Comments about Olympus Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera with 14-42mm Micro Four Thirds Lens, 12 Megapixels, 2.7" LCD Display, Slate Blue:

I'm not a pro but I like photography more than someone who simply wants a point and shoot for vacations. This camera fit my needs beautifully since I hate the size of DSLRs but love the higher quality of the images the bigger sensors provide. The micro 43 systems are allowing a great compromise for regular folks and enthusiasts.
If you're honest about priorities and your priorities match below then this may be camera for you:
-you don't need a pro camera but want to do more than a point and shoot
-you recognize the subtle differences in quality and control that you can get with an interchageable lens camera with a sensor larger than a point and shoot
-you aren't insane about needing a full size APS-C sensor
-You like some decent video capability
-Appreciate the jpeg engine of Olympus cameras
-Wouldn't carry around a DSLR but like a lot of their higher quality features available when want them.
-Like in body image stabilization
- You don't have to have a viewfinder all the time but want one to be available to buy separate or attach when really needed.
-Want to stay cheaper than most DSLRs
-Don't mind some plastic buttons, features that are a bit flimsier than the higher end cameras with metal dials/bodies for everything.
-Don't have to have super long battery life (if I leave on a lot and take a ton of pictures, then I get about a half day or several hundred pictures without flash total time on is probably like 2 hours), Note on a 5 day backpacking trip 2 batteries got me through the whole trip.

If the above descriptions fit you then you should consider this camera.

Comments about Olympus Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera with 14-42mm Micro Four Thirds Lens, 12 Megapixels, 2.7" LCD Display, Slate Blue:

This is the first DSLR that is not cumbersome to bring out of the studio. I have always brought along a compact digital camera for outings with the family and have long suffered the consequences of missing shots and dealing with the wifes frustration that I can't do outside what I can do in the studio. This camera finally changes that for me, although I did have to by the 20mm pancake lens to do it. I would recommend this camera to anyone who has kids.