[Review] Olympus PEN E-PM2

The PEN E-PM2 is all the proof you need that small and stylish can deliver impressive images. The PEN E-PM2 features technology to help you shoot brilliantly when light is hard to find. There’s blazing speed with an incredibly responsive touch shutter and 8 fps sequential shooting. The PEN E-PM2 is the camera you want when you’re ready to leave compacts behind.

Features

TruePic VI Image Processor, designed specifically for the Olympus PEN, features Real Color Technology for improved color reproduction and color gradation. The faster processor also allows for a shorter recovery time between shots.

Featuring the 16 megapixel Live MOS sensor of the OM-D E-M5, the Olympus Micro Four Thirds flagship, the PEN E-PM2 is optimized to maximize the performance of all mZuiko digital lenses in any shooting condition. Improvements to the sensitivity and read-.out speed of the existing sensor makes shooting and Full HD movie recording possible.

Olympus’ Dust Reduction System assures spot-free images, even if you change lenses. Every time you turn on the camera, the patented Supersonic Wave Filter silently vibrates, flinging and collecting dust so that it doesn't interfere with the picture imaging at any time.

Say goodbye to blurry images. Olympus' in-body image stabilization technology makes it possible to use any Micro Four Thirds lenses (or Four Thirds lens), from wide-angle to telephoto, for perfectly clear, crisp photos no matter what the shooting situation, even in low light!

The E-PM2 features a vertical bar touch navigation menu, The E-PM2 is designed to optimize the touch screen LCD and was introduced to operate the MENU display with a new simple operation instead of a mode dial. The E-PM2's Touchscreen reacts quickly with the slightest touch and can focus by touch even if the subject is not in the center. The E-PM2's built-in grip allows for secure and comfortable handling.

The E-PM2's Live Guide system allows you to preview effects as you adjust them – before the image is even captured. With a simple touch, slide through numerous photographic effects, such as brightness, color saturation, blur background, etc. And now, it's even easier to get to the Live Guide menu at the touch of a button on the top of the camera. Stunning low light photos are a click away with an increased ISO sensitivity to 25,600.

A convenient, fully automated feature that detects the scene and applies the best of six situations just by aiming the camera toward the subject. Backlight adjustment are automatically applied for Portrait and Landscape modes.

The FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology) AF System is able to focus at an incredible speed and offers 35 separate focus points that are spread over nearly the entire sensor, which makes it possible for pin-point accurate focusing on small subjects wherever they appear in the frame. Selectable 3x3 groups within the 35-point area are especially effective when shooting active subjects.

Shoot up to 29 minutes of 1080 60i HD video and stereo sound in either .MOV or .AVI formats. A Direct HD Movie Button switches you from still to movie mode with just the press of a button. Shoot movies with Art Filters, and change your Art Filter while taking the movie, and see the change right on the LCD.

Pros

• Great low light abilities
• Low ISO images have depth and clarity. Pics taken at ISO 3200 are good.
• Touch screen controls are quick
• Focuses better and faster than the previous generation PEN
• The little grip on the front makes handling the camera much better
• Colors & auto white balance of images are pretty rich, yet they look natural
• Autofocus with Olympus 45mm f/1.8 is impressive
• Initial acquisition is very fast in good light
• The camera is pretty fast in high speed mode
• Shot-to-shot blackout time is short
• Writing on SD card is quick
• Touch-shutter works really well
• The camera is good looking compared to most of the alternatives

Cons

• User interface has a long way to go to become photographer friendly
• Changing the aperture in aperture-priority mode requires several button pushes, which is inconvenient
• Small fonts are difficult to read
• Settings like ISO, aperture, exposure time are not displayed in image preview, unless you go to the detailed view which shrinks the image to 1/4 size
• Sensor-based image stabilization on E-PM2 is not effective
• Clip-on flash makes it inconvenient to pocket even with prime lenses
• JPGs at 100% view are disappointing in high

QUICK PREVIEW

• 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko ED Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System)
• BLS-5 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery
• FL-LM1 Flash for E-PM1/E-PL3 Cameras
• Shoulder Strap

What are your views regarding this pocket camera?

Olympus PEN E-PM2
Reviewed by Garg Ankit Rating: 4.5