New reviews (PEN cameras, 45mm and 100-300mm lens)
SLR Magic / Noktor 12mm F1.6 Sample from Adam Troup on Vimeo.
The Olympus E-PM1 has been reviewed at Photoreview (Click here): “Because it provides most of the features of its more expensive siblings (the E-P3 and E-PL3), the E-PM1 represents excellent value for money. At $599 for the single-lens kit, it’s $200 cheaper than the E-PL3 and $400 less than the E-P3“.
E-PM1 price check links: Amazon, Adorama, B&H, J&R, eBay.
Olympus E-P3 test at Neocamera (Click here): “The Olympus PEN E-P3 rightfully deserves its flagship status among Micro Four-Thirds SLDs. By keeping the already great design of its predecessor and refining the internals, particularly the autofocus system, Olympus produced an excellent camera that is even more usable. True to the ideal compromise between performance and size, the PEN E-P3 compares well to previous generation entry-level DSLRs in terms of performance while offering it in a size comparable to a compact camera“.
E-P3 price check links: Amazon, Adorama, B&H, J&R, eBay.
There is a new E-PL3 review at Photoxels (Click here): “The Olympus E-PL3 is a perfect step up for someone graduating from a point-and-shoot and a better choice than one of the high end compact digicam or entry-level DSLR. Compact, light and giving DSLR-level image quality and performance, we believe it makes an ideal mirrorless DSLR for the whole family. Highly recommended“.
E-PL3 price check links: Amazon, Adorama, B&H, J&R, eBay.
Olympus 45mm review at m43blogspot (Click here): “The image quality is good, and the focus speed is fast. The lens is not so well suited for video recording, due to the lack of optical image stabilization.”
45mm lens price check links: Amazon, Adorama, B&H, J&R, eBay.
Panasonic 100-300mm lens review at Photozone (Clik here): “The delivered resolution is actually pretty decent across the image field and the focal length – especially towards the very long end of the range. The lens suffers from a high degree of lateral CAs – despite an extra low dispersion lens – which is mainly a problem for Olympus users whereas the auto-correction can cope with this issue on Panasonic cameras.”
100-300mm lens price check links: Amazon, Adorama, B&H, J&R, eBay.
Something different: Olympus E-1 Kodak sensor dynamic range test (dpreview forum).
The only place were you can find the old E-1 is on eBay (Click here). Can’t find a reason why you should still buy that cam

blohum
7 months ago |“Can’t find a reason why you should still buy that cam”
It may be old tech but it’s still a damn fine camera!
mclarenf3
7 months ago |I can find several reasons, and they’re all posted here. But for me, it was the weather sealing. For $200 I can get the body and grip, and for another $200 I can get a ZD 14-54mm mkI. Where else can you get a weather-sealed camera with a 28-108mm (equiv) field of view at f/2.8-3.5? All of that for $400 is a great deal. I choose to get the ZD 14-54mm mkII so that that lens works great on both my E-1 and my G2.
Borbarad
7 months ago |Of course you could as there are a more than a few reasons to buy an E1. First of all as you already stated the Kodak Sensor is a reason for itself alone. But then there is the awesome body, the smooth shutter und damn reliable AF.
I still have mine and it’s not for sale. Never ever!
And there a also quite a few reasons to invest in 4/3. As for m4/3 well there is for me a big reason not to invest: Software corrected optics.
And of course I ordered a Leica M9P in Chrome for various reasons. One of them is the Kodak Sensor.
B
blohum
7 months ago |Plus the fact that it’s weather sealed, get an E1 and a 14-54mm and go and take a few all-weather photos, this ability would have set you back hundreds a few years ago.
Plus there’s a button for everything… no fiddling around in endless menus.
I have E1 and a technically superior E510, but the E1 is still my go-to camera.
Honestly admin, I’m surprised at you!!
Ryan
7 months ago |E-1 is a amazing camera! 100-250 on ebay depending on condition (usa) weather sealed, great ergonomics, great dynamic range.. sure it is only 5mp but that is not enough to shun me away.
Mar
7 months ago |E-1 is still a better camera than any m43 out there hehehe
Anonymous
7 months ago |still waiting for a PEN PRO with build in EVF
Pixnat
7 months ago |“The lens (45 f/1.8) is not so well suited for video recording, due to the lack of optical image stabilization.”
Just use a tripod or a rig
My favorite lens for video is the Contax Zeiss 50mm f/1.4, which is not stabilized at all, and has no auto-focus
.
rogerioi
7 months ago |“Can’t find a reason why you should still buy that cam”
Anyone that has ever owned an E-1 will find several reasons to still buy one… The best weather sealed camera ever made… The best Dynamic range in all 4/3 and m4/3 universe and that fantastic ability to be simple with a button for everything we really need.
Every time I go to the sea side, the E-1 is my first choice.
Every time I need to take pictures in the rain, the E-1 is my first choice.
Every time I need to take pictures with moisture and fog, the E-1 is my first choice.
Have you ever tried the E-1 in the Alpes’ snow?
Rogerioi
admin
7 months ago |I can’t find one friend having the E-1. Would love to test it!!!