1. DPReview
The E-PL1 is the first mirrorless camera to marry its size and image quality advantages to the accessibility of a compact camera. Olympus has simply slipped an easy-to-use interface on top of its PEN DSLR-in-a-smaller-box concept. That power is there if you want it, even if the pared back design means the operation isn’t as quick as it can be with the other PENs. Point-and-shoot users won’t get the very most out of the camera but, thanks to an excellent JPEG engine, it’s likely they’ll spend much of their time too delighted by their pictures to worry about it.
2. The Imaging Resource
Olympus E-PL1 Digital Camera – Initial Test
As if anyone doubted, Olympus has reinforced its commitment to the Micro Four Thirds platform, now matching Panasonic with three models each. Of the six, this is the first to enter the under-$600 consumer territory, sparring with SLRs like the Rebel XS, Nikon D3000, Pentax K-x, and Sony A230. It also takes on the Canon G11 and Panasonic LX3, among others, as a small camera with potential use as a quality street, or everywhere camera.
3. PhotographyBLOG
The Olympus EP-1 is a largely successful attempt to bring smaller, DSLR cameras to the mass-market, providing an ideal upgrade path for compact camera users who may be intimidated by the size and complexity of a DSLR. The drive towards simplicity and cost may put off more experienced photographers who would be better served by the premium E-P2 model, although the E-PL1 still offers most of that camera’s core functionality.
4. The Phoblographer
Hands on and Hands Off: Olympus EPL-1
Would I buy this camera? No. Would I recommend it? Not really. Canon, Pentax and Sony offer some really amazing entry level DSLRs. For the price point, there is better out there. I would actually tell people of this audience to go buy a used EP-1 instead. My hope is that the EPL-2 actually is targeted more towards beginners and that Olympus also doesn’t try to target advanced users as well. They should keep the EP-2/EP-1 line for the advanced and professionals and the EPL-1 for real beginners. Therefore, why not go right ahead and take off the manual modes? You could also throw in more consumer-like features as well, like integrated GPS and even go the Panasonic route with a touchscreen.
