This is my fourth digital camera. The images are better than my point and shoot cameras and just as good as my older DSLR. The small size is a big plus. I have already purchased an extra lense (17mm, f2.8) and the optional view finder (vf-3).
The pictures are sharp and color saturation is excellent. I am just beginning to explore the power of this camera and it is still surprising me after a week of shooting. I have found the camera to be easy to use, and menus easier than what some camera "expert" reviewers have stated.

The E-PL1 was my first digital camera. I wanted something where I could still maintain creativity. My old wonderful film camera was an Olympus OM-G. I loved it and it was hard to make the switch. Once I started taking pics w/the E-PL1, I loved it. Love the art filters and different effects you can do while shooting. They make it fun. Have had good luck with the video as well. I just got a viewfinder which I like for those sunny days when you cant see what you're shooting on the screen. Like it--glad I finally got the firmware downloaded to make it work (that was a bit challenging for me). I dont change settings in my camera much--seems like there are just way too many options and settings and I dont have time to figure them all out. I pretty much stick w/auto focus or art/scene and have had good luck. I recommend it, but for it's potential take a class. I also have e-PL1 for dummies and that has helped alot.

I was looking for one of the new smaller, mirror less cameras. Looked at models costing much more. Another user mention E-PL1's great value and great images. I was convinced after taking a few images.

E-PL1 deserves it great popularity.

My first digital camera was also an Olympus with 1.3 Megapixels and did not do nearly half of what the PL1 does. It is a great camera for the price. I am paying less for the PL1 and extra lens than what the first Olympus cost me. The PL1 produces vivid images including a sunset picture from the time of the Venus transit. Buy one.

I just recently purchased my Pen E-PL1 and love it. Though I have not had it long, I particularly like the e-portrait feature and the art filters. I took a photo of my wife in natural light at home and used e-portrait and you would think it was taken in my studio when I had my pro photography business. Learning something new everyday and enjoying the experience.

I have never liked digital cameras with pushing a button to focus but with this camera I can put legacy lenses and shoot old school! It is an affordable alternative to the expensive autofocus lenses on other cameras.

Hi ,

After reading lots of review I finally decided to buy Olympus EPL1 as it suited my needs and budget.

I am not a professional photographer and not interested in becoming one. What I wanted is a Camera which produces good image quality in all situations even in low light scenario.

I have had experiences in digital cameras , which produced excellent images but had very little to offer when it becomes dark.

So after careful consideration , finally bought Olympus and tried out all the automatic options provided by EPL1 in all kind of situatiions , And I am pretty happy with it.

Even my photographs now look like professional :)

Regards,
Madhu

I love Olympus cameras and own three digital and two film. That being said my favorite has to be my E-PL1. What a great little camera. Fantastic photos, amazing videos and with an andaptor i'm able to use all my Olympus film lenses. A wonderful array of features and it looks so good. People are always asking me about my PEN when I'm shooting and I'm sure I convinced many to get one. Olympus is a trend setter in the world of photography and the PEN is one of the best cameras they make. I've included a photo of our cat Abby I shot with the E-PL1 in manual mode.

I was looking for a digital camera that I could use my lenses from a film camera. This camera offered so many choices when taking pictures that it is a great learning machine. The fact that there was a Dummies Book for this camera helped to simplify the learning curve. You should think about the V-2 view finder, it really helps when taking a picture in strong light. The Olympus company has a lot of help for you on their web site. My only negative is the Bulb setting. You must hand hold the shutter for long time exposures.

This camera has great value. I recently purchased an EPL1 kit with lens for under 250 dollars. This camera is great takes beautiful pictures. Features are easy to access with live guides, unless you are coming from a DSLR, which i am not, you may find this more time consuming than the dials on most DSLR; however, if coming from point and shoot like me. this is a great camera. I love that i can manually adjust settings. And it was easy to learn on my own. Just put in auto mode look at settings and it gives you a good starting point for adjusting manually.
Pros - picture quality, easy of use for a point and shoot background. Compact size and interchangeable lenses. Also i love the art modes. I use these quite often. And the manual setting makes it perfect for my beginning photography.
Cons - Lenses are expensive compared to what i paid for the camera and kit lens, No viewfinder (this is good for shooting outside in bright light), auto focus is a little slow; although i did update my firmware and there is a noticeable increase in AF speed. Good job Olympus.