First, a general characterization:
The image quality of the PEN me their good Zuiko lens is at the level of entry-level DSLRs, in bright light and low ISOs partly on the Mittelklassse of DSLRs. Who as I like everything adjusts itself and has under control is also found immediately familiar as well as someone who prefers to rely on the very good automatic functions. Excellent image results with ease of use and good value - what more could you want?
Further details on the image quality were reviewed at some length here.
Limits:
* Of course, the PEN-concept also has limitations compared to DSLRs. Mainly they are in the speed of autofocus, slow moving objects already acquired the AF, but once "movement" starts, the PEN - even if the photographer with his experience still some can compensate - no longer with. So who photographed frolicking animals or sporting events on a regular basis has to wait how the MFT bodysuits develop or access to a DSLR.
* The AF works even in twilight astonishingly well (the PEN has no AF assist lamp and also their flash simulates these are not functional by stroboscope - that would be an important point for the next firmware update) wenns is really dim, the AF but often times hard, a little too find. My tests were doing all made with the 14-42 Kitzoom.
* Accuracy of AF: The AF points are quite large and sometimes can not determine exactly where the camera now hinfokussiert you. There are 2 stages in which you can reduce the AF. Simply read and to deal with, is worth it!
* If one is taking pictures on the screen instead of through the viewfinder, everyone must know himself. From a certain ambient brightness (strong sunlight) is on display - also as with all other cameras - becoming increasingly tenuous. There are electronic viewfinder, in principle this is a Mini-Monitor, on the one looking through a magnifying glass.
* There are fewer emergency buttons and dials than a DSLR, ie for a change of eg aperture, exposure compensation is a rare two extra button pushes necessary. After a short familiarization me does that very well out of hand. Again, except for fast-moving subjects for me that is no loss, it inhibits the operation speed but a little.
* For battery change a possibly screwed tripod plate must be removed. Who photographed often with tripod and plate like always leaves on the Cam, know what I mean.
* The picture quality of the camera is from (Olympus typical good!) 14-42 kit lens but then limited (which is found at Kitlinsen ...), but if you like ... there are better lenses.
* The FT sensor tends at higher ISOs faster than noise APS-C sensors
* Is incomprehensible why the possibility of remote release cable was omitted. You would be important for the HDR / Exposure and long exposures. The corresponding USB port is present and the other pens and cameras all E-System have the function.
Advantages:
* In addition to the excellent image quality impressed me the handiness. In the Jackentache the PEN only fits with a little effort, as long as you draufhat the trunk Zoom, but in a mini bag or fanny pack more I get into it - for me a huge advantage over the volume and weight of a DSLR.
* Especially at the PEN Street motifs falls to less, I experience that pedestrians have fewer reservations than if you show up with a big black box that you stick to her face - a not to be underestimated for more good pictures.
* The system is open at the top, ie:
- Almost any adaptability of all possible lenses. The experience with an old 35 or 50mm f1.4 with photographing with manual focus, you can not describe, you have to experience it yourself easy.
- If you want, makes excellent .jpgs and good it is
- Who has a RAW workflow or aspires, can also be the last of the images rauskitzeln.
- Who is one of the excellent Pro Zuikos or the MFT prime lenses off screwed ... but that requires personal time to try
* Fun factor: with such a - relatively - handy device to produce such images ...
* A gimmick even be mentioned: flashes on the ceiling with the built-in flash: you can at any angle from 0 .. 90 degrees to align unfolded flash the E-PL1 upward and flash so indirectly via the ceiling. In small rooms which gives a beautiful illumination.
* Even if the images out of cam already are very good, I want to encourage to deal somewhat with the (supplied bzw.kostenlos downloadable) Olympus Viewer 2. Quite easily can thus eg lens distortion corrected (in architectural photography very useful) or the tone curve to be adjusted (and many more around the RAW / JPEG development). With little effort you can the photos (also the .jpgs) add even more pizzazz.
Conclusion:
I think that camera purchase is always a compromise. Top quality in almost all application documents to reach a good and expensive DSLR and some kg glass waiting to be dragged around and are not spontaneously operational. On the other side of the spectrum, the Compact fits into your pocket, is unobtrusive, weighs next to nothing and is always at hand. Unfortunately, the image quality is too modest for my needs. The mirrorless system cameras as the PEN offer DSLR comparable image quality in a much more compact housing with certain limitations, will notice some "normal users" not at all and which can be compensated with some experience and good will to some extent.
The assessment is highly dependent on the personal Fotografiergewohnheiten and a willingness to lend equipment to be herumzutragen.Da I almost never take pictures of sports and fast-moving subjects, I often only the PEN doing. Otherwise the DSLR.
For whom the above limitations of the PEN system are not important, which is very well served with the PEN. For those who rely on fast AF, fast operation or accurate setting of focal points for which they may possibly be a supplement in "non-critical" situations.
Because of the restrictions could deduct a point, I forgive 4.5 * what then rounded a perfect score results, because of the flexibility of voice Gesamtkomzepts and because of the price / performance ratio.
