So many pens

[John Cox]

Is there any difference in terms of raw quality between the different 12 MP Pen models (e p1, e p2, e p3, and e pl 1, e pl 2, e pl 3). I have a feeling they all use the same sensor. If I'm shooting raw and doing my own noise reduction and sharpening is there really a difference?

 

[aleksanderpolo]

The 12MP all use the same sensor, so if you are shooting raw it would be better to go for the 16MP Pen models (EPL5, EM5, EPM2), which has a much better sensor, see this for example:

http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Compare-Camera-Sensors/Compare-cameras-side-by-side/%28appareil1%29/839|0/%28brand%29/Olympus/%28appareil2%29/724|0/%28brand2%29/Olympus

 

[John Cox]

I'm shooting a series on addiction and street life and want the lowest cost:high quality kit in case I get mugged. I have a D600 for a digital camera, but I think a used pen would be the better option for this project.

 

[ruby.monkey]

The E-P3, E-PL3, and E-PM1, offer much improved A/F over the older bodies; the E-P1, -P2, and -P3, are far more generously equipped in terms of buttons and control dials. Up to you to decide which best suits your needs and wallet.

 

[Dave Jenkins]

The most bang for your buck is the E-PL2.

 

[Cold]

Any of you own or have used an E-PL3? I'm about *this* close to getting one (holds fingers approx 1" apart) and unless I hear a severe negative from someone, I'll likely get it in the next few weeks. Refurb, kit lens, and look to add the Panny 14/2.5 & 20/1.7. Eventually, I'll probably round out the kit with an OM-D once its successor is out for a year, as well as a nice long tele.

For the PL3, I'm just looking for an IQ improvement over a P&S, with the added control of interchangeable lenses.

 

[Range-rover]

I have the E-PL1 and I've read that the filter covering the sensor is
thinner than some of the other models, it does appear in raw to
be sharp, but I haven't tried the other models to be sure, just the
reviews I've read. The Panny 14mmf2.5 is a great lens and I use
it all the time. I'm still waiting for a good deal on a E-P3 it's just
faster and has a better screen than the E-PL1.

Range

 

[ruby.monkey]

Any of you own or have used an E-PL3? I'm about *this* close to getting one (holds fingers approx 1" apart) and unless I hear a severe negative from someone, I'll likely get it in the next few weeks. Refurb, kit lens, and look to add the Panny 14/2.5 & 20/1.7. Eventually, I'll probably round out the kit with an OM-D once its successor is out for a year, as well as a nice long tele.

For the PL3, I'm just looking for an IQ improvement over a P&S, with the added control of interchangeable lenses.

I have the E-PM1, which is effectively the E-PL3 sans flip screen. If 12MP resolution is sufficient unto your needs and you're happy with the minimum of dedicated controls, I think you'll be happy with your choice. A/F is fast and accurate, image quality is fine, and you'll have access to some sweet lenses; and if you add an electronic finder then using manual-focus lenses is a doddle.

The only addition I would suggest is one of Richard Franiec's stick-on grips. The little Olympus is shaped much like a P'n'S and so doesn't offer much to hang on to.

 

[Cold]

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

My main reason(s) for opting for the PL3 over the PM1 is the extra external control (dedicated mode dial, more buttons, etc.), with the flip screen being a nice bonus along the way. I know that even the PL3 isn't exactly loaded with dedicated external controls, but from my research, it seemed to be a decent compromise of size, control, features, and cost.

I'm sure a Nikon F to m43 adapter will come at some point as well, mostly for using my 60mm macro & 55/1.2.

 

[dfatty]

The E-P3, E-PL3, and E-PM1, offer much improved A/F over the older bodies; the E-P1, -P2, and -P3, are far more generously equipped in terms of buttons and control dials. Up to you to decide which best suits your needs and wallet.

I've had a number of PENS and agree with this about the AF of the "3" generation - it's noticeably better than the earlier gens. Also the "3" generation of that sensor was slightly better in terms of high iso noise and not blowing out highlights.

About the E-PL3, one thing to note is that it doesn't have an internal flash, which I found helpful on the E-PL1 for fill on sunny days. Also as pointed out, it doesn't have as many manual controls as the EP line. But it certainly should be a big step up from all P&Ss (except for maybe the Sony RX100, which is quite good).

 

[kuzano]

All models after E-PL1

All models after E-PL1

All the PENS after the E-PL1 used a weaker AA filter which produced noticeably sharper images direct from the camera. My last combo on the E-PL1 cost me about $225 and that included the second model 14-42 lens which is faster focusing and smaller/lighter than the first lens. The lens model II R came out with the E-PL2. So, in my opinion, if you do not want to step up to the 16MP sensor in the OMD, EPL5 and EPM2, then the best combo is the E-PL2 with ITS kit lens, the II R.

Very sharp lenses and enough flexibility with in-camera processing to avoid RAW capture, which is my goal above all else.

If I were not on the fence, about to plunge into the 16Mp sensor, I would get another E-PL2/IIRlens combo.

The intro of the lesser AA filter with the E-PL1 made all the difference in the world for sharp images OOC for me.

 

[ruby.monkey]

I've had a number of PENS and agree with this about the AF of the "3" generation - it's noticeably better than the earlier gens. Also the "3" generation of that sensor was slightly better in terms of high iso noise and not blowing out highlights.

About the E-PL3, one thing to note is that it doesn't have an internal flash, which I found helpful on the E-PL1 for fill on sunny days. Also as pointed out, it doesn't have as many manual controls as the EP line. But it certainly should be a big step up from all P&Ss (except for maybe the Sony RX100, which is quite good).

Ditto the E-PM1. The clip-on flash that comes with the body is good, but requires one to use the accessory shoe.

 

[Cold]

kuzano, any particular reason (other than cost) for preferring the PL2 over the PL3? I like the smaller, slimmer form of the PL3, but if there is a functionality advantage, it'd be something for me to consider.

As far as the flash, it's a minor concern for me. I don't use a flash in 95% of the shooting for which I plan to use it. For that last 5%, there's always the clip-on, as I don't plan to use an EVF with it, and even if I did, I'd be using a flash in dark settings, where the advantages of an EVF are not quite so decisive. For any situation where I'd want the EVF *and* the flash (say...fill light for a portrait against bright sun)...well, if I need the shot bad enough, my D300 is probably a better choice anyway.

Thanks again to all of you!

 

[kuzano]

Nope...

Nope...

kuzano, any particular reason (other than cost) for preferring the PL2 over the PL3? I like the smaller, slimmer form of the PL3, but if there is a functionality advantage, it'd be something for me to consider.

As far as the flash, it's a minor concern for me. I don't use a flash in 95% of the shooting for which I plan to use it. For that last 5%, there's always the clip-on, as I don't plan to use an EVF with it, and even if I did, I'd be using a flash in dark settings, where the advantages of an EVF are not quite so decisive. For any situation where I'd want the EVF *and* the flash (say...fill light for a portrait against bright sun)...well, if I need the shot bad enough, my D300 is probably a better choice anyway.

Thanks again to all of you!

Some call me frugal, but I call a ***** a *****... I am downright cheap....

I can buy the E-PL2 for $100 to $125 cheaper than the 3. I do not see enough advances in the 3 to spend the extra money. The lens of the two and some changes in the 2 were the bigger advances. I really think development of the E-PL3 was withheld a bit in anticipation of the 16Mp E-PL5, but still capture sales from those who always buy based on a new model number rather than function benefits.

So, I am saying the E-PL2 is a better bang for the buck than the 3. If you spend the money for the 3, then it's not far to the money for the E-PL5. It just came out and the Olympus site already has a special on $100 off on the E-PL5 and E-PM2 bodies.

In another year, you will be able to get the E-PM2 used with a low shutter count for what a used E-PL3 will cost now.

I'm still teetering on the E-PL5 and that special at Olympus on the body alone has almost reached my tipping point. The other thing that has me there is the DPreview selection of the EM5 as the 2012 camera of the year, with the same 16Mp sensor and Image Processing engine in the E-PL5/E-PM2.

In any event, next up for me is an E-PL2/II R body lens combo, or an E-PL5 body. I already have the adaptor and a number of OM Zuiko legacy lenses I can use until I can afford the 12-50 lens.

That's my story, and I am sticking to it.

 

[Cold]

Thanks for the honest opinion. It's very appreciated.

For my part, I'd love to get the PM1, but the lack of the mode dial and just like 3-4 buttons makes me leery. The biggest pet peeve I have with my little waterproof compact is having to go through2-5 press option menus to change stuff that should be simple. It causes enough grief that subconsciously, I see a shot opportunity, and if I realize it'll involve a menu-dive, I don't bother getting the camera. I don't want that to happen.

 

[mh2000]

I briefly considered the E-PM1 for its small size and faster AF than my E-P1. I researched it and played with the controls and for the manual adjustments that i do most I felt I could get by... maybe read the manual and find a store to try it yourself. Otherwise, I am still shooting my E-P1 and still love it. yes, the 3rd generation AF is much faster, but in good light I have no problem with the E-P1. They can be had new/refurb for $99!