Olympus PEN E-PL1 Mirrorless Camera
The Olympus E-PL1 is a 12MP Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera — with 720p video and in-body stabilization. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Olympus PEN E-PL1 Mirrorless Camera
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Camera Overview — Olympus E-PL1
Key Features — Olympus E-PL1
12MP Micro Four Thirds Sensor: A 2x crop factor MFT sensor that keeps the camera compact while supporting the full range of Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lenses.
TruePic V Processor: Olympus's image processor from this era handles noise reduction and color rendering across the ISO 100–3200 range.
Sensor-Shift Stabilization: In-body image stabilization works with any attached MFT lens, helping reduce camera shake without relying on lens-based IS.
Five Color Profiles: Standard, Vivid, Muted, Portrait, and Monochrome picture modes allow meaningful control over image rendering straight out of camera.
11-Area Contrast AF: Contrast detection autofocus covers 11 selectable areas across the frame for everyday stills and video shooting.
Built-In Pop-Up Flash: An integrated flash provides on-camera fill or ambient lighting without requiring an external accessory.
Camera Specifications — Olympus E-PL1
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Travel, Beginner-Friendly |
| Type | Mirrorless |
| Sensor | Micro Four Thirds (MFT) |
| Resolution | 12MP |
| Processor | TruePic V |
| ISO Range | 100 – 3200 |
| AF System | Contrast Detection |
| AF Points | 11-area |
| Max Photo Resolution | 4032x3024 |
| Burst Rate | 3.5 fps |
| Max Video Resolution | 720p |
| Max Frame Rate | 30fps |
Description — Olympus E-PL1
The Olympus PEN E-PL1 is a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera powered by a 12MP sensor and TruePic V image processor. It captures stills at a maximum resolution of 4032x3024 pixels with a burst rate of 3.5fps, and provides five color profiles — Standard, Vivid, Muted, Portrait, and Monochrome — for in-camera image customization. The autofocus system relies on contrast detection with an 11-area layout.
A key feature is the sensor-shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which works across compatible lenses. For video, the camera records at up to 720p at 30fps in 8-bit. The 2.7-inch LCD with 230,000 dots serves as the sole composing and review screen, as no viewfinder is fitted.
The body measures 115 x 72 x 42 mm and weighs 482g, built from a plastic and metal combination with no weather sealing. Storage is via SD and SDHC cards, output includes Mini HDMI and USB, and a built-in pop-up flash is included. The Li-ion battery is rated for approximately 290 shots per charge.
Pros — Olympus E-PL1
- ✓Sensor-shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS) included in a compact body
- ✓Five color profiles — Standard, Vivid, Muted, Portrait, and Monochrome — for in-camera creative control
- ✓Compact dimensions of 115 x 72 x 42 mm with a plastic/metal construction
Cons — Olympus E-PL1
- ✗No viewfinder of any type — shooting is limited to the 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot LCD
- ✗Video is capped at 720p 30fps with only a Standard color profile available
- ✗ISO range tops out at 3200, limiting low-light flexibility
Videos — Olympus E-PL1
Olympus E-PL1 Review — infosyncvideos