Olympus PEN E-PL2 Summary

The Olympus PEN E-PL2 is one of the smallest interchangeable lens cameras yet packs plenty of advanced features despite its entry-level design. It includes image-stabilization and a popup flash. Its accessory port lets it use an optional high-resolution EVF or stereo microphone.

Image quality from the E-PL2 is exceptionally free of noise with a good amount of details and good color accuracy. Tonality is highly controllable, as is white-balance. Only the autofocus system causes serious issues with this camera. While the E-PL2 is quite a responsive camera, the focus system is too slow for action photography.

Video is well-implemented via a dedicate mode that lets the camera start recording instantly and preview video framing. Manual exposure and focus for video make this model surprisingly capable. The 720p HD output from the Olympus PEN E-PL2 is top-notch.

Direct competition for the E-PL2 is thin. There is the higher-level E-P2
Olympus PEN E-P2 which has dual control-dials and a dual-axis digital-level but no popup flash. A larger model is the excellent Sony Alpha SLT-A55
Sony Alpha SLT-A55 which offers unique features in its class such as Phase-Detect AF, 10 FPS continuous shooting, full 1080p video, a built-in stereo microphone and a built-in GPS. These features can be quite tempting but one cannot easily ignore the size advantage of the E-PL2, particularly since the SLT-A55 has a larger sensor which requires larger lenses.

Neocamera detailed review Read the Olympus PEN E-PL2 review.