Olympus'
E-PL1 is a camera on a mission -- it not only shrinks the entry-level price tag for Micro Four Thirds cameras to
$600, it retains the same 12.3 megapixel sensor, image processor, autofocus and metering systems of its elder, the
E-P1, while introducing its own advantages that even the
pricier E-P2 doesn't offer (hello, integrated flash!). With a 720p movie mode, a 14-42mm kit lens, and access to the growing catalog of
Micro Four Thirds glass, it really looks like a guaranteed win for the company, but it's always good to run it through a few tests to make sure. While it sports a body rather richer in plastic than its senior siblings, we're told the E-PL1 still feels robust in the hand, and its control scheme is commended for being accessible to novices and including a dedicated video recording button. Image quality is ranked, as was to be expected, right on par with the costlier models with only the more professionally inclined ISO 3200 and 1/2000th shutter speed proving limiting. Get reading for fuller impressions as well as some sample video shot with the E-PL1.
Read - Photography Blog
Read - Pocket-lint
Read - dpreview
Read - CNET
Read - Imaging Resource
posted March 8th 2010 7:39AM
WANT
@canarsieville me too man. ME TOO!
Perfect size for a lil take everywhere camera when I dont want to tote my dslr.
@canarsieville ME THREE!
thank f*** i already ordered one.
Just landed in Australia (had to import, we get ripped off!)
@Punisher Plum i meant that in the, "im glad they got good reviews way" not the "they are running out" way.
Was waiting to see what Panasonic would announce with the new G2 and G10. I like the form factor for the E-PL1 and the Panny GF1. Decided to go with the E-PL1 because of cost and also the Live Guide feature for ease of use.
Sexy but needs a price drop
@UMAD 690 aud? really?
@UMAD You can use Bing cashback on eBay and get it for $550 shipped.
I am very tempted to sell my D50 now.
@lecti
any idea how this compares to the entry level dslr set (d3000, xsi) as far as photo quality, etc?
in the market for a better camera and this is tempting me...
@OriginalJosh An SLR has a slight edge in noise at high ISO and some people prefer an optical viewfinder. Think of it as 90% of the quality of an SLR in 1/2 the weight and 1/3 the size. Good tradeoff IMO. Personally I'm waiting for the next revision from Olympus (it's a shame Panasonic wont put IS in the body).
@Yemble
thanks, high iso was my main concern, though the d3000 didnt get stellar reviews in that department either...i think i really need to see a side by side photo comparison to make the final call, but this is definitely in the running now
@OriginalJosh Clean high ISO is nice to have, but it's be all and end all - it's not even the most important thing. I have a high end SLR and it's great for what it is, it's a big brick to lug around. I think these things are the future (if slightly ahead of their time right now) especially when the price comes down.
There's simply no substitute for trying them all in your own hands to compare. If you shop based on specs and sample images you'll end up with an SLR for sure. If you actually pick them up first.. you might make a different choice.
@Yemble edit mangled. you get the idea :)
(P)review cycle, not review cycle...?
Ah, this article does not call it a dSLR. How refreshing.
I received mine last week and it's a great camera. I got the 20mm pancake lens with it too; it slims down the camera and it's an amazing lens.
"and its control scheme is commended for being accessible to novices and including a dedicated video recording button."
And a lack of even a single wheel to handle manual controls, so non-novices will have to opt for the more expensive models anyway ;)
dpreview hasn't done review of the camera, yet, but a preview.
@newone Then again, dpr's previews are longer and more detailed than many reviews.
@jarek
Can check out a full review of it on http://www.dcresource.com as their reviews are generally equally as good as any I've run into out there.
Now if it will just hit Best Buy...I've got some gift cards waiting to be spent.