E-PL1 still a good buy?

[dexter-g]

hi i think it is still good buy. but i would say that as i just bought one at weekend for the same reason as you were thinking of buying one the price my one cost £270 epl1 14-42 mm ed lens it seems well made & so far easy to use a lot of button pressing but easy to understand. the art mode looks fun & would make a great family camera for that alone its worth buying.but theres a lot more to epl1 than i 1st though its very adaptable to lots of uses more so if you buy more lenses witch am not in rush to do yet but plan too. the AF is good in good light but not great but does hunt in poor light but you get round that i tested it at night at beach M 60 sec f22 & got some pretty good shots i thought for my 1st time use of it. the jpegs are good & bulb mode it can go to 30mins but you have to hold it my hand there is timer but you still got to hold the shutter by hand but am going to try use a a rubber & elastic band that or blue tack to try hold shutter down for over 60sec exposures but that about my only gripe about it you can get release cable for it but apart from that am finding it a good camera with good colours in jpeg too & i am happy so far as i too come from point & shoot cameras fuji s200 exr & nikon p6000 to 4\3 epl1 & so far not disappointed with my buy i hope you find that camera that suits you & I also think the lx5 & xz1 would be a better buy but at more cost but if you add the lenses you might buy then epl1 then epl1 would cost a lot more but good luck with your choice

 

[tedolf]

I made the jump from a budget compact to the E-PL1 about 4 months ago, firstly because I managed to find a great bargain - about 250€ for the E-PL1 with 14-42mm kit. I was also thinking of getting the XZ-1, but it was way too expensive - about twice the price.

I am fully satisfied from the E-PL1, which is my first "advanced" and interchangeable lens camera, and I utterly suggest, if you're low on budget, to get one; as I can imagine, most of the complaints about autofocus speed and rear controls come from whom has already had experience with the interchangeable lens world or have already worked with SLRs or m4/3 systems, and so it's totally understandable one demands similar or greater performance.

But in my opinion, since you're low on budget and coming from the compact camera world, once you get the E-PL1 you won't mind nuisances like these in exchange for the far greater image quality and versatility you'll gain with the m4/3 system.

My two cents: go for it.

Most compacts(I own a few) can auto-focus in low light better than E-PL1. BTW I own an E-PL1, it becomes very irritating when you want to take an important image and you are struck with the focus and subsequently miss that shot. If I am not mistaken I read somewhere even the latest E-P3 also suffers auto-focusing in low light.

not this agian. Please, no camera with an f 3.5-5.6 lens is gong to focus well in low light. As has been said many times before: i) learn how CDAF systemts work and you can AF in suprisingly low light; and ii) get a faster lens.

'nuff said.

The main strength of E-PL1 is its image quality in Jpeg. The weaknesses are:

1. Auto focus in low light

Not a problem if you know what you are doing:

2. Low fps

Why does anybody need more than 3 FPS?

3. sometimes obtain blurring images at speed 1/60-1/80

Laws of physics prevent sharp photos of moving objects at low shutter speeds. THis is camera independent.

Even with these weaknesses I still own it for its image quality, I use it mainly in daylight conditions and also non critical situations at night. I use LX3 at night if I need to take really important images. Now I also own a GF1 which I can depend on for night use.

With the right lenses, the E-pl1 has superior low light function compared to the LX3, etc.

Tedolph

 

[Makinations]

It is a very good buy. At that price I would get the XZ-1 over it, however. The rear LCD on the XZ-1 would put it over the top. The one on the E-PL1 is pretty crappy.

I want to transition from compacts to micro 4/3. I've always been a compact user. I was planning to buy the latest compacts (ie. S95, LX5, XZ-1) but I found their prices to be on the same range as the E-PL1. From looking at online shops, I could get the E-PL1 with a 14-42mm lens for $389 shipped. That's even cheaper than the XZ-1 and LX5.

With a budget under $450, is the E-PL1 the best choice?

 

[Adam-T]

BTW, amalric was right to mention the sharpness of the E-PL1 relative to other PENs. Unless the latest batch of PENs (E-P3, E-PL3, E-PM1) has changed anything

The EPL2 is identical in RAW (sensor wise) and seems the same in JPG , the funny thing is that the EP3 looks softer on the comparitor here than both

--
A Problem is only the pessimistic way of looking at a challenge

 

[453C]

hi i think it is still good buy. but i would say that as i just bought one at weekend for the same reason as you were thinking of buying one the price my one cost £270 epl1 14-42 mm ed lens it seems well made & so far easy to use a lot of button pressing but easy to understand. the art mode looks fun & would make a great family camera for that alone its worth buying.but theres a lot more to epl1 than i 1st though its very adaptable to lots of uses more so if you buy more lenses witch am not in rush to do yet but plan too. the AF is good in good light but not great but does hunt in poor light but you get round that i tested it at night at beach M 60 sec f22 & got some pretty good shots i thought for my 1st time use of it. the jpegs are good & bulb mode it can go to 30mins but you have to hold it my hand there is timer but you still got to hold the shutter by hand but am going to try use a a rubber & elastic band that or blue tack to try hold shutter down for over 60sec exposures but that about my only gripe about it you can get release cable for it but apart from that am finding it a good camera with good colours in jpeg too & i am happy so far as i too come from point & shoot cameras fuji s200 exr & nikon p6000 to 4\3 epl1 & so far not disappointed with my buy i hope you find that camera that suits you & I also think the lx5 & xz1 would be a better buy but at more cost but if you add the lenses you might buy then epl1 then epl1 would cost a lot more but good luck with your choice

Victor Borge would be extremely disappointed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF4qii8S3gw
--
http://453c.smugmug.com/

 

[453C]

The XZ-1 may have a superior screen, but it's up to Jason to decide if, among other things, rear screen image quality is more important than the IQ of the final photo. It's an easy choice for me.

It is a very good buy. At that price I would get the XZ-1 over it, however. The rear LCD on the XZ-1 would put it over the top. The one on the E-PL1 is pretty crappy.

I want to transition from compacts to micro 4/3. I've always been a compact user. I was planning to buy the latest compacts (ie. S95, LX5, XZ-1) but I found their prices to be on the same range as the E-PL1. From looking at online shops, I could get the E-PL1 with a 14-42mm lens for $389 shipped. That's even cheaper than the XZ-1 and LX5.

With a budget under $450, is the E-PL1 the best choice?

--
http://453c.smugmug.com/

 

[dexter-g]

do you think i care what Victor Borge thinks he is like from a lost world ok teacher

 

[ttan98]

I made the jump from a budget compact to the E-PL1 about 4 months ago, firstly because I managed to find a great bargain - about 250€ for the E-PL1 with 14-42mm kit. I was also thinking of getting the XZ-1, but it was way too expensive - about twice the price.

I am fully satisfied from the E-PL1, which is my first "advanced" and interchangeable lens camera, and I utterly suggest, if you're low on budget, to get one; as I can imagine, most of the complaints about autofocus speed and rear controls come from whom has already had experience with the interchangeable lens world or have already worked with SLRs or m4/3 systems, and so it's totally understandable one demands similar or greater performance.

But in my opinion, since you're low on budget and coming from the compact camera world, once you get the E-PL1 you won't mind nuisances like these in exchange for the far greater image quality and versatility you'll gain with the m4/3 system.

My two cents: go for it.

Most compacts(I own a few) can auto-focus in low light better than E-PL1. BTW I own an E-PL1, it becomes very irritating when you want to take an important image and you are struck with the focus and subsequently miss that shot. If I am not mistaken I read somewhere even the latest E-P3 also suffers auto-focusing in low light.

not this agian. Please, no camera with an f 3.5-5.6 lens is gong to focus well in low light. As has been said many times before: i) learn how CDAF systemts work and you can AF in suprisingly low light; and ii) get a faster lens.

'nuff said.

The main strength of E-PL1 is its image quality in Jpeg. The weaknesses are:

1. Auto focus in low light

Not a problem if you know what you are doing:

2. Low fps

Why does anybody need more than 3 FPS?

3. sometimes obtain blurring images at speed 1/60-1/80

Laws of physics prevent sharp photos of moving objects at low shutter speeds. THis is camera independent.

Even with these weaknesses I still own it for its image quality, I use it mainly in daylight conditions and also non critical situations at night. I use LX3 at night if I need to take really important images. Now I also own a GF1 which I can depend on for night use.

With the right lenses, the E-pl1 has superior low light function compared to the LX3, etc.

Tedolph

GF1(I own one now) can do it with its kit lens why can't E-PL1?

 

[Makinations]

So what are the IQ trade offs that make this an easy choice?

The XZ-1 may have a superior screen, but it's up to Jason to decide if, among other things, rear screen image quality is more important than the IQ of the final photo. It's an easy choice for me.

It is a very good buy. At that price I would get the XZ-1 over it, however. The rear LCD on the XZ-1 would put it over the top. The one on the E-PL1 is pretty crappy.

I want to transition from compacts to micro 4/3. I've always been a compact user. I was planning to buy the latest compacts (ie. S95, LX5, XZ-1) but I found their prices to be on the same range as the E-PL1. From looking at online shops, I could get the E-PL1 with a 14-42mm lens for $389 shipped. That's even cheaper than the XZ-1 and LX5.

With a budget under $450, is the E-PL1 the best choice?

--
http://453c.smugmug.com/

 

[453C]

do you think i care what Victor Borge thinks he is like from a lost world ok teacher

No, it's not ok. Dexter, there's a reason people use punctuation. In your short response, the lack of punctuation or proper grammar isn't much of a problem. However, if you expect people to give a damn about what you have to say, you might try posting something more readable than this mess:

hi i think it is still good buy. but i would say that as i just bought one at weekend for the same reason as you were thinking of buying one the price my one cost £270 epl1 14-42 mm ed lens it seems well made & so far easy to use a lot of button pressing but easy to understand. the art mode looks fun & would make a great family camera for that alone its worth buying.but theres a lot more to epl1 than i 1st though its very adaptable to lots of uses more so if you buy more lenses witch am not in rush to do yet but plan too. the AF is good in good light but not great but does hunt in poor light but you get round that i tested it at night at beach M 60 sec f22 & got some pretty good shots i thought for my 1st time use of it. the jpegs are good & bulb mode it can go to 30mins but you have to hold it my hand there is timer but you still got to hold the shutter by hand but am going to try use a a rubber & elastic band that or blue tack to try hold shutter down for over 60sec exposures but that about my only gripe about it you can get release cable for it but apart from that am finding it a good camera with good colours in jpeg too & i am happy so far as i too come from point & shoot cameras fuji s200 exr & nikon p6000 to 4\3 epl1 & so far not disappointed with my buy i hope you find that camera that suits you & I also think the lx5 & xz1 would be a better buy but at more cost but if you add the lenses you might buy then epl1 then epl1 would cost a lot more but good luck with your choice

Since you introduced the "teacher" label, I'll play along.
You earned an F. Please submit a rewrite for additional credit.
--
http://453c.smugmug.com/

 

[tedolf]

do you think i care what Victor Borge thinks he is like from a lost world ok teacher

No, it's not ok. Dexter, there's a reason people use punctuation. In your short response, the lack of punctuation or proper grammar isn't much of a problem. However, if you expect people to give a damn about what you have to say, you might try posting something more readable than this mess:

hi i think it is still good buy. but i would say that as i just bought one at weekend for the same reason as you were thinking of buying one the price my one cost £270 epl1 14-42 mm ed lens it seems well made & so far easy to use a lot of button pressing but easy to understand. the art mode looks fun & would make a great family camera for that alone its worth buying.but theres a lot more to epl1 than i 1st though its very adaptable to lots of uses more so if you buy more lenses witch am not in rush to do yet but plan too. the AF is good in good light but not great but does hunt in poor light but you get round that i tested it at night at beach M 60 sec f22 & got some pretty good shots i thought for my 1st time use of it. the jpegs are good & bulb mode it can go to 30mins but you have to hold it my hand there is timer but you still got to hold the shutter by hand but am going to try use a a rubber & elastic band that or blue tack to try hold shutter down for over 60sec exposures but that about my only gripe about it you can get release cable for it but apart from that am finding it a good camera with good colours in jpeg too & i am happy so far as i too come from point & shoot cameras fuji s200 exr & nikon p6000 to 4\3 epl1 & so far not disappointed with my buy i hope you find that camera that suits you & I also think the lx5 & xz1 would be a better buy but at more cost but if you add the lenses you might buy then epl1 then epl1 would cost a lot more but good luck with your choice

Since you introduced the "teacher" label, I'll play along.
You earned an F. Please submit a rewrite for additional credit.
--
http://453c.smugmug.com/

I have met ignorant people before, and I have met proud people before, but I have never met someone who is proud of his ignorance!

Well done!

Tedolph

 

[panpen]

XZ1 has a tiny sensor. I'm sure the op wouldn't post in this forum if he was interested in a sensor like that. I had a XZ1 for a couple of days. While the rear LCD is nice-er the image is crappy compared with a PL1. Everything was in focus from 2 inches up to 10 miles. Hideous.

 

[tedolf]

I made the jump from a budget compact to the E-PL1 about 4 months ago, firstly because I managed to find a great bargain - about 250€ for the E-PL1 with 14-42mm kit. I was also thinking of getting the XZ-1, but it was way too expensive - about twice the price.

I am fully satisfied from the E-PL1, which is my first "advanced" and interchangeable lens camera, and I utterly suggest, if you're low on budget, to get one; as I can imagine, most of the complaints about autofocus speed and rear controls come from whom has already had experience with the interchangeable lens world or have already worked with SLRs or m4/3 systems, and so it's totally understandable one demands similar or greater performance.

But in my opinion, since you're low on budget and coming from the compact camera world, once you get the E-PL1 you won't mind nuisances like these in exchange for the far greater image quality and versatility you'll gain with the m4/3 system.

My two cents: go for it.

Most compacts(I own a few) can auto-focus in low light better than E-PL1. BTW I own an E-PL1, it becomes very irritating when you want to take an important image and you are struck with the focus and subsequently miss that shot. If I am not mistaken I read somewhere even the latest E-P3 also suffers auto-focusing in low light.

not this agian. Please, no camera with an f 3.5-5.6 lens is gong to focus well in low light. As has been said many times before: i) learn how CDAF systemts work and you can AF in suprisingly low light; and ii) get a faster lens.

'nuff said.

The main strength of E-PL1 is its image quality in Jpeg. The weaknesses are:

1. Auto focus in low light

Not a problem if you know what you are doing:

2. Low fps

Why does anybody need more than 3 FPS?

3. sometimes obtain blurring images at speed 1/60-1/80

Laws of physics prevent sharp photos of moving objects at low shutter speeds. THis is camera independent.

Even with these weaknesses I still own it for its image quality, I use it mainly in daylight conditions and also non critical situations at night. I use LX3 at night if I need to take really important images. Now I also own a GF1 which I can depend on for night use.

With the right lenses, the E-pl1 has superior low light function compared to the LX3, etc.

Tedolph

GF1(I own one now) can do it with its kit lens why can't E-PL1?

GF-1 can do what?

Now can you post somthing that is responsive to my comments?

You do have the capacity to follow a discussion, right?

TEdolph

 

[453C]

Have a look at DPR's Comparometer:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/OlympusXZ1/page11.asp

While the XZ-1 is a good compact, it can't match the IQ of the E-PL1, especially at ISO 400 and above. Other review sites had similar results.

My point is that a camera's screen or viewfinder may be a factor when deciding between models, but its importance pales in comparison to the actual photographic output of the camera. You may feel the same way, but your post didn't indicate that.

The XZ-1 may have a superior screen, but it's up to Jason to decide if, among other things, rear screen image quality is more important than the IQ of the final photo. It's an easy choice for me.

It is a very good buy. At that price I would get the XZ-1 over it, however. The rear LCD on the XZ-1 would put it over the top. The one on the E-PL1 is pretty crappy.

I want to transition from compacts to micro 4/3. I've always been a compact user. I was planning to buy the latest compacts (ie. S95, LX5, XZ-1) but I found their prices to be on the same range as the E-PL1. From looking at online shops, I could get the E-PL1 with a 14-42mm lens for $389 shipped. That's even cheaper than the XZ-1 and LX5.

With a budget under $450, is the E-PL1 the best choice?

--
http://453c.smugmug.com/

--
http://453c.smugmug.com/

 

[453C]

XZ1 has a tiny sensor. I'm sure the op wouldn't post in this forum if he was interested in a sensor like that. I had a XZ1 for a couple of days. While the rear LCD is nice-er the image is crappy compared with a PL1. Everything was in focus from 2 inches up to 10 miles. Hideous.

Thanks, panpen. I pointed the way to DPR's Comparometer.
Its truthiness should sufficiently illustrate the point.
--
http://453c.smugmug.com/

 

[Makinations]

To a certain extent I do feel the same way. But I do find the E-PL1's screen to get in my way a lot. (The VF2 takes care of that issue but it is more $$.) If you can't see well enough with it to frame or focus the IQ will suffer.

The IQ difference between the XZ-1 and E-PL1 is definitely significant at mid ISOs on up. But at near base ISO the XZ-1's wonderful lens makes up for a lot. Now compare it to the E-PL1 with something like the 20mm f1.7 ...

While the XZ-1 is a good compact, it can't match the IQ of the E-PL1, especially at ISO 400 and above. Other review sites had similar results.

My point is that a camera's screen or viewfinder may be a factor when deciding between models, but its importance pales in comparison to the actual photographic output of the camera. You may feel the same way, but your post didn't indicate that.

The XZ-1 may have a superior screen, but it's up to Jason to decide if, among other things, rear screen image quality is more important than the IQ of the final photo. It's an easy choice for me.

It is a very good buy. At that price I would get the XZ-1 over it, however. The rear LCD on the XZ-1 would put it over the top. The one on the E-PL1 is pretty crappy.

I want to transition from compacts to micro 4/3. I've always been a compact user. I was planning to buy the latest compacts (ie. S95, LX5, XZ-1) but I found their prices to be on the same range as the E-PL1. From looking at online shops, I could get the E-PL1 with a 14-42mm lens for $389 shipped. That's even cheaper than the XZ-1 and LX5.

With a budget under $450, is the E-PL1 the best choice?

--
http://453c.smugmug.com/

--
http://453c.smugmug.com/

 

[tedolf]

To a certain extent I do feel the same way. But I do find the E-PL1's screen to get in my way a lot. (The VF2 takes care of that issue but it is more $$.) If you can't see well enough with it to frame or focus the IQ will suffer.

We have an E-pl1 and an E-pl2 in our house. I have used both. The E-pl2 supposedly has twice the resolution LCD of the E-pl1. If I don't have the cameras side by side I can't tell the difference except that the E-pl1 seems to resprsent colors more accurately. More WYSIWYG.

The IQ difference between the XZ-1 and E-PL1 is definitely significant at mid ISOs on up. But at near base ISO the XZ-1's wonderful lens makes up for a lot. Now compare it to the E-PL1 with something like the 20mm f1.7 ...

While the XZ-1 is a good compact, it can't match the IQ of the E-PL1, especially at ISO 400 and above. Other review sites had similar results.

My point is that a camera's screen or viewfinder may be a factor when deciding between models, but its importance pales in comparison to the actual photographic output of the camera. You may feel the same way, but your post didn't indicate that.

The XZ-1 may have a superior screen, but it's up to Jason to decide if, among other things, rear screen image quality is more important than the IQ of the final photo. It's an easy choice for me.

It is a very good buy. At that price I would get the XZ-1 over it, however. The rear LCD on the XZ-1 would put it over the top. The one on the E-PL1 is pretty crappy.

I want to transition from compacts to micro 4/3. I've always been a compact user. I was planning to buy the latest compacts (ie. S95, LX5, XZ-1) but I found their prices to be on the same range as the E-PL1. From looking at online shops, I could get the E-PL1 with a 14-42mm lens for $389 shipped. That's even cheaper than the XZ-1 and LX5.

With a budget under $450, is the E-PL1 the best choice?

--
http://453c.smugmug.com/

--
http://453c.smugmug.com/

Tedolph

 

[dexter-g]

tedophy. well done! for adding to my ridicule too. i also to have met some people! the type who sarcastic, cynical, unfriendly and rude.

But when you add a degree of arrogance that's tripping over themselves just to show me how much of a horrible person they can be.

That really must make you feel and everyone you know ever so proud. I only tried to answer op question about epl1 ( is it still worth buying ? ) as i just bought one. But also i know i can't add much to any debate on here. As i only have had cameras for about a year. And i know i have still got a lot to learn. But in this thread i could have a opinion, because i bought one.!! I don't think your input was much help either you gave photo's showing 3fps? asking who needs more ?.maybe some looking at your golf swing. I bet you own camera's that can shoot more than 3fps ? If so in a simple answer to your question YOU DO!! & YOUR LOWLIGHT SHOT'S were hardly lowlight when there's 5 lights shinning bright in the ground. And while am here 415c you harp on about words grammar punctuations but seem to missing letters in your name? And just like i might have difficulty writing and expressing myself on laptop I think you two have difficulty with manner's. You don't need to be educated to have them ! & remember what people come on here for to discuss the good & the flaws in camera's not human's

 

[Lights]

I think either the EPL1 or EPL2 are good values right now. The kit lenses are much sharper in good light than many would have you believe. If you like the look of blurred backgrounds etc. (which is debatable to some) with faster lenses you can get it more easily with the M4/3 as opposed to smaller P&S sensors. Legacy manual focus lenses are an economical alternative, and some are very good (I've got a bunch), many for under 100USD, and the use of them is very well implemented in M4/3. There are getting to be more and more quality len$es made specifically for M4/3 and some such as the Panasonic 20mm and the Oly 12mm,among others, seem very good, but expensive.

I'm not planning on trading my EPL1 in soon, although the EPL2 does have a few more bells and whistle, and would probably have shelled out the extra 100.00 if it would have been available back when. Also the 14-42 II lens seems somewhat better in performance (focus speed and lack of the "wobblies") and as has been said adapters for WA, Tele, are available for the 14-42 II, but the two seem about the same in IQ, so an EPL2 kit would be preferable in that regard. Regardles of how small these cameras are they aren't going to fit in a pocket comfortably...like an LX5 or XZ1. The XZ1 has a very fast lens 1.8 I think, about like my Oly C5050, and I've been able to shoot events indoors without flash at ISO 400 with that, and get surprisingly good results. The IQ on the Olympus EP(X) jpgs is pretty astounding. I think the EPL1 is a good buy, in relation the EPL2 is a better buy in my consideration, but if I had only 400.00 the EPL1 is still pretty good and not that outdated, since the sensor is still somewhat the same in the newer ones from all I've read.
--
http://www.pbase.com/madlights
http://barriolson.aminus3.com/

Like the Joker said: Why so serious?

 

[WC Wood]

--For some time, I've been wanting to upgrade from my LX3 to m4/3, but wasn't able to justify a new camera. But B&H had a great price on E-PL1 kit ($349), and I had read some good things about it, but had also read that it was kind of cheaply built. I ordered it, and was happy with what I pulled out of the box. Very nice size and feels solid and just right in my hands. I understand that it is not as solidly built as the E-P1,2,or 3, but it has the attractive PEN design, and is a bargain, esp. at that price. I'm used to the Panasonic interface from three cameras, so I'm still getting used to this camera.

W.C.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29320396@N05/show/
E-PL1
Digilux 2
LX3
FZ18
Nikon FM
AI 50 1.8
Leica CL w/40 cron
FED 2b
Exakta VXII