69%
Silver Award
|
|
|||
 |
|
|
69%
Silver Award
Reviewed:
Apr 2010
|
The E-P2 is a relatively minor upgrade to the E-P1, with the addition of a port for a new high resolution electronic viewfinder (or external microphone), two new Art filters and a pearlescent black finish. It also gains AF tracking and includes a new i-Enhance 'colour boosting' function. The E-P2 represents almost as subtle an enhancement as the company's E-450 does, compared to the remarkably similar E-420. The two models will sell alongside each other, with all E-P2 kits including the plug-in viewfinder. Although at first glance the E-P2 seems remarkably similar to the E-P1, Olympus has done a lot to address the concerns we had about the first-generation model.
In our testing, the E-P2 is a great improvement over the E-P1 when originally launched and is now able to focus lenses as quickly as the best mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. The other major change made to the E-P2 also improves the camera significantly. The addition of an accessory port isn't usually the sort of thing that excites us but, when it allows the use of such a good electronic viewfinder, it does make quite a big difference. Image quality is up to the high standard set by the E-P1, with some of the best JPEG output we've encountered on any camera. Understandably the high ISO performance isn't quite up with those DSLRs that have APS-C sized sensors but it's not far off.
| Quick links: | Announcement | Review | Sample gallery | Forum |
| Announced: | Nov 5, 2009 |
| Price range: | $480 - $600 |
|
Average rating:
4.46
|
|
Opinion: I have used the SLR (or DSLR) format my whole adult life. This "marriage" of the
interchangeable lens and point-and-shoot live-view formats is perfection. I use the
PEN E-P2 because it feels more "professional" and rugged than the all plastic
construction of the newer E-PL1. I have had no need for flash as the 6400 ISO is
sufficient for almost all conditions. I absolutely love this camera. While the Nikon
D300 has been my favorite camera until now (and it is a superb camera, no doubt),
I find I am more inclined to grab my Olympus PEN and take it anywhere and
everywhere. This is the use the designers had in mind and they certainly hit the
bulls-eye for me. Great product.
Problems: None...
Opinion: A cute small camera - similar to the Olympus Pen I own some 40 years. Quite responsive, and the EVF is very good (besides in low light conditions). The menu is quite simple but not intuitive. It handles white balance very good, even in incandescent light. Works great with Nikon lenses with an adapter.
Problems: Images are noisy, even at iso 100. Noise can be removed by post processing, but I was not expecting that noise level.
It's too expensive for what it offers.
The 14-42 kit lens is poorly built, resembling a P&S lens, not a SLR lens.
Opinion: The results from the PEN E-P2 are excellent, as good as those from the E-620 or E-30. This makes a great second, small camera for serious DSLR users that can be carried easily.
The 14-42 kit lens performs well, but the Panasonic F1.7 20 mm micro four-thirds lens is sharper--a must have, which allows this camera to shoot without a flash in most situations, including night shots. The electronic viewfinder works very well in bright outdoor light.
As reviews have noted, the focusing speed is slightly slow, so it is not suited for sports photography.
I have used it with the adapter, shooting with regular micro four-thirds lenses, and the results are excellent. I'm looking forward to the release of the new 14-150 mm micro four-thrids lens.
Problems: None
Opinion: Great Camera.
Reviews and specs
|
Galleries
|
Challenges
|
 | 22.3 megapixels 3.2" screen Full frame sensor |
