Sunday, April 29, 2012

Olympus Pen cameras (E-pl1)

Hey everyone I'm back with a little review, or well, not really a review but just a little piece about Olympus Pen cameras and the Olympus Pen E-PL1 in particular.



Why? you think? 


Well, I actually bought one second- or actually 'third-hand' a few days ago and I got it yesterday.
I bought one, not to replace my DLSR, the Canon 1100D. But since the Canon 1100D is quite big and chunky in my bag, I can't really always take it with me when I go out to college or work.
That's why I thought of buying a (secondhand) Pen camera. Basically because of their shape, but mostly because they have interchangeable lenses.

Meaning, you can change the lenses just like a regular DSLR but it actually isn't one.


  • See it as a DSLR camera in a compact body
Of course it has its pros and cons compared to a normal DSLR camera, but in this post I'm not going to talk about that, basically because I don't think I should really give a review yet. Not after just a few days. Maybe later I might write a proper review, you can also request reviews or anything photo-related in the comment sections or just write me an e-mail: info@ambydos.com


  • So, was it worth it
Might be the first question that pops.
Well, for the situation(s) that I will be using it, definitely!
But it all just depends on the photographer and what you want to achieve really. But to be honest, I think I might even be able to compare it (image-quality-wise) to my Canon 1100D. I really cannot see much of a difference.
Of course you have to get used to the settings, and that holds you back at first. And not to forget that there's
no viewfinder. If you do want to use a viewfinder you'd have to buy a separate one for 200 euros, the VF-1. But the 12.3 megapixel quality and the sharpness in general really isn't bad!

Anyway, let's see some photos!

I must say, they're not the best I've made but for a first day with a new camera, I must say they're quite nice. 






  • One tip I must give all of you -and myself- about using these types of cameras:
Try using Aperture/Shutterspeed/Manual-mode most. I even prefer manual really. Also have a set ISO-value since the auto ISO definitely tries a bit too hard in some situations, creating very distorted and grainy photos. 
In the end I think it's a great camera, you just have to get used to the settings and where everything is. But even the manual tells you how to do everything in a very user-friendly way.

  • So if you're looking for a cheap way to always have a proper camera around with you, look at one of the Pen cameras. I personally prefer the Olympus cameras but that's everyone else's own opinion. Interchangeable lenses are good, but can turn out to be very expensive. Accessories are also on the expensive-side. 
  • I know I've missed some aspects of the camera but again, this is not a review. But I might still be doing that in the future.

Tell me what you think in the comment section below (no need to log in/register!!)
and have a lovely day.

Sander Marskamp
Photographer, Designer



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