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8.8 out of 10

Olympus PEN E-PL2

 

Information found in: from 166 sources in 24 countries

Great Deal: $59.99

  • User Score (225)
    8.8 8.8 from 225 reviewers
  • Expert Score (40)
    7.8 7.8 from 40 reviewers
  • Design (12)
    9.4 9.4 from 12 reviewers
  • Value for money (61)
    9.1 9.1 from 61 reviewers
  • Features (15)
    8.3 8.3 from 15 reviewers
  • Ease of use (8)
    9.4 9.4 from 8 reviewers
  • Performance (67)
    8.3 8.3 from 67 reviewers
  • Picture quality (21)
    8.8 8.8 from 21 reviewers
  • Durability (2)
    9.8 9.8 from 2 reviewers
  • Overall quality (57)
    9.8 9.8 from 57 reviewers
  • Display (5)
    8.7 8.7 from 5 reviewers
  • Video quality (2)
    8.7 8.7 from 2 reviewers
  • Ergonomics (6)
    7.5 7.5 from 6 reviewers
  • Build quality (3)
    9.7 9.7 from 3 reviewers
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  • Score Distribution

Experts:
9-10
(5)
7-8
(33)
5-6
(2)
3-4
(0)
1-2
(0)
Users:
9-10
(140)
7-8
(43)
5-6
(14)
3-4
(4)
1-2
(7)

  • Expert Reviews

  1. PC Magazine

    PC Magazine
    8.0/10
    6 April 2011

    The Olympus E-PL2 is the least-expensive compact interchangeable-lens camera you can buy. And while it offers very good image quality, some same-price cameras use even larger image sensors and deliver better low-light performance. Read more

    • Beautiful image quality. Compact body. Large image sensor. Digital accessories port and hotshoe. Dual menu system tailored toward either beginners or seasoned photogra...
    • Low light performance isn't as good as cameras with APS-C-size image sensors. Proprietary USB port.

  2. Digital Camera Review

    Digital Camera Review
    7.0/10
    10 February 2011

    On paper the Olympus E-PL2 is a modest upgrade to the E-PL1. In your hands, that might be a completely different story. The more professional-grade build quality, the larger screen and the modest improvements in performance are compelling reasons to purchase the E-PL2. Read more

    • Excellent image quality in a tiny package, Stylish and durable-feeling design, Easy to use basic functions
    • Slow AF performance compared to DSLRs, Detail smoothing at high ISOs, Difficult menus for advanced functions

  3. Camera Labs

    Camera Labs
    8.3/10
    1 February 2011

    The newest and fourth addition to the PEN series of Micro Four Thirds camera bodies, the Olympus E-PL2 is a 12.3 megapixel mirroless interchangeable lens camera. An enhanced version of the E-PL1 launched a year previously, it sits above it in the PEN product line rather than replacing it. The E-PL2 shares the same size sensor as the E-PL1 and other PEN bodies, but has a bigger 3 inch screen with 460 thousand pixels. Read more

    • Very good image quality., Built-in Image Stabilisation., Compact, light kit zoom with quick AF., Hot Shoe and accessory port., Highly customisable.
    • Screen hard to see in bright conditions., Complex menu system., Mono audio mic., Disappointing sequential shooting., Movie mode still stuck at 720p Motion JPEG.

  4. Digitaltrends

    Digitaltrends
    8.0/10
    24 January 2011

    Review: When it comes to Micro Four Thirds cameras, the Olympus E-PL2 is a top choice. The image quality and size make it easy to use, and shooters have stunning photos that don’t require computer editing. Read more

    • Stylish body and nice size, Low-noise images, Quality upgrades for the built-in filters and scene selectors, iAuto delivers impressive results
    • Nearly as expensive as a capable DSLR, No view finder, Could be underwhelming for experts, overwhelming for beginners

  5. What Digital Camera

    What Digital Camera
    8.7/10
    26 February 2011

    At £479 for the standard kit at launch, the E-PL2 is competitively priced against the competition. Read more

    • Design, Build, Handling and competitive image quality
    • No viewfinder may put off some and performance not up to a similar priced DSLR

  • User Reviews

  1. beyond my expectation!

    Amazon
    10/10
    Reviewer: brkynite "yehvezggg", Amazon
    3 weeks ago See Product at Amazon ($599.00)

    I gotta be honest, I'm not a professional photographer, or even come close to calling myself an amateur photographer. I wanted something light, not a point-and-shoot, but something that can get me excited about shooting outdoors. I felt like this was the camera worth investing, in that it's performance was pretty up-to-date, looked beautiful, and had reputation of great quality. The ability to change lens sold me completely, and it's the perfect hybrid of the two worlds. Read more or see product

  2. A Fun Camera With a Learning Curve

    J&R
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: htree1, J&R
    25 May 2011

    I am currently using the camera to take scenic and street shots while hiking, walking and on vacation. It is turning out to be a great portable and travelers camera. I have used many types and brands of digital and film Cameras and found this camera features and menu moderately difficult to use. Read more

    • Excellent JPEG Pics, Fun, High ISO Performance, LCD Viewable In Sunlight, Portable, Quiet
    • Moderate Learning Curve, Moderate Noisy High ISO, Short Battery Life

  3. "Great versatile, easy-to-carry camera!"

    CNET
    9.0/10
    Reviewer: tonglongtzu, CNET
    24 January 2012

    This guy (or gal, if you prefer) is a good size for an ILC, it straddles the boundary between fits-in-a-large-pocket and need-an-extra-bag, depending on which lens you use. A 17mm pancake or similar lens will let you put this is a coat pocket, whereas anything LARGER than the 14-42mm will require another bag. Using the 14-42mm, I usually put this into my coat pocket comfortably...but comfort is relative, i guess. Focusing time is good. Not great, but good. Read more

    • fast start-up manual focus decent built-in flash easy-to-navigate interface
    • no built-in view finder

  4. Great Big Body Replacement

    8.8/10
    Reviewer: DallasPer, dpreview.com
    9 November 2011

    Having read multiple review about m4/3 cameras I finally pulled the trigger on the E-PL2 and am very happy with my decision. I was previously a Nikon DSLR user (D40, D5000, D5100) and was sick of carrying around a giant camera bag whenever I wanted to take some serious pictures. And the fact that when you show up with a DSLR with a speed light people normally assume you're the "party photographer" or "event staff". Read more

    • Having read multiple review about m4/3 cameras I finally pulled the trigger on the E-PL2 and am very happy with my decision. I was previously a Nikon DSLR user (D40, D...
    • 14-42mm kit lens will focus seek in low light but the 20mm panny makes up for that. Two batteries is a must, having to use the LCD for every shot kills the battery. Me...

  5. Micro 4/3 Convert

    WolfCamera.com
    10/10
    Reviewer: MattK, WolfCamera.com
    23 February 2011

    What a great camera, a big improvement over the ELP-1 in form factor and capabilities. It's the perfect size -- a nice compromise between DSLR and point and shoot camera. The lenses are roughly 50% the size of those of a DSLR but boast the same level of performance. The three-inch screen is very high res. Controls are clearly labeled and easy to use. Definitely a great camera for travel. Read more

    • Easy to Use, Great Resolution, Great Zoom, Large Clear LCD, Small / Compact
    • Limited Zoom

  • WikiFreak Description

Olympus E-PL2

The Olympus E-PL2 is a micro four thirds digital camera that is scheduled for showing at 2011 CES. The successor to the Olympus E-PL1 interchangeable lens digital camera, the Olympus E-PL2 features similar sensors and a 14-42 mm movie and still kit lens with f-stop values ranging from f3.5 to f5.6.

Features

The Olympus E-PL2 is also said to have a direct movie button and features a 3 inch LCD display, as well as a rumored external Bluetooth module called ‘Penpal’ that allows user…

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Olympus E-PL2

The Olympus E-PL2 is a micro four thirds digital camera that is scheduled for showing at 2011 CES. The successor to the Olympus E-PL1 interchangeable lens digital camera, the Olympus E-PL2 features similar sensors and a 14-42 mm movie and still kit lens with f-stop values ranging from f3.5 to f5.6.

Features

The Olympus E-PL2 is also said to have a direct movie button and features a 3 inch LCD display, as well as a rumored external Bluetooth module called ‘Penpal’ that allows users to upload their pictures and movies with a click of a button online to social networking websites via a PC. This module which is attached to the camera on the hot-shoe, will allow users to sens their pictures to Android or Windows phone and instantly publish them to Flickr or Facebook. Other features on the Olympus E-PL2 inclulde a ISO value as high as 6400 to capture images in extreme low light conditions, and a filter called ‘Dramatic Tone’. The Olympus E-PL2 is set for launch in February 2011.

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