Olympus PEN E-PM2 Category: Entry Level Interchangeable Lens Camera / DSLR |
Despite its small size, the E-PM2 has plenty to offer. At the top of the list is very good JPEG image quality, and though it's unlikely to be a key feature for the camera's target audience, RAW shooting is available. The now-standard (and lest we forget - Olympus-originated) Art Filters are on hand too, and they're a lot of fun to play with. For those just learning to use an advanced camera and eager to tweak settings, Olympus' Live Guide mode is available at the press of a button. And of course, advanced photographers can find manual exposure modes in the camera menu.
The Mini was introduced to appeal to point-and-shoot owners wanting an upgrade that wouldn't weigh them down. It certainly satisfies this requirement. But as well as this main target audience, experienced shooters who just want a decent small camera as a second body should also pay attention to the E-PM2. It's small and compact, and it's still very much a point-and-shoot with a lot more options. But with a touchscreen, some ergonomic tweaks and the inclusion of some top-notch imaging components, the E-PM2 is definitely a more mature product than its predecessor the E-PM1. Essentially it's a slimmed-down OM-D - a camera we like very much indeed.
The EMP2 is still missing a few things that advanced photographers might look for, like a built-in viewfinder, but the AP2 port does offer the option of adding one (along with other accessories, although not at the same time) if your ambitions start to outgrow the E-PM2's 'out of the box' capabilities.
If you're interested in the E-PM2, for an extra $100 (~£100, going by street price in the UK), you could spring for the tilting LCD, external mode dial and removable front grip of the E-PL5. Photographers with larger hands may also find the ergonomics of the E-PL5 a better fit than the decidedly 'Mini' E-PM2, but there's not much in it.
As well as the E-PM5, if you're shopping around for a small ILC and you're not committed to the Micro Four Thirds system, Sony's NEX-series is worth a close look. Most significantly, the NEXs offer a larger image sensor, which some photographers will appreciate for the sake of slight gains in depth of field control and low-light shooting. But for casual photographers and enthusiasts looking for a lightweight secondary camera, the E-PM2 is definitely worthy of serious consideration.
Scoring is relative only to the other cameras in the same category.
Click here to learn about the changes to our scoring system and what these numbers mean.
Olympus PEN E-PM2 Category: Entry Level Interchangeable Lens Camera / DSLR |
Build quality Ergonomics & handling Features Metering & focus accuracy Image quality (raw) Image quality (jpeg) Low light / high ISO performance Viewfinder / screen rating Performance Movie / video mode Value | PoorExcellent |
Good for | Everyday 'auto everything' photography where speed, responsiveness and great JPEGs are what you need. |
Not so good for | More involved, critical work where the lack of external controls can make more 'hands-on' operation a little difficult. |
Overall score 77% | The Olympus PEN-EPM2 is a point-and-shoot mirrorless camera which does exactly what a novice will need it to. For more adventurous users, there's a lot of functionality hidden beneath the skin (including the image quality of the OM-D) making the E-PM2 a potentially very attractive second camera. |
There are 25 images in our Olympus PEN E-PM2 review samples gallery. Please do not reproduce any of these images on a website or any newsletter / magazine without prior permission (see our copyright page). We make the originals available for private users to download to their own machines for personal examination or printing (in conjunction with this review), we do so in good faith, please don't abuse it. Unless otherwise noted images taken with no particular settings at full resolution. Because our review images are now hosted on the 'galleries' section of dpreview.com, you can enjoy all of the new galleries functionality when browsing these samples.
 |
| Olympus PEN E-PM2 Samples Gallery (25 images) - Posted May 2013 |
Want to make
sure you don't miss out on any future articles?
Sign up for our free weekly newsletter!
Enter the 'Micro Four Thirds Talk' Discussion Forum
| $399.00 | Buy on GearShop | |
| $449.00 | Buy on GearShop | |
| $449.00 | Buy on GearShop | |
| $399.00 | Buy on GearShop | |
| $449.00 | Buy on GearShop | |
| $399.00 | Buy on GearShop | |
| $449.00 | Buy on GearShop | |
| $399.00 | Buy on GearShop | |
| $449.00 | Buy on GearShop |
Olympus E-PM2 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera [Body Only] Black | $390.39 |
Olympus E-PM2 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Black) | $422.39 |
Olympus E-PM2 16MP Compact System Camera Kit with 14-42mm lens, case, mini tripod, and memory card (Black) | $449.00 |
Olympus E-PM2 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Red) | $415.80 |
Olympus E-PM2 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Silver) | $415.80 |
Olympus E-PM2 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera [Body Only] Black | $390.39 |
Olympus E-PM2 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (White) | $415.90 |
Olympus PEN E-PM1 12.3MP Interchangeable Camera with CMOS Sensor, 3-inch LCD and 14-42mm II Lens (Black) | $179.99 |
Olympus E-PM2 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera [Body Only] Silver | $368.00 |
Olympus PEN E-PM2 Digital Camera Body & 14-42mm II R Lens (Black/Black) with 40-150mm Lens + 32GB Card + Case + Battery + Tripod + Filters + 2 Lenses + Accessory Kit | $599.95 |
Olympus PEN E-PM2 16.1 MP Digital Camera Body & 14-42mm II R Lens (Black) with 32GB Card + Battery + Backpack + 3 Filters + Lens Set + Tripod + Accessory Kit | $449.95 |
   |
|
Connect with dpreview
|
Comments