pen e-pl1
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How would you change Olympus' E-PL1?
It's half retro, half compact, and chock full of adventure. It's Olympus' PEN E-PL1, and it's the first Micro Four Thirds camera from the company to boast an MSRP that you aren't terrified to tell your friends about. We've spent some quality time with one here over the past month or so, and aside from a few minor quirks, we were fairly pleased with the overall package. But let's be frank -- that's absolutely not why you're here. You're here to tell us how you'd change things if given the chance, and how you'd differentiate the E-PL1 from all those wannabes that seem to crop up every other month. Bump the megapixels? Improve the ISO performance? Offer it in neon green? The sky's the limit, and comments are the place to dream.
Olympus Pen E-PL1 spins up a review cycle
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
Olympus PEN E-PL1 Micro Four Thirds camera now shipping for $600
Next month? Psshh. For those hankering for a slice of that oh-so-tempting Micro Four Thirds pie, Olympus' new and improved PEN E-PL1 is now shipping (in blue and gold, anyway) from Amazon. If you'll recall, the company told us that it wouldn't be available until March when it launched three weeks ago, but hey, you won't find us kvetching about early availability. For those who've forgotten, this compact camera touts the same 12.3 megapixel image sensor as the E-30 and E-620, and the $599.99 asking price also nets you a 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko zoom lens. Good luck resisting. [Thanks, Ron]
Olympus intros $600 12.3 megapixel PEN E-PL1 Micro Four Thirds camera
It certainly took them long enough, but Olympus has finally (finally!) introduced a Micro Four Thirds camera with a price tag that's a little closer to earth. If you'll recall, both of the previous PENs cost upwards of $750, but the E-PL1 touts a much more reasonable MSRP of $599.99. And that doesn't mean Olympus has been stingy on features. Nope, quite the contrary as the the minuscule body is packed with the same 12.3 megapixel image sensor as the E-30 and E-620 (check the images in the gallery to see a size comparison of the actual sensors), in-body image stabilization, continuous autofocus, a 2.7-inch rear LCD, HD movie mode, in-camera "art filters" and a bundled ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 zoom lens (28-84mm equivalent in 35mm cameras). Oh and don't forget the addition of the pop-up flash which just reminds us of E.T. You won't be able to nab a E-PL1 until next month, but hit the break for some of our hands-on impressions. %Gallery-84512% %Gallery-84408%
