9.2 out of 10

Olympus PEN E-PL1

 

Information found in: from 243 sources in 28 countries

  • User Score (887)
    8.9 8.9 from 887 reviewers
  • Expert Score (49)
    8.0 8.0 from 49 reviewers
  • Design (8)
    9.2 9.2 from 8 reviewers
  • Value for money (243)
    9.4 9.4 from 243 reviewers
  • Features (54)
    8.4 8.4 from 54 reviewers
  • Ease of use (51)
    9.3 9.3 from 51 reviewers
  • Performance (211)
    8.7 8.7 from 211 reviewers
  • Picture quality (72)
    9.4 9.4 from 72 reviewers
  • Overall quality (185)
    10 10 from 185 reviewers
  • Battery performance (2)
    7.6 7.6 from 2 reviewers
  • Display (21)
    8.5 8.5 from 21 reviewers
  • Video quality (3)
    8.7 8.7 from 3 reviewers
  • Ergonomics (20)
    7.6 7.6 from 20 reviewers
  • Portability (2)
    9.7 9.7 from 2 reviewers
  • Build quality (6)
    8.8 8.8 from 6 reviewers
More grades Less grades

  • Prices on eBay

  • Score Distribution

Experts:
9-10
(11)
7-8
(37)
5-6
(1)
3-4
(0)
1-2
(0)
Users:
9-10
(541)
7-8
(190)
5-6
(38)
3-4
(22)
1-2
(11)

  • Expert Reviews

  1. DPexpert

    5 June 2010

    The Olympus micro four thirds cameras, along with the Panasonic equivalents, are brilliant. In June Panasonic will release two new models, the G2 and G10 pseudo SLRs, which advance the form even further. Prices are staying high which could be a deterrent. But enthusiasts have embraced the cameras because, with an adapter, of which there are many on the market, the m4/3 cameras can be fitted with all manner of other lenses. Read more

    • The image quality from the E-P trio is superb. Colours are rich without being over-saturated. Skin tones are smooth yet detailed. Auto focusing and exposure are good w...
    • The price now seems high, compared with the excellent Samsung NX10.

  2. goodgearguide.com.au

    review.goodgearguide.com.au
    7 September 2010

    The Olympus PEN E-PL1 is an entry-level version of the interchangeable lens camera. It’s aimed at attracting people who want a camera similar to a digital SLR but smaller and cheaper. The Olympus PEN E-PL1 uses the same technology as the PEN E-P2, but it has a different design and slightly different exposure specifications. It’s a Micro Four Thirds-based camera that costs $999 in a single lens kit with a 14-42mm lens (28-84mm is the 35mm equivalent). Read more

    • Fun art modes, good focusing, focus tracking, sharp overall image quality, built-in flash
    • Noticeable noise above ISO 400, mode dial is too stiff, no dedicated controls for changing exposure, no built-in EVF, screen a little dull

  3. PhotoReview

    8.5/10
    5 April 2010

    The Olympus Pen E-PL1 is a third-generation model in a series of cameras pioneered by Olympus with the aim of providing small, interchangeable-lens cameras with sensors significantly larger than those in digicams. While offering the same 12.3-megapixel Live MOS sensor, SSWF dust removal system and TruePic V image processor as the E-P2, the new model is smaller and lighter in construction, with an aluminium front panel and polycarbonate rear. Read more

  4. PC Authority

    7.8/10
    25 June 2010

    With more sensible pricing, the latest addition to the PEN range is definitely a step in the right direction Read more

  5. Cybershack

    Cybershack
    13 September 2010

    Much like an Italian sports car, the first thing you notice is its sleek and compact body. The company says that its internal structure eliminates “the traditional digital-SLR quick-return mirror allowing a radical reduction in camera size without compromising the benefits of digital SLR photography”. Put in layman’s terms, this small size does not mean low quality pictures. And small it may be, but its 3-inch LCD display is certainly full-size. Read more

  • User Reviews

  1. Olympus E-PL1

    CNET
    9.0/10
    Reviewer: cam, CNET
    9 September 2010

    I loved the ep1 look as well. it was just a more retro older looking style. shorter and more square. Hmm, what will the E-PL2 bring? Read more

    • A FLASH!!

  • WikiFreak Description

Help out your fellow TestFreaks by writing a Wiki description for this product.

Edit

  • Manufacturer's Description

HIGH END SLR QUALITY SHOOTING MADE REALLY EASY Want extremely high quality SLR pictures without the hassles of actually using an SLR? The award-winning Olympus PEN LITE E-PL1 might well be the camera for you. The E-PL1 handles like a compact camera but provides the image quality and lens interchangeability of an SLR with its oversized 4/3 LiveMOS image sensor chip, superb TruePic V image processor, and choice of PEN interchangeable lenses . This light-weight camera co…

Ask the community

Didn't find what you were looking for? Ask a question!

Video Reviews