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8.2 out of 10

Olympus PEN E-P1

 

Information found in: from 161 sources in 26 countries

Great Deal: $599.00

  • User Score (327)
    8.7 8.7 from 327 reviewers
  • Expert Score (37)
    7.9 7.9 from 37 reviewers
  • Design (5)
    9.1 9.1 from 5 reviewers
  • Value for money (9)
    7.1 7.1 from 9 reviewers
  • Features (9)
    7.5 7.5 from 9 reviewers
  • Ease of use (5)
    8.6 8.6 from 5 reviewers
  • Performance (17)
    6.4 6.4 from 17 reviewers
  • Picture quality (21)
    8.3 8.3 from 21 reviewers
  • Overall quality (2)
    8.3 8.3 from 2 reviewers
  • Display (12)
    7.6 7.6 from 12 reviewers
  • Ergonomics (13)
    7.2 7.2 from 13 reviewers
  • Build quality (2)
    8.5 8.5 from 2 reviewers
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  • Score Distribution

Experts:
9-10
(8)
7-8
(26)
5-6
(3)
3-4
(0)
1-2
(0)
Users:
9-10
(147)
7-8
(60)
5-6
(25)
3-4
(9)
1-2
(4)

  • Expert Reviews

  1. Camera Labs

    Camera Labs
    8.3/10
    1 November 2009

    Squeezing a big sensor into a small camera may sound like an easy thing to do, but involves over-coming a number of technical hurdles. Sigma was the first to achieve the physical goal with its DP1 compact, although this suffered from a number of operational caveats which ruled it out for many photographers. The E-P1 achieves the same goal by adopting the Micro Four Thirds standard developed by Olympus and Panasonic. Read more

    • Compact body with DSLR-sized sensor., Built-in stabilisation works with any lens., HD movie mode and HDMI port., Broad customisation and Level Gauge.
    • Leisurely autofocus system., No built-in flash or viewfinder., Average resolution screen., Collapsing kit zoom mechanism can annoy.

  2. neocamera.com

    review.neocamera.com
    8.0/10
    29 September 2011

    The final rating of this camera therefore depends greatly on whether it is being compared to a compact camera or against a DSLR. The differences between this one and similar models boil down to handling as they all currently share the same sensor and lens mount. So this is either the best performing compact camera ever, a good DSLR or an average (by default) interchangeable lens camera: For the final rating, the E-P1 was put in the large digital camera category because... Read more

    • Very good image quality, just below average for a DSLR, One of the smallest interchangeable lens digital cameras, Nicely saturated colors, Quite good metering, Good dy...
    • Reduced dynamic range compared to a DSLR, causes highlight clipping, Over-sensitive lower-rear control dial, Slow autofocus system, Not exposure priority, Long continu...

  3. DP Review

    DP Review
    6.6/10
    19 September 2009

    It's hard not to fall for the E-P1's charms; the unashamedly nostalgic design combines with true SLR quality in a remarkably pocketable package. The lack of flash and viewfinder will put some off, as will the relatively slow focus, but overall this bodes very well indeed for the new system. Read more

    • Excellent resolution, tons of detail in the shots, Appealing, bright and punchy out of camera results and well optimized JPEGs, Very clever collapsible kit lens that's...

  4. LAPTOP Magazine

    LAPTOP Magazine
    7.0/10
    15 July 2009

    It’s a point-and-shoot! It’s a DSLR! No, actually, it’s a Micro Four Thirds camera. What’s that, you say? It’s a class of camera that attempts to match digital SLRs’ speed and image quality, but uses the same technology as a point-and-shoot, which, in part, keeps them much smaller than DSLRs. Read more

  5. DigitalCameraInfo.com

    DigitalCameraInfo.com
    18 October 2009

    The Olympus E-P1 is a kick-ass modern camera in retro-design disguise, with a compact size that finally delivers on the ‘micro’ part of the Micro Four Thirds promise. This review is organized into 6 pages Page 1 Sample Photos A gallery of photos taken with the Olympus PEN E-P1 Read More... Page 2 Design Read More... Page 3 Image Quality Read More... Page 4 Conclusion Read our final conclusion of the Olympus PEN E-P1. Read More... Read more

  • User Reviews

  1. fantastic camera, fantastic little lens

    Amazon
    10/10
    Reviewer: G_to-the_D, Amazon
    15 October 2011 See Product at Amazon ($749.99)

    The images you can create with this camera will rival any DSLR, all while being more discrete and portable. With the very thin pancake lens, this camera is quasi-pocketable. I say "quasi-" pocketable because it is significantly heavier and bigger than most point-and-shoots, but it can fit in a cargo pocket, for example. They say the best camera for any given situation is the one you've got. Read more or see product

  2. Great revolutionary camera

    J&R
    10/10
    Reviewer: mandingojones, J&R
    6 February 2010

    This is truly a revolutionary camera in the micro 4/3 family. Set it on auto and make great pictures, or set it on more manual controls for the artist in you. Great "art" filters like a pinhole emulator or one that looks like grainy B&W newspaper photography. Macro settings, yes there are two. Lots of varied "scene" settings like hi-key, low key, kids, night, action... Read more

    • Easy To Use, Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus, Fast Shutter Speed, Good Image Quality, Good Image Stabilization, High ISO Performance, Large Clear LCD
    • Hard to conceal

  3. "Great Images, Fun to Use"

    CNET
    10/10
    Reviewer: daisydad, CNET
    17 February 2010

    This camera may not be for everyone because it does not have a viewfinder and the focusing is slower than many cameras, but for someone who wants a relatively small camera that does just about everything a dSLR does, it might be the right tool. Read more

    • The image quality is much better than two former Olympus dSLRS (E-500 and E-420) that I owned. The live controls that enable users to change the ISO, white balance and...
    • I love the solid build but the camera is heavier than you might expect, The EP-1 is challenging to use in bright sunlight. I sometimes use a Hoodman Hoodloupe as focus...

  4. Excellent images

    OneCall
    10/10
    Reviewer: 3D Monkey, OneCall
    17 August 2009

    I am a DSLR shooter primarily and I wanted a smaller, carry-around camera with all the capabilities of a DSLR. This camera meets all my requirements. I don't like using flash, so I was happy to get a smaller body without a flash. I also wanted a different way to look at and frame the shot, so not having a viewfinder helps there too. And the main thing is, the shots are fantastic! Read more

    • Comfortable Controls, Easy To Use, Great Image Quality, Image Stabilization, Strong Construction
    • Slow Focus

  5. Wow! EP 1 Gets my vote!

    Ebay
    10/10
    Reviewer: kristinasworld93108, Ebay
    11 December 2010 See Product at eBay ($259.99)

    Well, I finally bit the bullet and sold my larger digital SLR (was very nervous about doing so), but after seeing the picture quality from this camera, I can honestly it blows my older SLR away! And, it's got so many features (which are user friendly), that it's actually fun to use! Last, but definitely not least- the HD video is unbelievable... Love, love, love this camera! Read more or see product

  • WikiFreak Description

Olympus E-P1

The Olympus E-P1 is a 12.3-mexapixel interchangeable lens system camera with a 3-inch HyperCrystal LCD (230K dot resolution) that allows users to capture still photo, video and audio and features high-speed imager AF (Live View) technologies, a reduced diameter lens mount for interchangeable lenses, two kit lenses (14-42mm M.Zuiko and 17mm F2.8 Pancake), HD movies recording (720p) with stereo sound, linear PCM sound recording, 3.0 fps sequential shooting, optional adapters for all ZUIK…

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Olympus E-P1

The Olympus E-P1 is a 12.3-mexapixel interchangeable lens system camera with a 3-inch HyperCrystal LCD (230K dot resolution) that allows users to capture still photo, video and audio and features high-speed imager AF (Live View) technologies, a reduced diameter lens mount for interchangeable lenses, two kit lenses (14-42mm M.Zuiko and 17mm F2.8 Pancake), HD movies recording (720p) with stereo sound, linear PCM sound recording, 3.0 fps sequential shooting, optional adapters for all ZUIKO DIGITAL and OM lenses, dual control dials and in-camera raw conversion (including application of Art Filters). The 12.3 megapixels lens is a Live MOS image sensor with TruePic V Image Processor, and has autofocus support, Image Stabilization, Mechanical Image Stabilization, Electronic Image Stabilization for Movie mode, Dust Reduction System with ultrasonic technology called Supersonic Wave Filter, which vibrates to remove dust and other particles from the image sensor; Multiple Exposure function; 19 automatic scene modes, Intelligent Auto Mode (iAuto), ePortrait Mode, and Face Detection. The camera also features Shadow Adjustment Technology, six built-in Art Filters, built-in microphones, and Live Control.

Features

The E-P1 features a 12.3-megapixels Live MOS image sensor that is supported by TruePic V Image Processor, a Live View Autofocus system where subjects are displayed in focus on the 3.0-inch LCD display, and Image Stabilization. The E-P1 features Image Stabilization system with 3 modes that compensates for up to four shutter speed steps in still image shooting, Mechanical Image Stabilization that compensates for camera shake in low-light situations or when using a telephoto lens and Electronic Image Stabilization that tracts the images both vertically and horizontally and stabilizes shots in Movie Mode. The camera also features Dust Reduction System which vibrates to remove dust and other particles from the image sensor. Other features on the E-P1 are Multiple Exposure function for combining two shots in one, 19 automatic scene modes (such as Night-Scenes, Portraits and Landscapes etc), Auto Mode (iAuto) that identifies shooting mode like macro/sport photography and adjusts the settings accordingly, ePortrait Mode that softens shadows and smooth out facial features, Face Detection™, Shadow Adjustment Technology that corrects for light variations and six built-in Art Filters that can be applied on both still and video imaging process. The E-P1 also features Live Control which is a control panel system that allows users to see the image and the controls on the LCD display and built-in microphones making the camera capable of recording/playback of WAV files.

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  • Manufacturer's Description

With 12.3 megapixels at its disposal, the E-P1 delivers image quality that makes the difference between ordinary and exceptional still and video imaging. A Live MOS image sensor is complemented by the TruePic V Image Processor, resulting in excellent dynamic range, accurate color fidelity, fine image details in all highlight and shadow areas, and reduced noise.

  • Camera Type: SLR/Professional Micro Four Thirds / Prosumer
  • Resolution: 13.1 Megapixel
  • HD Recording For…

Specifications

  • Features
    With the seamless precision and simplicity of a point-and-shoot, the E-P1's Live View Autofocus system displays the images to be shot in complete focus on the camera's bright LCD the moment the shutter button is pressed half way down.
  • Features
    Multiple Exposure makes heightened creativity an easily-obtained objective. Two frames can be combined, and portions of one can be combined with those of another in any of the shooting modes. Images can be combined in playback mode or directly on the LCD through the use of the new TruePic V Image Processor.

Release Date

  • First seen
    12 January 2007

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