Our hands-on preview of the Olympus Pen E-PL1 hybrid

[DPNow]

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Thanks to our sibling site Four Thirds User we have a hands-on preview of the new Olympus Pen E-PL1 Micro Four Thirds hybrid system camera. It's Olympus' third hybrid and their most affordable one yet, but is its cheaper price at the cost of features and usability? We find out.

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[Ian]

Re: Our hands-on preview of the Olympus Pen E-PL1 hybrid

Cheaper, smaller, lighter, simpler, but lacking some of the features from its Pen siblings, like the digital level, metal body, it has a smaller screen, lower top shutter speed, but retains in-body IS.

Any reaction?

Ian

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Our hands-on preview of the Olympus Pen E-PL1 hybrid

Very good first review Ian.

The addition of RC External Flash is a big plus. Anything which is made easier to use is always a bonus. With a 20mm f/1.7 lens this may well be the one I've been waiting for as my replacement "walkabout" camera.

[Ian]

Re: Our hands-on preview of the Olympus Pen E-PL1 hybrid

Very good first review Ian.

The addition of RC External Flash is a big plus. Anything which is made easier to use is always a bonus. With a 20mm f/1.7 lens this may well be the one I've been waiting for as my replacement "walkabout" camera.

Hi Graham - not sure what you mean by 'RC'?

Ian

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Our hands-on preview of the Olympus Pen E-PL1 hybrid

I looked up the Specs on the Olympus site and was pleased to find that they show the E-PL1 as having wireless RC of the flash systems. If only the FL-14 was upgraded to the RC version

http://www.olympus.co.uk/consumer/21...ions_22762.htm

Built-in flash and wireless flash control from the camera body
Number of channels 4 channels
Compatible external flash FL-50R, FL-36R
Control method Triggered and controlled by built-in flash light
Modes Auto, FP Manual, FP TTL Auto, Manual, TTL Auto, TTL Auto (TTL pre-flash mode)
Group setting 3 groups
Available when used together with cameras compatible with the Olympus wireless RC flash system.

[Ian]

Re: Our hands-on preview of the Olympus Pen E-PL1 hybrid

Hi Graham - not sure what you mean by 'RC'?

Ian

Actually, I think you are referring to the inlcusion of the wireless remote flash support, which is lacking in the E-P1 and E-P2 (because they have no integrated flash units).

Yes, that's a good point.

Ian

[Josh Bear]

Re: Our hands-on preview of the Olympus Pen E-PL1 hybrid

Hi

As a owner of a E P1 I think this is a good thing. If a quality "SLR" (yes I know it isn't really but go with me) system is made to be more affordable then surely more people will be able to enjoy quality output.

The E-PL1 is fantastic for those moving from P&S for the first time and will encourage greater creativity.

Best Regards

josh