Olympus E-PL1 Hands-On Preview

[51mc4]

RYAN DUNN!

[AlecFinderton]

Thanks.

[TheRussianJackson]

Борродач))) XD

[Shyman267]

hey man. Can you help me out. Im trying to access the focus ring on my EPL-1 but i cant get it to work :P

[PhotographyREVIEW]

@Shyman267 It's a purely electronic focus ring. So it doesn't do anything unless you select manual focus in the focus menu. Turn manual focus on and the focus ring should work.

[321haylee]

if your taking a video with the epl1 can you take a picture while it its still taking the video?

[cutiemuffins]

Hi, how do you apply more than one iauto setting?

[PhotographyREVIEW]

@cutiemuffins If I remember correctly, in iAuto you can only apply one manual adjustment. If you want to do more than that you have to switch to P, S, A or M.

[cutiemuffins]

@PhotographyREVIEW Thanks for the reply!

[annddc]

Oh, thank you so much! That video is so helpful! I subscribe to your channel :)

[PhotographyREVIEW]

@annddc Great! I'm glad you liked the video. Make sure to also read our full Olympus E-PL1 Pro Review on the PhotographyREVIEW Web site. There's also a video on our channel for the latest Olympus Pen camera, the E-PL2 and plenty of photos from both cameras in the PhotographyREVIEW gallery.

[lndefinable]

I liked how you reviewed the camera. Great job. :-)

[PhotographyREVIEW]

@lndefinable Thanks! Stay tuned for more camera reviews and intros and make sure to read my complete Olympus E-PL1 pro review on PhotographyREVIEW. I took the camera to Mazatlan and left the DSLR at home. It was a great test and I think it's a really useful review :-)

[Brandonw365]

Great Job, very good job. I like how we got up close and personal with the camera. Also, Tapatío FTW!

[PhotographyREVIEW]

@Brandonw365 Glad you liked the video. Make sure you also check out my complete E-PL1 pro review on the PhotographyREVIEW Web site. As for Tapatio - I likes it. But was it in the video? I don't remember. Or are you referring to my Tabasco tattoo? :-)

[Brandonw365]

@PhotographyREVIEW Yeah I definitely check out the site. Tapatio was in in sample images for the blur background settings. 

[AyoChitoTV]

Take a minute and check out this video made with the Olympus E-p1.

Let me know what you guys think. @ Ayochitotv on (YouTube) The name is Misunderstood.

[run26]

Great review! Thank you!

Your insight and direction of this camera has helped me more than reading the owners manual.

Good work on the review and video as a whole.

[PhotographyREVIEW]

@run26 Awesome - thanks! I try to always make my reviews more than just about camera performance and specs. I hope every one of them teaches my viewers and readers a little more about photography as well. Did you also read the full Pro Review on PhotographyREVIEW? If not, you should check it out. There's a lot more there than in this video :-)

[iamaflowerpot]

does the evf come with the camera?

[PhotographyREVIEW]

@iamaflowerpot No it doesn't. It does come with the E-P2 but I you will have to purchase it separately if you buy the E-PL1.

[misslily2929]

what camera did you film this with

[PhotographyREVIEW]

@misslily2929 I believe I filmed it with the Olympus E-P2 Micro Four Thirds camera. I did that so that this video would also serve as a sample video for the E-PL1 video quality.

[harchiongkai]

I'd get it if it had a flip screen.

[verbod]

we all want to see a slacker opening a box.

[PhotographyREVIEW]

@verbod Slacker, huh? I just worked three weeks straight and I'm still going. Try to keep up.

[iLackPotassium]

How many megapixels is this? And around how much?

[PhotographyREVIEW]

@iLackPotassium There's a full review for the E-PL1 on PhotographyREVIEW. I believe I said this in the video, but it has a 12-megapixel sensor and it sells for $599 with a lens.

[ldlizard]

i need a dslr, what camera should I get?

[PhotographyREVIEW]

@ldlizard Please post your question on the PhotographyREVIEW Digital SLRs forum.

[chubbywiki]

Best Review for Camera!!

Thank a lot

:)

[KL001]

This is the best video on youtube for this camera. Really comprehensive, showing all the features step by step in a clean, well mic'd vid. I now have a much clearer understanding of this camera (finally)! Thank you.

[PhotographyREVIEW]

@KL001 Thanks a lot for the positive feedback. I'm glad you liked it! Make sure to also check the full review on PhotographyREVIEW. I wrote it after taking the E-PL1 to Mexico and talk go into a lot more detail about how the camera actually performs - especially as a travel camera.

[vrcraft]

Olympus PEN, this is fantastic quality !

[skizzits]

what equipment did you use to make this video?

[PhotographyREVIEW]

@skizzits I can't remember but I think I probably used the Olympus E-P2.

[sporty0gal1994]

do u get the EVF and the microphone and the other lens with the camera or u have to buy it alone ? btw i love ur videos especially this video cause i want to buy this camera i want to u use it in my senior year !

[PhotographyREVIEW]

@sporty0gal1994 Those are all accessories. The EVF costs $200, I think. I'm not sure about the microphone. Glad you like the videos :-)

[sporty0gal1994]

@PhotographyREVIEW oh thank you :)

[ACETapper]

Wait does the EVF come with the camera alreadyy? or do you have to buy it seperately?

[UpAllNightGamer]

very good review

i been thinking about getting one

and this video helped me find out if i get it or not

thxs

[PhotographyREVIEW]

@UpAllNightGamer I'm glad you liked the video. Make sure to read the complete review on PhotographyREVIEW. This video was made with a pre-production E-PL1. The full pro review has a lot more detail since I've been using the camera for months now.

[CindyTalk]

Hey John, many thanks for the review.

[PhotographyREVIEW]

@CindyTalk Glad you liked it, Cindy. And thanks for reminding me - a full pro review recently went up on PhotographyREVIEW. You'll probably want to take a look at that, too. I will update the URL link on the description here so it points to the full review :-)

[TiniNormi]

Wait, there's a microphone adapter for these things? I need one!

[gabrielesparzam]

hey is the view finder included with the camera?

[PhotographyREVIEW]

@gabrielesparzam The viewfinder is not included with the E-PL1. It's a $200 accessory. For more details on the camera visit PhotographyREVIEW and read the complete hands-on E-PL1 preview article.

[gabrielesparzam]

@PhotographyREVIEW YOU DUCK FAG

[bagelbites10]

i wanna buy a camera mainly for shooting video and i was hoping for a camera that can also shoot continuous shots. does the e-pl1have continous shots. if so, should i get the olympus or a dslr that shoots video like the nikon d40?

[SteelString13]

@bagelbites10 at best the E-PL1 manages around 3 FPS on continuous shooting. The video quality is excellent, albeit only at one frame rate. The Nikon D40 does not shoot video.

[FlobotDatarock]

I am getting into photography and am going to buy a camera. I wanted to know would this be a good camera fro me(beginner/novice) or should i get a DSLR camera?

[PhotographyREVIEW]

@FlobotDatarock It's definitely a good camera for a serious beginner. The only reason you'd need a digital SLR is for serious sports shooting or low light photography. You should check out our Sports Photography forum for more info.

[RecklessAdolescence]

I'm diggin' the mustache yo!

[PhotographyREVIEW]

@RecklessAdolescence Thank you, sir!

[BrettWithjack]

PLEASE HELP: Does anyone know where I can find a remote shutter timer for this camera so I can do time lapse? Awesome camera by the way. Buy it if you haven't already.

[curtismichael14]

you seem like a nice guy

[bestamerica]

'

is this olympus video on while zoom in and out,,,

will this clear pretty focus while zoom in same time video

[TheCreativeJournal]

Thanks for posting, have you tried the "Art Pin Hole" filter yet? I have heard that it makes the video choppy and slow.

[PhotographyREVIEW]

@TheCreativeJournal I've tried all the Art Filters for stills. If you search the Olympus E-30 on my site you'll see samples of all of them. I haven't messed with them much in video, though. They do require some pretty heavy processing and I know some of them do slow down the video frame rate considerably.

[whiteqtipful]

This camera takes great pics from what I've seen. But it looks like it should have an included floppy drive in it. lol. The rear of it looks outdated with it's bulging LCD screen with big bezel around it. I really want to like this camera, but I'm going to wait to see what other cameras get released in the next month. The menu is hideous too, designed by marketers. Does Olympus not make prototypes first before production? If this camera had EP2 or GF1 rear, it would be better camera overall.

[PhotographyREVIEW]

@whiteqtipful For what it's worth, I've got the E-P2 and I'm not using it. I prefer the smaller size and weight of the E-PL1. Looks aren't that important, though. It's actually kind of funny to me that you talk about the looks and then make fun of the menu as being "designed by marketers." :-)

[yuminger]

@whiteqtipful totally agree... wouldn't be so undecisive if it wasn't for the looks

[naruto10156]

Would you consider this to be around a "semi-pro" to "pro" camera? To me this camera seems to be lacking a bit in the manual settings. I'm starting to get into street photography and this camera looks like it would work great :D

[PhotographyREVIEW]

@naruto10156 The E-PL1 was designed to appeal to people stepping up from compact / point-and-shoot cameras. So it appears like it might not have much manual control. However, it has full manual exposure control - the adjustments are just all button-accessed, more like a compact camera.

[billytyther]

hey im an art student and a first time camera buyer ... im trying to decide between this E-PL1 or a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3.... would it be worth going for the pen as you have the option of interchageable lens?

[PhotographyREVIEW]

@billytyther There are lots of reasons to choose a Pen over the LX3. The main reason is the larger sensor and superior image quality. Changeable lenses are also a good reason. The Pen cameras are just far better, more serious photographic tools.

[billytyther]

@PhotographyREVIEW ok cool thanks... and between the EP2 or the EPL which would you go for? like is the electronic viewfinder worth the extra cash?

[PhotographyREVIEW]

@billytyther The controls on the E-P2 are better but I like the smaller size of the E-PL1, The EVF is expensive but I think it makes a big difference for action photos and handheld video.

[roger767]

how is the AF speed, is it the same as the EP2?

[PhotographyREVIEW]

@roger767 Yes, I believe the AF performance is the same. I shot a bunch of stuff this weekend with the E-PL1 and didn't notice any performance differences.

[stee1face]

The EVF does not come as a kit with the E-PL1.

[PhotographyREVIEW]

That's correct. I hope I didn't make it sound like it does. It's also a very expensive accessory - $400, I think.

[LSFreeBird]

Thank you ;D

[LSFreeBird]

I see alot of big paragraphs and so on, but could someone please simply tell me whether this camera is worth getting as a entry level camera? compared to some of the other entry models from other brands.

[PhotographyREVIEW]

I would say yes - the E-PL1 has better performance than any compact and it's smaller and simpler than a DSLR. I think it's a great alternative for people looking at high-end compacts or entry-level digital SLRs.

[hoyKEBIN]

dont know much about cameras but I wanted to upgrade tfrom point and shoot to one of these. my friends have dslr cameras but they dont bring them much cause of their size. i love the fish eye lens and i was wondering can this use one? where could I buy one and how much?

[PhotographyREVIEW]

The E-PL1 is a great compromise if you want DSLR performance without the size and weight. It's much closer to the size of the Canon G11 than it is to an actual DSLR. There isn't a proper fisheye lens available for the Micro Four Thirds format right now. But with a Four Thirds to Micro Four Thirds adapter you can use any of the Olympus DSLR lenses with the E-PL1.

[ar4216]

I was excited about this camera- until I started looking at the meager lineup of Micro Four Thirds lenses. I'm particularly interested in the ultra wide lenses and Panasonic has a very nice one that is 7-14mm- but it costs a grand. Olympus is supposed to come out with a 9-18mm but it'll be $699 while the regular 9-18mm four thirds lens that Olympus already has out can be had for under $500. I'm just not willing to pay that kind of premium for a lens that will do the same thing- only is smaller.

[HassanAlHajry]

@ar4216

They are not asking for a premium price, The micro Four 9-18 is it is less than half the size and 60 percent of the weight of the regular 9-18mm lens, if they wanted to charge for it they could have easily asked for +1000$ like panasonic and they can get away with it if the lens were very good because there is not much of a competition, i say wait for the reviews then decide, Micro Four Camera+9-18mm micro four lens is so tiny compared to the real DSLR

[ar4216]

My guess is it will perform the exact same as the regular 9-18 but be over $200 more. You can justify it by pointing out how much smaller it is- for you the premium is worth it. For me it is not. I don't think they could get away with charging $1,000+ though. Can almost guarantee the Panasonic will be the better lens. Just like the 20mm is far better than the 17mm. For me there are not enough AFFORDABLE MFT lenses yet- so no sale. The small size is not worth the premium.

[HassanAlHajry]

@ar4216

The whole point of micro four third cameras is portability and less Geeky, so being 60% smaller/Lighter is big deal already, Panasonic Wide angle lens is bigger and heavier that's why Olympus can ask a premium for it if they want, 700$ is not a premium no matter how you spin it, Find me smaller and lighter 9-18 lens then i will no longer justify the 700$.

if you don't care about size/weight then get a real DSLR because you are already being premium for micro thirds for the size

[ar4216]

It will most likely have the exact same performance as the bigger lens, both are fairly slow at f4-5.6. If you don't want to call the extra $200+ you will be paying for it a premium fine- but I disagree. Cost is not a factor for you. For me it is. The price for the E-PL1 is very attractive- but people should be aware of what Panasonic and Olympus are charging for their small line up of MIcro Four Thirds lenses.

[PhotographyREVIEW]

I can't post a link to it here, but I have an article up on the site about the new lenses. The M43 9-18mm lens is priced at $699. Optically, it's probably the same as the 43 9-18mm lens. But compared to the current Oly M43 lenses, the AF is wayyyy better. It makes the E-P2 feel like a different camera.

[ar4216]

If Sigma, Tokina, and Tamron get in the game perhaps things will change. But for me MFT is not a mature enough format yet. If a consumer buys this camera and decides to eventually get another lens they will quickly learn that there is just not much out there. And lens prices tend to be high. Yes, you can get an adapter but there are so few lenses that you can put on this camera that won't be huge- and the small, used C Mount lenses are now going for ridiculous prices because of these cameras.

[JJtheJaxartosaurus]

does the EVF come with it or is that an extra accessory? if it isn't included how much is it? and.. i am more of an advanced photographer, as I know all about aperture shutter speed and usually shoot in manual on my slr. Just wondering if all of that stuff is easily accessible on this, and if I would get kinda bored using this not having the challenge of getting all of the settings how I want?

[PhotographyREVIEW]

Good questions. It's hard to tell it all in a short video. Please take a look at the article linked in the video description here for more detailed info. To answer your questions - the EVF is an accessory and it's not cheap. It is included if you buy the E-P2 but alone I think it sells for about $200. And yes, the E-PL1 does have full manual exposure controls. The command dial has M, A and S modes as well as the auto stuff.

[askagaydad]

Thanks for the preview. I'm a 46 year old dad of 4 and this camera looks like a great step up for me from the point and click cam I have.

[PhotographyREVIEW]

Happy to help. And yeas - I think this or any of the other Micro Four Thirds cameras are a great way to step up from a point-and-shoot camera. The Micro Fuor Thirds system offers a good portion of the performance of a digital SLR in a smaller package. And this new camera delivers in it a price much more in line with the average person's budget. I think this is going to be a big seller for Olympus.

[askagaydad]

@PhotographyREVIEW -but here's the big question; what additional lens should I buy? Obviously I take mostly kids photos. Any ideas/reviews I should watch?

[PhotographyREVIEW]

Hmm - thought I already replied to this one. The kit lens is really a fine place to start. But Olympus also announced a Micro Four Thirds 14-150mm zoom. I'd keep my eyes open for that to become available. There's an article I wrote about that and another new lens on the Web site, if you want to know more.

[davomrmac]

Thanks for sharing this. I am really looking forward to reviewing this myself.

[Helikid2244]

Looks good, great preview PJ!