I purchased this camera as a back up to my Nikon D300 and to replace my Canon G9. I was looking for a small camera that I could carry around easily, but offered the quality of an SLR. So far, this camera has fit the billing quite well: image quality is superb, even at higher ISO levels. Handling has been easy to get accustomed to, although composing on screen while adjusting a lens manually takes some getting used to. The kit lens is good, but I have already purchased an adaptor to fit my Nikon lenses (in manual mode). A silent auto focus lens (like the Panasonic 14-140) would be a nice addition this camera. My only real complaint is the auto focus is at times erratic (not suited for any type of sports photography).

As a long time DSLR user I've been waiting several years for a high quality compact camera. The minute I saw this camera it intrigued me enough to order it without waiting for press reviews. My use for the E-P1 has been for family, public photography (candids), and general advanced amateur usage. It doesn't make my kids cringe when I bring it out and when used in public doesn't merit a second glance from others. The photo quality is absolutely on-par with my DX sensor DSLR's. I was worried about the high ISO performance but have take some nice, sharp, detailed shots at ISO 1,250 and believe it performs better than my Nikon D200 (but not quite as well as my D90). Positives: - Great photo quality/IQ - Responsive and real-world quick - Great color rendition (in natural jpg mode) - Low profile, quiet - 14-42mm lens is sharp wide open at all focal lengths - Autofocus when using movie mode - Useful creative shooting modes Could be better: - Battery life - LiveView can generate heat - No jack to use external microphone - Grip patch on front is slicker than I'd like. Wish it were rubber The bottom line is that if you have wanted a compact camera that can go with you nearly anywhere, not attract attention and has full manual controls -- then this camera is worth serious consideration.

I suspect like a lot of others who will be buying this camera, I bought it to have a compact/non-intimidating alternative to my SLR (Canon 5d MkII). I love my Canon, but it becomes unwieldy to bring along to parties or when you're just hanging out with friends, or really in any situation where you're not primarily there to take photos but still feel the itch to take some shots. This camera is perfect for those situations. It still has very decent performance, so in case you happened to come across a really nice shot, you can still achieve a respectable result. Also it's not so much a 'headturner' (at least to non-photographers ;) ) that people shy away or pose excessively once you aim it at them. I won't be taking this camera out on a trip to be making landscape shots or anything like that, that's what my SLR is for. But I'll be carrying this around when I'm just out and about with my friends and don't want to be bothered by a big camera. Considering the size of this camera, the performance is outstanding. Noise is very managable. The controls are pretty straightforward. I will even admit to having really enjoyed playing around with the 'art' modes and changing the aspect ratio. On top of all that it shoots HD video, which is a nice added bonus.