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The Olympus PEN E-PL2 Digital Camera (Red) W/14-42mm II Lens (Black) is a dream come true for many photographers--with 12.3 megapixels, plus technology normally found in much larger cameras.
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 6400. 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-PL2'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-PL2 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-PL2 comes with an M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II lens lens (equivalent to 28-84mm) which is extremely compact and lightweight. It has ED lens elements which deliver very high imaging performance, and despite its small size, it delivers amazing image brightness and contrast. It covers wide angle to short telephoto distances and is suitable for just about any kind of photography: portraits, everyday shooting, sports, and traveling.
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Camera Format | Micro Four Thirds (2x Crop Factor) |
| Resolution |
Effective Pixels: 12.3 Megapixels Max Resolution: 12.3 MP: 4032 x 3042 |
| Sensor Type / Size | MOS, 17.3 x 13.0 mm |
| File Formats |
Still Images: JPEG, RAW Movies: AVI, MJPEG |
| Memory Card Type |
SD SDHC |
| Image Stabilization | Mechanical |
| AV Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | Yes |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 |
| Audio Recording | With Video, Stereo |
| Focus Control | |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | Auto |
| Focus Mode | Single-servo AF (S), Continuous-servo AF (C), Manual Focus (M) |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Screen Coverage | 100% |
| Live View | Yes |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| ISO Sensitivity | 200-6400 |
| Shutter | 60 - 1/2000 sec |
| Metering Method | Spot metering, Center-weighted average metering |
| Exposure Modes | Modes: Aperture Priority, Program |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, Cloudy, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent, Manual, Shade |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes: Auto, Off, Red-eye Reduction, Second-curtain Sync, Slow Sync, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 3 fps |
| External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC Terminal |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | HDMI A (Full Size), HDMI C (Mini), USB 2.0 |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery | 1x BLS-5 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| AC Power Adapter | BCS-5 (Optional) |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 4.51 x 2.84 x 1.63" / 11.46 x 7.21 x 4.14 cm |
| Weight | 10.4 oz / 295 g Body only |
| Focal Length | 14-42 mm |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Reviewed by 5 customers
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Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL2 Digital Camera (Red) W/14-42mm II Lens (Black):
First, I am not a pro photographer. I learned the basics on a Nikon D40, and was using a D90 up until a few weeks ago when a little "Accident" crippled it. I have been reading about the micro four thirds format for a while, and this seemed like a good opportunity to make the switch.
Size and Shape: This camera is perfect for me. I am female, and my hands are not tiny but not huge either, and I like the way it feels when I hold it. I love the grip. It's not a tiny camera, but it is not the huge monster that is my D90 either.
I did not find the menus any more cumbersome or confusing than my D90. In fact, I didn't really need the manual to figure them out although there is some good information you might miss if you don't read it.
I do mostly landscape and street photography, and the 14-42 kit lens works great for those types of photos. I abhor flash and avoid using it when I can so I have already purchased a Panny 20mm for indoor and low light photography, but the pop up flash can be held back to bounce and even though it is not very strong I have gotten some very nice sharp images using the 14-42 with a bit of supplemental lighting.
Some people think the art filters are hokey, but I love playing with them. It makes using the camera fun again. I can tell the Dramatic Tone filter is going to be my favorite. Also, the LCD is very sharp. I live in Arizona so I agree that the electronic viewfinder is a must have when shooting in bright light. The viewfinder is pricey (over $200) so consider this when purchasing this camera.
The main reason I chose this camera over the Panasonic GF2 is that it has built in image stabilization. Lack of that was one of things I didn't like about the D40. Having it built into the camera opens up a lot of lens possibilities. The main reason I purchased the second generation instead of the newest is price and size.
I guess, since I am an in between photographer that sometimes likes to shoot from the hip this camera is the right one for me. It lets me do that because of its size, but also gives me a lot of control over photos when I want it.
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Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL2 Digital Camera (Red) W/14-42mm II Lens (Black):
I just received my new camera a couple of weeks ago so I am still learning, but am super excited about all the special effects and features that are in such a compact camera. And it's red!!
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Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL2 Digital Camera (Red) W/14-42mm II Lens (Black):
I really like this camera. I love my DSLR too but it's just so big I find I miss a lot of good picture taking opportunities because I don't feel like lugging it around or I don't want to be "that guy" with the big ol' camera. I take a lot more pics now that I have this as a second body. I do miss a viewfinder though. It's just a better way to take pictures in my opinion. I plan on getting a VF-2 or VF-3 viewfinder to use with it. I also plan on getting a faster prime lens or two as well. The kit zoom is fine but not his is as good as a fast prime.
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Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL2 Digital Camera (Red) W/14-42mm II Lens (Black):
Just got it yesterday. Was looking for a "Disney" camera. The E-PL2 seems to fit the need. It's small, but not TOO small. I can add other lenses/accesories as I please. I was impressed with the size to weight ratio. The VF-2 viewfinder, though pricey, provides additional functions and convience. Hope to get great service from this camera as I continue to get from my E520. As always, B&H comes through again with great products [...] Oh! thanks, Lenny and the rest of the B&H staff for the informational product videos!
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Comments about Olympus PEN E-PL2 Digital Camera (Red) W/14-42mm II Lens (Black):
The Olympus E-PL2 is a capable digital camera that's small, light, responsive, and stylish all at once. I have no problems with the image quality and overall camera performance, and the ability to use my existing Leica and Nikon lenses via third-party adapters. I use this camera mostly with the 17mm Olympus "pancake" lens. This makes the camera an extremely portable setup that I can just slip into a camera pouch when out and about.
The menu system and user interface take some getting used to, and is not known to be the best-designed. In fairness, however, I think that when people complain about this, it's because they've come from another system they already know and love.
I only wish that there were an option to bundle this with the 17mm pancake prime lens. The kit zoom isn't bad at all. In fact, it's very fast to autofocus, and does so silently, but the PEN + pancake lens combo is a compelling one and is difficult to beat. My kit zoom has seen action maybe twice since I bought the camera last month.
Lastly, while it is quite possible to use the rear LCD to manually focus "legacy" lenses (ie: Nikon, Canon, Leica lenses via adapter), it's much easier to do so with the optional VF-2 viewfinder. Too bad that option is a tad bit pricey, still.
Displaying reviews 1-5