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Olympus PEN E-PM2 Summary
16 Megapixels
Electronic View Finder
High ISO: ISO 6400 or more is available at full-resolution.
Stabilization: Compensates for tiny involuntary movements of the camera.
Level: Measures camera tilt and helps to keep the horizon level.
Continuous Drive
Full 1080p HD Video: 1920 x 1080 resolution or more but less than 4K.
Manual Controls: Both fully-manual (M) and semi-automatic modes (T and V).
Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.
Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.
Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.
Hotshoe: Allows external flash units to be attached.
Spot Metering
Accepts Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC), SDHC and SD memory.
Neocamera detailed review
Discontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.Olympus PEN E-PM2 Assessment
The Olympus PEN E-PM2 is a very compact and light mirrorless camera. It was launched in late 2012 with the E-PL5
Olympus PEN E-PL5 which shares the same internals and adds a traditional mode-dial and tilting LCD. Olympus based both these models on the sensor of their highly-acclaimed OM-D E-M5
Olympus OM-D E-M5 flagship camera.
This new sensor delivers quality images combined with a speedy performance. Image noise is very low, delivering clean images until ISO 1600 and usable ones until 12800. Both white-balance and metering systems are very reliable. Colors are not perfect but can be reasonably close for general use. The E-PM2 outputs images clearly ahead of its predecessor and improves speed in all areas except video.
The Olympus E-PM2 outclasses its entry-level status by delivering competitive performance with plenty of features at a truly affordable price. Used mostly as a point-and-shoot, the E-PM2 is hard to fault. However, those looking to use an its manual-controls will feel the interface limiting and should go for a higher-end model like the excellent OM-D E-M5 reviewed here
Olympus OM-D E-M5.
Neocamera detailed review Read the Olympus PEN E-PM2 review.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Very low image noise | Poor color accuracy |
| Reliable metering | Focus hunts in low light |
| Good white-balance | Long black-out |
| Quick shot-to-shot speed | Display not always Exposure-Priority |
| Fast contrast-detect AF | Low contrast LCD |
| Short shutter-lag | Modal EC interface |
| Generally responsive | 1s Video record delay |
| Effective built-in stabilization | Uncomfortable strap eyelets |
| Excellent automatic Manual Focus Assist | Flimsy battery and memory door |
| High level of customization |  Excellent Excellent |
Recent Similar Cameras
Olympus PEN E-PM2 Related Information
| Sister Models |
|---|
| Olympus PEN E-PL5 Olympus PEN E-PL5 - Internally identical. More external controls. |
| Olympus OM-D E-M5 Olympus OM-D E-M5 Built-in EVF, Dual Control-Dials, Weatherproof |
| Reviews | |
|---|---|
| Neocamera | |
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Olympus E-PM2 Highlights
Mirrorless digital cameraSensor-Size: 17 x 13mm
Actual size when viewed at 100 DPI
| 16 Megapixels Mirrorless | ISO 200-25600 |
| Micro Four-Thirds Mount 2X FLM | Shutter 1/4000-60s |
| 2-Axis Built-in Stabilization | Full manual controls, including Manual Focus |
| 0.45" Optional EVF 1.5 Megapixels | Custom white-balance with 2 axis fine-tuning |
| 2 Axis Digital Level | Spot-Metering |
| Built-in Dust Reduction | Hot-Shoe |
| 8 FPS Drive, 15 Images | Stereo audio input |
| 1920x1080 @ 30 FPS Video Recording | Lithium-Ion Battery |
| 3" LCD 460K Pixels | Secure Digital Extended Capacity |
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