Olympus E-PL9 mini review

Does it have EFCS?  (sorry, too lazy to look up)  That's the main thing that I miss on my E-PM2.  I'm not sure why you and others have such a high interest in electronic shutter.  For the silent shooting ability?  Anyway, if Oly ever puts the 20MP sensor (with PDAF) in a E-PM body for $1,000 or less, I would buy.  Guess I may even accept E-PL body size.  But the downward tilting selfie screen does seem very awkward.

Philly wrote:

Does it have EFCS? (sorry, too lazy to look up) That's the main thing that I miss on my E-PM2. I'm not sure why you and others have such a high interest in electronic shutter. For the silent shooting ability? Anyway, if Oly ever puts the 20MP sensor (with PDAF) in a E-PM body for $1,000 or less, I would buy. Guess I may even accept E-PL body size. But the downward tilting selfie screen does seem very awkward.

Electronic shutter beside being silent gives you no shutter shock (very important with some lenses and high res mode), and the normal shutter isn't used meaning it will last longer.

magnesus3 wrote:

Philly wrote:

Does it have EFCS? (sorry, too lazy to look up) That's the main thing that I miss on my E-PM2. I'm not sure why you and others have such a high interest in electronic shutter. For the silent shooting ability? Anyway, if Oly ever puts the 20MP sensor (with PDAF) in a E-PM body for $1,000 or less, I would buy. Guess I may even accept E-PL body size. But the downward tilting selfie screen does seem very awkward.

Electronic shutter beside being silent gives you no shutter shock (very important with some lenses and high res mode), and the normal shutter isn't used meaning it will last longer.

Shutter shock is the main problem with my E-PM2.  That's why I want EFCS (Electronic First Curtain Shutter).  On subsequent Oly bodies like E-M1, EFCS is sufficient to eliminate shutter shock.  It's good enough for me.  I don't need electronic shutter--unless it's a global shutter.  In fact, I consider electronic shutter a disadvantage much of the time (rolling shutter, limited flash capabilities).  So it's always surprising to me that a lot of the GM enthusiasts are so keen for electronic shutter, and so willing to accept the disadvantages for the capability to shoot silently.  Or is there anything else?  I can't imagine that 1/16,000 shutter speed is an important capability.

Good write up. It's surprising how much value these cameras offer. I've had an E-PL7 for two years and I'm still growing into it!

Philly wrote:

Does it have EFCS? (sorry, too lazy to look up)

electronic first curtain? yes.

That's the main thing that I miss on my E-PM2. I'm not sure why you and others have such a high interest in electronic shutter. For the silent shooting ability?

Yes.  For the silent shooting.

Anyway, if Oly ever puts the 20MP sensor (with PDAF) in a E-PM body for $1,000 or less, I would buy. Guess I may even accept E-PL body size. But the downward tilting selfie screen does seem very awkward.

Yes, it is.  And yeah, this camera with a 20MP no AA sensor would be pretty great.

Philly wrote:

magnesus3 wrote:

Philly wrote:

Does it have EFCS? (sorry, too lazy to look up) That's the main thing that I miss on my E-PM2. I'm not sure why you and others have such a high interest in electronic shutter. For the silent shooting ability? Anyway, if Oly ever puts the 20MP sensor (with PDAF) in a E-PM body for $1,000 or less, I would buy. Guess I may even accept E-PL body size. But the downward tilting selfie screen does seem very awkward.

Electronic shutter beside being silent gives you no shutter shock (very important with some lenses and high res mode), and the normal shutter isn't used meaning it will last longer.

Shutter shock is the main problem with my E-PM2. That's why I want EFCS (Electronic First Curtain Shutter). On subsequent Oly bodies like E-M1, EFCS is sufficient to eliminate shutter shock. It's good enough for me. I don't need electronic shutter--unless it's a global shutter. In fact, I consider electronic shutter a disadvantage much of the time (rolling shutter, limited flash capabilities). So it's always surprising to me that a lot of the GM enthusiasts are so keen for electronic shutter, and so willing to accept the disadvantages for the capability to shoot silently. Or is there anything else? I can't imagine that 1/16,000 shutter speed is an important capability.

1/16,000 is important if you want to shoot with shorter DOF in medium to daylight.

Raist3d wrote:

Philly wrote:

magnesus3 wrote:

Philly wrote:

Does it have EFCS? (sorry, too lazy to look up) That's the main thing that I miss on my E-PM2. I'm not sure why you and others have such a high interest in electronic shutter. For the silent shooting ability? Anyway, if Oly ever puts the 20MP sensor (with PDAF) in a E-PM body for $1,000 or less, I would buy. Guess I may even accept E-PL body size. But the downward tilting selfie screen does seem very awkward.

Electronic shutter beside being silent gives you no shutter shock (very important with some lenses and high res mode), and the normal shutter isn't used meaning it will last longer.

Shutter shock is the main problem with my E-PM2. That's why I want EFCS (Electronic First Curtain Shutter). On subsequent Oly bodies like E-M1, EFCS is sufficient to eliminate shutter shock. It's good enough for me. I don't need electronic shutter--unless it's a global shutter. In fact, I consider electronic shutter a disadvantage much of the time (rolling shutter, limited flash capabilities). So it's always surprising to me that a lot of the GM enthusiasts are so keen for electronic shutter, and so willing to accept the disadvantages for the capability to shoot silently. Or is there anything else? I can't imagine that 1/16,000 shutter speed is an important capability.

1/16,000 is important if you want to shoot with shorter DOF in medium to daylight.

Fair enough.  I don't typically try for shallow depth of field in daylight.  But in my case, in those rare instances, I usually find myself in lighting situations that require the use of high speed flash--and a mechanical shutter.  And 1/8000 is good enough--for me.

The GM5 is the smallest last m43rds semi-pro camera.

Like the EPl9 it shares the 16MP sensor with an AA filter.

EPL9 benefits

- articulated LCD

- IBIS

- built in Flash

- faster operation

- JPEGS are better

- in - camera raw converter

- 1/4000 sec mechanical shutter vs 1/500

- built in flash

- flash sync to 1/250 vs 1/60

- Auto ISO can work in M mode, (GM5 doesn't have that).

- e-shutter doesn't lose about 1 stop DR in shadow region vs GM5's

GM5 benefits

- Smaller

- Better controls

- built in EVF

- much quieter mechanical shutter

- e-shutter works with PASM

- Better built

EPL9 advantages

- flash socket

- IBIS

- JPEG color

- LCD can tilt 30-45 degrees "back" so that you can shoot/frame over a crowd.

- e-shutter mode doesn't lose 1-stop aprox DR in shadow range

- mechanical shutter to 1/4000 vs 1/500

- flash sync to 1/250 vs 1/60

GX850 advantages

- LCD tilts in a much more sensical way for selfies

- Camera controls are overall faster

- No AA filter

- much quieter mechanical shutter

- e-shutter mode with PASM

Big expected advantage of EPL9 - simply better built. Within 3 months I had the Panasonic GX850 wheel "jittery" as if full of dust or something. This happened to my rear dial GX9 also (though not as bad but still). I am pretty disappointed that Panasonic didn't build better sealing with the dials.

Philly wrote:

Raist3d wrote:

Philly wrote:

magnesus3 wrote:

Philly wrote:

Does it have EFCS? (sorry, too lazy to look up) That's the main thing that I miss on my E-PM2. I'm not sure why you and others have such a high interest in electronic shutter. For the silent shooting ability? Anyway, if Oly ever puts the 20MP sensor (with PDAF) in a E-PM body for $1,000 or less, I would buy. Guess I may even accept E-PL body size. But the downward tilting selfie screen does seem very awkward.

Electronic shutter beside being silent gives you no shutter shock (very important with some lenses and high res mode), and the normal shutter isn't used meaning it will last longer.

Shutter shock is the main problem with my E-PM2. That's why I want EFCS (Electronic First Curtain Shutter). On subsequent Oly bodies like E-M1, EFCS is sufficient to eliminate shutter shock. It's good enough for me. I don't need electronic shutter--unless it's a global shutter. In fact, I consider electronic shutter a disadvantage much of the time (rolling shutter, limited flash capabilities). So it's always surprising to me that a lot of the GM enthusiasts are so keen for electronic shutter, and so willing to accept the disadvantages for the capability to shoot silently. Or is there anything else? I can't imagine that 1/16,000 shutter speed is an important capability.

1/16,000 is important if you want to shoot with shorter DOF in medium to daylight.

Fair enough. I don't typically try for shallow depth of field in daylight. But in my case, in those rare instances, I usually find myself in lighting situations that require the use of high speed flash--and a mechanical shutter. And 1/8000 is good enough--for me.

The EPL9 doesn't have 1/8000, but 1/4000. I believe same for the other Pens down.

Raist3d wrote:

Philly wrote:

Raist3d wrote:

Philly wrote:

magnesus3 wrote:

Philly wrote:

Does it have EFCS? (sorry, too lazy to look up) That's the main thing that I miss on my E-PM2. I'm not sure why you and others have such a high interest in electronic shutter. For the silent shooting ability? Anyway, if Oly ever puts the 20MP sensor (with PDAF) in a E-PM body for $1,000 or less, I would buy. Guess I may even accept E-PL body size. But the downward tilting selfie screen does seem very awkward.

Electronic shutter beside being silent gives you no shutter shock (very important with some lenses and high res mode), and the normal shutter isn't used meaning it will last longer.

Shutter shock is the main problem with my E-PM2. That's why I want EFCS (Electronic First Curtain Shutter). On subsequent Oly bodies like E-M1, EFCS is sufficient to eliminate shutter shock. It's good enough for me. I don't need electronic shutter--unless it's a global shutter. In fact, I consider electronic shutter a disadvantage much of the time (rolling shutter, limited flash capabilities). So it's always surprising to me that a lot of the GM enthusiasts are so keen for electronic shutter, and so willing to accept the disadvantages for the capability to shoot silently. Or is there anything else? I can't imagine that 1/16,000 shutter speed is an important capability.

1/16,000 is important if you want to shoot with shorter DOF in medium to daylight.

Fair enough. I don't typically try for shallow depth of field in daylight. But in my case, in those rare instances, I usually find myself in lighting situations that require the use of high speed flash--and a mechanical shutter. And 1/8000 is good enough--for me.

The EPL9 doesn't have 1/8000, but 1/4000. I believe same for the other Pens down.

Yes, I believe so.  I don't think even E-M5 bodies have 1/8000, but I could be wrong.  Even though 1/16,000 is not something I need, I do find 1/8000 useful; I have that on my E-M1.  Oly will surely add a few bucks to the price if they incorporate 1/8000 in a future E-PL body.  But I would pay, if they use the 20MP PDAF sensor.

Philly wrote:

Raist3d wrote:

Philly wrote:

Raist3d wrote:

Philly wrote:

magnesus3 wrote:

Philly wrote:

Does it have EFCS? (sorry, too lazy to look up) That's the main thing that I miss on my E-PM2. I'm not sure why you and others have such a high interest in electronic shutter. For the silent shooting ability? Anyway, if Oly ever puts the 20MP sensor (with PDAF) in a E-PM body for $1,000 or less, I would buy. Guess I may even accept E-PL body size. But the downward tilting selfie screen does seem very awkward.

Electronic shutter beside being silent gives you no shutter shock (very important with some lenses and high res mode), and the normal shutter isn't used meaning it will last longer.

Shutter shock is the main problem with my E-PM2. That's why I want EFCS (Electronic First Curtain Shutter). On subsequent Oly bodies like E-M1, EFCS is sufficient to eliminate shutter shock. It's good enough for me. I don't need electronic shutter--unless it's a global shutter. In fact, I consider electronic shutter a disadvantage much of the time (rolling shutter, limited flash capabilities). So it's always surprising to me that a lot of the GM enthusiasts are so keen for electronic shutter, and so willing to accept the disadvantages for the capability to shoot silently. Or is there anything else? I can't imagine that 1/16,000 shutter speed is an important capability.

1/16,000 is important if you want to shoot with shorter DOF in medium to daylight.

Fair enough. I don't typically try for shallow depth of field in daylight. But in my case, in those rare instances, I usually find myself in lighting situations that require the use of high speed flash--and a mechanical shutter. And 1/8000 is good enough--for me.

The EPL9 doesn't have 1/8000, but 1/4000. I believe same for the other Pens down.

Yes, I believe so. I don't think even E-M5 bodies have 1/8000, but I could be wrong.

EM5 MKII does, and also the Pen-F.

Even though 1/16,000 is not something I need, I do find 1/8000 useful; I have that on my E-M1. Oly will surely add a few bucks to the price if they incorporate 1/8000 in a future E-PL body. But I would pay, if they use the 20MP PDAF sensor.

I understand you may not need it, but it does have its use for some of us.  Agreed on the 20 MP sensor. IN fact, with PDAF also agree.

This is something I can't see the GM5/GX850 doing, simply because in e-shutter they lose 1 stop DR.

Left- original ISO 1600 exposure. Right is pushed +4 EV stops (which would be equivalent to ISO 25600).  Done in Silky pix developer studio 8 with white balance/noise reduction adjust.  DXo doesn't support the EPL9 yet, but they said it will happen in the future.

Bigger recovered image in Silky Pix.

Notice the original exposure is 1/20 sec, 25mm F1.8, e-shutter ISO 1600 exposure compensated down -4.0 ev in-camera. Basically this is *really* low light and not full spectrum light.

A recovery with Iridient Digital is similar but Silky Pix I have found is better at eliminating chroma noise.

Not quite the same shot as the framing is a tad different but you get the idea. Unfortunately in e-shutter mode you can't have any other WB other than auto.  Consider this is ISO 25600 @ 1/20 , F1.8.  Resized down helps but still a 2 megapixel shot.

Till Kamppeter wrote:

AFAIK Olympus has done away with the AA filter in the original E-M10, so I am wondering that the E-PL9 has an AA filter again. From where do you all know that the E-PL9 has an AA filter?

Further thoughts about the E-PL9.

Till

First I am not finding anywhere- particularly Olympus mentioning it anywhere (if you do by all means send that link)

Two- it’s a bit obvious from the output

Till Kamppeter wrote:

EFCS you can get in PASM, by choosing the diamond-marked versions of the settings under the drive modes (down arrow button). Only silent mode (full electronic shutter, heart-marked) is not available there.

Till

and it’s the inability of eshutter in the other modes what kinda sux0rs and could easily be fixed with a firmware upgrade