Product Listing

Olympus PEN E-PL2 - Better in Every Way

By Alvin Soon - 27 Feb 2011
Launch SRP: S$898

Conclusion

Conclusion

The E-PL2 is better than the E-PL1 in every way, but is it enough to go against the competition like the Panasonic GF2 which has a touch-screen and the Sony NEX-3 which has a larger APS-C sensor? Unlike those two camera lines, the advantage the Olympus PEN series  is its built-in image stabilization feature.

That adds bulk to the camera, but helps immensely when the PEN cameras are fitted with third-party lenses, which may not have stabilization built into them. That explains the PEN series' appeal to enthusiasts who want to mount third-party lenses onto the PEN series. Conversely, building image stabilization into the lenses instead of the camera makes the camera smaller, but the lenses bigger.

The official retail prices for the Olympus E-PL2 are S$754 (body only), S$998 (with 14-42mm kit lens), S$998 (with 17mm pancake lens), $1248 (with 17mm & 14-42mm kit lenses), the Panasonic GF2's prices are S$1099 (with 14mm kit lens), S$1299 (with 14mm & 14-42mm kit lenses), the Sony NEX-3's are S$899 (with 18-55mm kit lens), $999 (with 16mm & 18-55mm kit lenses). That makes the E-PL2 more affordable than the GF2 and more costly than the Sony NEX-3.

With the Panasonic GF2, you gain more user convenience with the touch-screen and iA (intelligent Auto) function. With the Sony NEX-3 you get better image quality in a smaller body but with larger lenses. So it's really a situation in the market today where you're spoilt for choice if you're looking for an entry-level mirror-less camera.

The PEN E-P cameras remain Olympus' go-to Micro Four Thirds cameras of choice for manual handling with their dedicated physical controls. With its smaller size, lesser controls and the new Live Guide, the E-PL2 feels best suited to someone who's looking for a more powerful compact camera than a smaller DSLR-like prosumer camera.

The conservative, yet modern looking Olympus PEN E-PL2.

The various color options for the Olympus PEN E-PL2

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9.0
  • Performance 9
  • Design 9
  • Features 8
  • User-Friendliness 9
  • Value 8
The Good
New control wheel makes manual control easier
Larger LCD with higher resolution
Good ISO performance
Fast and accurate auto-focus
The Bad
Interface menu could be more user-friendly
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