Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Black)

Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Black):

This camera needs to come with a wider range zoom lens - the 14-42 standard should be more like 14-70. After almost a month, there is still much to learn and I've had digital cameras for years. The range of features is impressive as is the quality of the build. I do feel that you have to tweak the settings to get print-worthy images Could do without the lens-lock and would relocate the video button (too easy to turn on in the normal handling of the camera). Great value for the B&H price along with excellent B&H service.

Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Black):

Easy to use. Takes great photos. Lots of scene and effect options. It is also small and light so it is easy to take anywhere.

Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Black):

I'm really loving the camera. I've used bulkier DSLR's but wanted to go lighter and this fit the bill. I got the all black model which is truly a classic. I like that one can build up on it with various lenses and accessories. At first I had a slight learning curve with the menu's which took some getting use to. There were some area's where I wish it would be a smoother transition to override in certain modes. As far as optics, it's awesome. I still yet have to shoot more to give my total blessing, but so far I'm happy....metering right on, color, and auto focus is sweet. I'm using an 8gb class 10 which i bought with camera, very fast transfer rate. I have the 14-42mm. Overall I like the built, it's solid in the hand. And I've been very satisfied with the images I've been getting out of this camera. I'm not a filter guy, but the built in filters are really cool.

Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Black):

Purchased as a gift. Excellent camera for the money.
It is a outdated model as there is an EPL3 out. However,' for the cost difference, this was the way to go.

Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Black):

I bought this as a easy carry small camera so I wouldn't have to carry my Canon 7D with grip all the time. I also bought a Canon FD to 4/3 adapter, so I can use all my Canon FD lenses. This camera is so fun to use with the FD 50mm f/1.4 and FD 28mm f/2.8. The 14-42mm lens it came with is quite good as well. I recently used it on vacation to take both HD video and pictures, and it does a great job. I bought the Refurbed version, and it is as new.

Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Black):

I'm still pleased with the portability. It's great for both fine art and casual photography, since it's light enough to carry anywhere and small enough to fit in most mid-size handbags. And, as someone else commented earlier, if you're out taking candid photographs, this camera won't intimidate your subjects the same way a traditional DSLR might.

My only complaint is with the lens. It's got a maximum of f3.5 IF you don't zoom too far. And you have to unlock and zoom a little no matter what in order to take a photo in the first place. I'm shocked that the standard prime lens (M.Zuiko 45mm f1.8) will only be released this September.

All in all, this is a great investment if you can wait for that new lens -- and can afford it.

Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Black):

I use this camera as an alternative to a larger DSLR, and as a place to use my vintage glass without shooting film. The kit lens is a more useful focal length range than that of a typical entry level DSLR, and produces sharp results. I have a Leica threadmount adaptor, and use my elmars and summitar to pleasing results. The lack of a viewfinder becomes cumbersome in daylight, as I can't see the LCD clearly enough to focus--only frame, when using manual lenses. Darker focusing is also tricky with auto focus due to a lack of focusing light. Ergonomics are good, effects cute. Movie mode simple and pleasing. Software included not MAC friendly. I will have to invest in an electronic viewfinder to make this camera live up to it's potential as a good medium for vintage lenses.

Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Black):

I just got this camera refurbished from the manufacturer and have been using it for about two weeks now. I got the camera to use on vacation as a travel camera that would perform better than my phone and wouldn't be nearly as large as my SLR. I have been impressed with the camera thus far. Autofocus is fast for a compact camera and the quality is on par with my much larger SLR.

Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Black):

I bought this as a more socially friendly camera than my DSLR without sacrificing too much in quality and flexibility. My main complaint with point-and-shoots is low-light performance so it had to produce in that situation. This camera does and doesn't. The image quality is amazing for a small camera, but I've found that in moderately low light, the autofocus is horrible. At a dim restaurant or nightclub and even in a dimly lit living room it often searches endlessly or it will sometimes automatically go to night portrait mode. Even when changing it manually to night portrait it still doesn't focus well. Once it does take a picture, the results are generally rich, bright and excellent, far better than any point-and-shoot.For situations other than low-light, the camera is terrific. Colors are rich, exposures seem spot-on, sharpness is very nice and focus is perfect.The art modes are fun, especially diorama, but they are slow to load and take a while for the camera to process. Macro works well, also. I haven't tried all of the scene modes, but they seem pretty standard.I like to take pictures of flowers and leaves and such, this camera is not so good for that, maybe if I invested in the longer lens it would better, but would rather spend that on lenses for my big camera.Overall, very pleased with the camera and lens. Could be a bit better, a focus assist light or backup AF in low-light would make it a much sweeter package.Very pleased with B&H price [...].

Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Black):

I have a Canon DSLR, my third over the last 7 years. I've tried various point and shoots as more portable options for get-togethers or places where I don't want to be as conspicuous. We had a lumix superzoom that was terrific, but the low-light performace was still not so hot. My wife is travelling so I thought it would be a good opportunity to look around at what is available. My wife had gotten used to DSLR quality but I wanted something easy for her to use that wouldn't disappoint. Have had it for a couple of weeks and am really happy with it. The build is really nice, even the plastic version feels well-made. The 14-42 lens is plenty sharp (I wanted to 17mm but read some so-so reviews and felt like it may not be worth the extra bucks). The art filters are fun, especially the diorama one, a lot of fun.
Pro: Image quality really nice, nice size, well-built, uses SD cards, fun art effects, decent feature set, good IS, useful flash that waits for you to tell it when to work.
Con: Accessories a bit pricey, no viewfinder, some lag in the screen when choosing art filters. Takes a little time to learn some of the manipulation of settings. Have to extend the lens out after turning the camera on to take pictures so not super quick start-up.

Overall: Very happy with this purchase, happy with the price for the refurbished one on B&H. Don't think I'll be investing in a set of lenses and accessories, would rather put the money into the DSLR, but very happy with this little gem.

Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Black):

exactly what i was looking for. no complaints

Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Black):

I bought this a few weeks ago and have loved every minute shooting with it. So far I have not been disappointed.

Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Black):

Before purchasing this camera, I went to several camera stores and held this one and other interchangeable lens cameras to gauge which one was easiest and most comfortable. This was my first pick, and after 3 months and 5,000 photos, there are some pros and cons I'd like to share.

The PEN is excellent for landscape pictures, portraits, macro shots and almost any kind of situation that is well lighted. The photos are gorgeous on prints up to 8x10 (have not printed any larger yet). This camera is lightweight and I love to take it with me on short trips since I can comfortably carry it in my purse with 3 lens and it doesn't feel like my arm will fall off. Regarding focus, the magnifying glass helps to ensure your ideal focus point is sharp. This is, in my opinion, the perfect camera to jump into from the point and shoot world. The menus, everything about it, make it so easy to start the transition from Auto to manual modes.

The camera's weaknesses include short battery life (less than 300 shots on one charge), mediocre low-light performance, slow autofocus- which can be very frustrating when you want to take action shots, and a shutter lag. Thus, the 4 stars. However, if you've never touched a DSLR, this one's an excellent choice, esp at a sub five hundred ticket price.

The PEN is my backup camera for situations where my D3100 is too bulky to carry around (like short hiking trips) or it's out of batteries. For poor light scenes (like a wine bar), sports,or candid shots, I'd rather leave the PEN at home.

When my cat peed the PEN and killed it, I still went ahead and got another one from BH, this time used, so that I would continue to rely on my PEN as my amazing little secondary camera.

Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Black):

I recently purchased the Olympus PEN E-PL1 to capture all the memories that parents should. I wanted a nice camera that shoot HD video to avoid making two expensive purchases. So far I have been very impressed with the PEN E-PL1. It does both very well. My pictures look professional b/c of the built in tutorials and filters. I really like the functionality of snapping photos while I record HD video with out the use of software editing tools.

I wish that the bulit in mic was stereo. Olympus does offer an attachment stereo mic but it is bulky and expensive. In fact my biggest complaint is the cost of the add ons. The lenses are crazy expensive, some cost more than the camera itself.

Other wise I have been an advocate of the camera. Bragging and showing it off to friends and family.

Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Black):

I use this product as a substitute for my DSLR when I don't want to carry a big bundle of equipment.

Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Black):

I've had film SLR's. I've had digital, both point and shoot bridge cameras, and a Canon DSLR. I guess what makes me the happiest is that with an adapter, I can use my good older Minolta manual focus lenses...and have been.
I've read so many reviews, of course checking out to see if this was a good offering. Reading that it had slow focus with the kit lens and that the menu system was clunky. I've found that the focusing isn't so bad, and the operation of the camera makes good sense after getting used to it, and setting it up to your own tastes.
What most of the reviewers have not said is how easy it is to manual focus. How it can be adapted to use so many legacy lenses. Some adapters even offer aperture control for lenses without the F-stop rings. Check out for sure what you need. The old Minotla MC/MD, Pentax, and Canon FD I believe can get by with cheaper adapters.
My old lenses are sharp as tacks. The camera shoots sharp as a tack. Don't let the Consumer moving up scare you away if you are a more experienced shooter.
And the size..not in a pocket, but still amazingly small. It's about time someone made a camera like these Olympus and Panasonics.

Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Black):

I'll be using this camera to shoot images of my artwork and as an all round shooter. I'm buying an adapter to mount FD lenses from my old AE-1 and can't wait to explore all of the possibilities. I find the camera really easy to use. Yes, there is some menu diving and a lot to explore, but overall it's a helpful system. Image quality seems fantastic so far and I love all of the control I can have, or none if I just want to point and shoot. My only criticism at this point is the low screen resolution, but I bought this camera because it was much cheaper than the E-PL2, which has the better screen with almost all of the same features otherwise.

Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Black):

the best camera i`ve ever had

Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Black):

I have only used this camera for a few weeks but it is already producing some amazing shots. In terms of ergonomics, the E-PL1 is easy to use, relatively light and compact – perfect if you're frequently travelling. When it comes to image quality, you can't beat it for the price. Low-light performance is great, especially apparent if you have an extra-steady hand. The kit lens is quite wide though, which is to be expected so if you're after some zoom capabilities consider opting for the 14-150mm. The lenses for Micro Four-Thirds format are still quite expensive, but the E-PL1 isn't strictly restricted to Olympus branded lenses which helps if you're on a budget (e.g. see Panasonic or other brand interchangeables).

All in all, great for a beginner who is looking at learning about the basics of 'proper' photography and upgrade to an SLR in the future.

Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Black):

I am an avid amateur photo enthusiast. I shoot travel photos and people. This camera is everything I've been looking for. High quality photos, and easy to travel with.

I really like the default color, clarity of photos, the collapsible lenses, and the quality for the dollar.

Making flash EV adjustments is confusing to me. Can't use flash and viewfinder.