Olympus PEN E-PL2 Review

Review based on a production E-PL2, firmware 1.0

The Micro Four Thirds system turned two years old last October, and a lot has happened since Panasonic debuted the DSLR-inspired, but mirrorless Lumix DMC-G1. What was then a brand new system has had time to mature, and mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (ILCs) now make up one of the fastest-growing and competitive segments of the consumer digital camera market.

Although the Micro Four Thirds system got in first, Panasonic and Olympus have not had everything their own way. After a decent head start, Panasonic’s G-system and the Olympus PEN-series have been joined by Samsung’s small-but-growing NX range, and Sony’s innovative NEX-3 and NEX-5. All this competition has resulted in a rash of new releases from both ‘original’ mirrorless ILC manufacturers in recent months, as Panasonic and Olympus attempt to consolidate their early lead and grab as much market share as possible.

The E-PL2 has the same sensor as the E-PL1 and doesn’t officially replace it, but sits above it in the product line, beneath the E-P2. As well as a physical makeover (the E-PL2 reminds us slightly of the rather beautiful Stylus Verve) its ergonomics have been refreshed too. The all-button operation of the E-PL1 has been ditched, in favor of a more conventional combination button/dial approach, with a rear plate that is much closer in design to the E-P2 than the E-PL1. The LCD screen is better too – its size has increased to 3 inches and it doubles in resolution, topping out at 460K dots. Indeed with its 3:2 aspect ratio and deep blue anti-reflective coating, it bears a startling resemblance to the unit used on Panasonic’s DMC-GF2, even though without that model’s touch-sensitivity.

There are a couple of specification and firmware tweaks, too. The available ISO range now covers 200-6400, with the low-noise but limited-dynamic range ISO 100 option dropped. There’s also an intriguing extension of the familiar face-detection AF mode, in the shape of ‘iDetect’ that aims to focus specifically on your subject’s eyes. Some of the Art Filters gain a number of variations, plus the ability to add a stylized border.

The E-PL2 also comes with a new kit lens, that made its debut alongside the Japan-only E-PL1s late last year. The collapsible M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II MSC is 25% lighter than the previous generation, but boasts three aspherical elements rather than two. Its mechanism has also been modified, with one extending barrel section rather than two, making for a more solid construction than its notoriously-wobbly predecessor. It also gains a bayonet fitting at the front which can accept not only a lens hood, but also a new series of add-on lens converters – fish-eye, wideangle and macro.

Perhaps most significantly, though, the lens now gains the ‘Movie and Still Compatible’ (MSC) designation, signifying a much faster and quieter internal-focus design. According to Olympus, this makes the AF speed of the E-PL2 and 14-42mm II combination on a par with the ideal cameras in its class. However it does come at a slight cost to the lens’s macro capability, with a maximum magnification of 0.19x rather than 0.24x.

It is worth noting that E-PL1 users will see a significant leap in AF performance from the new 14-42mm II. With the new lens mounted, we found that AF acquisition is typically around 0.2secs faster than when using the original kit zoom. This amounts to an increase in AF speed of nearly 30% in some circumstances – a substantial boost. Back to the E-PL2 though, and the impression of better AF speed is aided by the silent focusing of the 14-42mm II. Not only does this make the lens feel swifter in use, but crucially it also means that motion picture footage from the E-PL2 is not marred by the sound of the lens’ AF motor racking back and forth.

Key features 12 megapixel Four Thirds sized sensor In-body image stabilization ‘Live Guide II’ interface works in still and motion picture capture modes 3″ LCD screen (460,000 dots) Built-in flash Eye-detection AF Direct record motion picture button 720p 30fps HD video (AVI Motion JPEG format) ISO 200-6400 Accessory port for add-ons such as electronic viewfinder and new ‘PENpal’ bluetooth transmitter E-PL2 vs E-P2: Key differences

Although the E-PL2 is a less costly camera than the E-P2 that sits above it, it gives very tiny ground to its huge brother in terms of specification, and is better specified than the E-PL1. The biggest differences between the E-PL2 and E-P2 are in fact cosmetic and ergonomic: the E-PL2′s more compact-camera-like interface, the simplified construction and of course the slightly more compact, more ‘styled’ body shell.

One control dial (vs. 2 on the E-P2) Built-in flash (external flashes only on E-P2) Compatible with PENpal PP-1 bluetooth accessory (the E-P2 is incompatible). Direct record motion picture button vs. movies as position on E-P2 mode dial Mono mic with option to add stereo using adapter vs. built-in stereo mics No orientation sensor on E-PL2

If you are new to digital photography you may wish to read the DigitalPhotography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you comprehend some of the terms used).

Conclusion / Recommendation / Ratings are based on the opinion of the reviewer, you should read the ENTIRE review before coming to your own conclusions.

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source : www.dpreview.com

Olympus PEN E-PL2 Review

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