Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera Body (Black)
- No Longer Available
Remember the Essentials
A lens and memory card are not included with the camera.
Get the type of lens for the shot you need, and a high-capacity memory card so you don't get caught without memory.
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.
- HD Movies
- Shoot HD movies at 30 frames per second, with high-quality sound, in 720p with available manual control over aperture and shutter speed. This new level of control allows you to express your vision exactly how you want in your HD videos. A Direct HD Movie Button switches you from still to movie mode with the press of a button. You can also capture HD video (720p) using one of the six Art Filters for more creative shooting options.
- Easy-to-Use Live Guide Control
- With the E-PL1 you can see the results of your camera settings before you shoot allowing you to change the way you take a picture. Simply set the camera to iAuto, press OK to engage Live Guide, then press the up and down arrows on the back of the camera to easily slide through numerous photographic effects. Make adjustments and watch the LCD as the effects are made live -- before the image is captured. Live Guide also features a "Tips" section on how to compose a shot or shoot kids, pets, flowers and more. Or maybe you want to capture the fast-moving action of your subject with a little artistic blur, or perhaps freeze the action.
- Built-in Flash
- Use the built-in pop-up flash to easily illuminate low-light subjects. The camera is also compatible with a range of optional external flashes including the Olympus FL-14. The E-PL1 has wireless flash control using the FL-36R and FL-50R -- for dynamic lighting control.
- In-Camera Art Filters
- With 6 in-camera Art Filters (Pop Art, Soft Focus, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama and the new Gentle Sepia filter) you can explore your artistic side while taking both still shots and HD video. The Art Filters can be applied as you shoot, no additional software required.
- 12.3 Megapixels
- The E-PL1's powerful 12.3 megapixel Live-MOS sensor packs a powerful high-quality imaging punch for such a compact camera, allowing you to capture more detail than ever before. The Live MOS image sensor delivers excellent dynamic range, accurate color fidelity and fine image details in both highlight and shadow areas.
- In-Body Image Stabilization
- The E-PL1's 3-mode In-body Image Stabilization system compensates for up to 3 shutter speed steps in the still shooting modes with any of its interchangeable lenses: Mode 1 for general shooting, Mode 2 for creative high-speed horizontal capture, and Mode 3 for high-speed vertical capture. The camera's Mechanical Image Stabilization automatically compensates for camera shake in low-light situations or when using a telephoto lens. In the Movie Modes the advanced Electronic Image Stabilization tracts the images both vertically and horizontally to achieve clear sharp movies.
- Compact Size, Interchangeable Lenses
- Olympus has packed a big sensor into a small camera. The stylish design of the Olympus PEN E-PL1 is much more compact than a traditional DSLR, but it still provides the option of interchangeable lenses.
- In-Camera Slideshow With Sound
- The E-PL1's enhanced playback functions allow you to employ effective fade-in/fade-out techniques, control the movie/still mix and speed, add captivating musical soundtracks, and much more.
- Multiple Exposures
- Multiple exposures make heightened creativity an easily-obtained objective. Two frames can be combined to create an image uniquely yours. Images can be combined in playback mode or directly on the LCD display.
- iAuto with iEnhance
- In the iAuto mode the E-PL1 automatically identifies the scene you're shooting - portrait, landscape, night portrait, macro, or sport - and adjusts the settings to optimize results. iEnhance can be used in any mode, and automatically engages when using iAuto to enrich color in any subject, just as the human eye sees it.
- TruePic V Image Processor
- In addition to more detail, the image sensor, combined with the next-generation TruePic V Image Processor, delivers excellent dynamic range, accurate color fidelity and reduced noise, all the way up to 3200 ISO.
- 19 Automatic Scene-Select Modes
- The E-PL1 is equipped with 19 scene-select modes for effortless picture taking. Standard scene modes like Night-Scene, Portrait and Landscape are easy-to-use solutions for everyday shooting.
- Dust Reduction System
- A Dust Reduction System assures spot-free images. Every time you turn on the camera, the patented Supersonic Wave Filter silently vibrates, flinging and collecting dust so that it cannot interfere with the picture imaging at any time.
- AF Live View with AF Tracking
- AF Live View works as seamlessly as a point-and-shoot to display subjects, in focus, on the LCD the instant the shutter is pressed half way. AF Tracking locks your subject into focus right on the LCD, and constantly adjusts focus and brightness whether you or your subject is moving. With this mode, a simple push of the AF button and shutter release enables you to keep fast-moving and unpredictable subjects in focus.
- In-Camera Editing
- Make changes to your image after the shot, right in the camera. Adjust for red eye, crop an image, change the aspect ratio or saturation, and change your image to black and white...and more. In-Camera JPEG edit functions allow you to quickly tweak your images right in the camera so you can easily upload them to your favorite web site and share them with friends and family.
- Face Detection
- A Face Detection function reduces the chance of blurry faces when shooting groups of people, up to eight subjects at once, even if they're moving while you're pressing the shutter button.
- Shadow Adjustment Technology
- Shadow Adjustment Technology corrects for extreme light variations with high-tech efficiency. It can also be used in post-editing.
- ePortrait
- The ePortrait Scene-Select mode is useful for smoothing out the facial features of your subjects, which is a tremendous plus for High Definition video playback, or apply ePortrait post shot via .JPEG edit.
- Multiple Aspect Ratio Shooting
- The E-PL1 lets you select one of four aspect ratios (4:3, 3.2, 16.9 and 6.6) that help frame your images to whatever proportions you'd like. Aspect ratios are available for still photo and HD movie capture, for everything from conventional enlargements to viewing on widescreen monitors.
- Accessory Port
- The E-PL1 includes a port for new accessories including the SEMA-1 Microphone adapter set and the VF-2 live-finder, a detachable electronic viewfinder. The viewfinder easily slides onto the camera's accessory port and hot shoe to provide 1.15x magnification for a 100% field of view. The VF-2 rotates up 90° which is useful when shooting subjects from challenging angles. The external accessory port also allows for connection with the new EMA-1 external microphone adapter for enhanced audio capture.
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- The Micro Four Thirds Mount on the E-PL1 provides many key benefits, including the effectiveness of a digitally designed image sensor, an ultra-compact design, and expandability and compatibility with all Micro Four Thirds Lenses and Four Thirds System Lens via the MMF-2 Adapter (not included).
- SDHC Media Cards
- The E-PL1 is capable of recording video to SDHC media cards to accommodate large files. (SDHC Class 6 cards are recommended). Videos, stills and high-fidelity audio can also be output via an HDMI cable, direct to any HD television.
- Underwater Housing
- The PEN E-PL1's compact design makes it the perfect companion for all of your dive trips. The PT-EP01 underwater housing (optional) has been specially customized for the Olympus PRO E-PL1 and is waterproof to a depth of approximately 130' (40 meters). With its durable, high-quality polycarbonate construction, this Olympus housing protects the camera from water while also cushioning it from knocks and bumps on land.
| 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 | N/A |
| Groups/Elements | N/A |
| Angle of View | N/A |
| Closest Focusing Distance | N/A |
| Magnification | N/A |
| Number of Blades | N/A |
| Aperture Range | N/A |
| Filter Size | N/A |
| Dimensions | N/A |
| Weight | N/A |
| 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®
by PowerReviews(based on 11 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Good image quality (8)
- Image stabilization (8)
- Easy to use (7)
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (4)
- Quiet (4)
Cons
- No viewfinder (4)
Best Uses
- Travel (10)
- Family photos (9)
- Landscape/scenery (9)
- Low light (6)
- Video (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (10)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (7)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 11 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-11
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
Cons
- Noisy At High ISO
- No Viewfinder
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera Body (Black):
This is the second Olympus camera I purchased from B & H. Can't tell the difference between this refurbished body and a new one. [...] I love the Olympus brand
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Travel
Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera Body (Black):
The beauty of the E-PL1 is that I can always take it with me. With the Lumix 20 1.7, it's a nearly ideal street camera, fast with High IQ. AF is adequate and the interface is fine unless you feel the need to fiddle with every setting for every shot. I would like to have the rear wheel like the E-P1, but with a bit of practice using the "joypad" works fine.
- Ease of Operation:
- 8
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- High ISO Performance
Cons
- Lag / Shutter Delay
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera Body (Black):
This is a great camera for travel and walk around. Great street photography.
I use my four third gear, a pany 20mm 1.7 and planning to use a Carl Zeiss Plannar 50mm 1.7.
Not usefull thougt in bright sunlight whitout the EVF
- Ease of Operation:
- 8
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Large Clear LCD
- Quiet
Cons
- No Viewfinder
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Video
Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera Body (Black):
I use this camera as a entry into a higer level of photography.
one of the best parts about this camera is that it
takes great pics. but you don't have to look like
every other person on the tour.not to mention the fact it took better pics. than my sons canon tsi.
one drawback is being viewed as just a point and shooter. oh well. I am just a novice but with a discrete camera.
- Ease of Operation:
- 9
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
- No Viewfinder
Best Uses
- Family Photos
Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera Body (Black):
Made in China, but overall quality is impressive.
The package contains even strap. LCD screen is sufficient for framing, but not for manual focusing.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Large Clear LCD
- Quiet
Cons
- Lag / Shutter Delay
- Noisy At High ISO
- No Viewfinder
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera Body (Black):
This is great walkaround camera when you don't want the heavy SLR. It is also extremely sharp.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Good Image Quality
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Video
Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera Body (Black):
put this body together with the 17mm 2.8 and the VF-1 optical view finder and you have a great combo... quick focusing.....100% view finder coverage when the sun is too bright... not too much noise at higher ISOs... quick switch from still to video.... not going to replace my 5D and "L" lenses but much easier to carry everywhere all the time.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Image Quality
- High ISO Performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera Body (Black):
I have several other small cameras in addition to dslr bodies and lenses, but I wanted a small format camera with a "fast" lens for indoor photography without flash and good high ISO/low noise performance - This one fit the bill with the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 lens.
I would strongly urge anyone buying this camera to get a copy of The Olympus PEN E-PL1 For Dummies to learn how to get the best out of it. Autofocus can be iffy and it is advisable to make the focus box smaller, but it's a little tricky finding out how to do that. Learn how to access the Custom Menu to hone your settings.
The VH-2 Electronic Viewfinder is a very helpful accessory, especially in bright outdoor light. It also helps you steady the camera.
Image quality is stunning.
Would not recommend this as an only camera as the lens choices are still limited and getting good action telephoto shots can be challenging with the lenses available. A dslr would be better suited for sports photography.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- High ISO Performance
Cons
- High cost of vf-2 finder
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera Body (Black):
I purchased the E-pl1 about 2 weeks ago with the 14-150 mm lens and accessory electronic viewfinder to use for travel-from wide scenes to distant people candids-all with the same lens. The E-pl1 met all my expectations. As an advanced amateur photographer I am comfortable using manual focus and zoom almost symultaneously-like in the early days of SLR'S. This way there is no shutter or focus lag. When using the electronic focus, setting it on single focus box results in almost no lag in bright light but it is slower is dimmer light-thus the beneflit of manual focus. The absence of appreciable noise to Iso 800 and minual noise at 1600 on images enlarged to at least 11 x 14 helps facilitate lower light images with the 4-5.6 lens, plus the anti shake adds at least 2 stops, especially with the camera held to the face using the accessory viewfinder. While an optical viewfinder of a SLR gives a smoother image, this one is very satisfactory. It also has the advantage of allowing one to modify the image exposure depending where in the scene the exposure sensor area of the image is pointed. At that point the exposure is locked by depressing the exposure button 1/2 way and then reframing the scene. The menu driven software can get complicated at times but most settings are rarely used. Two soft buttons allow presetting frequently used settings.
Construction feels solid-both camera and lens. There is no shake in the lens and it does not extend itself when carrying the camera with lens pointed down. However the accesory viewfinder appears to be made of thin plastic and feels "cheap" especially for its rather expensive cost.
I would have prefered a built in eye viewfinder like that in the G series of Panasonic but the e-pl1 has less noise (according to published reviews) and the 14-150 lens is lighter.
Pros
- Build Quality
- Color accuracy
- Easy menu
- Good Image Stabilization
- Short Lag Time
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera Body (Black):
If you need a small camera that can take excellent pictures, you should take a close look at E-PL1.
Pros
- Good Image Stabilization
- Good in Low Light
Cons
- Short Battery Life
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Video
Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera Body (Black):
Easy to use for novices but SLR quality photos.
Displaying reviews 1-11
Lenses
Required item: A lens is not included. Get the type of lens for the shot you need.
- Price: $299.00
- GBP 191.21
Memory Cards
Required item: Memory is not included so be sure to have enough storage capacity.
- Price: $13.95
- GBP 8.92
Batteries & Power
Always keep a spare battery handy so you won't get caught without power.
- Price: $41.00
- GBP 26.22
-
- Original: $19.95
- Save: $1.99
- Price: $17.96
- GBP 11.49
Flash & Accessories
Get a flash to add light to your picture.
- Price: $199.00
- GBP 127.26
Bags & Cases
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.
- Price: $8.99
- GBP 5.75
Screen Protectors
Protect your LCD screen from scratches and finger prints.
- Price: $11.90
- GBP 7.61
Care & Cleaning
Ensure trouble-free performance through proper camera maintenance.
- Price: $73.95
- Add to cart for lower price
- GBP 47.29
-
- Original: $4.99
- Save: $0.50
- Price: $4.49
- GBP 2.87
Card Readers
Download your pictures faster and save battery life.
- Price: $9.95
- GBP 6.36
Viewfinder Accessories
Adapt your camera for viewing through different angles.
- Price: $249.00
- GBP 159.24
What's in the Box
- PS-BLS1 Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery
- PS-BCS-1 Battery Charger
- USB/Video Multi Cable
- Shoulder Strap
- ib Software CD-ROM
- Instruction Manuals
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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