Olympus EP1 w/ 17mm pancake f/2.8

I’ve decide to do my own, non-scientific, quick review of the Olympus EP1 since most of the reviews online managed to all remain non original by slamming the weak points of the EP1. My review will based on my style of shooting for this camera. Street photography, portraits, urban type images. I don’t plan to use this for any work related material nor is it my main rig.

This review is to simply state that the short comings the reviewers are saying about the EP1 are rubbish. I guess it’s a good thing because when I went to the store, I was expecting some really awful sluggish focusing speeds with a horrible LCD.

To my surprise, none of that was true and I hope this helps people with their online purchase. Especially those that don’t have the benefit of trying it out beforehand.

I will say that the online reviews I read were correct to a certain extent. The weak points of the EP1 are indeed the focus speed and lcd. What they don’t tell you is, those weak points, don’t diminish the fact that what you can do with the EP1, surpasses most compact digital cameras on the market and even rival some of the low end dslr cameras.

So let’s get that out of the way. Yes, it’s auto focus isn’t as fast as a dslr. Yes, the lcd screen could have more resolution. No, I personally don’t believe speed of the auto focus will cause you to miss shots. No, the lcd screen doesn’t suck.

Another gripe people complained about was the lack of an electronic view finder either in body or as an accessory. Look, this is micro four thirds technology. They have to start somewhere. Go ahead an argue that the Panasonic GF1 (which look amazing btw) has an optional EVF, but I’ll argue back that it sets you back 200 essentially making your GF1 $1100 usd.

For me, viewfinders are for the future with these systems that have a rangefinder styled body. I’m ok with waiting for the next generation to have a built in EVF as long as they do it well. Look into the GH1 if you really feel an EVF is necessary for your line of photography.

More images of the EP1:

Lovin' the f/2.8 on this

LCD screen has good color and sharpness

So compact and chic

So let’s start with the body, feel and design. I think it’s amazing. Probably the reason I chose it over the Panasonic GF1. Images and video don’t capture the mood of the camera when it’s in your hands. It’s weight is perfect, materials are right on and the vintage feel to the camera is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Here’s how it looks when in use:

Using the OVF to compose

I wanted to test the camera in studio. Obviously if I were to do studio work for a client, I would use my canon system, but for fun with friends… the ability to pick this little guy up and use with my strobes is a major plus. I didn’t know the EP1 worked with pocket wizards and I didn’t know I’d be so surprised with the quality of images from the studio.

What surprised me most are the colors from the EP1. I didn’t have to tweak much. These are shot in raw:

Test shots, strobe camera top left

Touched up the skin a bit

For me, the 17mm f/2.8 provides a nice bokeh. I find it quick, responsive, the colors perfect and very sharp.

Gotta have a flower image right? f/2.8, iso 200

Dogs are quicker than kids... f/2.8 iso 100

Great bokeh f/2.8 iso 160

Touched up in Light Room

One thing I found really great was the cameras ability to adapt to lighting situations. The first image the sunlight is hitting the skin directly and in the second image, I’m using the sun as back lighting with no fill flash:

f/2.8 iso 200

f/2.8 iso 100 - no fill flash

I wasn’t so sure I’d use the art filters because I like post processing as much as taking the photo but I did find one to be really useful for my style of shooting. It’s the pinhole filter. I love that I can shoot in raw with jpeg and the pinhole filter is only applied to the jpeg:

f/2.8 iso 400

And lastly, here’s a video I did of the focusing speeds. I was holding my 5dmkII with one hand to shoot this so it’s not the best but at least it shows how well the focusing performs. Well, for me anyway.

If you have any questions or requests, hit up the comments and I’ll do my best to address them. Thanks for reading!

Pros:

Body and design feels solid

17mm f/2.8 is a perfect combo

Body IS, can’t wait for the panny 20mm f/1.7

IQ is on point

LCD screen is sharp and responsive

Perfect weight for that size

Manual focus ring works well

Love the shutter sound

Taking photos is fun with this little guy

Color is amazingly on point

Color with strobes is just as good

Comfortable using iso 800 & 1600

Cons:

Not a fan of Olympus Menus

Wish I could have bought kit without the $100 OVF

I still want a white GF1

*all images of EP1 are taken with a Canon 5dmkII + Sigma 24mm f/1.8 macro