Olympus PEN E-PM2 Summary

16 Megapixels16 MegapixelsElectronic View FinderElectronic View FinderHigh ISO: ISO 6400 or more is available at full-resolution.High ISO: ISO 6400 or more is available at full-resolution.Stabilization: Compensates for tiny involuntary movements of the camera.Stabilization: Compensates for tiny involuntary movements of the camera.Level: Measures camera tilt and helps to keep the horizon level.Level: Measures camera tilt and helps to keep the horizon level.Continuous DriveContinuous DriveFull 1080p HD Video: 1920 x 1080 resolution or more but less than 4K.Full 1080p HD Video: 1920 x 1080 resolution or more but less than 4K.Manual Controls: Both fully-manual (M) and semi-automatic modes (T and V).Manual Controls: Both fully-manual (M) and semi-automatic modes (T and V).Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.Custom White-Balance: Specifies exactly what should be white to the camera.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Action Photography: Shutter speeds of 1/1500 or more.Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.Night Photography: Reaches shutter-speeds longer than 4 seconds.Hotshoe: Allows external flash units to be attached.Hotshoe: Allows external flash units to be attached.Spot MeteringSpot MeteringAccepts Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC), SDHC and SD memory.Accepts Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC), SDHC and SD memory.Neocamera detailed reviewNeocamera detailed reviewDiscontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.Discontinued: No longer produced by the manufacturer. May still be in stock or found used.

Olympus PEN E-PM2 Assessment

The Olympus PEN E-PM2 is a very compact and light mirrorless camera. It was launched in late 2012 with the E-PL5
Olympus PEN E-PL5
which shares the same internals and adds a traditional mode-dial and tilting LCD. Olympus based both these models on the sensor of their highly-acclaimed OM-D E-M5
Olympus OM-D E-M5
flagship camera.

This new sensor delivers quality images combined with a speedy performance. Image noise is very low, delivering clean images until ISO 1600 and usable ones until 12800. Both white-balance and metering systems are very reliable. Colors are not perfect but can be reasonably close for general use. The E-PM2 outputs images clearly ahead of its predecessor and improves speed in all areas except video.

The Olympus E-PM2 outclasses its entry-level status by delivering competitive performance with plenty of features at a truly affordable price. Used mostly as a point-and-shoot, the E-PM2 is hard to fault. However, those looking to use an its manual-controls will feel the interface limiting and should go for a higher-end model like the excellent OM-D E-M5 reviewed here
Olympus OM-D E-M5
.

Neocamera detailed reviewNeocamera detailed review Read the Olympus PEN E-PM2 review.

PROS CONS
Very low image noise Poor color accuracy
Reliable metering Focus hunts in low light
Good white-balance Long black-out
Quick shot-to-shot speed Display not always Exposure-Priority
Fast contrast-detect AF Low contrast LCD
Short shutter-lag Modal EC interface
Generally responsive 1s Video record delay
Effective built-in stabilization Uncomfortable strap eyelets
Excellent automatic Manual Focus Assist Flimsy battery and memory door
High level of customization
ExcellentExcellent Excellent

Olympus PEN E-PM2 Related Information

Sister Models
Olympus PEN E-PL5
Olympus PEN E-PL5
- Internally identical. More external controls.
Olympus OM-D E-M5
Olympus OM-D E-M5
Built-in EVF, Dual Control-Dials, Weatherproof
Reviews
Neocamera
Olympus PEN E-PM2
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By Neocamera on 2012-11-20

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Olympus E-PM2 Highlights

Olympus PEN E-PM2
Mirrorless digital camera

Sensor-Size: 17 x 13mm

Four-Thirds Sensor

Actual size when viewed at 100 DPI

16 Megapixels MirrorlessISO 200-25600
Micro Four-Thirds Mount
2X FLM
Shutter 1/4000-60s
2-Axis Built-in StabilizationFull manual controls, including Manual Focus
0.45" Optional EVF 1.5 MegapixelsCustom white-balance with 2 axis fine-tuning
2 Axis Digital LevelSpot-Metering
Built-in Dust ReductionHot-Shoe
8 FPS Drive, 15 ImagesStereo audio input
1920x1080 @ 30 FPS Video RecordingLithium-Ion Battery
3" LCD 460K PixelsSecure Digital Extended Capacity
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