Olympus PEN E-PM1

186 reviews

May, 2013

Positive
Portability (34)
Performance (25)
Value for money (23)
Image quality (17)
Responsiveness (8)

Negative
Screen (10)
Low-light (6)
Flash (6)
Viewfinder (3)
Features (3)

General overview
Price comparison
Product Specifications

alaTest has collected and analyzed 186 reviews from magazines and websites. Opinions about the responsiveness and image quality are overall positive. The value for money and performance are also appreciated. Comments are divided on the sensor. Many are negative about the features and viewfinder.

portability, performance, value for money, image quality, responsiveness

screen, flash, low-light, viewfinder, features

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Compact System Cameras the Olympus PEN E-PM1 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 86/100 = Very good quality.

Review analysis

(Based on 186 reviews)

Expert Reviews

User Reviews

Review Ratings

(44% of reviews)
Show all 5 star reviews (39% of reviews)
Show all 4 star reviews (13% of reviews)
Show all 3 star reviews (1% of reviews)
Show all 2 star reviews (4% of reviews)
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Features

Portability
Show positive (64%)Show negative (5%)(Show all)

Performance
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Value for money
Show positive (45%)Show negative (18%)(Show all)

Image quality
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Screen
Show positive (17%)Show negative (29%)(Show all)

More features

Showing 120 review(s)

Expert Reviews User Reviews

Showing 1 - 10 of 120 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (71)

Expert review by: Anand Tuliani (tech2.in.com)

Olympus PEN Mini E-PM1 Review

Mirrorless compact cameras are worth considering if you want DSLR-like photo quality without the bulk. There are many options out there, with the most basic models priced almost the same as entry-level DSLR cameras, which is close to Rs.28,000. Olympus...

Mar, 2012

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Expert review by: Lori Grunin (cnet.com)

Olympus PEN E-PM1 (with 14-42mm lens, Purple)

Size and affordability remain the bane of the interchangeable-lens camera (at least here in the U.S.), but Olympus' PEN E-PM1 hits the closest to the target that I've seen thus far. It's not perfect, and in fact it's kind of hard to get excited about....

The Olympus PEN E-PM1 has a relatively compact and appealing design, and operates similarly enough to a point-and-shoot that upgraders needn't be intimidated. Plus it's priced aggressively

If you're picky, the image and video quality may not completely satisfy you

If you're looking for a step-up model that's still pretty compact, the Olympus PEN E-PM1 is a solid, affordable choice.

Feb, 2012

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Expert review by: TJ Donegan (digitalcamerainfo.com)

Olympus PEN E-PM1Digital Camera Review

The Olympus E-PM1 is the entry point into the company's 2011 interchangeable lens PEN lineup, complementing the higher-end E-PL3 and E-P3 options. The E-PM1, also known as the PEN Mini, is the smallest and most affordable of the group, but it retains...

Ever since Olympus unveiled their 2011 PEN camera lineup, eyes have been on the so-called “PEN Mini,” the E-PM1. It’s the cheapest, most compact PEN yet, but still comes with an image sensor that is nearly identical to Olympus’ top of the line E-P3....

Nov, 2011

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dpreview.com - SILVER AWARD

Expert review by: Kelcey Smith (dpreview.com)

Olympus PEN E-PM1

The classically-styled PEN series of Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens cameras has given Olympus the opportunity to draw attention to the small, popular half-frame models that it produced in its film heyday. But it wasn't just the size and style...

Good low ISO image quality and resolution ; Fast and responsive operation ; Fast, accurate autofocus ; Full HD AVCHD video ; AF assist lamp ; Comprehensive in-camera raw editing capability ; High degree of camera and menu customization ; Art filters...

High ISO noise performance lagging behind competitors' newer sensors ; Overly aggressive default noise filter setting for JPEG output ; Digital IS for video capture can introduce unnatural-looking footage ; Lack of a hand grip can make handling awkward...

The Olympus PEN E-PM1 offers good image quality and manual control in a small, compact body. The E-PM1 offers nearly the same level of customization as its siblings which should appeal to enthusiast shooters, but for compact upgraders it is easy to use...

Nov, 2011

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Olympus PEN E-PM1

Mirrorless interchangeable cameras are making headlines with new models arriving almost weekly. We test the Olympus PEN E-PM1 which is the newest, smallest and cheapest one currently available to see if it's your next dream camera.

Good photo quality ; Responsive (but turn Review off!) ; Compact, solid, nice design

Interface not completely intuitive ; Forget ISO 12,800

We recommend the E-PM1 for people considering a responsive, compact interchangeable lens camera that takes good pictures and videos.

Sep, 2011

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Expert review by: Dan Havlik (wired.com)

Olympus' Slimmed-Down PEN Mini Serves Big on Center Court

The E-PM1 is a fun camera to shoot with. It produced surprisingly sharp, high-quality images of fast-moving action at the US Open.

Fast autofocus system and 5fps burst shooting mode are enough to keep up with some of the world’s best tennis players. Crisp 1080i HD movies with stereo sound available at the touch of a button. 2x magnification factor from Micro Four Thirds sensor...

Attach a zoom lens and the Mini becomes decidedly less mini. Very slow start-up time might cause you to miss shots of famous celebrities. Images above ISO 1600 are noisy. Menu navigation involves too many button pushes and knob turns. No built-in flash

Sep, 2011

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Expert review by: Jeremy Stamas (reviewed.com)

Olympus E-PM1

The E-PM1 is the smallest interchangeable lens camera from Olympus, and its video performance was surprisingly good for a camera that comes in such a small body. The PM1 recorded sharp Full HD video in our testing, although it struggled at times in our...

Like most compact interchangeable lens cameras, the Olympus E-PM1 records good, but not fantastic, HD video. If you’re purchasing the camera that you’re primarily planning to use to record video, the E-PM1 is not the model for you. But, if you are...

Dec, 2011

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Expert review by: Jeremy Stamas (camcorderinfo.com)

Olympus PEN E-PM1Digital Camera Review

What follows is a quick overview of the video capabilities of the Olympus PEN E-PM1. Read our comprehensive analysis and testing results in greater detail at DigitalCameraInfo.com.

Dec, 2011

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Expert review by: Jim Keenan (digitalcamerareview.com)

Olympus E-PM1 Review

Meaner.

Good still image quality ; Very good HD video ; Competitive price

Slow start up ; Slick, difficult to grip finish ; Only average at high ISO

If you're already shooting a PEN camera you'll be the best judge of whether the latest generation brings enough to the table to get you to move into a new body. If you're looking to acquire your first mirrorless interchangeable lens model the field...

Sep, 2011

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Expert review by: Mike Perlman (technobuffalo.com)

Olympus E-PM1 Review: The Mini Me of the PEN Persuasion

One of my favorite events of the year is the one where Olympus invites me to New York to document the U.S. Open tennis tournament with one of their brand new Micro Four Thirds PEN cameras. This year, I happened to be snapping away in the press dugouts...

Sep, 2011