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Customer Reviews for Olympus E-PM1 12.3-Megapixel Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens - Black
Olympus E-PM1 12.3-Megapixel Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens - Black
Model: V206011BU000
SKU: 3008049
UPC: 050332180642
This 12.3-megapixel digital camera features HD movie recording for detailed live-action filming. The micro four thirds lens mount lets you change lenses for optimal creativity (includes M.Zuiko 14-42mm lens; additional lenses not included).
Average Customer Rating:
5.0
out of 5
(13 Reviews) 13
Rating Snapshot 13 reviews
5 stars
13
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
100% of customers would recommend this product to a friend
(
13 out of
13)
Customer Reviews for Olympus E-PM1 12.3-Megapixel Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens - Black
Review 1 for Olympus E-PM1 12.3-Megapixel Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens - Black
Outstanding! Small,great images & feels good
Customer Rating
5.0
Value for Price
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Features
5.0
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
What's great about it: Great images, focusing, overall speed, video, small package
What's not so great: Lack of physical buttons, SCP not active by default
This is an exceptional camera. Including SLRs and compact cameras this is my twelth camera purchase in the last several years. This is by far my favorite.
The experience of using this camera is just wonderful. I have a 16 month old so I have to move fast. The startup and focus time are really quick so I can just start clicking away as my toddler runs back and forth. In good light I never use the flash, but at least I can add it on easily if I need it. The photos come out great and I don't hesitate to take pictures up to 1600 ISO, or higher if I need faster shutter speed.
I'm definitely an enthusiast and setup the camera to meet my needs. Here's how I did it and it works great for me:
1. Turn on SCP (Super Control Panel# and use Aperture or Shutter priority. Press the menu physical button on the back of the camera, Go to SETUP, scroll to the WRENCH icon, select MENU DISPLAY, and turn on the first option, menu display with GEARS. Once you turn that on, you'll have another item in SETUP to pick from. Select the gears icon, scroll down to group D, select CONTROL SETTINGS, then P/A/S/M, and lastly turn SCP to ON.
Now when we're you're using Aperture or Shutter priority mode and click the OK button, you'll see all your setting in one glance and can easily make adjustments. 90% of my photos are on "A" or Aperture Priority mode, with ISO set to Auto. I set my aperture the widest possible usually unless I have reason to do otherwise #google aperture and there are plenty of places that will explain this concept#.
1. Turn on SCP (Super Control Panel# and use Aperture or Shutter priority. Press the menu physical button on the back of the camera, Go to SETUP, scroll to the WRENCH icon, select MENU DISPLAY, and turn on the first option, menu display with GEARS. Once you turn that on, you'll have another item in SETUP to pick from. Select the gears icon, scroll down to group D, select CONTROL SETTINGS, then P/A/S/M, and lastly turn SCP to ON.
Now when we're you're using Aperture or Shutter priority mode and click the OK button, you'll see all your setting in one glance and can easily make adjustments. 90% of my photos are on "A" or Aperture Priority mode, with ISO set to Auto. I set my aperture the widest possible usually unless I have reason to do otherwise #google aperture and there are plenty of places that will explain this concept#.
2. Get a nice little case. There are wonderful form-fit ones on Ebay for $15 #including shipping# that come in real and faux leather. In the right case I love grabbing my Pen mini on the way out the door and rarely take my SLR anymore. One of these might take two weeks to get from Hong Kong but you will enjoy this camera much more. My selection which I'm really happy with is attached as an image to this review. It fits great and looks nice with the matching leather strap. Functionally the benefits are that it protects the camera, leaves room for the flash, and gives me a nice grip for my big hands #the Mini on it's own is pretty small and slippery without something#. It's also always a conversation starter about how my camera looks like an old classic but takes great pictures.
3. Use the video. The Pen Mini is actually a third generation PEN so it's even better video than older Pens, but I can see why the videographers for the movie Secretariat used the 1st generation PENs for all the track and horse footage. The video is stunning and the autofocus works really well during videos - which is rare for SLRs or compact system cameras like these.
Why this Olympus one instead of Sony NEX, Panasonic Lumix G series or Nikon 1? I wanted a micro fourthirds because the lens selection for the other compact systems cameras is awful. So many "systems" out there have a couple lenses, which doesn't really make them a system. There is already a huge selection of zooms and primes for micro fourthirds. And since the lenses are interchangeable between the Panny's and Olympus camera bodies, I'm sure I'll always be able to upgrade to the latest camera and keep using any nice lenses I buy. I especially love the Panny Leica 25mm f1.4, and the Olympus 14-150mm. I've read the new Olympus 45mm f1.8 prime is stellar too but not used it. All three of these work fantastic with the new fast focusing technology Olympus built into the Pen Mini. I also like the in-body stabilization of the Olympus cameras which the Panny's don't have. Lastly the Olympus JPEGs straight out of the camera are far higher quality and more reliable than JPEGs from any other system. I recommend reading up on the Pen Mini review on dpreview.com if you're interested in JPEGs. For pictures I print or share with family, 9 out of 10 are the straight JPEGs with no image editing, so I rarely have to fiddle with the Raw files.
Drawbacks for me? I've gotten used to it but I wish I had more physical buttons. There is actually a PEN for me called the EPL3 with more buttons and still a tiny body, but the Mini fit my budget for now. I also wish the Super Control Panel were turned on by default. It's really a great interface taken from the Olympus SLR line that once you get comfortable with, will save you lots of time and make you a better photographer #it did for me#.
About me... semi-pro photographer, Video enthusiast, Parent with kids, Love capturing special occasions
I would recommend this to a friend!
+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
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Review 2 for Olympus E-PM1 12.3-Megapixel Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens - Black
Easy and simple to use
Customer Rating
5.0
Value for Price
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Features
5.0
great features and performance for the price. Excellent flash for low light photos.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
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Review 3 for Olympus E-PM1 12.3-Megapixel Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens - Black
Great camera for pictures of the kids.
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: JumpinJac
from St Louis, MO
on 03/21/2012
Value for Price
5.0
Picture Quality
4.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Features
4.0
Very pleased with purchase. Have taken many shots (basketball games, soccer games, baseball practice, nature, hiking, inside candids....you name it). Very satisfied with the results. Auto Focus is excellent.
About me... Love shooting sports, Parent with kids, Love capturing special occasions, Photo enthusiast
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Olympus 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 Digital Zoom Lens for Select Olympus Compact System Cameras
(4)+3points
4out of 5found this review helpful.
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Review 4 for Olympus E-PM1 12.3-Megapixel Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens - Black
Wow...thrilled with purchase
Customer Rating
5.0
Value for Price
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Features
5.0
It took a little while to get to this camera but it was worth it! In our home we have a Canon EOS, which is great but feels clunky to me when I've got two kids in tow and the camera. I needed something compact and quick but wanted the feel of a "real" camera and a higher quality picture. After checking around I purchased the Nikon Coolpix L120. HATED IT...trust the negative reviews that folks put on Best Buys website...I should have. About a month later I returned my the L120 and my husband bought me the Olympus...what a fabulous camera from minute one. It's relatively easy to use but has a bit of sophistication to it. I love the pictures and the options for effects/finishes. The camera responds quickly and takes a sharp picture, which is great because I have youngsters who are on the move (2 yrs old and 6 months). Every picture I took of my kids with the Nikon was blurry, by contrast, I've had none with the Olympus. I'm impressed with the add on features particularly the case that makes this camera waterproof...my only gripe would be the cost of add on accessories, but I guess it can't all be perfect!
About me... Parent with kids
I would recommend this to a friend!
+13points
13out of 13found this review helpful.
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Review 5 for Olympus E-PM1 12.3-Megapixel Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens - Black
Great pictures with ease.
Customer Rating
5.0
Value for Price
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: Picture quality, ease of use, size, and light weight!
What's not so great: I would say lack of a viewfinder, but I don't need one.
Bought this camera for a family trip thinking I'd like to get a few good pictures instead of relying on my old 5.0MP. Well, I'm glad I did because the pictures turned out great! This thing is really easy to use and takes fantastic pictures.
One of the best things about it is its ultra fast auto-focus. My little ones (3 and 4 yr olds) move way too fast for anything less. The other great thing is its size and weight. I was easily able to walk around Disney World all day with this thing around my neck with no pain or discomfort. Seeing other folks lug around their gigantic DSLRs made me realize how happy I was to have this instead!
Oh, one other thing... the fact that you can "flip up" the flash to use it or flip it down not to... it was really easy to switch back and forth to see the difference in picture quality.
Great shots, easy to use, small and light! All this and I got a package deal including an extra lens, bag, and SD card for the price of a comparable Nikon J1. Thanks Best Buy!
One of the best things about it is its ultra fast auto-focus. My little ones (3 and 4 yr olds) move way too fast for anything less. The other great thing is its size and weight. I was easily able to walk around Disney World all day with this thing around my neck with no pain or discomfort. Seeing other folks lug around their gigantic DSLRs made me realize how happy I was to have this instead!
Oh, one other thing... the fact that you can "flip up" the flash to use it or flip it down not to... it was really easy to switch back and forth to see the difference in picture quality.
Great shots, easy to use, small and light! All this and I got a package deal including an extra lens, bag, and SD card for the price of a comparable Nikon J1. Thanks Best Buy!
About me... Parent with kids, Love capturing special occasions, casual user
I would recommend this to a friend!
+12points
13out of 14found this review helpful.
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Review 6 for Olympus E-PM1 12.3-Megapixel Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens - Black
Great little camera
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: 71CGAgrad
from Kerrville, TX
on 01/25/2012
Value for Price
4.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
4.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: Compact, fast focus, great picture quality
What's not so great: Sometines doesn't focus correctly in low light
I have a DSLR, but wanted a second camera as a backup. The small point and shoot Olympus I had was OK for that, but lacked versatility. I am pleased with the Olympus brand, so did not hesitate to try the E-PM1. What a great little camera! It has so many features, and the picture quality is outstanding. I got the package deal with the longer second lens. I could not be more pleased.
About me... Photo enthusiast
I would recommend this to a friend!
+5points
8out of 11found this review helpful.
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Review 7 for Olympus E-PM1 12.3-Megapixel Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens - Black
Stellar
Customer Rating
5.0
Value for Price
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: Everything
What's not so great: Best buy doesn't promote it well enough.
After a horrible experience at best buy with every camera I was looking at was out of stock. I was presented this camera. And all I can say is wow. It has almost if not all of the shooting features of the Sony cameras at a better price point only a little less mega pixels . But I do like the size over the Sony it's smaller and lighter nd feels great to hold. Pictures are stellar and this camera only makes the experience that much better with all the filters,aperture settings, and art modes that can be used. It has as ton of accessories that are made by olympus for this camera. Or just get the adapter and then it can use any manufactures lenses and accessories. And the hotfoot is a great addition. And batty life is excellent as well. Make sure to get a speed 10 memory card for it and this thing will rip! Shoots very fast, not slow like some cameras in this price point. This camera is loaded.
About me... casual user
I would recommend this to a friend!
+8points
10out of 12found this review helpful.
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Review 8 for Olympus E-PM1 12.3-Megapixel Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens - Black
Great Camera!
Customer Rating
5.0
Value for Price
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Features
5.0
If you have done your research and you think you might like this camera then you will. It is what I expected and more. The picture quality is better than expected for a camera in this price range. I do wish it could take my old school flash but it does have the ability to fire remote flash when included flash is used. Body feels solid and well built. Lens is light weight which helps balance the camera well. I do miss a viewfinder but you can add one if a big issue.
About me... Photo enthusiast
I would recommend this to a friend!
+4points
7out of 10found this review helpful.
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Review 9 for Olympus E-PM1 12.3-Megapixel Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens - Black
Good things DO come in small packages!!!!!!
Customer Rating
5.0
Value for Price
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: Size, speed, autofocus, low light picture quality, art filters, double exposure
What's not so great: Can't come up with anything
I have been shooting with Nikon for years and love Nikon. I have a D90 and absolutely love it. With that said I had read and done a lot of research on compact systems cameras. I was going to purchase a Sony NEX and was in a Best Buy for that reason. I saw the EPM1 and figured what the heck it's less expensive let's see if it's as nice. I will never give up my Nikon but let me just say this, I wanted a smaller camera to take with me everywhere I go and still be able to capture FAST and Quality photos. The EPM1 has an amazing automatic focus system where you don't have to touch the shutter to focus, and it actually works!!!! And it has six art filters built in....that actually work!!! I played with this thing for over an hour and let me tell you, I have not stopped playing with it since I purchased! Bar none, the easiest menu and fastest autofocus I have ever seen. Over 5 fps in continuous, 1080 HD video, art filters it will even do double exposure shots where you can take two pictures and blend them together without a computer!!!! I never write reviews, I had to share after getting this camera. Shoot well my friends......
About me... Pro photographer
I would recommend this to a friend!
+14points
18out of 22found this review helpful.
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Review 10 for Olympus E-PM1 12.3-Megapixel Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens - Black
Rich and Dynamic
Customer Rating
5.0
Value for Price
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Features
5.0
Okay, got back into photography after a decade of point and shoot (used to run a film SLR for awhile). Did all the research and bought a nice DSLR (Canon 60D), and it take fantastic photos, so I am happy and my new hobby is under way. So, now I want to upgrade the wife cause her old Canon SD870IS is about 4yrs old and photos not as nice as a DSLR (obviously). I had to decide between a newer compact point and shoot or the new compact system cameras. My main concern being size and complexity of the new compact system cameras.
Well, I researched for days, reviews, online image samples, and finally chose the E-PM1 over a P&S based primarily on fast focus tests in the store, and image samples on the net.
OMG, the images are fantastic! I did a back to back comparison of her old P&S and the new E-PM1 and it was a blow out, E-PM1 wins. In fact it easliy rivals my DSLR. Mirrorless is the future, IMO, for the novice photographer - it's not like a little better, it's waaaaay better, and the camera is very easy to use. Any little concerns about lesser screen and handling are all for naught after the first upload to the computer. Get one!
I would recommend this to a friend!
+26points
31out of 36found this review helpful.
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Review 11 for Olympus E-PM1 12.3-Megapixel Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens - Black
Excellent Camera!
Customer Rating
5.0
Value for Price
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: quality, battery life,
What's not so great: HD video sometimes slow to focus
I bought this after speaking with an Olympus rep. in the store but it wasn't the camera I was looking to buy. After speaking to him and checking the camera out I was sold. Great value package for the price. I am very happy with the camera and I think the picture quality is amazing for a 12.3 mega pixel. I have a 14 mega pixel camera that isn't even close to this quality. This camera also takes excellent pictures outdoors with low light and no flash.
Sometimes the HD video is slow to focus but it does focus in just seems weird to watch it later trying to focus in. The HD video quality is great though.
Overall this a great camera trade off between DSLR and not so great digital cameras. You get the ability to switch between different lens depending on your needs without the larger DSLR cameras. It's definitely a great buy for a digital camera step-up without the need for a much more expensive DSLR.
About me... Love capturing special occasions, casual user
I would recommend this to a friend!
+10points
17out of 24found this review helpful.
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Review 12 for Olympus E-PM1 12.3-Megapixel Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens - Black
Outstanding achievement for bridge cameras.
Customer Rating
5.0
Ease to Use
5.0
Features
5.0
Picture Quality
4.0
Value for Price
5.0
What's great about it: Great menu, reasonably accessible controls and functions, broke a record packing performance in this small size
What's not so great: Flash not built into camera, flash control wont work with an EVF.
Interface is very intuitive and easy to understand. The lacking number of physical buttons is complemented well by a rather friendly, easy to control menu interface. When shooting, all of the important controls and options are immediately accessible on the right side of the display via the main control wheel. This is useful and welcome as opposed to the alternative choices in the same category, which bury many of the features into other sub menus or have a more convoluted manner of situating functions.
Image quality is "Good". However, this is subject to what you are accustomed to, if point and shoots is all you know, expect a major leap and huge image quality improvements with the E-PM1. The four thirds sensor puts this in a class well beyond what any of the best 'point and shoot' camera out there. If, on the other hand, you are used to APS and four thirds sized sensors in DSLR's, then the image quality is just "good". ISO goes up to 12,800, but its pretty useless with the grain, I can't see passing ISO 6400 on here. I spent a lot of time around ISO 2000, and I was very surprised by the great usable quality at that range.
The art modes were cool, note however, that if you shoot in RAW then you don't get it, the art modes only will be applied to Jpeg images. This can work alright, since if you have Raw+Jpeg engaged, then you can have an original, plus the artistic alternative. Pretty nifty.
This Pen, like the other 'compact system cameras', but unlike nearly every point and shoot, has the ability to shoot in "raw" mode. This is preferable, always, if image quality has even the slightest priority (which, if you bought this camera, it obviously does).
I also should mention, it is FAST. The focus speed is super fast.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+32points
32out of 32found this review helpful.
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Review 13 for Olympus E-PM1 12.3-Megapixel Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens - Black
Excellent pics, easy to use and as light as a cell
Customer Rating
5.0
Ease to Use
5.0
Features
5.0
Picture Quality
5.0
Value for Price
5.0
What's great about it: Photo quality, speed, lightweight, interchangable lenses, attachable flash
What's not so great: my old SLR.....dont need it anymore!
Got this last week. Have not put it down I take it everywhere with me. The ART filters are the best, a lot of fun to experiment with. this thing has over 20 scene select modes so you dont have to worry about playing with aperture or shutter speeds. photo quality is excellent! took with me to seaworld and got great shots! only 500.00 for a mini slr that literally does everything that a pro camera can do.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+22points
22out of 22found this review helpful.
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