Improvements make the Olympus E-PL2 our favorite gateway to the Micro Four Thirds System

Olympus E-PL2

Mirrorless 12.3MP CSC

$599 w/ 14-42mm lens

www.olympus.com

The Olympus E-PL2 is the classic incremental upgrade that despite not actually offering any single significant improvement, still manages to be much superior to its predecessor. Olympus introduced the E-PL2 in January 2011, not quite a year after the E-PL1. The fourth Olympus PEN camera, the series is headlined by the E-P2 and previously, the E-P1, which while undeniably stylish with their retro brushed steel exteriors, are somewhat too high priced for the larger entry-level market that is now being fought over by the likes of Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, and obviously, Olympus. The solution was a lower priced PEN model, the E-PL1, that packaged the E-P1/2 image quality in a smaller, cheaper camera body, and was intended to be more consumer and entry-level friendly. Like its higher priced and enthusiast oriented stablemates, the E-PL1 was a fine camera, with very nice image quality, but its overall styling was perhaps too dumbed down and too distant from the “PEN” look established by the E-P1/2, its 230K LCD display was dated at best (though the same low-res LCDs can be found on the more expensive PENs), and there was some concern with focusing speeds, in particular when paired with the 14-42mm kit lens.

Happily, most of our previous concerns with the E-PL1 have been corrected in the E-PL2. On the styling front, the E-PL2 is both subtly changed, but significantly better looking. It has a nicer finish, feels better made, and the new sloping top deck and new camera grip make it aesthetically superior and handle better. The control setup has been retooled to look more like the E-P1/2, with round buttons and a control dial surrounding the multi-selector. The E-PL2 now offers a 3 inch 460K display, the best of all PEN models, and several new features have been added or improved as well, like Live Guide 2, new art filters (some with border options), and there’s Face Detect with i-Detect, which aims to improve portraits by focusing on the subject’s eye. ISO has been bumped to 6400 (and at the low end too, from 100 to 200), and perhaps most importantly, the E-PL2 now ships with the new MSC M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II zoom lens, which focuses faster and quieter than its predecessor.

For $599, the E-PL2 isn’t the cheapest CSC (compact system camera) available, but it is still priced close enough to be within striking distance. What is interesting about the E-PL2 is the markets it might appeal to. For absolute beginners, the E-PL2 still won’t appear to be as simple to use as the largely interface driven NEX cameras from Sony. But for photographers with moderate to semi-advanced abilities, the E-PL2 should prove very tempting. It handles great, offers a healthy mix of physical controls without being overwhelming, and it features Olympus’ excellent JPEG engine which produces appealing captures right out of the camera with no user input. Even advanced to professional level photographers might want to consider the E-PL2, especially now that Panasonic has gone touchscreen with their Lumix DMC-GF2. The E-PL2 is cheaper than the enthusiast intended E-P2, has a better LCD, and a similar control setup (minus the very cool vertical command dial). In short the E-PL2 is well position to appeal to a broad range of photographers and deserves to find a place in both less skilled and more skilled photographer’s camera bags.

Specifications
Camera	Olympus E-PL2
Street Price	$599 w/ 14-42mm lens
Sensor	12.3MP 4/3″ Hi-Speed Live MOS sensor
AF System	Imager Contrast Detection AF system | 11-area multiple AF
ISO Range	200-6400
Continuous Shooting	3fps for 10 RAW and “Unlimited” JPEGs
LCD	3″ 460k
Viewfinder	optional EVF
Shooting Modes	iAuto, Program AE (with shift), Aperture priority AE, Shutter priority AE, Manual, Art Filter, Scene select
Scene Modes	Portrait, e-Portrait, Landscape, Landscape + Portrait, Sport, Night Scene, Night + Portrait, Children, High Key, Low Key, DIS mode, Macro, Nature Macro, Candle, Sunset, Documents, Panorama, Fireworks, Beach & Snow, Fisheye Effect* (for use with lens converter), Wide Angle* (for use with lens converter), Macro* (for use with lens converter)
Video	1280 x 720 (HD) @ 30 fps, 640 x 480 @ 30 fps | AVI Motion JPEG
Output	USB 2.0 (Hi Speed), Mini HDMI, Video Out (NTSC / PAL), Accessory Port AP2
Storage	SD, SDHC
Dimensions	4.51 x 2.84 x 1.63″ (114.6 x 72.2 x 41.5mm)
Weight	10.4 oz (296 g) (body only)

Technical Analysis

As with the previous PENs, the E-PL2 is fully capable of producing superb image quality…provided you play to the 12.3MP 4/3″ Hi-Speed Live MOS sensor’s strengths. What do we mean? Well the weakness in M-4/3 system is its smaller sensor, relative to the APS-C competion (like the Sony NEX-5 and Samsung NX100). The smaller the sensor, the more image noise one can expect when sensitivity (ISO) is increased. Fortunately for Olympus, the Samsung NX100′s sensor isn’t as good as it could be, but even so it offers roughly one stop more of usable ISO (its ISO 6400 looks more like the E-PL2′s ISO 3200). The Sony NEX offers slightly more advantage, about 1 1/2 stops. That said, kept at ISO 800 and under, the E-PL2 looks very good and frequently better than the “other guys”. Sharpness and detail can be outstanding, and JPEG output (always a PEN strong suit) is impressive. Image noise is present even at ISO 200, but kept at ISO 200, 400, and 800, the E-PL2 is a fine performer, and arguably superior to the competition, at least visually. Our take is that if you work frequently in low light, the E-PL2 won’t be the best choice. If however most of your work happens in average or better light you’ll want to strongly consider the E-PL2. Like the E-PL1, and well…all the M-4/3 cameras, dynamic range is more limited than with either the NEX or NX cameras. There’s more of a tendency to crush shadows, and blow out highlights, and this can be further exaggerated by the E-PL2′s more contrast happy JPEGs. It’s not a major issue, but it does require some attention. Thankfully the E-PL2 offers a live histogram so that you can monitor what’s happening with exposure before pressing the shutter release

Of course part of what makes the PEN series so fun is the included “Art Filters”. The E-PL2 has 6 such filters, “pop art”, “soft focus”, “grainy film”, “pin hole”, “diorama”, and the new “dramatic tone”. Most of the filters have variations in strength and several now offer a pretty neat film-like border. We could do without the first two, but the remaining filters are pretty darn cool and definitely make for some interesting results. The art filters are smartly implemented too, it’s great to be able to preview the filters “live” and see your surroundings in a whole new way, and the creative results can definitely be very cool, just keep in mind that there can be a one or two second delay for processing when using the filters.

Focusing speeds have been improved with the E-PL2, or have they? With the included MSC (Movie and Still Compatible) M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II zoom lens, the E-PL2 certainly feels faster than previous PENS, but a large part of that is simply the faster focusing and quieter new kit lens. Gone are the loud focusing noises of the “old” 14-42, this video friendly kit lens is whisper quiet, and both faster and lighter than its predecessor. That said, the Olympus E-PL2 focuses fast and reliably, only being tripped up in very dim light in areas of poor contrast. The E-PL2′s interface makes it easy to position your focus point (if desired), and with “manual assist” enabled in the menu, the E-PL2 does a pretty fine job at making manual focus a fairly accurate and efficient process. When using “i-Auto” or with face priority AF turned on, the E-PL2 is lightning fast to spot one or multiple faces. The E-PL2 has a new twist on Face Detection AF, it now will try to focus on the nearest eye, for optimal aesthetic effect. It isn’t able to do it every time, settling for the whole face when it can’t, but we do appreciate the effort. Our final analysis was that the E-PL2 was faster to focus than its predecessor, greatly aided by the new MSC kit lens. In the end we can say any photographer hung up about purchasing the E-PL2 because of past concerns over the AF performance of the first PEN models, can rest assured that the E-PL2′s AF will likely never be in your way.

The Olympus E-PL2 in the Field

The E-PL2 has been subtly retooled, reshaped, and resurfaced, and the results make the E-PL2 a more attractive camera that feels much better than its predecessor. We like the way the new sloping top plate ties in with the more expensive PEN models, and the new grip design makes the E-PL2 feel better in the hands. We previously couldn’t help thinking the E-PL1 looked, well…cheap. but the E-PL2 has definitely stepped it up a notch, resembling in build and construction a nice entry-level DSLR. Ergonomics are quite good too, the E-PL2 and its new grip fit nice in the hand, and the fact that Olympus manage to shave off some size and weight mean that the E-PL2 is even less of a burden either around your neck or in your camera bag.

The control setup is for the most part, a nice improvement. The new rear layout looks a lot like the E-P2 layout, visually it’s much better than the E-PL1 and you’ve gained a control dial surrounding the multi-selector. On the other hand, it doesn’t really add any additional controls, and the multi-selector is entirely unsatisfying if not border-line frustrating to use. Luckily you can opt out of using it for exposure settings (instead using the multi-selector itself), but it’d still be nice to have a functional command dial like the E-P2′s vertically oriented one, and some button labeling could be improved (will first time users be able to immediately guess which button zooms out?). It’s important for advanced photographers to note that the E-PL2 doesn’t provide direct access to settings like ISO and WB, since the E-PL2 is largely interface driven. Basic camera settings are changed by pressing the “OK” button which allows for pretty quick changes of the essentials. An initially shallow menu section adds even more options for setting up the camera, and as with previous models, this menu can be expanded to unveil an unwieldy amount of customization. Most of the settings in this optional section will be way over the heads of intended users, and some of it will have even more advanced shooters turning to the camera manual (like us).

In large part the E-PL2 doesn’t work any differently than the E-PL1, but again, improvements like the 460K LCD and camera feel make it seem like a nicer camera  to shoot with out in the field. It handles better, the included kit lens is silky smooth and focuses quickly, and the retooled exterior honestly make it a more appealing or, dare we say- inspiring camera than the cheaper looking E-PL1.  It’s also an easy camera to use. Set to “i-Auto” the E-PL2 is adept at taking really nice pictures, and the most unskilled of beginners should be able to handle the improved Live Guide, which essentially disguises technical camera options with easier to understand terminology and simple sliders to make adjustments. In our opinion, the E-PL2 should appeal to enthusiast as well, you’ve got access to all your programmable shooting modes, it offers loads of customization, and provides an accessory port for using Olympus’ excellent VF-2 viewfinder or other options (note that it also features a faster 1/4000s shutter speed allowing for faster glass in bright light). A truly functional command dial would have been nice, the interface used by Olympus is looking distinctly dated, and direct access to ISO, WB would be really nice, but otherwise the E-PL2 is great camera to take pictures with, and a lot of fun as well.

Before moving on, a few words on performance. It seems none of the current CSC cameras are what we’d call barn burners, and the E-PL2 is no different. Start-up times are “ready when you are” fast and the E-PL2 does offer very responsive camera operation performance. Jumping back and forth to and from playback is instant, and so is scrolling through captures…not always the case with entry-level offerings. It’s the continuous shooting that’s average, at 3fps for 10 RAW files, though JPEG shooters gain the advantage of virtually unlimited continuous shooting. None of this is bad by any means, in fact we’d say it’s on the upper end of things amongst CSC camera, but it’s still not as impressive as the Sony NEX-cameras’ 7fps “speed priority” mode.

Image Samples

We’ve attached a few image samples to provide you with an idea of what the Olympus E-PL2 is capable of. For further examples check out our full-size RAW ISO samples, JPEG ISO samples, and the original full-size image samples.

What About Video?

The E-PL2 hasn’t skimped on the video functionality. It shoots 1280×720 HD video at 30fps in the Motion JPEG (AVI) format providing a mono only mic on board, but the ability to attach a stereo microphone via the accessory port. Big thumbs up go to full manual control over exposure before shooting video, a dedicated record button that can be implemented in any shooting mode, and a fairly effective continuous focus option that works well (and quietly) when given subjects that aren’t moving too rapidly. On the negative side, the AVI format limits recording times to 7 minutes, and the E-PL2′s annoying new D-rings for attaching its camera strap are prone to “talking” in your videos. Still, video quality is pretty good, if a bit noisy, and we had fun using the E-PL2′s art filters while recording, but beware some do come with a rather heavy impact on frame rate.

Final Opinion

Olympus E-PL2

likes:

Visually appealing image quality

Compact, light & good looking exterior

Snappy operation, fast & quiet AF

dislikes:

Poor command dial action

Images noisy, especially after ISO 800

Could use a few more dedicated buttons like ISO, WB

Thanks to a number of small improvements, the Olympus E-PL2 is now a much better, and more enjoyable camera to use, than its predecessor. First and foremost, on the aesthetic front, the E-PL2 looks much better the E-PL1. The new design is more elegant and feels more expensive. It isn’t just about visual appearance either, the E-PL2 has a better feel in the hands, the grip has been improved, and the camera is both smaller and lighter. In short, the E-PL2 comes very close to how we would have drawn up the ideal CSC camera.

When it comes to image quality, the E-PL2 doesn’t offer any real advantage for any current PEN owner, nor does it match or exceed the type of image quality  you’ll get in the APS-C competitors like the NX100 and NEX-5. The biggest concern is with image noise. The smaller sensor used in the E-PL2 struggles after ISO 800, and the image quality at its top range of ISO 6400 is a good stop or two below what can be achieved with those other cameras. It’s important to point out though, that not everybody works frequently in low light, and that in most circumstances, the E-PL2 produces more visually appealing photos than any of the current crop of CSC cameras in part thanks to Olympus’ excellent JPEG engine which makes for excellent captures right out of the camera. It’d be nice if the E-PL2 had the usable ISO range of cameras with bigger sensors, but it doesn’t. Still, a camera can be better or take better pictures than the specs and tests may imply, and the E-PL2 is such a camera.

This doesn’t even factor in the fun that can be had with Olympus’ Art Filters, if you’re the type of photographer that would use them. At least half of the filters actually produce very cool results, and previewing the effects live can turn a walk around town into a creative photographic adventure. Also, let’s not forget the E-PL2 shoots HD video, and while it is as prone to noise as the still captures are, it is pretty well featured with manual controls over exposure, a dedicated record button, and the ability to attach a stereo mic (via the accessory port). You can even use the Art Filters while recording video, but it can come with a heavy frame rate hit.

Thanks partially to the new M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II zoom lens, the E-PL2 now also focuses faster and quieter, overall camera performance is on the high side of average, and general camera operation has a decidedly snappy feel. If you’re getting the sense that we liked the E-PL2, well…you’re right. Our biggest handling fault lies with the fiddly command dial surrounding the multi-selector, and it’d be nice to have direct access to ISO and WB. Given the E-PL2 is supposed to appeal to less skilled photographers, we’re willing to accept these settings’ easy access in the intuitive, but dated, interface.

Overall, we have no trouble “Highly Recommending” the E-PL2, to beginners looking at a compact system camera for improvements in image quality relative to point and shoot cameras, and to enthusiasts wanting to dip their toes in the water of a more compact, but still entirely capable camera system, presumably so that their larger DSLR system can be left behind when possible. The Micro Four Thirds system was and is a great camera system with a nice collection of lenses and access via adaptors to plenty of fine optics. We can’t think of a better way to access that system than the E-PL2, nor a more fun one.

CGG Editor’s Rating:
value:
8
design:
9
features:
8
performance:
7
image quality:
8

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