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amazon Olympus PEN E-PM1 reviews
Olympus PEN E-PM1 has known as PEN Mini, camera is lightweight, compact and most affordable in the Olympus Micro Four Thirds line.
Olympus PEN E-PM1 lens with focal from 14 to 42 mm are mounted directly on the camera body, the 3X optical zoom indicator. The focal length of the machine automatically adjusts to help those who do not specialize in photography more convenient to use. In addition, the machine also has a custom mode for more detailed professional photographers.
PEN Mini has a resolution of 12 megapixels. Machine has a simple design, the camera body is made of aluminum coated exterior paint with various colors such as black, silver, white, brown, pink and purple.
When no lens, machine width of about 11cm, 6.35cm tall, 3.3 cm thick and weighs about 256gram. If fitted with the lens, it will aggravate 130gram and add 5cm thick.
Like the E-PL3 seniors, the PEN Mini is not built like the flash on other digital cameras. To overcome this drawback, the machine is equipped with a removable flash mounted on the body.
Part rear right fuselage with a thin rubber grip helps you feel sure when handling the machine. On machine has basic custom keys: On / off button and shutter button are located on the top, in upper right edge of the movie Record button to switch from shooting mode to record. Three buttons Info, Menu, Play, the navigation buttons, custom and OK button are placed right below.
3 inch LCD screen displays up to 460 thousand crisp pixels. You can carefree outdoor use light without having any problems.
where can you get a Olympus PEN E-PM1 online
Olympus PEN E-PM1 12.3MP Interchangeable Camera with CMOS Sensor, 3-inch LCD and 14-42mm II Lens (Black) (Old Model): Buy it now
Olympus PEN E-PM1 12.3MP Mirrorless Digital Camera with CMOS Sensor, 3-inch LCD and 14-42mm II Lens (Silver) (Old Model): Buy it now
Olympus PEN E-PM1 12.3MP Mirrorless Digital Camera with CMOS Sensor, 3-inch LCD and 14-42mm II Lens (White) (Old Model): Buy it now
Olympus Pen E-PM1 12.3 MP Digital Camera with CMOS Sensor and 3 x Optical Zoom (Pink) (Old Model): Buy it now
Olympus Pen E-PM1 12.3 MP CMOS Sensor Digital Camera with 14-42mm II Lens and 3″ LCD Screen (Purple): Buy it now
System Olympus PEN custom E-PM1 is pretty much done differently than the same lines as the Olympus PEN E-P3. Menu interface is activated when there will be 6 columns appear: Art, iAuto, Scene, Movie, P / A / S / M and Set Up. Art section will give you 6 choices of effects: Pop Art, Soft Focus, grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama and Dramatic Tone. If you are a non-professional people about photography, the iAuto is the perfect choice. You no longer have to worry about the contrast or other complex customizations to take a picture like that. The camera will automatically adjust the picture optimally for you. There’s also a list of instructions for you is presented extremely simple and easy to understand.
Users can customize the camera to suit the current scene when selecting Scene section. It supports a lot of different scenes: Sunsets, Fireworks or Portraits and many many other options. Pen Mini has performance very impressive. Starters 1s and 0.2s disappeared only to lightning photos.
When you select continuous shooting mode, the machine can capture 12 photos with time 0.25s taking photographs and 0.45 seconds to display all the images captured on screen controls. Olympus PEN E-PM1 can shoot 1080i60 and 720p30 HD video into AVI format, very handy when sharing or use on other devices.
Performance and Features
1. Image Sensor and Quality
The Olympus PEN E-PM1 is equipped with a 12.3-megapixel Live MOS sensor. This sensor is part of the Micro Four Thirds system, which is known for its balance between image quality and compact camera size. The sensor, coupled with the TruePic VI image processor, delivers good image quality with vibrant colors and decent low-light performance.
While the E-PM1’s resolution might seem modest by today’s standards, it provides more than enough detail for typical use cases, such as printing up to 8×10 inches or sharing images online. The sensor performs well in various lighting conditions, though noise becomes more apparent at higher ISO settings.
2. Autofocus and Speed
The E-PM1 features an autofocus system with 35 contrast-detection points. While not as fast as phase-detection systems found in some DSLRs, it performs adequately for most situations. The contrast-detection autofocus can be slower in low light or when tracking fast-moving subjects, but it generally delivers accurate results for static subjects.
The camera’s startup time is quick, and it offers a decent burst rate of about 3.5 frames per second. This makes it suitable for capturing spontaneous moments, although serious action photographers might find this limiting compared to higher-end models.
3. LCD Screen
The Olympus PEN E-PM1 sports a 3-inch, 460,000-dot LCD screen. While this resolution was adequate at the time of its release, it has since been surpassed by higher-resolution screens found in more recent models. The screen is bright and clear, providing good visibility in most conditions, but its lack of touchscreen functionality might feel outdated compared to modern cameras with interactive displays.
4. Built-In Features
The E-PM1 comes with a range of built-in features designed to enhance user experience:
- Art Filters: The camera includes several Art Filters that allow users to apply creative effects to their photos in-camera. These include Pop Art, Soft Focus, Grainy Film, and more. While these filters can be fun and useful for creative experimentation, they can also be applied post-processing if you prefer to retain original image quality.
- In-Camera Processing: Users can also benefit from various in-camera processing options such as resizing, cropping, and color adjustment. This adds convenience for users who prefer to make adjustments without needing a computer.
- Video Recording: The E-PM1 supports HD video recording at 720p. While this resolution might seem basic compared to today’s 4K standards, it was reasonable for its time. The video quality is decent, but the lack of Full HD or 4K support might be a drawback for users who prioritize high-resolution video.
5. Lens Compatibility
As part of the Micro Four Thirds system, the E-PM1 is compatible with a wide range of lenses. Olympus and Panasonic offer numerous options, from wide-angle and macro lenses to telephoto and zoom lenses. This flexibility allows users to tailor their camera system to their specific needs and preferences.
User Experience
1. Ease of Use
The Olympus PEN E-PM1 is designed with simplicity in mind. Its minimalistic control layout and automatic shooting modes make it accessible to beginners. The camera’s user interface is straightforward, allowing users to quickly navigate through settings and make adjustments as needed.
For more advanced users, the limited manual controls might feel restrictive. However, the E-PM1 offers enough customization to cater to different shooting styles and preferences. The camera’s ease of use makes it an excellent choice for those who want a reliable and compact camera without getting bogged down by complex settings.
2. Battery Life
The E-PM1 is powered by a BLS-5 battery, which offers a reasonable number of shots per charge. Users can expect around 300 shots on a full charge, which is adequate for a day of casual shooting. However, for extended shooting sessions or travel, carrying an extra battery might be a good idea.
3. Portability
One of the standout features of the E-PM1 is its portability. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around, making it an excellent option for travel and everyday use. The camera’s stylish appearance also adds to its appeal, allowing users to capture high-quality images without drawing too much attention.
4. Image Quality
In terms of image quality, the Olympus PEN E-PM1 delivers good results for its class. Colors are vibrant, and the overall sharpness is satisfactory. The camera performs well in well-lit conditions, and the images are sharp and detailed. However, in low light or high ISO settings, image noise can become noticeable.
Competitor Comparison
To provide a broader perspective on the Olympus PEN E-PM1, let’s compare it with a few of its contemporaries and competitors from the same era.
1. Panasonic Lumix GF3
The Panasonic Lumix GF3 is a direct competitor to the E-PM1, offering a similar compact design and Micro Four Thirds sensor. The GF3 features a 12.1-megapixel sensor and a 3-inch touchscreen LCD, which adds convenience for navigation and image review. While both cameras offer comparable image quality, the GF3’s touchscreen might be seen as an advantage for users who prefer interactive controls.
2. Sony NEX-C3
The Sony NEX-C3 is another mirrorless camera from the same period, featuring a 16.2-megapixel APS-C sensor. The APS-C sensor in the NEX-C3 offers a larger surface area compared to the Micro Four Thirds sensor in the E-PM1, which can result in better low-light performance and depth of field control. The NEX-C3 also includes a 3-inch LCD screen and offers full HD video recording.
3. Canon EOS M
The Canon EOS M, released around the same time, is another competitor in the mirrorless camera space. The EOS M features an 18-megapixel APS-C sensor and a 3-inch touchscreen LCD. While it offers a higher resolution sensor, its larger size compared to the E-PM1 may be less appealing for users seeking a more compact option.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact and Lightweight: The E-PM1 is easy to carry around, making it a great choice for travel and everyday use.
- Stylish Design: Its retro aesthetics combined with modern features create a visually appealing camera.
- Interchangeable Lenses: The Micro Four Thirds system provides a wide range of lens options to suit various shooting needs.
- User-Friendly Interface: The minimalistic controls and automatic modes make it accessible to beginners.
Cons:
- Limited Manual Controls: Advanced users might find the camera’s controls somewhat restrictive.
- Low-Resolution LCD: The 460,000-dot LCD screen may feel outdated compared to higher-resolution displays in more recent models.
- Basic Video Recording: The lack of Full HD or 4K video recording may be a drawback for users who prioritize high-resolution video.
- Noise at Higher ISO: Image noise can become noticeable at higher ISO settings, affecting low-light performance.
Conclusion
The Olympus PEN E-PM1 is a compact mirrorless camera that successfully combines stylish design with practical functionality. Its 12.3-megapixel sensor, versatile lens compatibility, and user-friendly interface make it a solid choice for casual photographers and those seeking a lightweight, portable camera.
While it may not offer the most advanced features by today’s standards, the E-PM1 remains a capable and appealing option for those who appreciate its design and ease of use. Its performance and versatility, coupled with the ability to use a range of lenses, ensure that it continues to be a relevant choice for various photography needs.
For users seeking a compact camera with a classic aesthetic and reliable performance, the Olympus PEN E-PM1 is a commendable option that balances style, functionality, and convenience.