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Olympus PEN E-PL2 Pro Reviews

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reghardware‘s review Edit Like Unlike

The E-PL2 is a great camera. It's a huge amount of fun, is highly usable, and I'm a big fan of its retro design. It's also an enormously capable performer - simple enough that beginners will be able to pick it up and use it, while offering enough power for more advanced photographers to get what they need. For now, those looking for a mirrorless camera will be better off going for the cheaper Sony NEX-3, but that doesn't mean the E-PL2 isn't up there with the best.

8.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Mar 04, 2011

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www.whatdigitalcamera.com‘s review Edit Like Unlike

There's no denying that the E-PL2 is a welcome development over the E-PL1 and, in many ways, is the most rounded of the non-viewfinder Compact System Cameras. Starting with its looks, it's a balanced blend of retro and modern that eclipses its rivals, with a solid build that belies its price. There's plenty of features to satisfy both beginners and enthusiasts alike, while the images from the 12.3MP sensor should please even the most discerning photographer, just as long as you recognise its ISO limits. Unlike the touchscreen of the Panasonic GF2, the body-mounted controls of the E-PL2 may make it look a touch over-complicated, but that's not the case. In fact, its all the better for it, making it intuitive and quick to use. Overall, the Olympus PEN E-PL2 is a lovely little camera to take pictures with, both for first-time users upgrading from a compact as well as those looking for a more compact camera to partner their DSLR.

8.7 Rated at:

Published on:
May 05, 2011

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TechRadar UK‘s review Edit Like Unlike

While it cannot quite match the image quality from an APS-C format DSLR all round, the E-PL2 produces high quality images. The level of detail present in low sensitivity images is high and noise control at the higher settings is impressive.

6.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Apr 13, 2011

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PC Magazine‘s review Edit Like Unlike

The Olympus E-PL2 is the least-expensive compact interchangeable-lens camera you can buy. And while it offers very good image quality, some same-price cameras use even larger image sensors and deliver better low-light performance.

8.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Apr 06, 2011

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MacNN‘s review Edit Like Unlike

Still, that $599 kit price and lower street price are hard to ignore. That makes it one of the more affordable MILC models available, and it’s fairly easy to recommend if you’re looking for a step up from a ‘prosumer’ camera like a Canon G12 but want something that won’t weigh as heavily or have enough bulk to require another bag at the airport. A Panasonic GH2 will offer a more advanced sensor, and a Sony NEX-5 will have an even tinier design, but few achieve what Olympus does in this price range.

8.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Apr 02, 2011

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CrunchGear‘s review Edit Like Unlike

Again, I’m a big fan of what Olympus has done here and if you’re in the market for a mid-level portable camera with some great features, the E-PL2 is waiting for your call. Even with the caveats I mention above, the move towards micro 4/3s is exciting and potentially game-changing, especially when it comes to more casual prosumer shooting.

n/a Not rated

Published on:
Mar 23, 2011

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DigitalCameraReview‘s review Edit Like Unlike

The E-PL2 is the latest attempt from Olympus to create a "pocket-sized DSLR." The only places where the E-PL2 fails to hit the mark are the same issues that other cameras in this class face (slow AF, limited burst shooting performance, and lenses that aren't as "compact" as many people want). If you know about these issues in advance and can live with them, this camera can produce some fantastic photos.

7.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Feb 10, 2011

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The Imaging Resource‘s review Edit Like Unlike

Overall, we were extremely pleased with the Olympus E-PL2's performance in most of the important picture-taking areas, and we're happy to name it a Dave's Pick.

n/a Not rated

Published on:
Mar 10, 2011

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Camera Labs‘s review Edit Like Unlike

On the surface, the differences between the E-PL1 and E-PL2 may not look extensive, but they make a big difference in both handling and performance. The rear control dial makes the E-PL2 a much more comfortable camera to use in manual exposure modes while the change to the ISO sensitivity range combined, we suspect, with some tweaking of the image processing, has resulted in improved image quality. Finally, the new M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II kit lens is light and compact, focuses quickly and quietly, and produces great quality images.

8.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Feb, 2011

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CNET Reviews‘s review Edit Like Unlike

A great interchangeable-lens model if you're looking for better photo quality and/or a more advanced feature set than your current point-and-shoot offers, the Olympus PEN E-PL2 still doesn't satisfy for photographing active kids and pets.

7.5 Rated at:

Published on:
Mar 02, 2011

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www.trustedreviews.com‘s review Edit Like Unlike

Taking everything into account, we'd still be hard pressed to choose between this and the GF2, which only falls down in comparison because unlike the E-PL2 it doesn't feature body integral anti shake, but is otherwise we feel more streamlined and slightly easier to use. The Olympus counters with its impressive and fun Art Filters, so ultimately a personal hands on is going to be the best way for you to make this particular purchase decision.

8.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Mar 03, 2011

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Macworld‘s review Edit Like Unlike

The Olympus E-PL2 is a compact, versatile camera that can be pleasing to just about anyone who loves taking great pictures without lugging around pounds of gear. Combined with a good lens selection from Olympus and Panasonic—with other manufacturers soon to join the Micro Four Thirds standard—this is a system that can grow with your needs. And for travelers, the E-PL2 could very well be the lighter replacement for a bulky DSLR.

8.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Mar 01, 2011

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DP Review‘s review Edit Like Unlike

The Olympus E-PL2 is very close to other E-series cameras such as the E-PL1 or E-P2 in terms of both specification and design, but it's arguably different enough to make it preferable over to in-house competitors for some users. Image quality is pretty much identical, but compared to the E-PL1, the E-PL2 hasa better build quality, an arguably more attractive design, faster AF (with the new kit lens) and an additional rear dial.

7.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Jan, 2011

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PhotographyBLOG‘s review Edit Like Unlike

The E-PL2 is one of the best Olympus PEN cameras yet, refining an already appealing design with a few well-thought-out design tweaks (with the exception of the Live Wheel) and a much improved standard kit lens. It's also a little cheaper too, making the new Olympus E-PL2 a serious contender for compact users looking to upgrade to a more full-featured yet still very portable camera.

9.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Jan 26, 2011

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ephotozine‘s review Edit Like Unlike

On the one hand we have a small and rather fiddly camera that needs some considerable care in operation. On the other hand we have a very compact unit that can deliver the very highest quality of results, and this must in the end be what counts. For travel this has to be a very serious contender, offering as it does the prospect of lightening the load to be carried and reducing its bulk as well. There are alternatives as this market expands, but it may well be down to handling and the various options need to be handled to see what suits best. This camera is definitely worth its price and could be the basis of a very effective compact kit. Olympus traditionalists will I think be very pleased with the retro look, new users will be very pleased with the high quality results.

9.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Jan 25, 2011

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Digital Trends‘s review Edit Like Unlike

When it comes to Micro Four Thirds cameras, the E-PL2 is a top choice. The image quality and size make it easy to use, and shooters have stunning photos that don’t require computer editing (unless of course, you’re the type that needs to put your pictures through that process). Really, our only issue with it is the pricing, and that doesn’t reflect on the capabilities of the E-PL2.

8.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Jan 24, 2011

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PC Advisor‘s review Edit Like Unlike

The Olympus PEN E-PL2 Micro FourThirds camera contains plenty of improvements over the Olympus PEN E-PL1, including much smoother video capture and better autofocus performance. We look forward to giving it a thorough workout once it's released.

n/a Not rated

Published on:
Jan 18, 2011

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Pocket-lint‘s review Edit Like Unlike

Priced at £529 at launch, the biggest problem the Olympus E-PL2 faces is being priced too close to more capable entry-level DSLR models, which ultimately will offer finer detail in the same conditions. However, the looks and the compact nature, along with the solid build quality, should mean that the E-PL2 appeals as an alternative to a high-end compact as a back-up camera, or as a step-up model for those interested in getting more control. There is no doubting, of course, that some will pick the E-PL2 just because it looks good.

9.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Jan 17, 2011

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The average pro reviews rating is 7.9 / 10, based on the 18 reviews.

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