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Olympus E-PL1 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Olympus E-PL1

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    Main Features

    • 12MP - Four Thirds CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 100 - 3200
    • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
    • 2.7" Fixed Type Screen
    • 3 fps continuous shooting
    • HD - 1280 x 720 video
    • 334g. 115 x 72 x 42 mm
    • Replaced by Olympus E-PL1s
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Olympus E-PL1 Overview

    First introduced in May 2010 , Olympus PEN E-PL1 is a 12.0MP Entry-Level Mirrorless camera with a Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm ) sized CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and Micro Four Thirds lens mount. Olympus later replaced E-PL1 with E-PL1s. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these cameras:
    Compare Olympus PEN E-PL1 vs Olympus E-PL1s

    Olympus E-PL1 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Lens Mount and Lenses
    4. Sensor and Photography Features
    5. Physical Specs
    6. LCD and Viewfinder
    7. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    8. Video
    9. Other Features
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Olympus E-PL1 is a member of Olympus's PEN E-PL series of cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

    Olympus PEN E-PL Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Olympus E-PL9
    Compare
    2018 16.0MP - Four Thirds 8.6 fps 117 x 68 x 39mm 380g
    Olympus E-PL8
    Compare
    2016 16.0MP - Four Thirds 8.0 fps 115 x 67 x 38mm 357g
    Olympus E-PL7
    Compare
    2014 16.0MP - Four Thirds 8.0 fps 115 x 67 x 38mm 357g
    Olympus E-PL6
    Compare
    2014 16.0MP - Four Thirds 8.0 fps 111 x 64 x 38mm 325g
    Olympus E-PL5
    Compare
    2012 16.0MP - Four Thirds 8.0 fps 111 x 64 x 38mm 325g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series:
    Olympus E-PL9 vs E-PL8 vs E-PL7 vs E-PL6 vs E-PL5

    Olympus E-PL1 has an Overall Score of 56/100 and ranked #168 out of 211 in Mirrorless cameras (Top 10 Mirrorless), and ranked #373 out of 1220 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    Olympus E-PL1 Physical Specs
    Olympus E-PL1 weighs 334 g (0.74 lb / 11.78 oz) and has external dimensions of 115 x 72 x 42 mm (4.53 x 2.83 x 1.65″). Considering that the average weight of Mirrorless type cameras is 442g, Olympus E-PL1 is a remarkably light camera for its class. Even better, with a thickness of only 42mm, it is also quite small, 8mm thinner than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Mirrorless Cameras

    Olympus E-PL1
    Min
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    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Mirrorless Cameras

    Olympus E-PL1
    Min
    Average
    Max

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Olympus E-PL1, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Olympus E-PL1 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Olympus E-PL1 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

    Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Olympus E-PL1 with its main competitors:

    Olympus E-PL1 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs E-PL1 Thickness vs E-PL1
    Olympus PEN E-PL1 Camera Olympus E-P1
    Compare
    355g 21g heavier 36mm 6mm thinner
    Olympus PEN E-PL1 Camera Olympus E-PM1
    Compare
    265g 69g lighter 34mm 8mm thinner
    Olympus PEN E-PL1 Camera Olympus E-PL2
    Compare
    362g 28g heavier 42mm equal thickness
    Olympus PEN E-PL1 Camera Olympus E-PL3
    Compare
    313g 21g lighter 37mm 5mm thinner
    Olympus PEN E-PL1 Camera Olympus E-PL5
    Compare
    325g 9g lighter 38mm 4mm thinner
    Olympus PEN E-PL1 Camera Olympus E-PL1s
    Compare
    334g equal weight 42mm equal thickness
    Olympus PEN E-PL1 Camera Nikon 1 J1
    Compare
    234g 100g lighter 30mm 12mm thinner
    Olympus PEN E-PL1 Camera Olympus E-PL9
    Compare
    380g 46g heavier 39mm 3mm thinner

    Weather Sealing

    Olympus E-PL1 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Mirrorless Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Olympus E-PL1 Sensor and Photography Features

    Olympus E-PL1 has a 12.0MP Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Truepic V processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4032 x 3024 pixels with aspect ratios of 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. E-PL1 has a native ISO range of 100 - 3200 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Olympus E-PL1 is not the highest resolution Four Thirds camera. Panasonic G95 with its 20.3MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic G95 or take a look at Highest resolution Mirrorless cameras list.

    Olympus E-PL1 DxOMark Sensor Scores

    DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. Olympus E-PL1 sensor has been tested by DxO Mark and got an overall score of 54 for its image quality. You can find the details of their analysis of Olympus E-PL1 here.

    Let's look at how the size of the Olympus E-PL1's Four Thirds sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Olympus E-PL1 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Olympus E-PL1 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Olympus E-PL1 Lens Mount and Lenses

    Olympus E-PL1 has a Micro Four Thirds lens mount and currently there are 107 native lenses available for this mount. MFT is the most mature and versatile mount in the Mirrorles camera world. Olympus MFT lenses are known by their high optical quality and affordable prices. Other main contributor of the system, Panasonic also offers similarly well regarded lenses. Third party lens manufacturers also increase number of their offering and new manufacturers also jump in the wagon as the popularity of the system increases.

    E-PL1 also has a Sensor based Image Stabilization system which means that all of these lenses will be stabilized when used on E-PL1. Sensor based image stabilization is one of the most useful features that you can have in an ILC. There are also 33 lenses with weather sealing for E-PL1 but bear in mind that E-PL1 body doesn't have weather sealings.

    Here are some of the most popular Olympus E-PL1 Lenses on Camera Decision:

    Popular Micro Four Thirds Mount Lenses for Olympus E-PL1
    Model Focal Length on E-PL1 Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH Power OIS Lens Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH Power OIS
    24-120mm FourThirds 210gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH.  Power O.I.S Lens Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH. Power O.I.S
    28-280mm FourThirds 265gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f2.8 PRO Lens Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f2.8 PRO
    24-80mm FourThirds 382gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Panasonic Lumix G 25mm F1.7 ASPH Lens Panasonic Lumix G 25mm F1.7 ASPH
    50mm FourThirds 125gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Olympus 9mm F8 Fish-Eye Body Cap Lens Lens Olympus 9mm F8 Fish-Eye Body Cap Lens
    18mm FourThirds 30gr MF Amazon B&H Photo
    Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 Lens Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8
    50mm FourThirds 136gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH Power OIS Lens Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH Power OIS
    24-70mm FourThirds 305gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 35-100mm F2.8 OIS Lens Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 35-100mm F2.8 OIS
    70-200mm FourThirds 360gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

    Check our Olympus E-PL1 Lenses page for more detailed lens search.



    Olympus E-PL1 LCD

    Olympus E-PL1 has a Fixed Type 2.7" LCD screen with a resolution of 230k dots. At only 2.7", the screen is on the smaller side and 230kdot resolution is lower than most of the recent models in this class.



    E-PL1 doesn't have a built-in viewfinder but an optional external viewfinder is available. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Mirrorless camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider (Compare) or (Compare).
    If the price is not an issue, take a look at our Top Rated Cameras with Viewfinders.

    Olympus E-PL1 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    You can connect E-PL1 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Battery

    Olympus E-PL1 is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 290 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Mirrorless type cameras is 369 shots, Olympus E-PL1 has a short battery life for its class so we strongly recommend E-PL1 owners to buy some extra batteries.

    Battery Life Comparison in Entry-Level Mirrorless Cameras

    Olympus E-PL1
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Samsung NX mini with its 650shots is the model with longest battery life among Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras. Check the comparison of Olympus E-PL1 vs Samsung NX mini or take a look at Longest Battery Life Mirrorless cameras list.

    Olympus E-PL1 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Olympus PEN E-PL1 Camera Olympus E-P1
    Compare
    1280 x 720 300shots No No No
    Olympus PEN E-PL1 Camera Olympus E-PM1
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 330shots No No No
    Olympus PEN E-PL1 Camera Olympus E-PL2
    Compare
    1280 x 720 280shots No No No
    Olympus PEN E-PL1 Camera Olympus E-PL3
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 300shots No No No
    Olympus PEN E-PL1 Camera Olympus E-PL5
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 360shots No No No
    Olympus PEN E-PL1 Camera Olympus E-PL1s
    Compare
    1280 x 720 290shots No No No
    Olympus PEN E-PL1 Camera Nikon 1 J1
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 230shots No No No
    Olympus PEN E-PL1 Camera Olympus E-PL9
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 350shots Yes Yes No

    Olympus E-PL1 Video Features

    With Olympus E-PL1, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1280 x 720 at 30 fps and save in and Motion JPEG formats. 1280 x 720 is a low video resolution by todays standards. If video quality is important for you, we recommend you to look at cameras with Full HD, even better 4K / Ultra-HD resolution .

    E-PL1 has a built-in Stereo microphone but no speaker.
    Olympus E-PL1 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Mirrorless camera with external microphone connectivity, consider or in a similar price range.

    Olympus E-PL1 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Olympus E-PL1 can shoot continuously at max speed of 3 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec.

    Flash

    E-PL1 has a built-in flash, and it also has a flash shoe to mount your external flashes too.

    Focusing

    Olympus E-PL1 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 11 points to choose from.

    Olympus E-PL1 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Olympus E-PL1 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Olympus E-PL1 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Image Stabilization
    Electronic (Optional) Optional Viewfinder
    Face Detection Focusing
    11 Focus Points
    334g Light Body
    Flash Sync Port
    Report a correction

    Buy Olympus E-PL1 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Articulating Screen
    No Full HD Video
    No Touch Screen
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    x magnification - Small Viewfinder
    Low Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    Max Sensitivity only ISO 3.200
    Small LCD Screen ( 2.7")
    Low Screen Resolution ( 230kdots )
    Low Max Shutter Speed: 1/2000s
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 3.0fps
    Low Battery Life: 290 shots
    No Environmental Sealing
    Poor Low Light Performance
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Olympus E-PL1 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Olympus E-PL1 in 5 different photography areas.

    Olympus E-PL1 for Portrait Photography

    Olympus E-PL1 has a score of 61 for Portrait Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Portrait Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Large Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
    Image Stabilization
    Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    Average Ergonomics&Handling

    Read the details of how we scored Olympus E-PL1 for Portrait Photography

    Olympus E-PL1 for Street Photography

    Olympus E-PL1 has a score of 81 for Street Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Image Stabilization
    Large Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
    Medium sized Body

    Read the details of how we scored Olympus E-PL1 for Street Photography

    Olympus E-PL1 for Sports Photography

    Olympus E-PL1 has a score of 58 for Sports Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Sports is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    11 Focus Points
    Image Stabilization
    Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 3.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    Poor Battery Life: 290 shots

    Read the details of how we scored Olympus E-PL1 for Sports Photography

    Olympus E-PL1 for Daily Photography

    Olympus E-PL1 has a score of 68 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Large Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
    Medium size Body
    334g
    Body Thickness 42mm

    Read the details of how we scored Olympus E-PL1 for Daily Photography

    Olympus E-PL1 for Landscape Photography

    Olympus E-PL1 has a score of 35 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theE-PL1.
    Live-view
    Large Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
    Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Olympus E-PL1 for Landscape Photography
    Olympus E-PL1 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Olympus E-PL1 compares with other Mirrorless cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Olympus E-PL1 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Olympus E-PL1

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Olympus E-PL1 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Olympus E-P1
    Olympus E-P1
    Compare
    Olympus E-PM1
    Olympus E-PM1
    Compare
    Olympus E-PL2
    Olympus E-PL2
    Compare
    Olympus E-PL3
    Olympus E-PL3
    Compare
    Olympus E-PL5
    Olympus E-PL5
    Compare
    Olympus E-PL1s
    Olympus E-PL1s
    Compare
    Nikon 1 J1
    Nikon 1 J1
    Compare
    Olympus E-PL9
    Olympus E-PL9
    Compare

    Olympus E-PL1 Alternatives in DSLR Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Olympus E-PL1 with DSLR Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked DSLR cameras in Olympus E-PL1's price range.

    Nikon D200
    Nikon D200
    Compare
    Canon 350D
    Canon 350D
    Compare
    Nikon D50
    Nikon D50
    Compare
    Canon 300D
    Canon 300D
    Compare
    Nikon D70
    Nikon D70
    Compare
    Canon 10D
    Canon 10D
    Compare
    Olympus E-500
    Olympus E-500
    Compare
    Frequently Asked Questions about Olympus E-PL1
    Does the Olympus E-PL1 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Olympus E-PL1 have RAW support?
    Does the Olympus E-PL1 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Olympus E-PL1 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Olympus E-PL1?
    What is the Sensor Size of Olympus E-PL1?
    is the Olympus E-PL1 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Olympus E-PL1 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Olympus E-PL1 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Olympus E-PL1?
    What is the Weight of Olympus E-PL1?
    What are the Dimensions of Olympus E-PL1?
    Olympus PEN E-PL1 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Olympus
    Model Olympus PEN E-PL1
    Announced 2010-05-17
    Body Type Rangefinder-style mirrorless
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount Micro Four Thirds
    Number of Lenses 107
    Focal Length Multiplier 2×
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Technology HyperCrystal LCD AR (Anti-Reflective) coating
    Screen Size 2.7"
    Screen Resolution 230k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Electronic (optional)
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 60s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 3.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 10.00 m
    Max Flash Sync 1/160s
    Flash Modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync, Manual (3 levels)
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score 54
    DxO Color Depth 21.5
    DxO Dynamic Range 10.1
    DxO Low Light ISO 487
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size Four Thirds
    Sensor Dimensions 17.3 x 13 mm
    Sensor Area 224.90mm2
    Sensor Resolution 12 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4032 x 3024
    Max Native ISO 3,200
    Min Native ISO 100
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 11
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1280 x 720
    Video Formats Motion JPEG
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 334g
    Physical Dimensions 115 x 72 x 42mm
    Battery Life 290 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model BLS-1
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 12 sec)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC card
    Storage Slots 1


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