean and crisp, details are captured beautifully. The colours are vibrant but natural. Noise levels vary according to the camera settings and light conditions. With proper settings the images come out noise free.
Battery life is great, lasts for ages before a re-charge is required.
Having detachable viewfinder and flush has not been an issue for me.
The quality of the case is superb. It feels solid in the hands. Comes in a range of elegant colour schemes that all look very good. Personally, I went for the white as it looks different and stands out more.
It’s a considered purchase, but if you are keen to invest in a good camera and can’t see yourself carrying around a huge SLR, then this is a perfect camera.
Review by G. Snowdon for Olympus Pen E-P1 Micro Four Thirds Digital SLR Camera (14-42mm Black & 17mm Silver Pancake Lenses & VF-1 External Optical View Finder Kit) – Silver
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Olympus Pen E-P1 Micro Four Thirds Digital SLR Camera (17mm Silver Pancake Lens & VF-1 External Optical View Finder Kit) – Silver
Olympus Pen E-P1 Micro Four Thirds Digital SLR Camera (17mm Silver Pancake Lens & VF-1 External Optical View Finder Kit) – White
I’ve had the Olympus E-P1 for a week now and I love it to bits. It is an impressive little camera with the capabilities of digital single lens reflex cameras and the compact size of the point and shoot. Built to last with metallic body and built to look good with its classic retro look.
The image quality is very good, sharp and details are well captured. High ISO sensitivity for low light photography up to ISo6400 with useable images at ISO3200. Like the Olympus DSLRs, the Olympus E-P1 have an easy to use and customise user interface, Supersonic wave filter (dust reduction filter), in-body Image Stabilisation. On top of that are the compact high quality lenses. It is also compatible with Four Thirds and OM lenses with the help of the MMF-1 and MF-2 lens adapters.
HD video quality is amazing at 30fps, stereo sound and use of art filters for the creative.
I’ve tried the camera on portrait, street, macro & close ups, landscape and low light photography – it performed very well as promised.
My favourite is the “digital spirit” level, never again will my photos be tilted without my permission
Overall, if you want to take your photography to the next level but you still want the mobility of compact cameras, the Olympus Pen E-P1 is for you.
Review by N. Dormand for Olympus Pen E-P1 Micro Four Thirds Digital SLR Camera (14-42mm Black & 17mm Silver Pancake Lenses & VF-1 External Optical View Finder Kit) – Silver
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I had researched the camera best I could ..net ….magazines etc. Ultimately, and after much dithering, I decided just to go for it and I am so glad I did. It does everything my other DSLR does but more importantly it also puts a smile on my face. In short I love it; it has rekindled my love of photography. It’s size makes me pick it up as I leave the house. I am no longer carrying a heavy bag of black anonymous objects but something that is not only different but also highly functional. It’s stunning looks prompt folks to ask me what it is, what it does and when they find out they are impressed.
The only draw back for some is the lack of built in flash. However, as this was not a major consideration for me I did not even take this into account when deliberating how to spend my hard earned pennies.
I have had the E-P1 for a few weeks now and have enjoyed using it. There is still plenty to learn about it which makes it a great little camera. The results are great on auto and yet there are enough manual settings to suit those who wish to creatively over ride the defaults.
So not only does it looks good it does you good as well..to paraphrase an old stout advert.
Review by S. Kay for Olympus Pen E-P1 Micro Four Thirds Digital SLR Camera (14-42mm Black & 17mm Silver Pancake Lenses & VF-1 External Optical View Finder Kit) – Silver
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Too early to for this to be a photography review – and you’ll plenty of those anyway. Beautifully made object, reminiscent of photography when it was film, chemicals and mechanical shutters. My wife said “looks like my Dad’s camera from when I was a kid”.
And it obviously takes great photos. Moving up from a compact you’ll find it very high quality, and the “slow auto focus” won’t seem too slow (it is a bit pedantic, going to infinite every time but you can trigger it manually to avoid that). It’s great to take back control of aperture, depth of field, shutter speed. Personally I think the art filters are superfluous (you can do it on the computer better I guess). 720p video with image stabilizer is a wonderful bonus.
Like rediscovering my earliest experiences in the 1970s with my first simple SLR. Except way better results.