It was my first "serious" camera and I loved it back then. It's worth pointing out that it had a weaker AA filter than the higher-priced e-p1 and it produced sharper images (at the cost of occasional moire). Those 12 mp files were really very detailed (at low ISOs of course). On the other hand, it did suffer from shutter shock at certain shutter speeds. I have a lot of photos ruined by that.
I know this is an old video but I've just come across it. I have to say, you're breaking my heart Robin and doing this little beauty an injustice! The autofocus is definitely slow, I'll give you that, however, it's nearly always accurate. I've been mainly a Pentax shooter over the years and I've owned almost all of their DSLRs. I've also owned some Nikon, Sony and Canon camera's too. Over the last 5 years I've sold most of my gear off and only kept the ones I love. My current set up is the Pentax KP, the Panasonic LX100, an RX100, the Olympus E-PL1 and the Panasonic G2 as well as a few other odds and bods and a dozen film camera's. Out of everything I own, my walk around camera is the E-PL1, I love it. I nearly always keep my 17mm lens on it. I nearly always shoot jpeg and it's a custom black and white. I'll be devastated when it finally gives up! My KP is probably my least used camera 🤷♂️, which is odd, as it's my newest and most expensive but it's just not as much fun! The E-PL1 can often be picked up for as little as £30, £40 with the lens and I've recommended it to a few folk. It's a great wee camera 🙂
I bought the E-PL9 in March as my "lockdown sanity saver" after my Sony RX100 (MK1) packed in. The E-PL9 is a fantastic little camera and has really got me back into photography in a big way. It's also cost me a lot of money buying lenses and accessories though! I'm glad I didn't go for another Sony RX model, this Olympus feels like a "real" camera. I need to save up for the OMD EM5 MK3 now - wish me luck! Thanks for all your video's Robin, they helped sway me away from Sony to Olympus. Keep up the great work, it's very much appreciated.
Same here. Happy EPL 9 owner here. I have also spent 1000+ bucks on lenses, all of them used though. To use zuiko 7-14mm pro and my older zuiko lens, I have made the plunge of buying em1 mk2.:)
@@dayeah765caoni3 I'm also very tempted by the EM1 MK2 .. just not sure about the size / weight difference over the EM5 MK3? Not had chance to try either of them hands on yet. Both have pro's and con's too. How have you found the EM1 going from the E-LP9?
@@dayeah765caoni3 I have the same story with the E-PL8. I too recently bought an E-M1 Mark II, but I still use the E-PL8 all the time for street photography as it's so small and pocketable and has the tilt screen. The E-PL8 was the last one that supported the VF-4 attachable EVF, which on bright days is a lifesaver. And its image quality is superb.
The E-PL1 was my first serious digital camera. I bought it used to shoot it with vintage manual lenses which was difficult. Only the purchese of the EVF saved me. It did cost more than the body. I never shot it as much as I intended to with classic manual lenses but it got good use with a Sigma 19mm Art lens. I still have both. Thanks for a great look back in time.
I still use my e-pl1 a lot! Even though I have other m43 cameras (em-5, em--10 III and epl-5). I love my epl1 with manual focus lenses and the B+W art filter. Set it to F8, and prefocus to the hyperfocal distance (eg 30ft on a 35mm lens) and you have a SUPERB street photography camera. Small and unintimidating like a point and shoot, gives you useable JPG's straight from the camera with the option to post process the RAW files if you like.
I have this camera and I love it. Its the camera I use to experiment and play around on. I have so many pictures of seemingly random things in my life. Seems stupid, but not only have I honed my skills on it, but looking back on the pictures, I'm given a window to look back on certain periods of my life. They may be mundane pictures to most, but to me they take me back to parts of my life like no other reminder can. I also love throwing on old/manual lenses to play around, and even more recently, adapting c mount lens to get some real funky optical effects. So much fun!
Thinking of this camera as a cheap holiday camera, and after watching your videos on the Olympus EM5, your review has been very informative in helping me to decide. Thank you.
Love your channel! Very interesting videos and you are so friendly, this is perfect, thank you👍🏻 I have E-PL1, E-PL5 and E-PL7. But i still enjoy my E-PL1.
I bought an E-PL1 last year as a trial to see if I would like M43 after tiring of the ever increasing size of APS-C and FF cameras. It seemed to be a very cheap way to put my toe in the water, in fact I paid around £35 for one with a kit lens. I was so impressed I quickly added an E-PL7 and then sold my DSLR and bought a O-MD - e-m5 mkii and a few other lenses! I thought I'd sell the E-PL1 but I actually quite like the more imperfect images it produces. I am a surveyor and often crawl around old buildings (often literally!) and it's good to have an old small camera that I don't need to worry about that I can stuff in my pocket so I still have it! Thanks for the great videos, Robin!
Back in the days, i really wanted one but wasn't able to get it at that time. I think this is one of the reasons why i started to like and follow Olympus cameras.... few years later was able to get my 2nd OM-D camera and i absolutely love it.
I still use my E-PL1 regularly, paired now with the SLR Magic 8mm f/4 rectilinear manual lens. The Olympus is sufficient for this inexpensive super-wide-angle, keeping me from having to reconfigure my E-M1 or E-M5 whenever I want an extreme wide shot. The setup is small, and I can easily tuck it in my camera bag. I liked the camera 10 years ago, and it still performs just as well now as then, so I figured why not continue to find a way to press it into service?!
I have one. My kids use it now. They never showed much enthusiasm for photography with the epl1. I took them out to the zoo last week and put an EM5mII in their hands and that really piqued their interest!
Damn, your video made me feeling nostalgic. The camera was released in 2010, but back then it was so expensive to get one. So, I got mine in 2016 used for only 450hkd, didnt expect i eventially so attached to it. E-PL1 was an amazing camera captable of doing many even in 2020/2021, i shoot product photos with it, hiking with it, dating with it, and im getting married soon with it sitting inside my bag. Mine achieved the shutter count of 16k, LCD monitor and IBIS work just fine.
Enjoyed this video, Robin !!! I'm from India. Last month I purchased an used EPL 5 with 14 42 and I'm very happy with the handling and results.The images in your video are great😊😊😊
I owned one. It was a second camera along an APS-C DSLR. Later, I switched this 2nd camera to an E-PL5 that I found so great and good that I sold my Nikon gear (D7000 and lenses). This was the beginning of my story with MFT. Now I have an E-M1iii and a PEN-F and many lenses. Thanks to Robin to remind us how many improvements occurred in the past years and how lucky we are today with our current gear.
The E-PL1 introduced me to micro43 and I absolutely loved it. I shot in the IEnhance mode and found the jpgs the best out of any camera I had that offered an option of raw and jpg. The optional viewfinder was an absolutely necessity. When I moved up to an E-PL5 I found the OOC jpgs weren't as eye-popping as those from the E-PL1 and I used raw again. Several years after acquiring it I found the IS notification in the screen starting blinking and I knew I wasn't going to send it to be fixed so I tested it to see if it still worked, and it did. The blinking was merely annoying. I have since acquired 5 other Olympus bodies, all of which have given me great joy and which keep me saying micro43 with Olympus is my favorite system, a total joy to use. I have had no trouble with any of them, except for the IS indication blinking in the E-PL1.
Enjoyed my E-PL1 - unfortunately it died when I dropped it on an NZ trip. Don't forget in the generation 5 series, my Ruby PEN E-PM2 and your PEN E-P5 are still great cameras
I just got an E PL-1...mostly because of the price point. $80 with the 40-150mm lens. I love it. It is taking me sometime to learn the camera, but I have taken some very cool images. I will eventually switch it up...there are some features that bug me about it. I can't see the screen very well, especially outdoors. I cant afford the viewfinder for it. I had to build a shutter release mount because it doesn't support the remote...focusing with manual vintage lenses is hit and miss. But coming from an amateur standpoint, I think this camera has upped my game from the old fuji point and shoot I was using. It is a great camera for learning the ropes of micr0 4/3. Olympus does have great color and I love the supercontrol feature. I will probably get an omd series when I can afford one...unless someone has one to donate to me..lol. Thanks for your videos btw...I have learned a lot from you!
I have a little later model E-PL3. I think the sensor is same. AF in E-PL3 is better. So is the screen. I still use the camera sometimes. It's in good condition. Most of the time I take photos with E-PL8.
Hi Robin. Thank you for great review. Few days ago I became an owner, a proud owner of epl6 a camera for 25€ in mint condition. I bought it because back in a day I bought Olympus 45mm f1.8 lens and actually never used it because I never owned MFT camera. Yes I have rent many different professional MFT cameras for many projects, but never used that lens as rented cameras always was rented with lenses. That way a brand new lens was collecting dust on the shelf in my office till the day I saw this jem just for 25€. It is perfect camera that I have used for street photography and to take some behind the scenes shots of my projects. It is awesome camera even for 2022 especially for 25€ in mint condition 😎
Love this review. I used an Olympus E-PL7, with manual focus vintage lens and a focal reducer. It really did a lot for my event photography business. In fact, I would credit that camera with the development of my "reputation" in the Hollywood event scene. Using f1.4 lenses with the reducer effectively allowed me the light gathering of f 1.0 and gave me distinguished looks on my photos. I am looking to get the 40-150 f2.8 lens for this camera. I never utilized the auto focus. It would be great it you can do a review of "older" cameras with the "latest" lens combo. This is also in preparation of the possible purchase on the just introduced OM-1. I am currently using the Canon DSLR (7D2), ultimately decided that AF was too much to overcome vs manual focusing. looking to switch to Canon RF, or get into the Olympus OM-1 eco system. The 40-150mm f2.8 will be the deciding factor.
This was the camera that got me (happily) locked into m4/3. It was only replaced 4 yrs ago by my em 10 mark iii and then the em5 mark iii. I still have it and it's slow kit lens. It takes great photos. Loved the colors.
Still using my E-PL3, and loving it. I can't see it going any time soon, especially with the ease of the SCP to change anything! It sits in an 'Ever-Ready' case, with two spare batteries in a battery case, and tends to be used as a grab-and-go camera, often for walking. For low light it's a bit wanting, but for those occasions I've got a GF6 and EM10 iii I can use. Oh, and the E510 is retired to Infra-red...
Hi Robin and thank you. As I can see at 5:00, the blinking IS1 symbol on your Olympus E-PL1 camera display, the image stabilization was dead. However, the camera performance is great in daylight conditions.
Robin I still enjoy all your video reviews. I actually got this exact camera about 3 years back for $25 or so at a pawn shop and was amazed that it works perfectly still. I keep it in my bag along with my OMD EM10Mii as my EDC kit. I have APSC DSLR and mirrorless as well as 2 full frame but I like how simple these are to use and take great pictures.
Treated myself to the E-PL1 for my birthday in December 2010 when I found one on offer. Was immediately impressed by the OOC colours and this got me hooked on micro four-thirds. I followed this a few years later with an E-PL3, and the after several more years E-M5 mk II and E-M10 mk II. Still got the E-PL1 which looks almost new, and I do occasionally use it. Maybe after watching this video, I should get it out of storage and start using it more often? But then what would I do with the faulty EM10 mk II I bought during lockdown and fixed (apart from a non-working flash), which is a better performer? Enjoy your holiday, Robin
It was my first ILC, changed it for an E-PM2 with optional EVF but lost it. Then I bought an E-PL3 that I still use for street photography (great for that, the small size and tilting screen are perfect) or along with my M10 Mk II when going to places were I don't want to change lenses. Still tempted to buy an EVF for it.
YES, I have one which I take out occasionally. I replaced it with a EM10 mk1 which I still use. I keep getting tempted by newer ones but I like the images I get from the em10 and it makes me reluctant to retire it!
My first digital ILS camera was a Pen E-PL1. It had the nasty habit of not wanting to turn on properly. Always thought I didn't have a lens attached. Then I upgraded to the Pen E-PL5, which was a fine camera. I also had the optional viewfinder that would flip up. I loved that feature. When I wanted to step up to a 20MP camera from the E-PL5 I bought a Pany GX8 because it had a flip up view finder. Still my favorite thing about that camera.
My first Olympus camera, the E-P3, still works, and I still occasionally use it for 2nd camera gear shots. It is seriously banged up after 9 years, with cracked screen when I managed to drop it right on the corner of a metal table. But the screen and the add-on viewfinder still work and still make good pictures.
Thanks Robin, another great video. I too have an E-PL1, OK my sister uses it now. I agree with all you say about it. I did get some great images from mine and even experimented with old M42 screw thread lenses in particular a Carl Zeiss Jena 50mm F2.8 Tessar lens and obtained excellent results! Yes auto focus was slow and even with the 12-40mm pro lens but actually handled quite well with that lens. A great fun camera that can be have at throw away prices now. Yes I too advise going for a newer E-PL camera such as the 5 or 7 but if you are on an absolute budget try saving up or opting for the E-PL3 with faster auto focus and tilt screen or E-M5 as you state. I mis using the small camera though at times but my E-M5 MkII is a quantum leap over the E-PL1. Thank you again.
Another great Video! This is a great little camera and can be found very inexpensively! My current E-PL1 cost only $48usd! I have an E-PL9 and E-M1's.... didn't really need this one but such a great small body for banging around on day hikes. The camera is only part of the equation... my lenses with it make it a great deal! Love the Pen series...
What great video Robin. I almost bought this camera when I wanted to start using a mirrorless camera. Lucky at that moment, I came across your video about the original OMD EM5 and immediately bought the camera after watching your video. And unknowingly to this day I love my camera more and more because even though it is an old camera (2012), but with the combination of Mzuiko 70-300mm II lens, it can still produce beautiful and sharp pictures for my birdwatching photography. Thank you so much. Stay safe and greeting from Singapore.
I just watched this after finding my E-PL1 unboxed sine I had it long time back as I liked the blue color of the body. I feel you were not fair at all the waybyou reviewed this model. I think you should have put your mind go back in time and said how good this camera was when it was released. 😮
Didn't have one of these but my first M4/3 camera was an EPL7. I still love it - can take some great photos particularly if you use a decent lens (I used the Oly 25mm 1.8 with it a lot).
My first Micro 4/3s camera was the Olympus E-P3, still have it. I got it because I got sick of carrying around my E-3 or E-300, and didn't feel right about carrying them into places when we would go out as a family or birthday parties. Yet I still didn't want to compromise on pro grade. I am still upset that the hot shoe still doesn't work for flashes. I want to know why.
I sometimes take out my old E-450 (which was E-420 with a newer TruePic processor) and it still works great but I have to admit I was always rather disappointed with the Autofocus and the viewfinder is quite tiny. Still, I was very proud to have the back then smallest DSLR in the world (it's amazing that it is actually closer to the size of E-M1 than any other current camera) that helped me shoot more than my friends did and E-PL line is still keeping the promise of its portability with IBIS making a huge difference. I wonder if they would be able to fit the 5-Axis IBIS in them - whether they decided not to so because of the size or only to differentiate it enough from E-M10.
Still have more after 8.5 years, decent quality images under decent conditions. E-PM2 still a favorite, especially for a backup- it is so compact, very good quality.
Just ordered an Olympus PEN E-PL2 w/ 17mm? 2.8? & EVF on the cheap. Old Fuji, Canon M, Nikon SLR guy so this will be my 1st 4/3 rds. I don't expect magic but do expect great fun this coming week Thanks/ good vid! Rob Trek sent me.
I bought one recently on a whim at my local camera store. $30US. Well worth it; quite fun. I often use it with an adapted C mount toy lens, or the body cap fisheye. But with a good prime the sensor still produces nice sharp images.
It was my first interchangeable lens camera. And I liked it enough to buy a E-P3. That was a lovely camera. The E-PL1 was a little frustrating to use in any mode where you would need a dial.
I still use my GX1 with VF on occasion but my GF3 was boxed shortly after receiving it because I bought the GX1 within a month or so. The early 16 MP sensors were quite a bit better than the 12 MP sensors and those 16 MP sensors don't hold up well when compared to the current 20 MP sensors in the G9 and EM1-III.
I had an E-PL5 for hiking and loved it. Unfortunately I broke it but would have another in a heart beat. I used the Panasonic 12-32 and 35 -100 mini zooms for a lightweight kit. The image quality was amazing.
Just found an extremely beat up epl3 at a second hand store for 10 bucks, instantly bought it no questions asked, got it home, had no charger but I put 8v on the battery for a couple minutes, put the battery in and it turned right on, nothing much to break on a mirrorless
When I had a E-5 as a main camera, I bought a second-hand E-PL1 for very little money. I used it as a second body, as a light and small one and mainly to use the Samyang fisheye. The worst thing for me was the lack of any dial and so, adjusting the exposure was annoying. But all and all it played its role. I think it could work well attached to a telescope, since its an incredibly light body. I have to test it some day.
Thanks for an interesting look into the past. It would be interesting to see how something like the C-5060 hold up as well as that looked like an interesting camera as well.
This was my first M43 camera and it served me well. I sold it when I bought the original E-M5 because I felt I would not use it anymore and wanted to give it a new home.
The e-pl2 was my second MFT camera following the Panny G1 which I bought used on a lark. The e-pl2, which I used with an EVF, cemented my commitment to MFT (I was a Nikon APS-C user). Unfortunately, the e-pl2 developed an intermittent shutter lag problem, so I eventually got rid of it, but I still have an e-pl6 with a VF-4 EVF which is very much a "go-to" camera for me. I prefer the rangefinder body style, and Olympus seems to have abandoned the PEN-style space except for the e-pl10, which doesn't accept an EVF, so not for me, and no PEN F ii appears likely. Not sure what my future with Olympus will be, especially given the uncertainty associated with the JIP purchase. Time will tell.
Still use the EPL1 but I use it with Panasonic 20mm 1.7 prime lens - can get some decent images. Try it out. BTW I still have my Oly E300 DSLR. One of the first ones that came out
I have an E-PL1 which I bought as a backup to my E-M10 Mk I, and also because it was white. Then, of course, I had to buy a proper viewfinder to go with it. I love the camera, although it's not the sharpest tool in the box. In spite of your informative video, I do wonder why you could not have borrowed an example in better cosmetic condition with which to make the video!
Hi Robin This was the first mft camera I bought and I still have it in my collection. I also have a e-pl8 which I bought as you can attach an electronic viewfinder. I do have one query with the e-pl 8. Although in the menu it has ‘Light Box ‘ listed I cannot access it to compare images. Do you know how I can switch this on? Keep up the great work Robin I love your presentations
If you tell me, your beautiful images in the video were taken with the E-M1 III instead E-PL1, I would believe you. The thing is, even the old 12MP sensor with its lack in dynamic range and high iso performance delivers very good results in good light, especially when images shown on web like Flickr. And 12 MP are also most of the time enough sensor resolution for printing big which many people with high MP count cameras wrongfully think, is not the case. So if you expose and process your images carefully, you get wonderful results. I also like the OOC JPEGs from the E-PL1, much better than what Panasonic did with the G1. But ergonomic wise the Lumix G1 from that time is the much better camera with faster auto focus. I also like the E-P1 for its look and feel over the E-PL1. Otherwise your statement to get the OM-D E-M5, M10 or M1 is absolutely right if budget is limited. I still adore the E-M5 and E-M1 and use them regularly. See also my blog on this: gerrit-worldwide.spdns.de/olympus-om-d-e-m5-in-2020/
Hi Robin, what is that broken part called? Mine is completely gone. Ive cleaned the area from the sticky double sided tape. Going to find a replacement.
All of your recommendations are spot on, but I would disagree (first time ever) as to the camera’s image quality. The samples shown appear a bit oversaturated, overly contrasty, the black point exaggerated. My EPL1 still produces excellent, well-balanced and pleasing .jpg images with little or no post processing. ISO/noise limitations are a problem in genuinely low light and the overall biggest problem is the lack of an EVF in bright daylight. Yes, there was an add-on attachment, but I never adapted to it. Otherwise, the EPL1 still holds its own against the 10-12 megapixel consumer DSLRs of the era.
I still own one and its a lot prettier than yours, lol. I also have my first OMD EM5 and EPL5 both of which Ive taken recently to the Jungles of the Phiippines, Singapore and Japan and I still use both to this day, with the OMD being a touch better stabilization for video. I actually never felt the need to upgrade to higher megapixels as I simply used that money for some amazing prime lenses like the 45mm 1.8 prime lens(AMAZING) and a 12mm and 35mm both manual focus fun lens along with a dirt cheap 50 mm imperfect cinema lens for all my lomography needs that I use with the ultra fun quirky art filters. FUN FUN FUN... LOve ya Bro. Thanks so much for being so down to earth...
Robin, do you think that the first EM 5 is good in 2020? I finally found one in my country and goigo crazy, but still can't assure that it will help at my work
Hello I still use this camera, still work, but you’re right the AF mode so slow! I have a question, I’m planning to buy a lens for this like the AsIs Olympus OM-System E.Zuiko 200mm F/4 Prime Lens, will this work on my EPL 1 micro four thirds, or I need an adapter? Thank you so much!
hi i’m considering buying this just for recreational photography, stuff for my insta and memories. would i need the lens attachment to get like really clear photos cuz idk how old cameras usually work if they would come out grainy if i use just the camera
Just picking up any camera of that generation gives us an idea of the pace of innovation and competition in the industry. I expected olympus to keep up with the innovation they had displayed since then, perhaps camera manufacturers should focus on their strengths like ergonomics and freedom to interpret the images in addition to competing with smartphones for size or image quality.
I bought one of these new in 2010 for a trip to the UK.. Used it and put back in box and have not touched it since. What is it worth? What should i do with it?
Hi Robin, Thanks for sharing. Did you have compared jpegs from the body and jpeg from olympus viewer ? Can you see any improvment with the lastest version of the software ?
Picked one of these up last week and it takes some gorgeous pictures. My only problem is I can't figure out shooting in low light (inside) and get crip pictures. I can use the flash, but sometimes it gets that nostalgic look, which I'm not always going for. Any advice on settings for shooting inside?
Just got one, and no matter what I do it just has a card read error. Tried formatting a card, buying a new card. Nothing works. It’s clean and no corrosion in the slot for the sd card. Can’t get it to work. 😢
he has the same image stabilization problem as me on his camera LOL, Have you noticed any messing up in your compositions? and if i hook a lens with image stabilization to it will it use the lens's instead of the in-body?
I am still on holiday guys. This video was made last week. I am eating too much good food. See you guys next week!
jaga kesihatan pak robin😊
Hey!
I have one of these!!!
SHOUT OUT TEAM EPL1!!!
OLYMPUS FOR EVER!!!
I love my Pen E-PL1 and still shoot with it. It's not the gear; it's the photographer (not that I fulfill the second part of that equation).
It was my first "serious" camera and I loved it back then. It's worth pointing out that it had a weaker AA filter than the higher-priced e-p1 and it produced sharper images (at the cost of occasional moire). Those 12 mp files were really very detailed (at low ISOs of course). On the other hand, it did suffer from shutter shock at certain shutter speeds. I have a lot of photos ruined by that.
I know this is an old video but I've just come across it. I have to say, you're breaking my heart Robin and doing this little beauty an injustice! The autofocus is definitely slow, I'll give you that, however, it's nearly always accurate. I've been mainly a Pentax shooter over the years and I've owned almost all of their DSLRs. I've also owned some Nikon, Sony and Canon camera's too. Over the last 5 years I've sold most of my gear off and only kept the ones I love. My current set up is the Pentax KP, the Panasonic LX100, an RX100, the Olympus E-PL1 and the Panasonic G2 as well as a few other odds and bods and a dozen film camera's. Out of everything I own, my walk around camera is the E-PL1, I love it. I nearly always keep my 17mm lens on it. I nearly always shoot jpeg and it's a custom black and white. I'll be devastated when it finally gives up! My KP is probably my least used camera 🤷♂️, which is odd, as it's my newest and most expensive but it's just not as much fun! The E-PL1 can often be picked up for as little as £30, £40 with the lens and I've recommended it to a few folk. It's a great wee camera 🙂
I bought the E-PL9 in March as my "lockdown sanity saver" after my Sony RX100 (MK1) packed in. The E-PL9 is a fantastic little camera and has really got me back into photography in a big way. It's also cost me a lot of money buying lenses and accessories though! I'm glad I didn't go for another Sony RX model, this Olympus feels like a "real" camera. I need to save up for the OMD EM5 MK3 now - wish me luck! Thanks for all your video's Robin, they helped sway me away from Sony to Olympus. Keep up the great work, it's very much appreciated.
Same here. Happy EPL 9 owner here. I have also spent 1000+ bucks on lenses, all of them used though. To use zuiko 7-14mm pro and my older zuiko lens, I have made the plunge of buying em1 mk2.:)
Also have the EPL-9! Great camera especially for street photo as it is so small and light! Now I'm looking for the Lumix G9
@@dayeah765caoni3 I'm also very tempted by the EM1 MK2 .. just not sure about the size / weight difference over the EM5 MK3? Not had chance to try either of them hands on yet. Both have pro's and con's too. How have you found the EM1 going from the E-LP9?
@@dayeah765caoni3 I have the same story with the E-PL8. I too recently bought an E-M1 Mark II, but I still use the E-PL8 all the time for street photography as it's so small and pocketable and has the tilt screen. The E-PL8 was the last one that supported the VF-4 attachable EVF, which on bright days is a lifesaver. And its image quality is superb.
The E-PL1 was my first serious digital camera. I bought it used to shoot it with vintage manual lenses which was difficult. Only the purchese of the EVF saved me. It did cost more than the body. I never shot it as much as I intended to with classic manual lenses but it got good use with a Sigma 19mm Art lens. I still have both. Thanks for a great look back in time.
I still use my e-pl1 a lot! Even though I have other m43 cameras (em-5, em--10 III and epl-5). I love my epl1 with manual focus lenses and the B+W art filter. Set it to F8, and prefocus to the hyperfocal distance (eg 30ft on a 35mm lens) and you have a SUPERB street photography camera. Small and unintimidating like a point and shoot, gives you useable JPG's straight from the camera with the option to post process the RAW files if you like.
To make your dslr/m43's like a point and shoot, zone focus all the time.
I still own one of these. I love your personality, you seems like a very happy person. Great for reviews.
I have this camera and I love it. Its the camera I use to experiment and play around on. I have so many pictures of seemingly random things in my life. Seems stupid, but not only have I honed my skills on it, but looking back on the pictures, I'm given a window to look back on certain periods of my life. They may be mundane pictures to most, but to me they take me back to parts of my life like no other reminder can.
I also love throwing on old/manual lenses to play around, and even more recently, adapting c mount lens to get some real funky optical effects. So much fun!
Thinking of this camera as a cheap holiday camera, and after watching your videos on the Olympus EM5, your review has been very informative in helping me to decide. Thank you.
I have it and I'm still amazed with the image quality ad colors despite only using the kit lens.
Love your channel! Very interesting videos and you are so friendly, this is perfect, thank you👍🏻 I have E-PL1, E-PL5 and E-PL7. But i still enjoy my E-PL1.
I bought an E-PL1 last year as a trial to see if I would like M43 after tiring of the ever increasing size of APS-C and FF cameras. It seemed to be a very cheap way to put my toe in the water, in fact I paid around £35 for one with a kit lens. I was so impressed I quickly added an E-PL7 and then sold my DSLR and bought a O-MD - e-m5 mkii and a few other lenses! I thought I'd sell the E-PL1 but I actually quite like the more imperfect images it produces. I am a surveyor and often crawl around old buildings (often literally!) and it's good to have an old small camera that I don't need to worry about that I can stuff in my pocket so I still have it!
Thanks for the great videos, Robin!
Back in the days, i really wanted one but wasn't able to get it at that time. I think this is one of the reasons why i started to like and follow Olympus cameras.... few years later was able to get my 2nd OM-D camera and i absolutely love it.
I still use my E-PL1 regularly, paired now with the SLR Magic 8mm f/4 rectilinear manual lens. The Olympus is sufficient for this inexpensive super-wide-angle, keeping me from having to reconfigure my E-M1 or E-M5 whenever I want an extreme wide shot. The setup is small, and I can easily tuck it in my camera bag. I liked the camera 10 years ago, and it still performs just as well now as then, so I figured why not continue to find a way to press it into service?!
I have one. My kids use it now. They never showed much enthusiasm for photography with the epl1. I took them out to the zoo last week and put an EM5mII in their hands and that really piqued their interest!
Also, my 12-100pro looks ridiculous on the epl1!!
Damn, your video made me feeling nostalgic. The camera was released in 2010, but back then it was so expensive to get one. So, I got mine in 2016 used for only 450hkd, didnt expect i eventially so attached to it. E-PL1 was an amazing camera captable of doing many even in 2020/2021, i shoot product photos with it, hiking with it, dating with it, and im getting married soon with it sitting inside my bag. Mine achieved the shutter count of 16k, LCD monitor and IBIS work just fine.
Enjoyed this video, Robin !!! I'm from India. Last month I purchased an used EPL 5 with 14 42 and I'm very happy with the handling and results.The images in your video are great😊😊😊
I owned one. It was a second camera along an APS-C DSLR. Later, I switched this 2nd camera to an E-PL5 that I found so great and good that I sold my Nikon gear (D7000 and lenses). This was the beginning of my story with MFT. Now I have an E-M1iii and a PEN-F and many lenses.
Thanks to Robin to remind us how many improvements occurred in the past years and how lucky we are today with our current gear.
The E-PL1 introduced me to micro43 and I absolutely loved it. I shot in the IEnhance mode and found the jpgs the best out of any camera I had that offered an option of raw and jpg. The optional viewfinder was an absolutely necessity. When I moved up to an E-PL5 I found the OOC jpgs weren't as eye-popping as those from the E-PL1 and I used raw again. Several years after acquiring it I found the IS notification in the screen starting blinking and I knew I wasn't going to send it to be fixed so I tested it to see if it still worked, and it did. The blinking was merely annoying. I have since acquired 5 other Olympus bodies, all of which have given me great joy and which keep me saying micro43 with Olympus is my favorite system, a total joy to use. I have had no trouble with any of them, except for the IS indication blinking in the E-PL1.
Enjoyed my E-PL1 - unfortunately it died when I dropped it on an NZ trip. Don't forget in the generation 5 series, my Ruby PEN E-PM2 and your PEN E-P5 are still great cameras
I love this camera - not least because I have an adapter that allows me to use my old manual focus OM lenses.
I still use olympus EPL1 It is enough for me use with manual lenes
I just got an E PL-1...mostly because of the price point. $80 with the 40-150mm lens. I love it. It is taking me sometime to learn the camera, but I have taken some very cool images. I will eventually switch it up...there are some features that bug me about it. I can't see the screen very well, especially outdoors. I cant afford the viewfinder for it. I had to build a shutter release mount because it doesn't support the remote...focusing with manual vintage lenses is hit and miss. But coming from an amateur standpoint, I think this camera has upped my game from the old fuji point and shoot I was using. It is a great camera for learning the ropes of micr0 4/3. Olympus does have great color and I love the supercontrol feature. I will probably get an omd series when I can afford one...unless someone has one to donate to me..lol. Thanks for your videos btw...I have learned a lot from you!
I have a little later model E-PL3. I think the sensor is same. AF in E-PL3 is better. So is the screen. I still use the camera sometimes. It's in good condition. Most of the time I take photos with E-PL8.
i missed a lot with my epl3 . using this camera for my first wedding job.
Hi Robin. Thank you for great review. Few days ago I became an owner, a proud owner of epl6 a camera for 25€ in mint condition. I bought it because back in a day I bought Olympus 45mm f1.8 lens and actually never used it because I never owned MFT camera. Yes I have rent many different professional MFT cameras for many projects, but never used that lens as rented cameras always was rented with lenses. That way a brand new lens was collecting dust on the shelf in my office till the day I saw this jem just for 25€. It is perfect camera that I have used for street photography and to take some behind the scenes shots of my projects. It is awesome camera even for 2022 especially for 25€ in mint condition 😎
Love this review. I used an Olympus E-PL7, with manual focus vintage lens and a focal reducer. It really did a lot for my event photography business. In fact, I would credit that camera with the development of my "reputation" in the Hollywood event scene. Using f1.4 lenses with the reducer effectively allowed me the light gathering of f 1.0 and gave me distinguished looks on my photos. I am looking to get the 40-150 f2.8 lens for this camera. I never utilized the auto focus. It would be great it you can do a review of "older" cameras with the "latest" lens combo. This is also in preparation of the possible purchase on the just introduced OM-1. I am currently using the Canon DSLR (7D2), ultimately decided that AF was too much to overcome vs manual focusing. looking to switch to Canon RF, or get into the Olympus OM-1 eco system. The 40-150mm f2.8 will be the deciding factor.
This was the camera that got me (happily) locked into m4/3. It was only replaced 4 yrs ago by my em 10 mark iii and then the em5 mark iii. I still have it and it's slow kit lens. It takes great photos. Loved the colors.
Still using my E-PL3, and loving it. I can't see it going any time soon, especially with the ease of the SCP to change anything! It sits in an 'Ever-Ready' case, with two spare batteries in a battery case, and tends to be used as a grab-and-go camera, often for walking. For low light it's a bit wanting, but for those occasions I've got a GF6 and EM10 iii I can use. Oh, and the E510 is retired to Infra-red...
I still have an E-PL2. It is still of some use in decent light, but suffers greatly in less than ideal light.
I bought one last year for 30CAD! What I like is the sooc jpeg. It’s filmlike.
I bought an E-PL2 with the add-on EVF in 2012 and I still use it today. Unfortunately the IBIS failed a couple years ago.
Hi Robin and thank you. As I can see at 5:00, the blinking IS1 symbol on your Olympus E-PL1 camera display, the image stabilization was dead. However, the camera performance is great in daylight conditions.
Robin I still enjoy all your video reviews. I actually got this exact camera about 3 years back for $25 or so at a pawn shop and was amazed that it works perfectly still. I keep it in my bag along with my OMD EM10Mii as my EDC kit. I have APSC DSLR and mirrorless as well as 2 full frame but I like how simple these are to use and take great pictures.
Treated myself to the E-PL1 for my birthday in December 2010 when I found one on offer. Was immediately impressed by the OOC colours and this got me hooked on micro four-thirds. I followed this a few years later with an E-PL3, and the after several more years E-M5 mk II and E-M10 mk II. Still got the E-PL1 which looks almost new, and I do occasionally use it. Maybe after watching this video, I should get it out of storage and start using it more often? But then what would I do with the faulty EM10 mk II I bought during lockdown and fixed (apart from a non-working flash), which is a better performer? Enjoy your holiday, Robin
I love this little camera as an introduction to m4/3. My little video of it seems to show that it's still popular. Keep up the good work. :)
It was my first u4/3 camera after my 620 4/3.. followed by my PL5 and M1. Thanks for your honest review Robin. Be well.
It was my first ILC, changed it for an E-PM2 with optional EVF but lost it. Then I bought an E-PL3 that I still use for street photography (great for that, the small size and tilting screen are perfect) or along with my M10 Mk II when going to places were I don't want to change lenses. Still tempted to buy an EVF for it.
YES, I have one which I take out occasionally. I replaced it with a EM10 mk1 which I still use. I keep getting tempted by newer ones but I like the images I get from the em10 and it makes me reluctant to retire it!
My first digital ILS camera was a Pen E-PL1. It had the nasty habit of not wanting to turn on properly. Always thought I didn't have a lens attached. Then I upgraded to the Pen E-PL5, which was a fine camera. I also had the optional viewfinder that would flip up. I loved that feature. When I wanted to step up to a 20MP camera from the E-PL5 I bought a Pany GX8 because it had a flip up view finder. Still my favorite thing about that camera.
It’s still my favorite M4/3 camera especially with my Nikon 55mm macro lens. At home me point I had three of these. Lite and fun to use
My first Olympus camera, the E-P3, still works, and I still occasionally use it for 2nd camera gear shots. It is seriously banged up after 9 years, with cracked screen when I managed to drop it right on the corner of a metal table. But the screen and the add-on viewfinder still work and still make good pictures.
I am sure my E-M1mkIi will last forever until I manage to drop it in a river while trying to take a picture.
Glad you made this video 3 years ago. Just came across a used one locally, sounds like a pass at the asking price. Thanks Robin.
Thanks Robin, another great video. I too have an E-PL1, OK my sister uses it now. I agree with all you say about it. I did get some great images from mine and even experimented with old M42 screw thread lenses in particular a Carl Zeiss
Jena 50mm F2.8 Tessar lens and obtained excellent results! Yes auto focus was slow and even with the 12-40mm pro lens but actually handled quite well with that lens. A great fun camera that can be have at throw away prices now. Yes I too advise going for a newer E-PL camera such as the 5 or 7 but if you are on an absolute budget try saving up or opting for the E-PL3 with faster auto focus and tilt screen or E-M5 as you state. I mis using the small camera though at times but my E-M5 MkII is a quantum leap over the E-PL1. Thank you again.
Another great Video! This is a great little camera and can be found very inexpensively! My current E-PL1 cost only $48usd! I have an E-PL9 and E-M1's.... didn't really need this one but such a great small body for banging around on day hikes. The camera is only part of the equation... my lenses with it make it a great deal! Love the Pen series...
What great video Robin. I almost bought this camera when I wanted to start using a mirrorless camera. Lucky at that moment, I came across your video about the original OMD EM5 and immediately bought the camera after watching your video. And unknowingly to this day I love my camera more and more because even though it is an old camera (2012), but with the combination of Mzuiko 70-300mm II lens, it can still produce beautiful and sharp pictures for my birdwatching photography. Thank you so much. Stay safe and greeting from Singapore.
Yes at lower ISO this camera is still very good. I still have mine and an EP-2. I still enjoy them.
This was my first proper camera as an entry into photography - totally loved it before upgrading to and E-PM2 and then EM1-ii.
I just watched this after finding my E-PL1 unboxed sine I had it long time back as I liked the blue color of the body. I feel you were not fair at all the waybyou reviewed this model. I think you should have put your mind go back in time and said how good this camera was when it was released. 😮
Didn't have one of these but my first M4/3 camera was an EPL7. I still love it - can take some great photos particularly if you use a decent lens (I used the Oly 25mm 1.8 with it a lot).
My first Micro 4/3s camera was the Olympus E-P3, still have it. I got it because I got sick of carrying around my E-3 or E-300, and didn't feel right about carrying them into places when we would go out as a family or birthday parties. Yet I still didn't want to compromise on pro grade. I am still upset that the hot shoe still doesn't work for flashes. I want to know why.
I am still using EPL-1 with OM zuiko 28mm prime. Never have to worry about missing focus with a manual lens.
I sometimes take out my old E-450 (which was E-420 with a newer TruePic processor) and it still works great but I have to admit I was always rather disappointed with the Autofocus and the viewfinder is quite tiny. Still, I was very proud to have the back then smallest DSLR in the world (it's amazing that it is actually closer to the size of E-M1 than any other current camera) that helped me shoot more than my friends did and E-PL line is still keeping the promise of its portability with IBIS making a huge difference. I wonder if they would be able to fit the 5-Axis IBIS in them - whether they decided not to so because of the size or only to differentiate it enough from E-M10.
The E-M10 didn't have 5-axis IBIS, it says "only" 3-axis (the MkII, released in 2015, got the 5-axis upgrade)
@@AndrewSowerby This is exactly what I mean. The E-PL10 still has 3-axis. E-M10 is larger.
@@mateuszwnuk9136 ah yes, sorry, I misunderstood :)
Still have more after 8.5 years, decent quality images under decent conditions. E-PM2 still a favorite, especially for a backup- it is so compact, very good quality.
Just ordered an Olympus PEN E-PL2 w/ 17mm? 2.8? & EVF on the cheap. Old Fuji, Canon M, Nikon SLR guy so this will be my 1st 4/3 rds. I don't expect magic but do expect great fun this coming week Thanks/ good vid! Rob Trek sent me.
I bought one recently on a whim at my local camera store. $30US. Well worth it; quite fun. I often use it with an adapted C mount toy lens, or the body cap fisheye. But with a good prime the sensor still produces nice sharp images.
It was my first interchangeable lens camera. And I liked it enough to buy a E-P3. That was a lovely camera. The E-PL1 was a little frustrating to use in any mode where you would need a dial.
I still use my GX1 with VF on occasion but my GF3 was boxed shortly after receiving it because I bought the GX1 within a month or so. The early 16 MP sensors were quite a bit better than the 12 MP sensors and those 16 MP sensors don't hold up well when compared to the current 20 MP sensors in the G9 and EM1-III.
I had an E-PL5 for hiking and loved it. Unfortunately I broke it but would have another in a heart beat. I used the Panasonic 12-32 and 35 -100 mini zooms for a lightweight kit. The image quality was amazing.
for a small, inexpensive, extra camera a used E-PM2 is a good alternative
Just found an extremely beat up epl3 at a second hand store for 10 bucks, instantly bought it no questions asked, got it home, had no charger but I put 8v on the battery for a couple minutes, put the battery in and it turned right on, nothing much to break on a mirrorless
When I had a E-5 as a main camera, I bought a second-hand E-PL1 for very little money. I used it as a second body, as a light and small one and mainly to use the Samyang fisheye. The worst thing for me was the lack of any dial and so, adjusting the exposure was annoying. But all and all it played its role.
I think it could work well attached to a telescope, since its an incredibly light body. I have to test it some day.
Thanks for an interesting look into the past.
It would be interesting to see how something like the C-5060 hold up as well as that looked like an interesting camera as well.
This was my first M43 camera and it served me well. I sold it when I bought the original E-M5 because I felt I would not use it anymore and wanted to give it a new home.
The e-pl2 was my second MFT camera following the Panny G1 which I bought used on a lark. The e-pl2, which I used with an EVF, cemented my commitment to MFT (I was a Nikon APS-C user). Unfortunately, the e-pl2 developed an intermittent shutter lag problem, so I eventually got rid of it, but I still have an e-pl6 with a VF-4 EVF which is very much a "go-to" camera for me. I prefer the rangefinder body style, and Olympus seems to have abandoned the PEN-style space except for the e-pl10, which doesn't accept an EVF, so not for me, and no PEN F ii appears likely. Not sure what my future with Olympus will be, especially given the uncertainty associated with the JIP purchase. Time will tell.
Still use the EPL1 but I use it with Panasonic 20mm 1.7 prime lens - can get some decent images. Try it out. BTW I still have my Oly E300 DSLR. One of the first ones that came out
I have an E-PL1 which I bought as a backup to my E-M10 Mk I, and also because it was white. Then, of course, I had to buy a proper viewfinder to go with it. I love the camera, although it's not the sharpest tool in the box. In spite of your informative video, I do wonder why you could not have borrowed an example in better cosmetic condition with which to make the video!
Hey my EPL1 is also broken in the exact same spot! 😂 Love this camera, I'm still using it a lot, mainly for my research fieldwork
Hi Robin
This was the first mft camera I bought and I still have it in my collection. I also have a e-pl8 which I bought as you can attach an electronic viewfinder. I do have one query with the e-pl 8. Although in the menu it has ‘Light Box ‘ listed I cannot access it to compare images. Do you know how I can switch this on?
Keep up the great work Robin I love your presentations
If you tell me, your beautiful images in the video were taken with the E-M1 III instead E-PL1, I would believe you. The thing is, even the old 12MP sensor with its lack in dynamic range and high iso performance delivers very good results in good light, especially when images shown on web like Flickr. And 12 MP are also most of the time enough sensor resolution for printing big which many people with high MP count cameras wrongfully think, is not the case. So if you expose and process your images carefully, you get wonderful results. I also like the OOC JPEGs from the E-PL1, much better than what Panasonic did with the G1. But ergonomic wise the Lumix G1 from that time is the much better camera with faster auto focus. I also like the E-P1 for its look and feel over the E-PL1. Otherwise your statement to get the OM-D E-M5, M10 or M1 is absolutely right if budget is limited. I still adore the E-M5 and E-M1 and use them regularly. See also my blog on this: gerrit-worldwide.spdns.de/olympus-om-d-e-m5-in-2020/
My mon just found mine when she was cleaning her house. I had fun shooting on it today!
I don't care, what this guy sells, I'll buy it to be this happy too! 😂👍😎🔥
I love this camera. My first pen
I just got the Olympus PEN E-PL1 in mint condition for 30 USD. It is good fun :P
Excellent colours and sharpness, Ioved so much the images 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Hi Robin, what is that broken part called? Mine is completely gone. Ive cleaned the area from the sticky double sided tape. Going to find a replacement.
12mp is good on an m43 sensor, it produces wonder images
All of your recommendations are spot on, but I would disagree (first time ever) as to the camera’s image quality. The samples shown appear a bit oversaturated, overly contrasty, the black point exaggerated. My EPL1 still produces excellent, well-balanced and pleasing .jpg images with little or no post processing. ISO/noise limitations are a problem in genuinely low light and the overall biggest problem is the lack of an EVF in bright daylight. Yes, there was an add-on attachment, but I never adapted to it. Otherwise, the EPL1 still holds its own against the 10-12 megapixel consumer DSLRs of the era.
I still own one and its a lot prettier than yours, lol. I also have my first OMD EM5 and EPL5 both of which Ive taken recently to the Jungles of the Phiippines, Singapore and Japan and I still use both to this day, with the OMD being a touch better stabilization for video. I actually never felt the need to upgrade to higher megapixels as I simply used that money for some amazing prime lenses like the 45mm 1.8 prime lens(AMAZING) and a 12mm and 35mm both manual focus fun lens along with a dirt cheap 50 mm imperfect cinema lens for all my lomography needs that I use with the ultra fun quirky art filters. FUN FUN FUN... LOve ya Bro. Thanks so much for being so down to earth...
Robin, do you think that the first EM 5 is good in 2020? I finally found one in my country and goigo crazy, but still can't assure that it will help at my work
Hello I still use this camera, still work, but you’re right the AF mode so slow! I have a question, I’m planning to buy a lens for this like the AsIs Olympus OM-System E.Zuiko 200mm F/4 Prime Lens, will this work on my EPL 1 micro four thirds, or I need an adapter? Thank you so much!
hi i’m considering buying this just for recreational photography, stuff for my insta and memories. would i need the lens attachment to get like really clear photos cuz idk how old cameras usually work if they would come out grainy if i use just the camera
Just picking up any camera of that generation gives us an idea of the pace of innovation and competition in the industry. I expected olympus to keep up with the innovation they had displayed since then, perhaps camera manufacturers should focus on their strengths like ergonomics and freedom to interpret the images in addition to competing with smartphones for size or image quality.
Love my EPL1. Excellent travel companion !
I bought one of these new in 2010 for a trip to the UK.. Used it and put back in box and have not touched it since. What is it worth? What should i do with it?
I use epl1 with reverse pentax f1.7its very good , iuse two led lanterns each side it gives me decent macro.ie eye of a needle almost full frame.
Hi Robin,
Thanks for sharing. Did you have compared jpegs from the body and jpeg from olympus viewer ? Can you see any improvment with the lastest version of the software ?
i have epl 8, and i love so much this one
Picked one of these up last week and it takes some gorgeous pictures. My only problem is I can't figure out shooting in low light (inside) and get crip pictures. I can use the flash, but sometimes it gets that nostalgic look, which I'm not always going for. Any advice on settings for shooting inside?
Have you experimented with the shutter speed? My pictures come out black when i use it at anytime other than midday even on 250 or lower
great video Robin!!
Hi sir olympus pen lite E-PL3 is good for this days? For photography?
I have it, auto focus is no good.....but WOW the images are stunning!! More than acceptable IQ
Slow, yes, but the images produced by the E-PL1 are wonderful.
Just got one, and no matter what I do it just has a card read error. Tried formatting a card, buying a new card. Nothing works. It’s clean and no corrosion in the slot for the sd card. Can’t get it to work. 😢
Does this camera have Focus Peaking, MF assist button and Zoom to focus peak available?
Hi! Whats is the meaning of that IS1 orange icon on the screen? Saludos!
he has the same image stabilization problem as me on his camera LOL, Have you noticed any messing up in your compositions? and if i hook a lens with image stabilization to it will it use the lens's instead of the in-body?
Yes thank you ❤️🙏