We have collected 10 reviews of the Olympus E-PL1. Experts rate Olympus E-PL1 7.5/10. Reviewsor.com helps you find reviews, best prices, user reviews of the Olympus E-PL1 and Olympus Digital cameras.

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Olympus E-PL1 Reviews

SlashGear

07/2010

Olympus PEN E-PL1 Micro 4/3 Digital Camera Review

Micro-four-thirds cameras may be small in your pocket but their impact on your pocketbook can often still be significant. Stepping into the budget micro-4/3 market is the Olympus Pen E-PL1, packing much of the functionality from the 12.3-megapixel PEN E-P2 but with a considerably cheaper price tag. Built with mainstream consumer photographers in mind, we've been putting it through its paces for the full SlashGear review. In comparison to the well-received E-P2 the new E-PL1 gets an integrated pop-up flash and buttons to quickly flip into magnified live view and start recording video. Meanwhile, it also has a smaller preview display (2.7-inches versus 3-inches on the E-P2), a slower maximum shutter speed (1/2000 vs 1/4000s), slower maximum flash sync speed (1/160s vs 1/180s), 3-stop image stabilization (versus the E-P2's 4-stop) and a consumer-grade plastic chassis instead of brushed aluminum and stainless steel construction. The integrated microphone records mono sound instead of stereo, and controls are squeezed into a single dial rather than two. Finally, maximum ISO setting is reduced from ISO 6400 to ISO 3200.

Imaging Resource

06/2010

Olympus E-PL1

Just over seven months after announcing the Olympus E-P1 Digital Pen, and three months after announcing the E-P2, Olympus unveiled the first consumer model in their rapidly expanding Micro Four Thirds digital camera line. Dubbed the Olympus E-PL1, the new model leans more modern in design, moving away from its predecessors' retro designs. The Olympus E-PL1's basic specs are quite similar to the P2, with a few omissions and a few additions to make the camera better suited for the consumer market. First, the Olympus E-PL1 has the same excellent 12-megapixel LiveMOS sensor and the same TruePic V image processor, a combo we found quite compelling on the previous models. Two kits are available -- either body-only, or with a less expensive version of the collapsible 14-42mm zoom lens, featuring a polycarbonate mount instead of metal. Most menu items are the same, although some of the menu layout has been restructured, but the physical user interface and body design are noticeably different. New to the line is the one common element left out of previous Digital Pen cameras: a pop-up flash. Another addition is the dedicated Record button to activate movie recording in any mode.

DigitalCameraInfo

05/2010

Olympus E-PL1 Digital Camera Review

This third camera in the Olympus Micro Four thirds PEN line delivers the pop-up flash missing from the E-P1 and E-P2, retains the accessory port used for adding an electronic viewfinder or external stereo mic to the E-P2 and sells at a tempting $600 list price. Image noise is still an issue, as with all Micro Four Thirds cameras, but high ISO noise reduction has improved significantly from the detail-blasting system in the E-P1 to make it a truly useful option. With excellent image sharpness, a lightweight, easy-to-handle body and extensive photographic controls, there's a lot to like about the E-PL1, though the lack of even one control dial is a nagging issue for those who like to adjust shutter speed, aperture or exposure compensation manually. The 12.3-megapixel E-PL1 is available in three colors; silver, black and blue (shown here). It is sold in kit form, with a 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens that retracts for easy portability. While the E-PL1 couldn't match the stand-out color accuracy of its more expensive brand mate, the Olympus E-P1, it did handle both tint and saturation very well.

DigitalTrends

04/2010

8.0/10

Olympus PEN E-PL1 Review

We review the Olympus PEN E-PL1 and give Olympus well-deserved plaudits for blazing a trail with this new type of camera.It’s hardly a secret that Canon and Nikon dominate the DSLR market. Rather than beating their heads against the wall by competing directly against them, other manufacturers are zeroing in a new type of camera—one with a large imaging sensor, smaller size and interchangeable lenses so you can get the photographic benefits of a DSLR without breaking your shoulder carrying it around all day. Olympus and Panasonic have jumped into this arena and Sony is planning to join them later this year. One of the newest of these cameras is the Olympus PEN E-PL1 which uses the same 12MP chip found in the company’s much larger and heavier E-30 and E-620 DSLRs. Let’s see if Olympus has delivered on the dream and if you should consider it instead of a DSLR.Pick up the new PEN and it looks like a 35mm film camera from back in the day. With the optional 17mm f/2.8 pancake lens attached, it has a boxy, retro shape some might find cool while turning off others. We liked it and it’s a real standout, but check out the accompanying photos to see if this design appeals to you.

TechRadar

04/2010

8.0/10

Olympus PEN E-PL1 review

The PEN E-PL1 is Olympus' newest Micro Four Thirds camera and the third retro PEN offering.Rather than an upgrade to the previous PEN EP-1 and PEN EP-2, the E-PL1 is actually a pared down version of the other two, which is aimed at the beginner end of the photography market and is much more competitively priced than the previous pricey PEN models. With the previous PEN models, Olympus was targeting serious photographers looking for a stylish and viable alternative to a DSLR, but with the PEN E-PL1 it's targeting compact upgraders who find DSLRs too confusing, but who still want a camera capable of producing excellent images. Price wise, the PEN EPL-1 carries a launch price of £524, which is considerably cheaper than the launch prices of the PEN EP-1 (£699) and PEN EP-2 (£900).At this price point we'd be expecting a well-built camera cable of producing high quality images with a strong feature set. As it's aimed at photography novices we also expect to see an intuitive and clear user interface, and some fun features too.Looking at the Micro Four Thirds camera's specs, it looks promising: it offers a 12.3MP Live MOS Sensor, built-in Image Stabilisation, ISO sensitivity up to 3200, integrated flash, HD movies, 25 shooting modes and 6 art filters.

CNet

04/2010

7.0/10

Olympus E-PL1

Photo gallery:Olympus E-PL1 The first round of interchangeable-lens cameras offered a lot to appeal to enthusiasts, but at prices upward of $800, they weren't quite a no-brainer for point-and-shooters in search of an upgrade. The bigger sensors in these models can generally deliver better photo quality at somewhat higher ISO sensitivities than the smaller snapshot models and they support video capture, but the alternative has been the moderately larger dSLRs with action-friendly optical viewfinders and kit prices starting at a significantly lower $600. Even the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1, which delivers the right set of performance and features for these folks in a compact, attractive design, comes in at an ouch-worthy $900 or so. Olympus' sleek E-P1 and E-P2 have attracted a lot of attention, but without a built-in flash they're simply not the right camera for snapshooters, especially at their relatively high prices. So Olympus is trying again to lure this lucrative audience to its Micro Four Thirds camp, this time with the more consumer-friendly designed and priced E-PL1. If you're one of the crowd attracted by the low price, though, keep in mind that even though both Olympus and Panasonic make compatible lenses for the system, because it's much newer there are still a lot fewer choices in Micro Four Thirds lenses than for dSLRs, and they tend to be more expensive than their SLR-compatible counterparts.

DigitalVersus

04/2010

8.0/10

Product Survey: Digital SLRs and Cameras with Interchangeable Lenses

That said, the newcomer doesn't need to feel embarassed by its older siblings: they share the same stabilised sensor and have very similar electronics, while the latest version gets a built-in flash and separate video controls, both of which were disappointingly absent from earlier versions. Both the Pen E-P1 and E-P2 stood out because of their retro styling and high-end finish, but you can't say the same about the new E-PL1. It feels much less carefully put together and has a much less attractive style. But there are no real constructionproblems, either: the new camera is still solid and although the buttons aren't the best we've ever seen, the memory card slot cover and the flash don't wobble. And the presence of a built-in flash is one of the PL1's biggest improvements. It's not really that powerful, and its two clips are much less classier than those found on the , but at least it's there are will be enough to fix a difficult shadow or light up an interior. The first thing we noticed in the interface was the lack of a scroll wheel where the previous versions had either a click wheel or a vertical dial. The E-PL1 is for beginners who don't want to get involved with complicated settings, so Olympus has redesigned the interface (see inset).

CNet

04/2010

7.0/10

Olympus E-PL1

The first round of interchangeable-lens cameras offered a lot to appeal to enthusiasts, but at prices upward of $800, they weren't quite a no-brainer for point-and-shooters in search of an upgrade. The bigger sensors in these models can generally deliver better photo quality at somewhat higher ISO sensitivities than the smaller snapshot models and they support video capture, but the alternative has been the moderately larger dSLRs with action-friendly optical viewfinders and kit prices starting at a significantly lower $600. Even the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1, which delivers the right set of performance and features for these folks in a compact, attractive design, comes in at an ouch-worthy $900 or so. Olympus' sleek E-P1 and E-P2 have attracted a lot of attention, but without a built-in flash they're simply not the right camera for snapshooters, especially at their relatively high prices. So Olympus is trying again to lure this lucrative audience to its Micro Four Thirds camp, this time with the more consumer-friendly designed and priced E-PL1. If you're one of the crowd attracted by the low price, though, keep in mind that even though both Olympus and Panasonic make compatible lenses for the system, because it's much newer there are still a lot fewer choices in Micro Four Thirds lenses than for dSLRs, and they tend to be more expensive than their SLR-compatible counterparts.

PCMAG

03/2010

7.0/10

Olympus E-PL1

Priced at $599.99 (list, with 14-42mm lens), the 12.3-megapixel Olympus E-PL1 sets a new price floor for Micro Four Thirds cameras, putting these smaller D-SLR competitors within reach of photo enthusiasts on tight budgets. The E-PL1 offers excellent image quality in a compact build, but lags behind the competition when it comes to speed and design. The camera suffers from a flimsy build and its focusing speeds don't come close to Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds models, such as the Lumix DMC-GF1 ($899.95, ). The E-PL1 doesn't feel as solidly built as Olympus's other pricier Micro Four Thirds models, the E-P1 ($799.99, ) and the E-P2 ($1,099.99, ), with larger controls and an all-plastic body, giving the camera a feel more reminiscent of an entry-level point and shooter, like the Canon Powershot A1100 IS ($199.99, ). The E-P1 and E-P2, the company's first and second Micro Four Thirds cameras, respectively, have sleek, metal bodies - they're gorgeous, and feel well built. Even so, the E-PL1 is lighter and less bulky than a traditional D-SLR, measuring 2.8 by 4.5 by 1.6 inches (HWD), and weighing 12 ounces (just over a pound with the included f/3.5-5.6, 14-42mm 3x optical zoom lens). The E-PL1 comes in three colors: black, white, or champagne gold.

DigitalCameraInfo

02/2010

Hands-On Preview: Olympus E-PL1

Olympus today announced the E-PL1, the company’s third Micro Four Thirds camera, and the first to offer built-in flash and a direct-access video recording button. Probably the most striking development, though, is what’s been taken away: the E-PL1 is priced at $599.99 with 14-42mm lens. which is $200 lower than the original E-P1 and $500 less than the E-P2 (which includes both the lens and an electronic viewfinder). The E-PL1 does not come with the electronic viewfinder, but it does have the port required to connect a viewfinder if the user chooses to invest an extra $200 (the E-P1 isn’t compatible with the electronic viewfinder at all). The same port can be used to connect the optional SEMA-1 stereo microphone adapter ($89.99), which is scheduled to ship within a month and also fits the E-P2. A few features have been scaled back to accommodate the lower pricing. While the E-P1 and E-P2 have full metal bodies, the E-PL1 has an aluminum shell. The new camera’s LCD is a 2.7-inch screen versus 3 inches for the earlier models (though the 230,000-dot resolution remains unchanged). While all three cameras shoot 720p video, the E-PL1 records a mono soundtrack instead of the stereo supported by the E-P1 and E-P2.

Prices

Information	Prices
Olympus Pen E-pl1 12.3mp Digital Camera With 14-42mm F/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Zoom Lens	$283.99	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera W/ Olympus 14-42mm Lens (Black) (EPL1	$289.95	See it
Olympus Pen E-pl1 12.3 Mp Digital Camera - Black (kit W/ 14-42mm Lens)	$289.95	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL1 12.3MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens (Black)	$290	See it
Olympus Pen E-pl1 Epl1 Digital Camera +14-42 Black	$299	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens, Black - Refurbished by Olympus	$299.95	See it
Olympus Pen E-pl1 Digital Camera - Black (kit W/ 14-42mm Lens)	$299.95	See it
Olympus Pen E-pl1 (silver) Slr Camera & 14-42 Lens	$300.9	See it
Olympus E-pl1 Pen Digital Camera Blk 14-42 Lens+acc	$314.97	See it
Olympus E-pl1 Pen Camera & 14-42 Lens Epl1 - Black	$318.82	See it
Olympus Pen E-pl1 (black) Slr Camera & 14-42 Lens	$318.86	See it
Olympus Pen E-pl1 Black Slr Camera & 14-42 Lens Epl1	$318.93	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL1 12.3MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens (Champagne Silver)	$321.89	See it
Olympus E-pl1 Pen Digital Camera Blk 14-42 Lens+4gb	$324.97	See it
Olympus E-pl1 Pen Digital Camera Blk 14-42 Lens+8gb	$326.97	See it
Olympus E-pl1 W/ 14-42mm Lens Digital Slr Kit Gold	$329	See it
Olympus E-pl1 Pen Digital Camera Bk 14-42 Lens+16gb	$341.97	See it
Olympus Pen E-pl1 Digital Camera With 14-42mm Lens -champagne Silver	$344	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL1 12.3MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens (Slate Blue)	$362.41	See it
Olympus E-pl1 Pen Digital Camera Bk 14-42 Lens+32gb	$362.97	See it
Olympus Pen E-pl1 12.3mp Micro 4/3rds Digital Slr Camera With 14-42mm Lens Kit	$369.99	See it
Olympus E-pl1 W/ 14-42mm Lens Digital Slr Kit Gold	$399	See it
OLYMPUS 262855 12.3 Megapixel E-PL1 Pen Camera (Black camera body)	$399.99	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL1 12.3MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens & Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens (Black)	$414.95	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL1 12 MP Four Thirds Camera Body with 14-42mm Lens Kit - Black	$415	See it
Olympus Pen E-pl1 12.3mp Live Mos 14-42mm Blue Kit	$419.95	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL1 12MP Camera Kit with 14-42mm and 40-150mm Lenses - Black	$429.99	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Black) W/14-42mm & 40-150mm Lens	$449.95	See it
Olympus Pen E-pl1 (blue) Slr Camera & 14-42 Lens	$498.92	See it
Olympus Pen E-pl1 12.3mp Live Mos Micro Lens 14-42mm Zuiko In Open Box	$499.99	See it
Olympus E-pl1 Digital Camera +14-42mm 40-150mm Lens	$529	See it
Olympus E-pl1 Digital Camera +14-42 40-150 Lens Acc	$544.97	See it
Olympus PEN E-pl1 Digital Camera (includes Manufacturer's Supplied Accessories) with Olympus 14-42mm Micro Four Thirds Lens + SSE Best Value 8GB, Lens, Replacement Batterries, Deluxe Carrying Case & Tripod Complete Accessories Package	$544.99	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera(Includes manufacturer's supplied accessories)("Champagne" COLOR) with Olympus 14-42mm Micro Four Thirds Lens + SSE Best Value 8GB, Deluxe Carrying Case, Batteries, Lens & Tripod Complete Accessories Package	$559.95	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL1 12.3MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens (Champagne Gold) + SSE Best Value 32GB, Deluxe Carrying Case, Battery, Lens & Flash Complete Accessories Package	$569.95	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL1 12.3MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens (Blue) + SSE Best Value 16GB, Deluxe Carrying Case, HDMI Cable, Lens & Tripod Complete Accessories Package	$589.95	See it
Olympus E-pl1 Digital Camera 14-42 40-150 Lens 32gb	$591.97	See it
Olympus Pen E-PL1 Micro 4/3 Digital Camera & 14-150mm Lens (Black)	$599	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL1 12.3MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens & Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens (Black) + 32GB SDHC Memory + Reader + Olympus PS-BLS1 Equivalent Replacement Battery (2Pcs) + Charger + Case + Tripod + HDMI Calbe And More	$698.63	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL1 Digital Camera (Black) Plus Premium SSE Accessory Package W/14-42mm & 40-150mm Lens, 16gb SDHC, Wide Angle + Telephoto Lens + Carrying Case and Much More...	$739.95	See it