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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) | 
| Brand: Olympus
Category: Photography
List Price: $599.99
Buy New: $523.95
as of 8/1/2010 00:31 CDT details
You Save: $76.04 (13%)
New (16) Used (1) from $480.00
Seller: Amazon.com
Rating:  57 reviews
Sales Rank: 1358
Color: Champaign Gold
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Optical Zoom: 3
Maximum Resolution: 12
Shipping Weight (lbs): 3
Dimensions (in): 9.4 x 6.2 x 4.3
MPN: E-PL1 Champaign Gold Kit
Model: E-PL1 Champaign Gold Kit
UPC: 050332173217
EAN: 0050332173217
ASIN: B0035LBRLM
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | 12.3-megapixel interchangeable lens digital camera; Micro Four Thirds format | | • | Includes 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 digital zoom lens; features built-in flash | | • | 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD with Live View function; Continuous Autofocus (C-AF) tracking system | | • | Capture HD video with high-quality audio; new "Direct Button" for easy recording | | • | Live Guide interface simplifies great photography; capture images to SD/SDHC cards (not included) |
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Product Description
Powerfully Simple:
The new Olympus PEN E-PL1 is truly greater than the sum of its parts, with a surprisingly small camera body packed with technology normally found in bigger, bulkier and heavier professional Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras and High-Definition (HD) camcorders. This third-generation PEN is built for shutterbugs who always wanted better pictures and considered a DSLR, but were intimidated by the bulky size and complex interface. The new camera's simple design and easy interface enable photographers to easily create amazing images never dreamt possible. The E-PL1 equals an affordable and powerfully simple all-in-one package that travels with you to capture life in the high quality that your memories deserve. NEW DIRECT BUTTON FOR HD MOVIES
Recording HD movies with the E-PL1 is simple thanks to an easy-to-reach red ?direct button? (red record button) on the back of the camera body. If you're about to snap a photo and you realize a video would capture the spirit of the scene even better, simply press the record button and instantly you're capturing videos! Easily toggle back and forth between capturing stills and video by using your index finger to press the shutter button or your thumb to press the red record button. Having the ability to shoot still images and videos opens up a world of imaging possibilities. NEW easy-to-use LIVE GUIDE SETS THE SCENE BEFORE YOU SHOOT
The E-PL1's Live Guide simplifies great photography and gets the results you desire at the touch of a button. Want a brighter or darker subject, or a sharper or softer background? Want more vivid or muted color in your shot? Want warmer or cooler tones? Simply press ok while in iAuto, select Live Guide and press up or down arrows on the back of the camera to slide through all these photographic effects on the LCD and make adjustments before snapping the shot. Forget about learning technical things like f-stops, shutter speed and white bal
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 57
 Best camera around July 15, 2010
geprieto
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
This camera is just too close to be perfect. I originally had my sights on the pen e-p2 and the panasonic G1, but I decided on the e-pl1. Not because of the price, but for the flash (not present on the e-p2) and the bulb mode (limited to 4 minutes on the G1). The build quality is excellent, and is more heavy than I imagined. The sensor quality is VERY good! I had a Canon SX before, DSLR, and the quality is even better, especially at high ISO modes. And just as they say the auto mode of this camera really works. I used to shoot almost always in Aperture priority mode, or at least in Program. With this gadget I almost never leave the auto mode. True, I do photography for hobby, but I know my way around cameras.
The only issue I have with it is that for now there is no cheap lens to buy with a high field of view. Since it is micro 4/3 you get 2x of the focal distance, so the kit lens performs like a 28-84mm, and you will find yourself walking quite some steps back to get your subjects into the picture. But the video mode on its own helps to forget this. Before this camera I never shoot video. Now I find my photo albums are a multimedia mix, since the steps form one to the other almost disappear with this unit.
If you got tired of carrying around your bag with the DSLR, lenses, flash, etc this is a MUST BUY.
I love this camera! July 14, 2010
Bo
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I was looking for something smaller but with slr quality. I found it and more with this camera. I know people with bulkier and more expensive slr cameras and I am way more pleased with my photos and the simplicity of the Olympus Pen E-PL1. I have had it for about a month now and haven't had any issues. I love the extra art settings this camera offers too. I would recommend this camera to anyone!!!
 I love it! July 8, 2010
C. McDougle
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I had my doubts about this camera after reading a ton of online camera reviews. I decided that reviews always have to be taken with a grain of salt, so I ordered it.
I love this camera, it's fun to use. The autofocus is fine.. It's not a DSLR and so it doesn't perform as well as a high end camera would. However, after updating to firmware 1.1 the autofocus works pretty well. I am a little disappointed that it doesn't have an AF Lamp. That would have improved low light performance greatly.. But i guess you can't have everything.
I think like a previous reviewer said, you need to be honest about how you will use the camera and what your expectations are. For me, this camera is a gem, but i'm not a pro looking for exceptional results. I just want to snap a few great pictures and have some fun.
Most of my images are of animals - i.e. Dogs and cats. The camera is just fine for this. I know some reviews say otherwise. However, as any pet owner or parent knows animals and kids are unpredictable. There is no guarantee of a perfect shot with even the highest end camera. When photographing active and rambunctious subjects, it's partly about knowing your subject and partly luck. For it's class. this camera does pretty darn well.
I have also read that people thought the camera felt flimsy and cheap because it was mostly plastic. That's simply not true. It feels no less plastic than any DSLR. Honestly, it's heavier than I imagined and built like a brick - very sturdy. Unless you are just really rough on your gear, I can't imagine this camera falling apart on you.. even with everyday use.
Some say the flash isn't that powerful, but this camera seems to do a good job in lowlight situations. It would do even better in low light with the 20mm panasonic lens or with a faster manual focus lens. I , myself, am using a 50mm 1.8 lens from an old film camera. As far as the flash, it's still pretty bright. You are after all trying to take a picture, not make your subject blind.
The art filters & multi exposure options are a lot of fun. I can't wait to get some more lenses ( such as a lensbaby) and go out into the world with them. My favorite is the grainy B&W with the Diorama mode being second. If you have doubts about the art modes, you can always shoot in Jpg + raw and get the best of both worlds.
I am only giving this 4 stars because i DO wish it came with an EVF. I think it's silly that i have to pay almost $200 more for this very basic feature. I wish it had stereo sound like it's big sister the e-p2 as well.
Also as a Mac user, I am a little disappointed the included software isn't compatible. It took me a few minutes ( due to bad links on the Oly website) to find the OM2 software ( I will only use for panoramas, personally).
The E-PL1 is the perfect Assistant SLR. (or is it Assistant to the SLR :) July 8, 2010
Royal Blue
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
I spent several months on trying different cameras to co-reside with my trusty Kodak Z712 IS that was still producing wonderful pictures at a very high success rate. During the process I also learnt a lot about them and having kids, I was very interested in the quality aspect of the images since I did not want to lose the well, Kodak moments :)
Just like most consumer electronics, everybody has different needs. I learnt that you cannot have everything in one camera because if you did, the industry would shut down and quit making any more upgrades.
Here are some key things that I learnt that I want to share with people scratching their heads between cameras and SLRs vs P&S.
1) It is ALL about the sensor. NO MATTER what P&S you get, no matter what is built around it (touchscreen, front screen, a tank (G-10), uber zoom lens, you will ALWAYS be stuck with a small sensor compared to SLRs and therefore always have a liability in low light and high ISO pictures.
You need to look at sensors like Dart Boards. Bear with me, I am trying to clarify this. Imagine you have two dartboards that you are aiming at. One is a much smaller dartboard where the circles of quality (points) are pretty small and one which is 7-8X times the size of the first dartboard with correspondingly larger circles including an easier to hit Bullseye (the best picture).
The odds of you hitting the bullseye and high points on the second board will always be higher no matter how much you try to screw up. (auto modes). On the smaller board, you can still hit the bullseye but the chances are much lower UNLESS you shoot 50 darts at it (multi shot modes) and hope one sticks OR you are one of the best dart throwers in the business who knows all about wind speeds and trajectories and somehow manage to squeeze a high point shot frequently.
So there you go. Either you need to be really good at the photo process (and speed of decision is critical sometimes at the perfect moment) or you simply take a high volume of shots and utilize the percentage of good to great shots you can get out of the bunch. Do not try to compare some random shot from a P&S to a SLR because it just meant you happened to hit the bullseye somehow and not that they are equal by any means. SLRs will CONSISTENTLY out perform a P&S for HQ pics.
2) Portability - The best camera is the one with you. Unfortunately that means the cell phone for most people. However, the E-PL1 gives you hope to salvage the memories at a formal lunch or a party where unobtrusiveness is critical and you dont want to stick a huge SLR in someone's face. The kit lens is small, not very small but enough to avoid nervous glances anytime you try to click. Stick the pancake 20 mm Lumix Lens and they won't know what hit them. I consider SLRs to be EVENT based items where you have to plan to take them to a birthday function, wedding etc and its OK to have a piece of luggage with you while everyone else use a compact. The E-PL1 would make an Excellent Assistant SLR. (or is it Assistant to the SLR :)
3) Price - while the price is reasonable for the basic lens kit it is not cheap and I agonized over the 20 mm LUMIX lens and finally got it since it is simply a match made for the EPL1 form factor with a huge low light advantage. However, you need to remember that a lot of P&S lose value a lot quicker than SLRs that will take good pics no matter the date of manufacture. Since this is a new technology still evolving, your return on investment should be very good for this camera since it has all the necesssary features in it. (the next one could have a view finder, doubt it since the whole size thing would be compromised), there is already flash and high MP to take you through several years (get an accidental warranty and you might be set for much beyind in case something should happen to your camera and it is discontinued)
4) Megapixels are a very misunderstood concept. On a P&S, the higher the MP the more noise and issues at high ISO you will have since the PIXEL DENSITY is reduced (MP/Sensor size). That is why my 7 MP Kodak stays awesome for regular prints upto 8x10 since it does not falsely advertise its capabilities. A 12 MP on a small sensor on a P&S is asking for trouble. The key in my (very limited) experience is that you need to use the Flash as little as possible and use natural light and proper framing and placement with minimal zoom (use your legs). As such high ISO usability is very important to get at least a nice 8x10 print if desired, 4x6 would be more common.
The E-PL1 is fantastic at high ISOs and pictures are not burnt out by the flash
5) Software/Editing is the main element of good digital photography and I am still a novice on this one so it is all the more critcal for me to have good art option ON BOARD the camera (stitching, diorama, sepia etc) This makes it a lot easier to see the after effect of the shot before it happens and saves you time later on the PC.
RAW files while large and not commonly used by the average consumer are good to save for the important pics as a DIGITAL NEGATIVE if nothing else.
So, after the long expose, here is the rundown.
I ended up keeping the camera. I like my toys cheap and usable so its never easy for me to make a major purchase regardless if I have the money.
I did not miss the view finder as much as I thought I would.
Pictures are consistently good and the Olympus JPEG engine is awesome.
I got the 20mm LUMIX pancake lens and use the flash as little as possible
The art filters are great. The Sepia is a nicer type not the washed out brown pics like others.
The cool/wow factor is high and will remain as such for the near future since its a new type of technology (not just model)
Auto focus for the kit lens was improved with the firware upgrade but still not as speedy as you would like
The 20 mm lens on the other hand.....
This camera will need work for very young kids and pets that don't work as well with you for posing. 3-4 yr olds and above will be fine and there are burst options/modes you can play with to utilize the dart board theory to take multi-pics in those situations.
Get a tripod for shots that you can plan out like in a glamor shop (makes you look cool and like a pro) and minimizes errors and blurs. Essential for night and fireworks etc. The 20 MM will give you some extra help and onboard Image Stabilization will help as well on any lens.
Oh, and I am actually having fun taking pics now. I am taking more random pics of my kids and ending up framing even the unplanned poses. My facebook albums are like a gallery now for even regular pics.
Excellent Photos, just not quite DSLR IQ, but very close. July 4, 2010
Elizabeth M. Lawinger
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R195TSAV80RI87 **Note** Cloudy, gloomy day when I took video clip, just before a storm), also,
notice the LACK of WIND NOISE. Ususally whenever I take video clips with other cameras, there is that annoying wind noise, the sound on clips I have taken with this camera are clear, gotta love that!
IQ is very nice out of this Olympus EPL-1 camera, even on auto with no adjustments. I shoot with Nikon D700, D90 and D40 for most things, until now. I love the Nikon DSLR's but have found sometimes I just don't want to drag them with, to heavy, lots of accessories, (filters, lenses, etc...) needed to capture the right shot. In fact, I got the D40 because it is was one of the smallest, lightest DSLR's, but attach a nice zoon lens, and it still becomes cumbersome to carry to some events. So I got this camera in hopes of feeling I could get excellent photos from a more portable device, and so far it has not disappointed. IQ is not quite as good as the Nikon DSLR's I shoot with, but if you don't shoot with a DSLR you will be VERY pleased with the photo quality. I have had several instances where my son had a wrestling match and you are moving quickly from mat to mat, and I didn't bring my DSLR because I knew it would be such a hassel. Or out of town at a baseball game, who wants to sit on the bleachers with the other parents and a large camera bag. This camera tucks nicely in my medium sized purse even with an extra 45-200 micro four thirds lens. It is so easy to have with for capturing shots, no need to lug around a DSLR.
I have shot with a lot of point and shoots, some of which I still hang onto and use because of their excellent IQ (for a point & shoot), and convenience. I have a Panasonic FZ35 and Canon SX200 and I wouldn't give them up, but this camera is a step up from those and my first choice (it is my go to camera)NOW! Conveinent check, HD video check, lightweight and portable check (at least compared to my DSLR's), excellent IQ check, cool art filters to add whimsy to photos check. I think if you are moving up from a point and shoot you will be WOWED by the IQ, and anyone who shoots with a DSLR will feel it is great IQ for it's class, NOT DSLR IQ, but comes close, and in some instances, very hard to distingush between to similar photos taken with a DSLR and this camera.
Just know that if you are stepping up from a point and shoot, you will probablly find yourself desiring an additional lens (for more zoom). Switching them out is easy, and the micro four thirds lenses are much smaller and lighter then the four thirds lenses used on a DSLR, and even with a zoom lens on this camera, I have found it surprisingly lighter than I would have thought.
I am enjoying using this camera on a daily basis, and when I travel next I am taking it and leaving the DSLR's at home. I am confident in its photo quality, and I can just put it in my purse to go through security, instead of dragging my photo bag (which is huge and has 6 lenses in it, with multiple accessories), that bag will stay home next time. I really think this will make my vacations more fun to shoot. When I went to vegas last year, my DSLR stayed in the hotel most of the time, because I didn't want to lug it around even with just one lens on the camera and nothing else. DSLR's just get to heavy after a while, and there is nowhere to put it decently when I was shopping, gambling, eating, etc... without having a camera bag with (just hate it when people go around all day with large cameras hanging from there necks, I'm just not into that). When I went on a cruise, every time we got off the boat I took a little point and shoot with me for the same reasons, who wants to spend more time lugging a camera than enjoying the islands. I am really happy that I will be able to bring this and just throw it in my purse, I carry that around anyways, what a delight to have a camera that takes great photos, and doesn't become like a 2nd child you have to watch and lug around!
For shooting weddings and events, yes a DSLR will always be my goto camera, but for everything else, it is the Olympus epl-1! Too most individuals, you will find the photos are excellent and wonder why anyone would spend more, unless you expect to be making a living off your camera (photo journalist, pro. photographer, etc...), stick with this and you won't even notice the difference, and your friends won't either.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 57
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