Olympus PEN E-PL2 Specs and Scores
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General
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Olympus PEN E-PL2
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Price | |
Brand | Olympus |
Model | PEN E-PL2 |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2011 |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | January 06, 2011 |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless |
Camera Size | |
Camera Weight |
The Olympus PEN E-PL2 earns a score of 39/100 for its general specifications. Introduced on January 6, 2011, this mirrorless camera launched at a price of $599. Measuring 114 x 72 x 42mm and weighing 362g (0.80lbs), the E-PL2 has a compact design.
Considering today’s market, the E-PL2’s specifications may not stand out among newer models. However, its size and weight make it a viable option for those seeking a lightweight and portable camera. The E-PL2 remains a decent choice for casual photographers, despite its age and relatively low score.
Olympus PEN E-PL2 Overview and Optics
The Olympus PEN E-PL2 receives a score of 43/100 for its optics. This camera has 12.3 megapixels, a shooting speed of 3, a Live MOS sensor, and a TruePic V processor. Its DXOMARK score for the sensor is 55, signifying decent performance. The E-PL2 features a Micro Four Thirds sensor size and a Micro 4/3 lens mount. Additionally, it includes image stabilization and a 4:3 aspect ratio.
In comparison to other cameras in the market, the E-PL2’s optics may not stand out as top-of-the-line, especially considering the rapid advancements in camera technology. However, for casual photographers or those on a budget, this camera still offers satisfactory performance and capabilities. While it may not be on par with the latest releases, the Olympus PEN E-PL2 can still provide quality images for its users.
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Optics
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Olympus PEN E-PL2
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 12.3 MP |
Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4032 x 3024 px |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | Live MOS |
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 mm |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Micro Four Thirds |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 3 fps |
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 |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 200 |
Maximum ISO (Native) 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. | 6,400 |
Minimum 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. | 200 |
Maximum 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. | 6400 |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 60 s |
Maximum 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. | 1/ 4000 s |
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. | 11 |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   |
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 |
Olympus PEN E-PL2 Video Performance
The Olympus PEN E-PL2 lacks video capabilities. This camera focuses on photography only, not offering video recording options.
Video
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Olympus PEN E-PL2
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |   |
Time-Lapse 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. |  |
Olympus PEN E-PL2 Features and Benefits
The Olympus PEN E-PL2 receives a feature score of 36/100. This camera has a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 460,000 dots. However, the E-PL2 lacks modern features commonly found in today’s market, such as a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The absence of these features means that the E-PL2 may not be as versatile or user-friendly as other cameras available in the current market. Despite its solid build and decent image quality, the lack of advanced features can limit its appeal to photographers who require more convenience and connectivity options in their camera.
The Olympus PEN E-PL2, while offering good performance in certain aspects, may not be the best choice for those seeking a feature-rich camera in today’s competitive market.
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Features
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Olympus PEN E-PL2
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  |
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. |  |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  |
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. |  |
Screen Size |  3" |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 460,000 dots |
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. |  |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  |
Wi-Fi |  |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  |
Olympus PEN E-PL2 Storage and Battery
The Olympus PEN E-PL2 scores 16/100 in the storage and battery category. This camera comes with a single memory card slot, compatible with SD and SDHC cards. Compared to modern cameras, this limited storage capacity falls short in meeting the needs of many photographers.
The E-PL2 offers a battery life of 280 shots, powered by a BLS-5 battery. In today’s market, this battery life is considered low, as most cameras now provide longer-lasting batteries. Additionally, the E-PL2 lacks a USB charging option, which is a standard feature in current camera models.
Taking these factors into account, the Olympus PEN E-PL2’s storage and battery specifications are not competitive in the current camera market.
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Storage and Battery
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Olympus PEN E-PL2
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC |
Dual Memory Card Slots |  |
Battery Type | BLS-5 |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 280 shots |
USB Charging |  |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Olympus PEN E-PL2
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |
Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 21.4 bits |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 10.2 EVs |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 573 |
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Scores
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User Scores
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B&H photo video |