Olympus Pen E Pl1 Digital Camera

Warning, emotional review ahead with no technical observations: I have always lusted after the silver bodied PEN E-P1 when I was introduced to it a couple years ago. Simple, elegant and had the potential to shoot SLR-quality pictures. However, at the price point and features (no flash, no hotshoe) I settled for it's (new at the time) sibling, the E-PL1. Ever since I purchased an E-PL1 I have been elated with it's portability and image quality (especially when equipped with the LUMIX 20mm f1.7) My only gripe was it's focusing speed, lack of buttons, and the tangible quality that made me fall in love with the first digital PEN. Fast forward another year and Olympus announces the E-P3. It addresses every issue and brings back the body of the original Pen. Upon initial inspection and startup it just oozes quality and shoots lightning fast. Sure, there will be another successor in a year or so, but everything about this camera just encourages me to go out and shoot. Although, it's price of entry right now is rather expensive, I believe Olympus has another modern classic. I seldomly express this with any camera or media recording device I have purchased, but this one is a definite keeper. You can wait for prices to drop, but no amount of money can make up for the time that I am out enjoying this wonderful little camera.

I must preface my review by saying that it is based on about one-week's use. The Olympus Pen E-PL1 is a high quality camera, a worthy addition to the Pen name. It's sophiscated, with a learning curve that will take me much more than a week to conquer, but its done everything I've wanted it to do to date.

This is the third PEN camera I have had; I started with the E-PL1, upgraded to the E-PL2, and finally the E-P3. I never thought I would want to spend this much for a small camera but I finally realized that I really prefer these over larger dslrs, which, I ended up selling mine. The E-P3 is built very well, has excellent image quality, and is very responsive. I have not found the Olympus menus difficult to use as reported by some; it is just a matter of getting familar with them. The camera also has an easy to use super control panel' and enough dedicated buttons for quick and easy shooting control. Overall I have been very pleased with the E-P3. Before this camera I always felt a little 'unsure' about m4/3rds cameras. After using the E-P3 and seeing where Olympus is taking their photographic line-up, I no longer wonder about committing to theis format. For myself, the E-P3 and Olympus lenses give me everything I need.

I got this for my Olympus E-PL1. Fits perfectly.

I purchased an Olympus PEN-F as a personal collector item. No I'm not a collector, but I wanted this camera because of its superb performance and vintage appeal in a modern digital camera. It is a silver trim body to which I added a silver Kit lens and a brown leather 1/2 case. It looks fantastic and since it was one of the few digital cameras offering an old fashioned screw type remote shutter release, I had to add the final touch. That showed up in the form of a beautiful, natural wood, Soft Shutter Release button. The PEN-F is now complete. TAH DAAH!!

With my E-PL1, the camera is totally compact with really good looks. I have taken some pictures of kids and flowers at BBQ. All the pictures catch the scenes very clearly. Pen camera with this lens can be used just like point and shoot cameras for almost all the scenes (with better quality!). Even 7-year-old girl can take a good picture with my camera and this lens. I would recommend this set (Pen with pancake lens) for the family with young children.

I have multiple Olympus bodies and lenses. My wife gave me the e-pl1 as an anniversary gift. This is now the camera I take when I don't want to take a camera. I was taking the e-510 or e-520 and the 18-180 lens. Now I am taking the PEN. The picture quality is terrific, it is light and somewhat less visible. I am expecting to buy the 14-150 lens as soon as I can.

I am using this lens on an Olympus E-PL1 (Micro) 4/3rds camera. I have only had it a short while so I can't comment on durability, but it is small for it's (35 mm) capacity. The lens hood reverses and locks on to the lens when not in use. The auto focus works well. In my case I need the adapter to use it on my micro 4/3rds, but the adapter is small. I leave it attached to the lens when the lens is removed. All works smoothly. In my case the adapter cost more than the lens so, of course, I would prefer a lens that didn't need the adapter, but the lens value is unbelievable.

Only had this a few weeks fitted to my Olympus Pen-F Digital but so far I am very happy with this lens especially at this price point. Initially it was out of stock but came quickly anyway.�� Images are very sharp and it feels smooth to use. In narrow depth of field the bokeh is okay but not dreamy. I find that close up it focuses very well bordering macro capability.� Some sort of hood would be an advantage as it does catch the sun.

I have this lens on an Olympus Pen F digital and it performs quite well. Adequately sharp for anything I'd use the Pen for. I use full frame and MF digital and MF and LF film and I wouldn't put this lens / camera in the same category image quality wise, but it's a lot easier to put in my pocket when just walking around or scouting for photos. And perfectly fine for anything you just want to put online. I use it with the auto lens cap and I can't see why they don't sell it as a set.