Olympus E-P1 Pen Digital Camera (Silver) w/ 14-42mm M.Zuiko Digital Lens (Black)

Comments about Olympus E-P1 Pen Digital Camera (Silver) w/ 14-42mm M.Zuiko Digital Lens (Black):

I used a Canon DSLR camera for a few years and even though I liked it, it was a little bit bigger than what I really needed. I wanted to take high quality, RAW pictures but have more portability. I found out about the PEN series of cameras that Olympus makes and was instantly sold. I did a lot of research and found that even though the E-P1 wasn't the newest camera, it has the most bang for your buck. It's basically got the same sensor as the E-P2, more or less same body and LCD and it's a lot cheaper. With an adaptor you can put pretty much any lens on there, and with a C-Mount adaptor you can put some really cool CCTV lenses. I would highly recommend this camera for somebody who wants to take really great photos but not have to lug around a huge DLSR>

Comments about Olympus E-P1 Pen Digital Camera (Silver) w/ 14-42mm M.Zuiko Digital Lens (Black):

The feel of this camera reminds me of my old Minolta xg film camera, I use a canon and L lens, but the size and weight of this camera is very nice. I took it to a wedding and used it like I would use my Canon, but had my canon and L lens with me just in case I needed it in case that my EP1 could not deliver the performance and picture quality. My set up: I used a vivitar HV285 flash wireless an umbrella and stand, wanted to go bear minnimum and light weight. I was surprised and marveled by the quality and performance of this camera by Olympus. I would not use it for sports but I used it for some moving subjects by panning my camera and it was a blast to the past when focussing with my old Minolta. I printed the pictures and used the software that came with it and I was happy with the results. I printed pictures up to 20x30 and didn't do much cropping with the 4:3 ratio and had great results, I think I'll turn in my canon equipment and use the Pen systems from now on, professional, performance image quality, it's what I was looking for. The only lens I used was the kit lens 14x42mm and a ND filter I'll have to buy the FL-36R flash for TTL on camera flash but don't mind the extra weight compared to my Canon equipment the EP1 is a dream to carry around, and other photographers ask questions like why use Olympus and not canon or nikon? for portraits speed is not an issue time, framing and lightight is needed. Yes the L lens is wonderful but with the controls and camera settings (contrast and more)on the EP1 are very good and pictures look great and compatible to the L lens.

Comments about Olympus E-P1 Pen Digital Camera (Silver) w/ 14-42mm M.Zuiko Digital Lens (Black):

This product provides a great alternative to the typical DSLR. Same quality in a smaller package. There is plenty of lens flexibility providing endless artistic opportunity. Great camera for the price.

Comments about Olympus E-P1 Pen Digital Camera (Silver) w/ 14-42mm M.Zuiko Digital Lens (Black):

I have been looking for a m4/3 camera for quite a while, getting hung up on features and which one is best, etc. I always tend to over investigate before I purchase and so I finally decided that I would grab this EP-1 the next time B&H had the refurbs on sale. The main reason I wanted this format was the small size and form factor and the ability to buy inexpensive lens adaptors to use my old Contax manual focus lens. I haven't used them in years and have not been shooting any film, so this nice glass has been going to waste. I felt that this might recreate the more thoughtful composition and careful shooting I used to do with film.

So, this is a great way to get a very nice camera body in this format at a low price. The build quality seems excellent with a lot of metal and good weight in a retro-design. The fact that it doesn't have the viewfinder option or the fastest auto-focus is not really a concern. If I really like shooting in this format, i can buy another body with finder. I did buy a nice metal construction C/Y to m4/3 adaptor on-line (from China, of course) and it works quite well with the E-P1. It is easy to config the camera to zoom for manual focus at the push of a button and I have been having fun re-deploying the old lens and carefully framing and focusing shots. This is not for sports or action, but I knew that going in and will still use my Nikon DSLR for that.

So, get one and try it out, it will re-energize your photo taking again.

Comments about Olympus E-P1 Pen Digital Camera (Silver) w/ 14-42mm M.Zuiko Digital Lens (Black):

I purchased this camera to replace my Canon DSLR that had served it purpose well but it's time was up!

I received the E-P1 just before Christmas and immediately updated the firmware due to some online blogs. No problems there! Then, I began to put the camera to the test.

We traveled to Washington DC on Christmas and, in three days, I shot over 1,000 pics. I chose not to fill out the warranty information until we'd returned. This camera passed the test with flying colors.

I have both the 14-42 & 40-150 Olympus lenses as well as the FL-14 flash. In the future, I plan on purchasing the 17mm pancake lens. However, my current set-up is top notch!!

Comments about Olympus E-P1 Pen Digital Camera (Silver) w/ 14-42mm M.Zuiko Digital Lens (Black):

Nice size / performance ratio. I'm able to carry the camera with the kit lens all day and the image quality is very good up to ISO 800.

Comments about Olympus E-P1 Pen Digital Camera (Silver) w/ 14-42mm M.Zuiko Digital Lens (Black):

I USE IT FOR DAILY SHOOTING. IT IS SOLID AND WELL BUILT.

Comments about Olympus E-P1 Pen Digital Camera (Silver) w/ 14-42mm M.Zuiko Digital Lens (Black):

Great shooter to take around without being noticed. Images look spectacular from this camera, and the dynamic range captured for post-processing is really on par with some pro cameras. Acceptable "burst" mode, but the autofocus is lacking. I use it with the Panasonic 20mm 1.7, which is a great lens that complements this camera well. However, the camera just can't autofocus fast enough for fast moving targets.

Comments about Olympus E-P1 Pen Digital Camera (Silver) w/ 14-42mm M.Zuiko Digital Lens (Black):

SLR picture quality in a compact camera body. I'd considered getting a camera like the Canon G11 to have a walkaround camera or one to travel with that produced great picture quality, but not the bulk of an entire SLR system. The EP-1 has exceptional picture quality (equal to my E-620) and with a pancake lens is quite portable. It also has more flexibility with the changeable lenses, and doesn't have the same problem achieving a shallow depth of field that small-sensor point-and-shoots do.

I went with the EP-1 over the Panasonic Micro-Four Thirds cameras, because:
1) my E-620 batteries and cables are already compatible
2) The EP-1 can use all of my lenses (with a converter), whereas the Panasonics can AF with only some of the 4/3rds lenses.
3) I like how the JPEGs look from Olympus right out of the camera. Personal preference, but I feel like Panasonic's need more work.

Cons are that it's not as small as the high-end point and shoots, and there's no onboard flash. (But I rarely use one anyway, and it works with my FL-36.)

One thing I'd HIGHLY recommend getting with the camera is the Panasonic 20mm f1.7 pancake lens. It's excellent and is easily the lens I leave on it most.

Comments about Olympus E-P1 Pen Digital Camera (Silver) w/ 14-42mm M.Zuiko Digital Lens (Black):

i love this camera it always come will me where ever i go. its solidly build and i love the retro look. i thought i would miss a view finder but honestly the lcd is just as good.

Comments about Olympus E-P1 Pen Digital Camera (Silver) w/ 14-42mm M.Zuiko Digital Lens (Black):

I will start with a comment on image quality. Being polite, I will say that if someone tells you this camera can only make small prints you can disregard this absolutely. Where I work the gallery curator is a fussy stickler who believes I can make gallery quality 12 by 16s with the E-3, and this camera has better IQ. Of course you can print larger; I refer to exacting standards.
This is a great camera for some fairly common uses, particularly unobtrusive work with people up close and landscape and related work when weight matters. It can replace the classic camera for the first use, that is, it can replace rangefinders. Because you can hold it out just a bit from your chest it also has the TLR advantage that you don't have to put it between your face and your subjects'. I recently did a four day event and compared my E-3 at waist level with live view (a relatively unobtrusive DSLR) and the difference was clear.
Indoors in fairly poor light (my recent situation) you either use flash or (as I did) focus manually. Mine is set up to magnify the image as soon as I touch the focus ring and to revert as I press the shutter. Works very well. This was with the 14-54mm II lens and Olympus adapter.
Outdoors I took it alpine snowshoeing and really noticed the difference the day it snowed and I took my weather-sealed E-3 instead, even though I took the same lens. (To keep weight down with two cameras I'd been using the 50mm f/2 on the E-3). You wouldn't think it would matter but it does. The days I took the E-P1 it was clear in the snowing mountains - as bright as you can get - and I didn't have trouble seeing the image. Moreover the AF works just fine in good light.
You wouldn't use this camera if you wanted to do sports or other work needing really fast AF nor if you wanted good AF in lower light. However, I am hooked and looking forward to the high end mFT more than I am the E-3's successor.

Comments about Olympus E-P1 Pen Digital Camera (Silver) w/ 14-42mm M.Zuiko Digital Lens (Black):

Everybody says about the cool style of my camera when I am shooting. It is really beautiful and well finished. I was reading thousand reviews before buying the E-p1 and choose between it and a Nikon d-90. Comparing with the d-90 and cosidering that the Nikon is a more expansive camera, I consider the image quality very similar and it is possible to custom the e-p1 as much as a much pro camera, but, on the other hand, the focus is much slower than in d-90 and i sometimes really miss the viewfinder. I got my e-p1 just before travelling to a sunny desert landscape, and it was almost impossible to shoot there because the bright ambient. It was a extreme landscape, but, if you consider the e-p1 for a semi-pro use it might be relevant. For more usual ambients and situations the camera is pretty nice and realible, good image details and good kit lens.

Comments about Olympus E-P1 Pen Digital Camera (Silver) w/ 14-42mm M.Zuiko Digital Lens (Black):

Exactly the camera I've been waiting to buy for years: interchangeable lenses, DSLR quality pictures, but half the weight and size of a usual entry-level DSLR.

Warning to owners of point-and-shoot cams: if you don't know a lot about photography, and don't want to learn: get a different cam. Unless you can invest the time and effort and have the interest to learn, you're better off with something like a Canon G11.

The menu structure is a bit of a hassle at the beginning: it took me about one week and 1000 shots to get the settings right. Once you're there, however, you're unlikely to change the settings frequently; so I don't consider it a real con.

The only real con is the auto-focus speed: it takes about 0.6 secs to focus, which is not suitable for things which move quickly and unpredictable, like sports, kids, flying birds.

Comments about Olympus E-P1 Pen Digital Camera (Silver) w/ 14-42mm M.Zuiko Digital Lens (Black):

A unique 'little' camera with exciting features, it will not replace your DSLR unless your back is fatigued from carrying that DSLR and 3 to 5 lenses! The 'kit' lense, while poo-pooed in some reviews, is very sharp with great IQ. A plethora of other lenses will fit but remember your back. This gem is designed to be a camera that can be carried all day. Out-of-camera JPEGS are outstanding. Not satisfied? Shoot RAW. The artistic filters are facinating. Overall, the E-P1 is one technological leap. The micro 4/3 format, specifically the E-P1 will make you surprisingly happy!

Comments about Olympus E-P1 Pen Digital Camera (Silver) w/ 14-42mm M.Zuiko Digital Lens (Black):

The Olympus Pen P1 is a jewel of a camera and a delight to hold, look at and operate. I especially like the method of "parking" the zoom lens so it occupies less space. However, in the all-important issue of image quality the P-1 falls well short of most of the 10 mega-pixel competition. When looking at enlargements of the "sunburst pattern" test chart the P-1 image is inferior to that of the Canon G10, the Sony DSC-HX1, and the Canon SD-990. I would judge that a user would be perfectly happy with 4" by 6" snapshots but disappointed with an 8" by 10" print from the P-1 image. Further the dedicated 17mm wide angle lens is no better than the standard zoom set to about 17mm focal length. I really wanted the P-1 to dominate but it doesn't.

Comments about Olympus E-P1 Pen Digital Camera (Silver) w/ 14-42mm M.Zuiko Digital Lens (Black):

I bought this camera because I was looking for something lighter, but still with interchangeable lenses to take when traveling, the EP-1 fits those needs. I'm a little disappointed with lens development for the EP-1, but am sure Olympus will work on this next. The camera is pretty easy to use and I like working without a viewfinder as I can play with angles.

Comments about Olympus E-P1 Pen Digital Camera (Silver) w/ 14-42mm M.Zuiko Digital Lens (Black):

I'm not giving up my 5D II any time soon ... but this camera is a perfect complement. It's light, versatile, and takes great pictures. Most importantly, it's FUN.

Yes, I was concerned about all the talk about slow auto focus, the lack of a built-in flash and no viewfinder. But for what I use it for -- landscapes and an occasional candid, those issues are really no issue at all. I'm also guessing that, any day now, Oly will release a firmware update that addresses the focus issue, if not completely, somewhat.

What's really cool is that it can take a whole bunch of legacy and new lenses, with the appropriate adapter. Which means I have loads of options, some of which get close to that coveted Leica M8 capability at a fraction of the price.

So far, the EP-1 is the best back-up to my DSLR that I've seen and used. Recommend it highly.

Comments about Olympus E-P1 Pen Digital Camera (Silver) w/ 14-42mm M.Zuiko Digital Lens (Black):

Not quite a dSLR but almost. Very flexible and light weight while producing photos nearly as good as a 'better' dSLR (Canon 40D) and as good as Canon T1i. Wonderful for travel. Lack of viewfinder may be a problem for some but that can be readily solved by using Hoodman Hoodloupe which fits over the 3" LCD and has glass viewfinder lens with adjustable diopter. No problem now with LCD washout or viewing difficulty and quick to the eye. Great for fine focus in manual mode. A winning combo.

Comments about Olympus E-P1 Pen Digital Camera (Silver) w/ 14-42mm M.Zuiko Digital Lens (Black):

I own E-300 and wanted to upgrade my photo equipment. I was thinking about E-620, but after I saw EP-1 on the store, I liked the size and shape, so that is why I purchased. So far I like the output from this camera.

Comments about Olympus E-P1 Pen Digital Camera (Silver) w/ 14-42mm M.Zuiko Digital Lens (Black):

I'm an advanced photographer and have used Olympus equipment for the past 12- 13 years. The main reason I bought this camera was for its retro look and the fact that I can use all of my other Olympus lenses. I have used it to shoot up an down the Las Vegas Strip and it has not let me down. Plus, its a fun camera to shoot. I don't use the video feature that much but it is fun to play with. All in all a very nice piece of equipment. Don't even mind not having a built in flash.