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Olympus PEN E-P1
40
SCORE
Olympus · Mirrorless · 12.3 MP · Micro Four Thirds

Olympus PEN E-P1

General 40Optics 45Features and Benefits 36Storage and Battery 16
KEY FACTS
BrandOlympus
ModelPEN E-P1
Released2009
Announcement date16/06/2009
Camera typeMirrorless

General 40

Brand
Olympus
Model
PEN E-P1
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2009
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
16/06/2009
Camera type
Mirrorless
Camera size
121 x 70 x 36 mm
Camera weight
355 g

Optics 45

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
12.3 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
4032 x 3024
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
NMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
13 x 17.3
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Micro Four Thirds
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
3 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Micro 4/3
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
TruePic V
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
4:3
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
10030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
64003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
10030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
64003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
6044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
400080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
110300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
None
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

The Olympus PEN E-P1 scores a 40/100 in our evaluation. This mirrorless camera, announced on June 16, 2009, and released the same year, initially retailed for $1,098. Measuring 121 x 70 x 36mm and weighing 355g (0.78lbs), the E-P1 has a compact design. However, considering the advancements in camera technology since 2009, the E-P1 may struggle to compete with newer models in today’s market.

Olympus PEN E-P1 Overview and Optics

The Olympus PEN E-P1 receives a score of 45/100 for its optics. This camera features a 12.3-megapixel NMOS sensor, a TruePic V processor, and a Micro Four Thirds sensor size. It also has a shooting speed of 3 frames per second, a DXOMARK score of 55 for the sensor, and a Micro 4/3 lens mount. The E-P1 also includes image stabilization and a 4:3 aspect ratio.

Comparing these specifications to the current market, the E-P1 falls short in some areas. The 12.3-megapixel sensor is considered low, as modern cameras offer higher resolution. Additionally, a shooting speed of 3 frames per second is slow compared to the fast-paced photography needs of today’s users.

Despite these shortcomings, the Olympus PEN E-P1 still offers valuable features such as image stabilization and a Micro 4/3 lens mount, which allows for a wide range of lens options. However, it is essential to weigh these benefits against the limitations of its optics when considering the E-P1 as a viable option in today’s competitive camera market.

Olympus PEN E-P1 Video Performance

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
No
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
N/A
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
N/A
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
N/A
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
No
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
N/A
Read our notes on olympus pen e-p1 video performance

The Olympus PEN E-P1 lacks video capabilities. This camera focuses solely on photography, providing no option to record video.

Olympus PEN E-P1 Features and Benefits 36

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
No
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
No
Screen type
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
2300001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
No
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
No
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No
Read our notes on olympus pen e-p1 features and benefits

The Olympus PEN E-P1 receives a feature score of 36 out of 100. This camera has a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 230,000 dots. However, it lacks some modern features, such as a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth capabilities.

Comparing with today’s market, the E-P1 falls short in providing the convenience and connectivity that many photographers look for in a camera. The absence of a touchscreen and flip screen limits flexibility in shooting angles and user interaction. Furthermore, the lack of GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth hinders seamless photo sharing and location tagging, which are now common features in contemporary cameras.

Despite its low feature score, the Olympus PEN E-P1 still offers decent image quality and performance. However, potential buyers should consider the camera’s limitations and weigh them against their specific photography needs and desired features.

Olympus PEN E-P1 Storage and Battery 16

Memory card
SD / SDHC
Dual memory card slots
No
Battery type
BLS-1
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
300 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on olympus pen e-p1 storage and battery

The Olympus PEN E-P1’s storage and battery performance receives a score of 16/100. This camera has one memory card slot, accepting SD and SDHC cards for storage. Compared to modern cameras, the single memory card slot may limit storage capacity, as many now offer dual slots.

Regarding battery life, the E-P1 offers 300 shots per charge using the BLS-1 battery type. This falls short in today’s market, as many cameras provide longer battery life. Additionally, the E-P1 lacks USB charging, a convenient feature present in newer models.

The Olympus PEN E-P1 falls behind in storage and battery capabilities when compared to current camera models, offering limited memory card slots, shorter battery life, and no USB charging option.