Olympus E-PL2 mirrorless camera practises live previewing of the future

It’s customary to expect minor cosmetic changes or maybe a new sensor with a bit more resolution from a new generation of cameras of the same brand, but the opposite has happened with the Olympus E-PL2. The sensor seems to be the same, 12-megapixel Live MOS on a stabilizing suspension, but with a higher “base” sensitivity the range boundaries, both upper and lower, have moved up simultaneously: 200-6400 ISO . But the conceptual approach to the production of the model has changed significantly.

It is customary to expect from a new generation of cameras of the same brand small cosmetic changes or something like a new matrix with slightly higher resolution, but with Olympus E-PL2 turned out to be the opposite.

The sensor in the camera seems to be the same, 12-megapixel Live MOS on a stabilizing suspension, just with a higher “base” sensitivity range boundaries, both upper and lower, synchronously moved up: 200-6400 ISO . But the conceptual approach to the production of the model has changed dramatically.

According to Olympus, the E-PL2 is not an upgrade from the previous E-PL1 but a completely separate model in its own right. On the one hand it is difficult to believe this: two cameras are very similar, and not only superficially. On the other hand, the list of improvements in the E-PL2 is worth both an increased index and a short separate review.

First of all, it’s interesting to note that for the second model, the budget PL series has undergone a radical paradigm shift. The designers of the PL1 cut off just about everything that could be cut off for the sake of “cheapening” the amazingly expensive E-P series while still retaining respectability, but the new E-PL2 openly competes with the current and very expensive E-P2. And it seems that this competition is sometimes won.

The ergonomics and camera interface are now more functional, almost indistinguishable from E-P2. There is a rotating ring on the back panel around the navipad which is convenient for quick navigation through the options. The buttons themselves are no longer made in such a primitive-budget fashion, which has affected both aesthetics and comfort.

In general, E-PL2 became much less expensive. Slightly tweaked body design, although inferior to the stylistic consistency of the E-P2, looks good and pleasant.

Small screen with low detail was unexpectedly replaced by a modern 3-inch display with 460K resolution. The E-PL2 has been redesigned, with twice the screen resolution of the E-P2. The designers have even thought of extending the anti-reflective coating on part of the body, which visually greatly increases the display area, “enriching” the appearance of the camera.

The controls are prettier and “more expensive” – it has even become more pleasant to press them. Ergonomics in general has been noticeably improved thanks to a rotary ring for quick navigation options, framing the navipad on the back of the device – such a ring has become a standard for all subsequent models Pen.

Especially for this camera Olympus has developed a new stock zoom – a folding 14-42 mm F3,5-5,6. Its special feature is the sliding mechanism and extremely shallow depth of lens in the off state when turned on, the optics “slides apart” almost twice owing to an interesting design solution.

The lens is also recorded in the “video model”, in other words, has a quiet internal focusing, which will not interfere when recording video all the same 720p . The camera has a miniature retractable blitz GN 7 , a battery that lasts for 280 shots, HDMI output.

Another improvement is connected with video, which will be highly appreciated by amateur photographers, as well as those who are fed up with thinking with their cameras and would like the opposite – an updated, second generation of the Live Guide function.

This technology allows you to forget about the settings of the camera and just select the desired effect such as “blur the background” or “warm colors” and the rest, including also a “live” preview of the future frame, leave to the smart electronics.

Now the same method works for video: no manual adjustments, just choose the appropriate effect and shoot.

Other characteristics of novelty not very different from those of E-PL1 and with E-P2, if you continue to compare . Stabilized 12-megapixel sensor in 4/3-inch format with sensitivity up to 6400 ISO the upper limit is slightly increased, but at the same time with the lower limit – from 200 ISO . Shooting speed up to 3 frames per second.

Tiny retractable blitz with a guide number of 7. The battery on which the camera can shoot about 280 frames. HDMI output, USB and a universal plug, supplementing the “hot shoe” when connecting accessories.

A remote control can be plugged into the USB port and a totally weird Bluetooth transmitter can be installed into the camera’s proprietary port so you can send photos from the camera to your cell phone.

With video, in particular, due to another improvement, which will be appreciated by amateur novice photographers, as well as photographers who are already tired of thinking for the camera and would like the opposite – an updated, second generation proprietary Live Guide function.

The technology allows you to forget about the camera settings and only choose the desired effect like “blur the background” or “warmer colors” , and leave the rest, including also a “live” preview of the future frame, to the smart electronics. Now the same method works for video: no manual settings, just select the desired effect and shoot.

Other novelty characteristics don’t differ much from those of E-PL1 and E-P2 as well, if we continue comparing . Stabilized 12-megapixel sensor in 4/3-inch format with a sensitivity up to 6400 ISO the upper bar is slightly increased, but at the same time with the lower – from 200 ISO . Shooting speed up to 3 frames per second. Tiny retractable blitz with a guide number of 7.

The battery, on which the camera can get about 280 shots. HDMI-out, USB and a universal socket which complements the hot shoe when connecting accessories. In the USB now you can plug the remote control, and in the proprietary port, in addition to a variety of flashes and viewers, install a completely incomprehensible Bluetooth-transmitter – and send pictures from the camera to your own mobile.

The E-PL2 is still being sold in stores, along with even the older E-PL1, though it will soon be supplanted by its third-generation heir. It’s a convenient, practical and functional device. The only doubt about its possible purchase is that there’s no expected discount on the camera yet: the new E-PL3 costs marginally more and is definitely better. But maybe soon the price will start to fall.