Hands On Olympus E-PL1

2010 will be a good year for Olympus for today, Wednesday, February 3, the leading camera manufacturer camera launched Micro Four-Thirds (MFT) E-PL1. E-PL1 complete line of cameras like the Olympus E mirrorless-GF1 and Panasonic P2. This camera is offered with prices starting at $ 599, but has many professional features.

 

 

Full specifications can be seen in the press release. Two of the most interesting feature for an experienced photographer is the ability to flash video and wireless. 720p high-definition video comes the ability to set the exposure manually. Not stop there, E-PL1 also allows you to use an external mic with accessories EMA-1. This capability previously only available on digital cameras priced above 10 million rupiah.

In using the wireless flash photography, you can control up to 3 flash groups with an unlimited amount without any additional accessories. Each flash can be set to use the measurement TTL, Auto, or manual. Everything is done by just relying on the camera's internal flash. This feature again previously only available in Nikon and middle class, with the price of flash Olympus FL-36R is only two million dollars, we can say this system is a wireless system the most affordable flash photography. 

 

Novice users do not need to be discouraged because of the early E-PL1 is designed for beginners. In the E-PL1 available Live Guide features that make it easy to create without the need to understand the technical shots. In this mode the user only needs to shift the slider to the blur and sharp, or dark and bright. 

 

CFVd was lucky enough to be given the opportunity by Indonesia to try to Olympus E-PL1 before the official launch. Thus the impression that we can: 

 

Chassis:
At first we were a little disappointed with the look of silver plastic chassis (actually Champagne Gold) E-PL1. Juxtaposed with the E-P1 or E-P2, was immediately obvious which is more expensive. But it is much more comfortable gripnya held. And the black color is attractive. So that we can not say it looks bad.

Control:
Gone was the scroll dial on the previous Digital Pen, left just the 4 button. We are also a bit disappointed with this. But, again, E-PL1 able to shine after further known. When I tried to take pictures, only takes a few minutes to learn control. Control and responds swiftly. The most important, obviously. You just glanced at the screen to know which button is pressed the need for change aperture or shutter speed. In addition, the layout of the E-PL1 underwater casing makes the design easier. Because that's available akesoris PT-EP01 to E-PL1 can be brought to dive to 40 meters. 

 

Wireless flash:
We use an FL-50R wireless flash to try. Manual exposure control and TTL controlled flash.

The results of E-PL1 beta version (v0.9 firmware) 

 

With all these advantages, E-PL1 potential market clearing Prosumer and DSLR camera beginners. Let us look at its development. For a deeper review, look at the magazine CHIP Foto-Video digital edition in March 2010.