This item has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available.
This item has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available.
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The Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera is a dream come true for many photographers with 12 megapixels and technology normally found in much larger cameras and High Definition (HD) camcorders.
It features a PEN large-size image sensor that is 8 times larger than the ones in average point & shoot cameras. This sensor, combined with the TruePic V Image Processor, delivers excellent dynamic range, accurate color and reduced noise, all the way up to ISO 3200. With state-of-the art noise reduction technology and 3 in-body image stabilization modes, users will realize clear images with all compatible lenses under most lighting conditions.
The E-PL1's iAuto mode automatically identifies the scene you're shooting (portrait, landscape, night portrait, macro, or sport) and adjusts the settings to optimize results. While in iAuto you can engage Live Guide control which lets you compose your picture, manipulate the image with various in-camera effects like softening backgrounds, adjusting colors, and brightness before taking the photo.
Adding to the dream, recording HD movies (720p) with the E-PL1 is simple thanks to an easy-to-reach record button on the back of the camera body. You can toggle back and forth between capturing stills and video which opens endless shooting possibilities, for example you can shoot a portrait of a child and switch to video to capture the moment when he or she is playing with the dog that interrupted your shooting session.
This camera has 19 automatic scene-select modes which adjust camera settings according to the subject you are photographing plus 6 in-camera Art Filters (Pop Art, Soft Focus, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama and the new Gentle Sepia filter). These tools make image capture easy and can expand your creativity.
This E-PL1 comes with an M.Zuiko Digital ED Micro Four Thirds mount 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6L lens which is extremely compact and has a plastic mount which helps keep the weight down. It at has both ED and Aspherical lens elements which deliver very high imaging performance. Despite its small size it delivers amazing image brightness and contrast. It covers wide angle to moderate telephoto distances and is suitable for portraits, everyday shooting, and traveling.
| Camera Type | Interchangeable lens, Live View digital camera |
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 12.3MP |
| Color Spaces | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Sensor | High speed Live MOS Sensor |
| File Formats |
JPEG RAW (12-bit lossless compression) RAW + JPEG |
| File Size |
|
| Recording Format |
Still: DCF, DPOF compatible/Exif, Print Image Matching III Movie: AVI Motion JPEG(30fps) |
| Image Size |
RAW: 4032 x 3024 pixels JPEG: 4032 x 3024 pixels, 640 x 480 pixels |
| Aspect Ratio | 1.33 (4:3) |
| Image Stabilization |
Built into camera body |
| Focusing |
AF system: Imager Contrast Detection AF system (When non high-speed imager AF compatible lens is used, it works as AF assist) |
| Focus Modes |
Single AF (S-AF) Continuous AF (C-AF) Manual Focus (MF) S-AF + MF AF Tracking (C-AF + TR) |
| Number of Focusing Points |
11-area multiple AF with the contrast detection system Focus point selection: Auto from all 11 areas Single area from 11 areas Auto from almost all areas when face detection is on Free selection (from 225 points) when Magnified View mode is selected Focus tracking available Manual focus assist available |
| Lens | |
|---|---|
| Lens | 14-42mm L f/3.5 - 5.6 (35mm equivalent focal length: 28-84mm) |
| Groups/Elements | 8/9 |
| Angle of View | 75° - 29° |
| Closest Focusing Distance | 0.8' (0.25m) |
| Magnification | Max.: 0.24x (35mm equivalent 0.48x) |
| Number of Blades | 7 (circular aperture diaphragm) |
| Aperture Range | f/3.5 - f/22 |
| Filter Size | 40.5mm |
| Dimensions | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Weight | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity | Auto: ISO 200 - 3200 (customizable, default: 200-1600) |
| Shutter Type | Computerized focal-plane shutter |
| Shutter Speeds |
60 - 1/2000 sec Bulb: up to 30 min (default: 8 min) 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV steps (selectable) |
| Metering | TTL image sensor metering system |
| Metering Range | EV 0 - 18 (digital ESP, center weighted average, spot metering) |
| Exposure Modes |
iAuto P: Program AE A: Aperture priority AE |
| Exposure Mode Control |
|
| Multiple Display Configuration |
2 frames Functions: auto gain, Live View, exposing on recorded picture |
| White Balance |
|
| Mirror Lock-Up | N/A |
| Burst Capability | Approx. 3 frames/sec |
| Self Timer | 12/2 sec (cancel available) |
| Remote Control | N/A |
| Picture Modes |
|
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes |
| Flash Modes |
External: Auto Red-eye reduction Red-eye reduction slow sync Slow sync at 1st curtain Slow sync at 2nd curtain l-in Off |
| External Flash Connection |
YES Compatible Olympus E-system flash units: FL-50R, FL-36R, FL-50, FL-36, FL-20, FL-14 |
| Max Sync Speed |
1/30 - 1/60 sec Super FP: 1/125 -1/2000 sec |
| Alarm Volume | Wireless flash control available (4 channels, 3 groups) |
| Memory | |
|---|---|
| Memory Cards |
SD SDHC 1 Please Note:Class 6 memory cards are recommended for movie shooting close |
| Still Images per GB |
Approx. 290 shots (IS ON, CIPA test standard) with BLS-1 Lithium-ion battery and Toshiba class 6 SDHC 4GB card
2
Please Note:With 50% flash lighting close |
| A/V Recording | |
|---|---|
| Recording Format | AVI Motion JPEG (30fps) |
| Video Resolution |
HD: 1280 x 720, aspect: 16:9 SD: 640 x 480, aspect: 4:3 (VGA) |
| Video Clip Length |
HD: 7 min SD: 14 min Maximum file size: 2GB (limited by AVI format) |
| Audio Recording |
Wave format base Stereo PCM (64-bit, 44.1kHz) Mono |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display | 2.4" LCD with Live View MOS image sensor |
| Field of View | 100% |
| Display Modes |
Normal Grid line Histogram (3 types) Magnified view Comparable view Off (for optical view finder use) Face detection: 8 frames max. |
| Languages | English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Russian, Czech, Dutch, Danish, Polish, Portuguese, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Croat, Slovenian, Hungarian, Greek, Slovakian, Turkish, Latvian, Estonian, Lithuanian, Ukrainian, Serbian, Bulgarian, Rumanian, Indonesian |
| Interfaces |
|
| Operating/Storage Temperature |
32 - 104°F (0 - 40°C) (operation) -4 - 140°F (-20 - 60°C) (storage) |
| Weatherproofing | No |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery Type | BLS-1 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery |
| Power Adapter | BCS-1 battery charger |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 4.51 x 2.84 x 1.63" (114.6 x 72.2 x 41.5mm) (excluding protrusions) |
| Weight |
10.4 oz (296 g) (body only) 12.13 oz (344 g) (including battery and memory card) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Reviewed by 20 customers
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Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Blue):
I use this camera to take photographs of things I run across in my daily travels, vacations, friends and closeups on items.
It is the perfect size and has all the options I need on it. I don't need a camera that has all the bells and whistles.
I really enjoy this camera, I don't have any negative comments at this time!
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Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Blue):
A real surprise packet photos taken so far on auto mode no real need to correct in Photoshop. The manual appears to be fairly easy to understand and I am looking forward to working my way through it. I originally bought this thinking if I like it would upgrade to a PL3 but am so pleased with this will probably add the other lens, flash and view finder. The minus, on/off button too close to shutter button and lcd monitor not clear enough but maybe that is adjustable
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Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Blue):
Great for P&S'ers seeking better image quality and better control of the camera functions. Or just better image quality. Changeable lens sweetens the deal.
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Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Blue):
Small enough to carry to just about any event. Set up of shots intuitive and offers many options from auto to scenes to full manual. So far the photos taken are crisp and true to color. Built in flash is nice. So far nothing not to like.
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Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Blue):
With the Olympus PEN E-PL, you can't go wrong. It's like having an SLR in a point-and-shoot size. I travel often and I don't like to take my SLR with all the equipment on every trip. I needed a camera that I can easily put in a purse and that would give me quality photos. I found my solution in the Olympus PEN.
Although the majority of the photos I've taken with the PEN have been taken outdoors, a few have been taken indoors. The photo quality in low light isn't the greatest, but I attribute it to my using the pop-up flash and not using an external flash. I plan to purchase a nice flash for the camera soon. Otherwise, I'm pleased with the image quality (outdoors), the image stabilization, and the easy-to-use features.
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Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Blue):
I took many still life shots on the day I received this camera and I was very happy with the results. Focusing might be a bit slower, but overall performance is great!
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Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Blue):
I love it! I'm still learning the ins and outs of the camera, but I'm loving what I see so far.
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Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Blue):
I had a point and shoot before this camera (and old SLRs before that)... this is a wonderful camera! The picture quality is really nice, great to have more control over depth of field, etc. And the automatic modes take nice pictures as well. The small body has been convenient.
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Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Blue):
Excellent camera, easy to use, excellent quality of image. My main camera is Oly E-30 and all accessories fit in the EPL-1 and same quility image.
Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Blue):
I've bought from them camcorder, mini disc player and camera now .I hade never had any problem .[...]Highly recommended A+++++
Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Blue):
I use this camera to take quality photos for my web site. I get professional results and Im not a professional by any means. You can use it just like you would a point and shoot or go deeper into the photographic world. It up to you, this camera does it all
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Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Blue):
I'm using this camera for work (building inspection) and it's been working fine: I'm taking good pictures under different lighting conditions and at all different distances.
The controls are complicated, which is to be expected from a camera that has a lot of options, but the documentation is incomprehensible. It took a lot of fumbling to get going.
Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Blue):
This is a great carry-everywhere camera with lots of control if you want it, but fully automated if you just want to point & shoot. The quality of the lenses and the ability to interchange them makes all the difference...you can take all kinds of shots without the need to carry a full photographer's handbag.
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Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Blue):
Being new to digital photography, I find this camera easy to use, produces great photos, and has plenty of built in special effects that I didn't even know about until after I purchased it.
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Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Blue):
Shortly after receiving the PL1, I took it with to a car show I do every year.I normally carry an Olympus E3with battery pack, and a Bag full of lenses and stuff). All I had was a small bag with my PL1, and extra battery, and a case with a few SD cards. The lack of weight was a pleasure. I did not have time to learn all the controls, but it was easy to figure out the normal procedures. After unloading the pictures, I found the image quality to be comparable to my E3 images. Since the show was outside, the shutter speeds were high. At lower speeds hand holding may cause some shutter blur. The use of a electronic viewfinder could be useful.
I would recommend this camera to anyone who needs better quality images but doesn't want the weight and size of a DSLR.
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Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Blue):
Just got the camera -- haven't had the chance to use it much yet. However, we have sampled it prior to going on vacation.
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Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Blue):
My new walkaround u4/3 EPL-1 is first choice now when taking off for the day to do sight-seeing and so on. Light weight and less obtrusive than it's big brother, but includes all the E-series features I am used to. Having added the MMF-2 adapter and VF-2 viewfinder, I can use my current 4/3 and many other lenses as well.
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Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Blue):
Jpg output is good enough, no need to waste time for post shooting process. Light weight and easy to use. Spend more time to enjoy. Great!
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Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Blue):
Used an entry-level Pentax DSLR for several years, and hated carrying around the camera bag and being "the photographer" whenever I pulled it out.
This is not pocketable, but I put it on a hip holster and forget about it. Just rode a bike through some tulip fields in Washington this weekend, and it was attached to my belt the entire time. This is with the kit lens -- can't wait to get the Panny 20/1.7.
Main reasons to get this is the size. You can debate image quality and AF to death, but the key is that is much more portable. Main reason I got this over the GF1 and NX10 was the in-body stabilization. Also the cost.
Don't get all neurotic overanalyzing these cameras. They're all great. Pick one or two "must have" features and get started.
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Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Blue):
I've only used P&S cameras. I was looking for a camera that could take better pictures, but I could carry around without much fuss. So I was carefully looking at the micro 4/3 products, and this was the first that was a relatively cheap to try out the system, and I like the aesthetic of the EP range.
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