Nouveau design pour l'Olympus PEN E-PL2

In essence, the E-PL2 is a tarted up E-PL1, a subtle evolution of both camera and kit lens, rather than revolution, so existing owners shouldn't feel aggrieved that Olympus isn't offering a body only option for them to upgrade to. Nor should they in truth need to, as the E-PL1, despite the smaller screen, remains a perfectly commendable camera in its own right. We're big fans of the Pen series and they possess more of a retro charm than the modernist utilitarian Panasonic Micro Four Thirds models. That said, the E-PL2 is less of an obvious 1960s throwback than the original E-P1 or E-P2 were.





Taking everything into account, we'd still be hard pressed to choose between this and the GF2, which only falls down in comparison because unlike the E-PL2 it doesn't feature body integral anti shake, but is otherwise we feel more streamlined and slightly easier to use. The Olympus counters with its impressive and fun Art Filters, so ultimately a personal hands on is going to be the best way for you to make this particular purchase decision.

+ : Smaller than a DSLR but with plenty of creative options including six Art Filters that prove almost a match for a starter DSLR proper
- : riced as high as a starter DSLR; lots of available extras that cost, well, extra, fiddly Live Wheel scroll wheel