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October 01, 2009
[REVIEW—OLYMPUS PEN E-P1 micro four thirds camera]
Price: $1400 with 14–42mm lens
Love at first sight
The low-down: This 12.3 megapixel camera is the company's first “micro four thirds” compact. Internally it is essentially the same as the Olympus E-620 SLR, but the mirror/prism viewfinder has been removed, resulting in less bulk, but not much less weight. Lenses are interchangeable, but the micro four thirds optics are not the same as standard two thirds lenses. An adapter is needed. There is an optional 17mm lens and also a viewfinder with that angle of view. Olympus and third parties make adapters for legacy OM lenses. All accessories are expensive. Construction is excellent and the retro appearance, reminiscent of the Pen half frame film cameras, is delightful. All controls are well damped and luxurious in feel. The 14–42mm (28–84 film equivalent) lens collapses in a neat action.
Like: The retro look and metallic touches are irresistible. The image quality is excellent, comparable with the fine E-620. Colours are over saturated in default mode, but that is easily corrected. This is, in effect, an SLR that fits in the pocket.
Dislike: The E-P1 is slow! Auto focus, even after the 1.1 firmware upgrade, is sluggish and the shutter is not as responsive as an SLR.
Verdict: We fell in love with the E-P1 the moment we took it from the box. So we bought one! We know that for years we have been advising readers not to buy cameras without proper viewfinders, and now look what we've done. Well, we were right – an LCD is no substitute. It is morning, and we still love her, but we are not blind to her flaws. She is gorgeous but cranky and demands that we do it her way. When was love ever any different? (Sample images here)
[Taken with the Olympus E-P1 using the Soft Focus Art Filter]
Posted by terry at October 1, 2009 10:14 AM
Worth Checking Out
Digital Cameras SydneyComments
I'm surprised that you purchased the Olympus without at least trying the Panasonic GF-1 which by all accounts offers some improvements in some areas.
I have to admit that I went quite weak kneed when I first saw the E-P1 it just looks so right but I guess that consumerism has at least taught me one thing. Wait a week or so before rushing in. I'm trying the GF-1 and E-P1 before I decide on which gets the please of increasing the bottom line on my credit card statement. :-)
Posted by: RichardR at October 6, 2009 05:42 PM
Exceptional image quality right up there with any midrange DSLR to my eyes. It's very cool looking. Lack of flash is not a negative issue as most built in flashes while convenient are useless anyway. Compatibiltiy with a wide range of 4/3 lenses.
Posted by: r4 sdhc at October 7, 2009 08:41 PM