LCD Size:
3 inches
Resolution:
12.3 MP
Has
Video Recording
Ease of use
10
Show what experts say (3 reviews)
[Micro Four Thirds cameras] are also a great stepping stone for the point-and-shoot person who wants to become a better photographer.
Olympus got most things right first time round with the E-PL1 though, so this new model remains an easy-to-use alternative to a more complicated and bigger DSLR.
The latest model in Olympus’ Micro Four Thirds PEN line up continues to appeal to novices ready for a more technical experience.
Picture Quality
8
Show what experts say (3 reviews)
The larger sensor provides better image quality and low-light performance, similar to that of a digital SLR.
During the review, the Olympus E-PL2 produced photos of excellent quality.
We were surprised to see shadow noise down at the lowest ISO 200 settings, which destroys some of the detail if you are interested in cropping down into these areas, a shortcoming of choosing the smaller hybrid system camera over a DSLR.
Low light
7
Show what experts say (2 reviews)
Low-light performance up to ISO 3200 is very good, offering comparable quality to an entry-level APS-C DSLR, despite the smaller sensor size.
The ISO range runs from 200-6400, with obvious noise marring texture detail above ISO 1600 where things become more of a smudge as you hit the higher sensitivities.
Video Quality
8
Show what experts say (3 reviews)
Video capture offers up 1280 x 720 resolution AVI (MJPEG) movies at 30fps.... The results are good, with nice balanced colour and plenty of detail resulting.
In terms of movie recording, the E-PL2 is one of the more capable Four Thirds cameras despite its budget price-tag...
There’s a dedicated button for video recording, and we were able to capture high quality video.
Build Quality
10
Show what experts say (2 reviews)
One very welcome new feature is the redesigned case. The grip is more comfortable, and the E-PL2 feels solid in hand.
The E-PL2 has a plastic construction with a metal lens mount, although it still feels reassuringly well-made with very little flex in the overall design.
Battery Life
5
Show what experts say (2 reviews)
The battery (which slips into the bottom along with the SD/SDHC/SDXC card) will give you around 280 shots.
The BLS-5 battery which provides up to 500 shots under the CIPA testing standard (note that this drop to 280 images if using Live View all the time) is housed next to the SD slot...
Travel Capabilities show formula
We combine our Build Quality Score and Battery Life Score to find a camera great for travel.
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Size show formula
We just use a camera's volume (height x width x depth) to determine its size.
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