Olympus PEN E-PM1 Specs and Scores
General
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Brand | Olympus |
Model | PEN E-PM1 |
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. | June 30, 2011 |
Camera Type | |
Camera Size | |
Camera Weight |
The Olympus PEN E-PM1 receives a score of 42/100. This mirrorless camera was announced on June 30, 2011, and released the same year. Priced at $499 during its launch, the E-PM1 measures 110 x 64 x 34mm and weighs 265g (0.58lbs).
Compared to today’s market, the E-PM1’s specifications are not as competitive. However, it is important to remember that this camera was released a decade ago, and advancements in technology have since improved camera features. That said, the Olympus PEN E-PM1 still has its own merits and can be suitable for certain photography needs.
Olympus PEN E-PM1 Overview and Optics
The Olympus PEN E-PM1 receives a score of 47/100 for its optics. This camera features a 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, with a Micro Four Thirds sensor size and a 4:3 aspect ratio. The E-PM1 is equipped with a TruePic VI processor, which allows for a shooting speed of 5.5 frames per second. Additionally, the camera’s DXOMARK score for the sensor is 52.
The E-PM1 has a Micro 4/3 lens mount and offers image stabilization. Compared to current market standards, the 12.3-megapixel sensor and 5.5 fps shooting speed fall short as newer models offer higher megapixels and faster shooting speeds. However, the Micro Four Thirds sensor size and image stabilization are still relevant and beneficial for various shooting situations.
While the Olympus PEN E-PM1’s optics may not be the most advanced on the market, they provide satisfactory performance for casual photographers and those looking for a compact camera with a decent sensor size and image stabilization.
Optics
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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. | CMOS |
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. | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 5.5 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 VI |
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. | |
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. | 12,800 |
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. | 12800 |
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. | 35 |
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-PM1 Video Performance
The Olympus PEN E-PM1 receives a video score of 56/100, which is a moderate rating. This camera offers Full HD video resolution with maximum dimensions of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The highest video frame rate achievable is 60fps, providing smooth motion capture. However, the camera lacks built-in time-lapse functionality, which is a disadvantage for those interested in creative videography.
When considering the current market, the E-PM1’s video capabilities are decent but not exceptional. Many contemporary cameras now offer 4K resolution and advanced features such as time-lapse, making the E-PM1’s offerings somewhat dated. Nevertheless, the camera still produces quality Full HD videos suitable for casual users and those not seeking advanced videography options.
The Olympus PEN E-PM1’s video capabilities are satisfactory for basic needs, but those seeking cutting-edge video features may wish to explore other options in the market.
Video
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. | |
Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. | |
Max Video Dimensions 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. | 1920 x 1080 px |
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. | 60 p |
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. | |
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. | AVCHD |
Olympus PEN E-PM1 Features and Benefits
The Olympus PEN E-PM1’s features score is 36 out of 100, which may seem low, but let’s consider the specifics. The camera has a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 460,000 dots. This screen size and resolution is standard for many cameras, but it lacks some modern features found in today’s market. For instance, the E-PM1 does not have a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WIFI, or Bluetooth capabilities.
While these missing features may not be essential for some users, their absence does make the camera less competitive compared to newer models. The Olympus PEN E-PM1 is a decent choice for those who value simplicity and don’t require the latest technology. However, for users who seek a more advanced and connected camera, other options may be more suitable.
Features
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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 | |
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-PM1 Storage and Battery
The Olympus PEN E-PM1 receives a storage and battery score of 21/100. This camera has one memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. However, its battery life is relatively short, providing only 330 shots per charge. The camera uses a BLS-5 battery type, but it does not support USB charging.
When compared to current market offerings, the E-PM1’s storage and battery specifications fall short. Many contemporary cameras boast longer battery life, multiple memory card slots, and USB charging capabilities. Thus, the E-PM1’s storage and battery performance may not meet the expectations of today’s photographers.
Storage and Battery
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
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. | 330 shots |
USB Charging |
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
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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 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.' | 10.3 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' | 499 |
Scores
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User Scores
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B&H photo video |