Hey guys! So this is a none technical review of the new Olympus E-PL2 based on my previous experience with the first PEN, the Olympus E-P1.
Front
The design of the E-PL2, like the E-PL1, is unique in the PEN family. It looks similar to the E-PL1 but it is more curved that the E-PL1. The grip has been redesigned in a way that it isn’t a sudden bump but somewhat resembles a gentle slope which so far has been a joy to use, even with hands my size, it doesn’t feel uncomfortable. This camera may lack the retro look of the E-P1 and E-P2, but it still has its own beauty to it. Comes in 4 colors. Black, silver, red and white. There’s a tiny LED light used for self timer countdown.
Back
This camera has more or less all the features and technologies of the older models as well as having new ones not found on any other PEN at the moment.
Like the E-P1 and the E-P2, it sports a large 3” screen unlike the E-PL1 which has a 2.7” screen. Unlike the previously mentioned models, it has a piece of tough plastic protecting the screen which gives more confidence in using the camera without fear of the actual screen underneath being scratched.
It has a data port like the E-PL1 and E-P2 but the one on the E-PL2 is the generation 2 version. Using this port, it is able to use accessories such as the new bluetooth PENPAL and the Macro Arm Lights. In addition to these 2, it can use existing accessories ie the stereo mic input as well as the electronic viewfinder. Like the E-PL1, it has a dedicated video recording button which is a very convenient way to start recording when in any of the still image mode. Rather than having to turn the dial to video model, simply press the record button.
The E-PL2 has the same dial as the E-P1 and E-P2 though it only has one. Coming from the E-P1, it was a little bit difficult to change aperture and shutter speed but it’s easier than pressing buttons like the E-PL1. The advance menu setting by default is hidden so it requires to be shown before advance settings can be changed. Which is not really a deal breaker since the E-PL2 is considered as an entry level PEN. Having the menus shown might create unnecessary problems to new comers should they accidentally change settings.
The lack of a dedicated AEL/AFL button is no cause for alarm as you can simply program the FN button to work as one. As well as programming the other buttons to suit your needs. I left mine as default with the FN working as an AEL/AFL button. The lack of an exposure compensation button caught me off guard but I eventually got used to using the dial instead.
The buttons have changed slightly from the E-PL1 with the layout being similar to the E-P1 and E-P2.
Top
The on/off button has been refined, it is now long, thin and recessed into the body and placed within reach of my index finger behind the shutter button. Unlike previous models which are circular in shape and a slight distance away except the E-PL1. The built in flash of the Olympus E-PL2 is similar to the E-PL1. Also being able to control 3 groups of wireless flashes. The shutter release button is bigger compared to the E-PL1.
Bottom
The bottom is where door to the battery and memory card is located. With the new camera comes a new battery. The the old batteries can still be used though. The E-PL2 uses SD cards. Unlike the previous PENs, which takes SDHC, the E-PL2 is the first to take SDXC.
Others
The E-PL2 utilizes a Hi-speed live MOS 12 megapixel image sensor and the Truepic Turbo V engine to process the images. Like all E-system cameras and PENs, it uses a Super Sonic Wave Filter (SSWF) to remove dust.
Utilizing the micro four thirds mount, with use of adapters, virtually any lens can be mounted onto the PEN.
The Olympus E-PL2 now has higher shutter speed up to 1/4000 sec compared to the E-PL1 where the top shutter speed is 1/2000, however, it is worth noting that the ISO for the E-PL2 is capped at ISO 200 at its lowest where the E-PL1 is 100, so its back to square one for shooting wide open without the use of ND filters.
The top ISO of the E-PL2 is 1 stop more than the E-PL1 rating at ISO 6400, same as E-P1 and E-P2 as compared to the E-PL1 rated at ISO 3200.
The new E-PL2 comes with a new 14-42 f3.5-5.6 MK II lens which is MSC. Optimize for both silent still or video shooting, it is faster than its predecessor as well as being extremely quiet.
The E-PL2 also has the AF tracking which was first on the E-P2 where once it focuses on something. It will follow that subject in as long as its in its view. It is still a little bit slow in tracking but it works nevertheless.
Modes
Other than the standard P A S M and the usual scene modes. The art filters have changed a little when compared to my E-P1. They both have pop art, soft focus, pin hole and grainy film. The differences are dramatic tone which is a first on the PENs,first introduced on the Olympus E-5 as well as diorama. Gentle sepia has been replaced in comparison to the E-PL1 and there is no cross process like in the E-P2 which I would personally prefer over the diorama art filter.
The art filters now have variations to them as well as having a frame effect which baiscally adds a border/frame to the processed image which does not appear in the RAW file, only in the jpeg
The pop art filter now has a under exposed saturated along with the original highly saturated image. It can also combine with the soft focus and pin hole art filters.
The grainy film art filter has a lower contrast tone to it along with the high contrast art filter.
The pin hole art filter now has 3 tones to it rather than one. The original has a somewhat greenish tint to it. Now it has a blueish and reddish tint version to it.
The scene modes now have a Fisheye effect,wide-angle and macro mode to it when using the convertors on the lens.
The E-PL2 shoots 720p HD video and allows the user to use the art filters like previous PENs. The E-PL2’s video mode allows users to shoot in program mode, aperture priority mode and even in manual mode.
The following are examples of the art filters
Pop Art Type I
Pop Art Type II
Pop Art And Pin Hole
Pop Art And Soft Focus
Pop Art With Frame
Soft Focus
Grainy Film Type I
Grainy Film Type II
Pin Hole Type I
Pin Hole Type II
Pin Hole Type III
Diorama
Dramatic Tone
Conclusion
My experience with the E-PL2 is that it makes a fine addition to the PEN family and a worthy camera to upgrade from the E-P1. It doesn’t differ much from the E-P2 and E-PL1. The E-PL2 itself has improved ergonomics as well as image quality. If you’re looking for a compact camera with a multitude of different lenses to play with, a transition camera, a backup or a compact camera without compromised image quality, this would be a camera well worth considering. I'd personally prefer gentle sepia and cross process in place of diorama and dramatic tone but of course, that's just me.
Some shots I've shot normally as I travel around, all shot on Olympus E-PL2 with different lenses.
HDR Panoramic Shot Consisting Of 24 Images, 3 Sets Of 8 Images Each, Each Set different Exposure Value. Mounted on tripod, shot with M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm 3.5-5.6 MKII Lens
A Back Lit Leaf While Walking Towards The Office, shot with M.Zuiko Digital 17mm 2.8 With Pop Art Art Filter
Leaves Outside My Office, Shot With M.Zuiko Digital 17mm 2.8 With Pop Art Art Filter
One Of The Rides, Unsure Of The Name At Clarke Quay, Shot With M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f2.8 With Pin Hole Art Filter Handheld
Shot Of The Moon. Using Zuiko Digital 50-200mm, MMF1 Adapter Mounted On Tripod, Processed to retain details
Clarke Quay In Low Light. Handheld using M.Zuiko Digital 17mm 2.8
"Simply Life" On My Office Wall. Shot With M.Zuiko Digital 17mm 2.8 Using Grainy Film Art Filter
On The Bus To Work. Shot Through Glass On The Bus, Using M.Zuiko Digital 17mm 2.8 Using Grainy Film
On The Bus To Work, another view. Shot Through Glass On The Bus, Using M.Zuiko Digital 17mm 2.8 Using Grainy Film
View Outside My Office, Shot With M.Zuiko Digital 17mm 2.8 Using Dramatic Tone Art Filter
