Olympus Pen E-P1 Reviews

The E-P1 is the first model in Olympus’ revolutionary new series of digital cameras that provides the picture quality of the traditional SLR with the size and ease-of-use of a compact camera.

Our Rating (4/5)

Good: Refreshing retro and petite design; incorporates Art Filters in HD video mode; good picture and video quality; wide range of adapters for other lenses available.

Bad: No onboard flash; writing time can be faster; confusing menu interface.

The Micro Four Thirds System is a new system that stems from the Four Thirds standard, on which the current digital SLR assortment of Olympus, among others, is based. Yet, the new Olympus P1 comes from a legendary cradle. Olympus’ introduction of the first Pen camera is exactly 50 years ago this year. A design with a revolutionary meaning at that time and age in photography. Designer Yoshihisa Maitani managed to design a traditionally technical camera, resulting in a fabulous combination of simplicity, style and performance. This was the birth of the Olympus Pen.

Five decades later, Olympus shakes up the photography world once more with the introduction of the first Micro Four Thirds model; the E-P1. The camera system camera also provides the possibility to exchange lenses, just like a DSLR, but lacks a mirror box. Therefore, it is possible to design an extremely compact size, and we are in fact witnessing the merging of two important camera groups: compact and DSLR. The big advantage of a compact camera is its small size, whilst the advantage of a DSLR is without question its high image quality. Both advantages have now been brought together, resulting in one camera, thanks to the Micro Four Thirds system.

The Olympus PEN E-P1camera features a retro design; the metal has a stylish finishing touch and the camera features small dimensions.

This new Micro Four Thirds system camera is a combination of the timeless appearance of the classic Olympus Pen series and the latest technology. The camera will be available in two colors; silver and white.

In addition to the 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS sensor and a newly developed TruePic V image processor, the camera also features an advanced High Definition video function. This brings creative filming and photography within reach for everybody. And if being creative is not your best side, the 6 integrated creative filters will come in handy. These filters can also be activated in the video mode.

WDC reviews writes:
“Using the supplied 14-42mm kit lens, results are well detailed and of adequate sharpness, though this lens doesn’t get the very best out of the sensor. That said, detail is maintained at higher ISO values with the help of noise reduction and noise filters, and fringing is, at most, minor in appearance.”
Rating: ★★★★½

PopPhoto reviews writes:
“if the E-P1’s 3X optical-zoom and wide-angle lenses are enough for you, at least for now, this Olympus makes a fun choice either as a primary camera for snapshooters or as a versatile second camera for anyone looking for a break from toting a DSLR.”
Rating: N/A

ImagingResource reviewswrites:
“Olympus E-P1 with the 17mm lens hits the right spots for this photographer: great still image performance, very usable high ISO images, good optical quality, a prime lens with more to come, easy portability, and a certain charm that makes you want to take pictures. Hard to beat that. The camera is a revolutionary design, and a Dave’s Pick.”
Rating: N/A

Photoxels reviews and writes:
“noise at ISO 100, 200, 400 and 800 is under control. Noise starts to be visible at ISO 1600 but is still very usable… Overall, the Olympus E-P1 delivers very good image quality that matches what you would expect from a DSLR.”
Rating: N/A

RegHardware reviews the E-P1 and writes:
“In terms of performance, the PEN E-P1 proved to be impressive in some areas, but less so in others. Let’s start with the positive. This camera is capable offering excellent image quality, with sharp, clean images and vivid colours. We especially liked its performance when taking landscape shots. Noise levels are also low, even at ISO 800. The lens quality is superb, with minimal chromatic aberration or distortion.”
Rating: ★★★½☆

CameraLabs writes:
“the E-P1 delivers the goods: the camera really does match (and in some cases slightly exceed) the image quality of models like Olympus’s own E-620 DSLR. Sure, like other Four Thirds models, Micro or otherwise, it may not match the noise levels of the best APS-C DSLRs at high sensitivities, but it’s a world apart from what you’ll achieve with a typical compact – and that in itself will be recommendation enough for many enthusiasts.”

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