Introducing the Powerfully Simple Olympus PEN E-PL1

The new Olympus PEN E-PL1 is truly greater than the sum of its parts, with a surprisingly small camera body packed with technology normally found ...
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Olympus PEN E-PL1 test | Review, features and specs for PEN E-PL1

About Olympus Pen E-PL1 Body

The third and latest Olympus PEN E series of compact cameras, the Olympus PEN E-PL1, is a definite improvement from the previous Pen E-P1, especially in terms of flash and price. Its popularity is on the rise, because it combines convenience, portability, good image quality and versatility. Is the device really that impressive? We tested it and here is our review.

The Olympus E-PL1 has a simple and light body with its 114.6mm x 72.2mm x 41.5mm and 297g; these measurements are almost similar to the ones sported by Panasonic GF1. The gadget is taller, thicker and narrower than the Lumix with which it competes. The device comes in black, silver, red and white and is made of plastic; it looks and feels solid and not easily breakable. The 14-42mm standard zoom lens kit comes with a plastic mount which makes the camera appear somewhat cheap. While the front houses a 2.7” monitor screen and a grip for your hands, the rear has a thumbgrip area which offers great secure grip of the gadget.

During our test for this review we had no problem holding the Olympus PEN E-PL1, because it felt very comfortable even when we used it with only one hand. Moreover, the camera features solid controls, durable battery and card hatch (including a locking batch) and a metal tripod bush. The display, while smaller than others, comes with the following: 230k dot resolution, a good anti-glare surface, a very wide viewing angle and fast refresh rate. Although it doesn’t sport a viewfinder, it offers the possibility to connect one in a socket which sits behind the external flash hot-shoe.

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