Name: Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera with 14-42mm Micro Four Thirds Lens, 12 Megapixel, 2.7" LCD Display, Slate Blue
Brand: Olympus
SKU: IOMEPL1L14B
Price: 299.00 USD
Availability: Discontinued
Rating: 4.23 (39 reviews)

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

Olympus E-PL1

Olympus

Olympus PEN E-PL1 Camera with 14-42mm Lens, Slate Blue

Adorama

Olympus E-PL1 

54% Off: Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera with 14-42mm Micro Four Thirds Lens, 12 Megapixel, 2.7" LCD Display, Slate Blue Buy now & save $350.

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/3.5-5.6 3x zoom lens which is extremely compact (2.44 diameter x 1.71" length). 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.

I use it for long exposures and nighttime photography. It's long enough... and very useful!

Nice accessory

Second battery for new camera. Exactly the same as the other (original with camera) battery.  Charged as normal and delivers stated performance

Original equipment, need I say more

I use this on both my XZ-1 and XZ-2. The cable length is fine, and the response is accurate. I like the bulb function too. No complaints here.

Love this remote

I bought this cable for my E-620 camera and have had great success with it. The cable doesn't seem too short for me. I like the fact that I'll be able to use the cable with the OM-D E-M1 which I just purchased and am waiting to have delivered. Thank you for great cameras and camera accessories Olympus!

Works great for me

the cable release is too short. To be useful it needs another 8 inches. I do bird photography and I like to sit in a chair waiting for birds to return to their favorite perch. The cable is too short to go from a tall tripod to a low chair.

too short

I use this with Olympus ple-2 with underwater housing. I recieved genuine replacement battery.  I have not experienced any problems with this battery.

Performs as advertised!

Works just like my original battery.  Nice to have a backup for days when I'm shooting more and don't want to re-charge.

Works just like my original

I bought this camera although it was obsolete because it came with an underwater housing.  Focus is much faster than my sx230 point n shoot.

I have since added the 45-150 lens and I am loving this camera; more than my T3i

Nice little camera

Purchased this as part of a kit for underwater photography.  Much better in my opinion than a big DSLR for underwater handling.  Only complaint is the LCD screen, completely fine, just spoiled with the LCD quality of the E-M5

Great form factor, great camera

Though newer models have long been presented in the market, this is still a very nice usable camera. It is much more of an SLR than a compact in terms of use and quality, but still compact enough to be much more portable and easy to handle than most SLRs. 

I miss the viewfinder but the large, sharp screen makes up for that. It is fun to work with. Images come out well focused, and when lighting is sufficient - the quality is top notch.

Low light brings out the weakness in this otherwise excellent camera: slower AF and grainier than expcted in higher ISo settings (@800 it begins to show, at 1600 it is already an issue). Video capture is decent and HD.

A great little camera

I would use this product to power my camera.

Maintain Warranty

I purchased this camera last year, prior to an extraordinary travel opportunity, because my point-and-shoot couldn't do justice to the situation, but my luggage was limited to a single backpack. I needed a light, versatile camera for the trip and chose this model. In the past year, I've taken more than 450 photos with this camera (I have others). The camera has operated reliably and provided excellent results, so it now accompanies me on every road trip or commercial flight. The built-in flash has been a feature or asset I've often relied upon.
There are issues to consider. I must tell you, the "video" button lies beneath my right thumb, exactly where I'd normally grip a camera body, so I've inadvertently tripped video when preparing for a photo. The LCD screen may be difficult to see in certain light conditions, and sunlight may reflect from the screen as you try to compose your photos. Subsequent models are equipped with a tilting viewfinder that addresses that issue. Though entirely satisfactory for static subjects, the shutter release is not sufficiently "crisp" for birds in flight, or for fast-moving sports. These may or may not be relevant concerns. I will tell you that I've enjoyed the camera enough to purchase accessory lenses for it, and I've gotten excellent results with it.

Lightweight and reliable

I was looking for a replacement digital camera for underwater photography. I researched several models on several websites and all recommended the micro 4/3 sensor and the Olympus Pen series of cameras.  After using this camera with the EP-01 underwater housing and some Sea and Sea YS series strobes in the West Caicos islands I was totally blown away by the excellent results!  Rivals my work with the Nikonos film camera series I've used over the years.

Paired with the UW housing - excellent!

When I was first looking for a DSLR I had my heart set on a Nikon D5000, but after playing around with a few Nikons and Canons, they all felt "uninspired" in my hands. As soon as I held this little gem in my hands I was sold! I bought it on the spot! When I first got into photography I wanted to capture sporting events, but as soon as I started using the PL1, I became infatuated with landscape photography, which is where this camera really shines. If you want a camera for high speed or low light photography, I would look elsewhere, it does not do well in low light. But for natural light shots it is amazing. I have pro photographer friends who have been totally surprised by how good a picture this camera can take, and at half the size of a DSLR it is perfect for travelling! I use it with the EVF, which I think is a must because in some lightings the back LCD isn't very accurate. I mainly use the 9mm wide angle lens and am always impressed! So for the travelling landscape photographer who needs a smaller camera, the Olympus PEN series is a must!

Far surpasses expectations!

Great spare. Wondering how I did without it until now

Great spare battery for my old 420

I am disappointed in the results with this camera and so have not used it for a year.
Smaller Canon Powershot cameras take better pictures

Focus a problem

THE CAMERA WAS USED FOR FAMILY PICTURES, LANDSCAPE, AND OTHER OUTDOOR APPLICATIONS. IT IS QUITE HANDY AND EASY TO USE. THE HIGH ISO MAY NOT COMPARE WITH A DSLR BUT I USE THE FLASH ANYWAY WHEN INDOORS AND WHEN THE LIGHT IS LOW.

MILES AHEAD THAN A POINT & SHOOT CAMERA!

Appears to be OEM product

I purchased the body with the 14 - 42 kit lens and the add-on viewfinder.  It is not a comfortable combination for me.  I much prefer the Panasonic GH2 because of the viewfinder system plus the Panasonic lenses.  The EPL-1 is unbalanced when longer lenses are added and not all that compact.  For a smaller camera, I prefer the Pana GF1 with the 20 1.7.  I have sold the EPL-1 and it's less than stellar kit lens.

Good quality jpegs

I use this for general photography, having shelved my Nikon D80 and many lenses except for sports, nature, and very critical use where I do not want to take chances.  At both full 12mp and casual 7mp, enlargments to 11x14 with 14-42 kit lens are stunning and pix w/Oly kit lens cannot be distinguished from my Nikon 18-55.  Do not pay more for EPL-2 and EPL-3; this has it all.

Keystone of a New System

Works great in my Olympus E-600 Digital camera

Fits E-600  series Cameras

Does not work with EPL-1, grrrrrrr! Why not is beyond me! It plugs into the EPL-1's USB port, but apparently the EPL-1 camera's firmware does not allow for its use. A camera such as the EPL-1 that cannot use a remote release cable? Unbelievable!

EPL-1 Users, Be Careful Before Purchasing!

Good for everyday use

I always had interest in some creative photography as a hobby. DSLRs always fascinated me but I wanted something that I can carry just anywhere anytime. The size and weight of the regular DSLRs was something that I was never impressed with. I then saw this with one of my friends. I tried it for a few minutes clicking, and fell in love with it. I got one for me immediately. I have been using it for a month now. It is a beast for its size. The Micro 4/3 is definitely going to change the future of amatuer photography. It has all the power and features of a regular SLR. Moreover it has some cool features like scene selection etc. which I don't use much though but many ppl like it. Talking about the power, it has everything one needs to get creative..raw mode shooting, manual focus aperture shutter iso etc you name it and its got everything to play with. And if you just don't want to worry about setting stuff manually it has a cool i-auto mode which understands your needs like a charm. Coming to image quality this rocks. My friends can't believe the shots some times. Ultimately its the image quality that is most important for a camera and Olympus has done a wonderful job here. The only con I would say is there is no inbuilt viewfinder which made life a bit difficult in very low light or bright light situations where the LCD screen wasn't that useful. But then I got the electronic viewfinder which is again another wonderful thing to have on this camera. End of the day a good camera is something that you can have it with you all the time. You can just slip this into your jacket pocket and go for a hike, get some great shots.

sheer power in your pocket.

Don't buy this camera if you want to snap action shots- it's just not intended for that application.  However, if your criteria include the following:
-small form factor/lightweight
-superior low light/moderate to high ISO use
-interchangeable lenses
-can use almost any other lens (50mm f1.8 Nikon)
-superior IQ

then this is the sweet baby for you.  Get one - you will die a happy man.

Can't be beat for the street

bought it for its compact size and great reviews, over all it is very good, as long as you don't need to take pictures in low light such as parties..etc.
The camera can't focus, motor just zoom in and out and you can not take a picture. And there is no focus assist light.

poor low light focus, very poor

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.

Great Camera

Small but powerful!
Images are very sharp, great color, but poor in low light focus is very slow!

                         Nguy?n Ng?c Liên

Small but powerful!

I have my DSLR camera but I need something as a backup which is quite handy to carry around. When I am not inclined to bring my DSLR, then this cute little thing becomes my steady companion. For casual shots, definitely not action shots, this camera is more than enough for my need.

A Cute camera with DSLR Picture Quality!

We got this camera as a augment to our canon T1i.  As it is way easier to travel with and make better travel then our DSLR.  I have been putting the camera through it's paces.  And have been very happy with it.  It gives me all the control I want from a dslr with the size of a bridge camera.  

The EPL-1 has an ISO of 3200, but this is not where you want this camera to be.  It is pretty noisy up that high.  At 1600iso the photos are acceptable in noise level.  I found that 1250iso is about where you want to restrict the auto iso to.  As the imagine quality and noise level is not bad at all.  At 1000iso down.  The photo quality is excellent.  

The kit lens is a bit slow in AF, but this is not a camera I would not want to use the EPL-1 for action shooting.  But if you get the panasonic lens instead, it is just as fast as the GF1 in auto focusing.

The button controls will be a breeze for the point and shoot user looking to move up.  For the DSLR user looking for a smaller camera with the control that they are uses to, the button system actually took about 15 min to get uses to, and it became second nature like the dial control of a dslr.

The is system is great.  I can choose between 3 different setting 2 axis, just vertical, or just horizontal.  I am considering the panasonic 20mm 1.7 pancake over the olympus 17mm 2.8.  With the 1.7 and the inbody IS system.  It would give the EPL-1 excellent low light shooting ability.

So if you are considering up to, or looking for a smaller package as a second camera and thinking about a bridge.  I would seriously consider the EPL-1.  It will give you allot more options and controls the a very high end bridge.

The build quality is excellent.  The body is a metal frame, with a plastic back cover.  It is study built.  But light weight, so it is easy to hike and travel with.

This has been a excellent purchase for my travel needs, and give me the control that a dslr user would want.