Olympus E-PL2 Review

By Jerry Jackson , DigitalCameraReview Staff | | 39103 Reads

Reviewer Rating:

Pros

Excellent image quality
Stylish build
Easy to use basic functions

Cons

Slow AF compared to DSLRs
Detail smoothing at high ISO
Difficult to find advanced menu options

Quick Take:

The Olympus E-PL2 offers the same good image quality as the E-P1, E-P2 and E-PL1. A cosmetic update keeps it fresh, but there's no need for E-PL1 users to replace their current cameras.

Since 2009 the world of digital photography has been changed with the introduction of pocket-sized cameras that use interchangeable lenses like those used on DSLRs, but don't have the bulky viewfinders. The Olympus E-P1 was one of the first of this new breed and offered a high-quality image sensor and the ability to use premium lenses for less than $1000. Many of these "compact interchangeable lens" cameras hit the market in the months that followed. The new Olympus E-PL2 is the latest member of this camera family that promises to deliver DSLR image quality in a compact camera for an affordable price.

With so many entry level and enthusiast DSLRs priced between $500 and $800, it's harder than ever for consumers to determine the best camera to fit their needs. The Olympus E-PL2 hopes to make life a little easier by using a littler camera. Low cost DLSRs like the Nikon D3100 or the Canon Rebel T2i are smaller than most DSLRs, but they still weigh more (1.1-1.2 lbs.) compared to the diminutive E-PL2 (0.79 lbs.). Combine that with the fact that traditional DSLRs aren't always the easiest to use in live view mode (using the LCD to frame the image instead of the viewfinder) and you can start to see the advantages of a camera like the E-PL2. Is the E-PL2 worth the $599 price tag? Let's find out.

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