Olympus E-PM2 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Silver) (Old Model)

BACKGROUND: I have been shooting for 12 years, with some paid jobs and extensive photos, in the field of low-light action (opera/theater shoots), as well as landscape, astrophotography, portraiture, and off-the-cuff every-day shooting. I also did portrait sessions, pre-wedding glamour shots, and wedding reception photography. I've owned many cameras, starting out with the Kodak CX7300 that my dad got me for Christmas when I was 12 years old, then getting a Canon Digital Rebel XT courtesy of my uncle who used to be a Canon regional sales rep, and eventually buying 10-22mm, 50mm f/1.4, 24mm f/1.4L, 70-300 4-5.6 IS, 22-55mm (older slightly unconventional kit lens), and 100mm f/2.8 macro. These were all highly enjoyable lenses and cameras and I did a great amount of shooting. I was greatly invested in the system. I worked all summer when I was 16 to save up for a 5D since I craved the look of 35mm film that I got in darkroom class in high school. I sold off my XT and ended up with a 5D, 50/1.4, 24/1.4L, and 70-300. This gave me great results but in 2013, I was starting to feel like the 5D was dated. The lenses were awesome but I had to do a lot of editing to get my pictures the way I liked them to look--i.e. editing out vignetting, chromatic aberration in the 24mm (mk I), and taking out noise. The 5D felt great in my huge hands but the LCD had inaccurate colors, I had to attach a large speedlite for flash, and I just stopped bringing it with me to shoot because of its heft. I wanted something smaller and up-to-date. Due to a lack of justification to hold on to a system I was barely using anymore, and a day job that wasn't in photography, I sold all my Canon gear and in 2014 bought a Fuji X100. WOW... This camera was an interesting beast. The quality is the closest I've seen to film in any camera. The JPEGs really are that good. The sharpness was great and natural looking, the noise was well controlled and pleasant if there at all. The dynamic range with the DR400 setting was so convenient and amazing! I couldn't believe some of the shots I could get, especially landscapes. Ultimately, however, I ended up selling this camera because of two huge problems... the general lack of responsiveness and the inability to change lenses. I knew that it would be limiting to only have 35mm equiv lens, but I really did miss shooting with a 50mm or a 70-300 and blurring out the world. Also, even with the latest firmware, the focus was very unreliable even in *decent* light and to turn on the camera, focus, and get the shot, was sometimes impossible due to the delays. I missed a decent amount of shots because of it. And I realized that the great image quality of a camera is wasted if you can't get a hold of a shot. So, here comes the EPM2 (finally!) Just a few days ago, I received my EPM2. I decided on the camera for a couple reasons... the very small size and lightweight quality of the camera, the great selection of (just as small) lenses, the reported quick, reliable auto-focus and responsiveness, and the quality-to-size ratio compared to other small cameras. In general I do *not* take DXO Mark sensor scores seriously. I think they are a useful tool to look at dynamic range, however. And the EPM2 was rated over 12 EV which is typically excellent. My idea was that this, along with the small size, different selection of gradation modes, and quick start up and autofocus times, I would have more luck with this camera. Since I've only had the camera for literally 3 days, this is obviously an early-on review. I'm still getting used to the layout and the system in general. Right away, I noticed HOW SMALL the thing is. Very small and light, but still solid, and a very attractive white body with tan grip. Very cute. I have large hands (I'm 6'1, lanky, VERY large hands) and the grip isn't as bad as I expected based on the dimensions of the body. The grip material is nice and ever so slightly pliable, so that one's fingers can push in and feel secure with it. The tan grip on the back of the camera is also well textured and well placed, so fortunately, I haven't felt insecure holding the camera. I did some research prior to my purchase and knew that there were menus to "unlock," so right away I unlocked it and started setting up custom button options, sharpness, saturation, etc. I found that the default setting for the images was a little too sharp. I set my sharpness to -1 and I like the sharpness much better. The colors SOOC are pleasing, if a tad bit warm. I actually do like that and left the White balance mode in "warm" but we'll see if I grow sick of it. I also kept gradation mode on auto since it seems to make the right choice depending upon the scene. With the 14-42 lens (which has an ever-so-touchable zoom ring) I have attained many keepers already! Shooting my coworker's dog on a lunch break the other day proved very fun and I got lots of in-focus pictures of the dog at 8fps! EIGHT FPS THAT IS SO FAST!!! I remember when the Canon 1D Mark III came out and 10fps seemed ungodly fast! I had a few out-of-focus shots but it was totally my fault. I'll get there. Of course, with the kit lens, or any other kit lens, the f/3.5-5.6 aperture is limiting. Certainly trying to get pictures of my cat with only one paper lantern lit was a little challenging...though the camera did great with AF, though it did need to use the AF assist orange lamp. The in-body IS seems to help but I honestly feel like optical IS seems more effective, at least when I used IS on my old Canon 70-300 or my dad's 17-55 2.8 IS. I have been able to get sharp images down to 1/15th of a second shooting at 42mm. I'll keep observing though and see how it works at slower speeds. Other things I've noticed... It just really is quite fast. Unless I haven't unlocked the lens, if I see something I want to capture, I've been able to capture it. Like my cat yawning, which I could never capture with the X100... just couldn't get the timing right. And that's what I've learned about my needs as a photographer...Timing is everything in photography, especially if the moment is fleeting. I could have the highest quality medium format digital sensor but if it takes 3 seconds to start up and mis-focuses, I have NO quality. But with the EPM2, I feel like I'm getting maybe not AS high of quality as the X100 but it makes up for it by actually HAVING the image, rather than having a smooth, noise free out-of-focus shot. Overall, I love the camera for its portability, wide range of native mount lenses, Panasonic, and 3rd party lenses. I can't wait to save and get a fast prime like I'm used to on the Fuji or Canon. The one thing I have noticed is that while sharpness is definitely comparable to the X100, I have noticed more chromatic noise starting around ISO 800. While this is easy to take out in post, the X100 corrected for this automatically. Please feel free to comment on my review to recommend an in-camera fix for this, but so far, I haven't found one. Besides this, I am highly impressed with the images and feel that the dynamic range, color, and overall look is of great quality. I also LOVE having a double exposure mode, but HATE digging through the menus every time to set it. I have everything set up so that I only have to press a button to do my most frequently fiddled-with settings, but I can't seem to figure out a way to program or get a shortcut for the multiple exposure mode. Feel free to comment if any of you know a solution to this as well. I would highly recommend the camera, though I will say I do miss having an EVF. Surprisingly, though, the LCD, while not as high-res as other current cameras, is very usable and I haven't minded shooting with it. Of course, down the road, I can get the add-on EVF if I want to. And that's a large reason why I picked this... it's a system, and when I get more money or I feel like I've grown out of it, I can upgrade and keep other parts of the system!! Great camera for just about any photographer! Can't wait to find out what it's really capable of, especially at night!! Thanks for reading!

I have upgraded from EPL1 to EPM2 for my new born. So far, I'm very satisfied. It is surprising that not much review on this camera compare other similar camera (ie. EPL5, Sony NEX3F, Panasonic G1x). In my opinion, people have overlooked this little gem. What I like E-PM2 so far: Great low light capability: Good quality picture with ISO1600 and up to ISO3200 is acceptable. Fast AF: I main use it with the panny 14mm F2.5 lens. The AF is fast for in-door and kids movement. Great WB: the auto white balance is great for both in-door and out-door. The Jpeg direct output is great. Light weight and easy to grip. My wife used to complain about the EPL1 weight (don't ask me why). With EPM2, she didn't complain any more. The EPM2 with the panny 14mm lens is a good combo for the weight, size as well as fast AF as mentioned on above. However, when I attach it with my Olympus 14-140mm lens, the overall weight balance and feel is still very good. Low cost: Compare to E-PL5 and E-M5 which has the same sensor. Comments: Good user control interface and fast respond: In the beginning, I was hesitating it doesn't have the mode dial. However, the touch screen is easy to use. I didn't miss the mode dial. Of course, make sure the SCP (super control panel) is on as well as others Olympus camera. Also, the respond is fast and smooth. The body is made in high-quality plastic. I would prefer metal but it is not a big deal at all. What I like for improvement: There are no built-in flash light. Even though it provides the attached flash, it is just more handy and complete if it comes with the built-in one. E-PM2 has the HDR and panorama feature. However, it doesn't process in the camera. Since the new camera processor is pretty fast, it should have no problem for in-camera process but they just didn't program it.

I got this camera as a dual gift, birthday and beginners photography class. Last time I bought a digital camera was back in 2007 for my 18th birthday and I was so excited because it was 7.1mp so I was due for an upgrade. The only problem is with phones being the go-to source for taking pictures due to their convenience I didn't want a point and shoot, I wanted something that would be an upgrade but still give me more options than my smartphone. Now, I am no expert photographer so I didn't need to spend tons of money on an expensive camera because I don't use it daily but I love this because it is small enough to fit in my purse comfortably (in its case) but still have the option for interchangeable lenses. I love the fact that it different settings for taking a picture directly on the camera (sepia, black and white, pop art...) because I don't have photoshop nor do I know how to use it. The software that comes with the camera also has some manipulation tools in it do alter the photos once uploaded onto the computer, so that is a plus as well. I have only used the camera a few times since getting it but I am going on vacation in a few days so it will get a workout then but I am positive it will be perfect for my needs as an amateur, wanna-be photographer. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a camera with more abilities than a point and shoot but cheaper than a DSLR. It is a perfect camera for someone wanting to step into the world of photography without getting overwhelmed by the technology that is in it.

A camera is a much too-complex product to rate quickly. I also don't know if the readers of this review are professional photographers or amateurs who are stepping up from point & shoot cameras. I'll keep this brief, for now, and try to make it so everyone can understand. If you're a P&S user and never plan to buy lenses, there are many cameras I would choose before buying this one (this PM2, BTW, is no different than the OM-D e-M5 minus weather sealing, convenient buttons, viewfinder, and 5-axis IBIS stabilization [PM2 is 2-axis]). The Olympus XZ-2, for example, gives you zoom, wide angle, a fast lens (f1.8 I believe at its widest), a flash, a hot shoe, good image quality, small size, $500 price tag, and the benefit of knowing you'll never have to buy anything else. The Sony RX100, Nikon P7700 (or its little brother the P330), Canon G15 (or s110), or Panasonic LX7 are also great choices. In fact, the lenses on those cameras are just as good as the 14-42mm (28-84mm equivalent lens that comes with the PM2) in terms of speed (faster, actually), wide angle, zoom, and sharpness. Yes, better cameras all around. Smaller. Cheaper. Yes. Better. And I repeat that to let you know that I'm not joking. And for those of you who say, "ISO or shallow depth of field performance on the PM2 is better" then to you I say you're right, and you're probably beyond the P&S crowd (and should probably consider a lens other than the 14-42mm kit lens which is only f3.5-5.6). In defense of my above claims, take the fact that professional photographers who own say, a full frame Nikon D800e with several thousands of dollars of lenses would most likely never buy a Micro Four Thirds (m4/3s) camera such as the PM2. Why? The D800 will beat it in every category except for size and price and when said pro photographer wants something small that he doesn't have to lug around, he'll likely get something like the cameras mentioned above that he can throw in his pocket and solve all his problems in a small $500 package. The PM2 is too big to wear on your waist and this pro will spend his money on Nikon lenses and won't want to deal with buying a flash, viewfinder, lenses, etc for a totally different camera system. (Warning, this paragraph is technical. Summary in next paragraph.) So, why did I buy this camera? Because the D800 type cameras are too big for me and the lenses are too expensive. How much better is the D800 than the Micro Four Thirds PM2? Well the sensor has 400% the surface area Noise? I haven't compared the two sensors but others have and the 1-2 stop advantage seems about accurate. Now, the D800 has 36MP to the PM2's 16MP which is about a 145% increase in size either vertically (225% increase in total resolution). Downsized, yes, the lack of noise of the Nikon will beat the PM2 by 2-3 stops (this number would be halved if the OM-D e-M5's 5-axis stabilization came into play). Large pixels on larger sensors have dynamic range benefits as well, but each pixel on the D800e is not 400% the size of those on the PM2, rather, with the D800's higher pixel count, it's more like 200%. That said, the D800e is the best camera for professional photographers (Sigma Merrill cameras can definitely compete in bright light, however, and I'm not even going to discuss PhaseOne. EDIT: the Nikon DF should beat the D800e at low-noise in high-ISO situations). To summarize the above, ISO 6400 on a Nikon D800 downsized to 16MP will look approximately as good as ISO 1600 on the PM2 (plus increases in dynamic range). And to me, that's good enough. Also, then, why didn't I buy one of the P&S cameras mentioned in the second paragraph? Because all things equal, the noise level of the ISO 6400 shot on the D800 would need to be ISO 200 on the P&S cameras (with the exception of the Sony). And since I often shoot in low-light, I need higher ISOs. Those cameras would be good for me only in brighter situations. Enough about the sensors. Next is the lenses If you want the perfect combination of image quality, small size, low price, and low-light performance, the PM2 + Panasonic 20mm f1.7 solves every one of those problems. The lens is $350, f1.7 is fast, it's sharp, and it's very small and lightweight and can hang off my waist. That versus the P&S cameras I mentioned, I lose only zoom and a built-in flash. I rarely use flash unless if I'm out with friends and in that situation I would probably take a cheap $99 P&S camera anyway. If I don't need the small size Panasonic makes constant aperture 7-14mm f4, 12-36mm f2.8, and 35-100mm f2.8 lenses can be had new for $1000 each. Olympus makes 12, 17, 45, and 75mm f1.8 primes that are all very sharp, fast lenses ($4-900). With an adapter the PM2 can use any number of the dozens of the "legacy lenses" from decades ago, many of them being very good, notably the 50mm f1.4 lenses that can be had used for around $50. There are a couple dozen more lenses made for m4/3s as well. CONS: And to review the camera itself, I'll keep it to the cons and why I only gave it 4/5 stars. I obviously know my cameras and chose this based on its features. This is the smallest interchangeable lens camera that gives me the quality I want. I can think of a few things I don't like about it, however: plastic body, too small of a grip to easily hold any lens over 300g, no built-in flash, charger has isn't the simple box type rather it has an annoying long cord, needs a few more buttons, scroll wheel a bit too sensitive, as with all mirrorless cameras, the shutter stays open while you're changing lenses, no in-camera HDR bracketing or panorama combining function, and maybe a few other minor things. I'm sure I'll update this review as time goes on.

The camera seems to operate just fine, however a dead pixel on the screen is irritating especially on a new camera.

First of all I wont say that this is not a good camera. Its a great camera. It really is. The senor on this camera is outstanding. The color are very very nice. Better than the D90. Better than canon XTI. There just really good. My gripe with this camera is the blacks. There is so much more to be desired from the blacks. Its really disapointing. Even with contrast bumped up one, the blacks are still not comparable to the Panasonic Lumix GF3 or 6*. Its like the differance between looking at a good Sanyo TV with its contrast turned up, and a really good samsung with its native contrast out of the box. The Samsung wins. I look for four main things in a camera: Good sensor (A for this camera) Good Metering system (A-) Good Colors (A+) Good Contrast without adjusting the curve (C-) Its okay to adjust the curve a bit if needed. But this camera with its software doesnt adapt well to it. If you bump up the contrast even one, you loose detail. There is one setting that I loved...for a minute. If you click on the FN button at the top of the camera, you get a list of options. The third one down allows you to change the brightness. But not just the brightness as a whole. It breaks up the brightness into two groups by clicking on the arrow: your lows and your highs. You can brighten/darken your dark area or brighten/darken your light area instead of increasing both at once. This solves this issue of blown out highlights and making what should be blacker colors loose that grey look. No complaints...until the realization sets in that Olympus decided to use this setting to not simply change the black levels, but up the saturation tenfold. You cant make any further adjustments in this mode. Try taking a picture of a pink or red rose outside with this setting on and see what happens. Its a blob of color.. I mean...it might be a flower....Olympus, I love your products. You make some great stuff. But couldnt we have this feature without bumping up the contrast. The are other options to adjust the blacks, but ultimately even if you just adjust the shadow option and the lower the lower curve, the camera software doesn't do well on curve adjustments. You either get too much contrast and loose detail or are left with slightly washed out images. I havent played around with raw very much. Considering that this is a very good sensor, I wouldnt be surpised if Raw allows for some pretty good edits after shoots. But the thing is, while RAW is preferred, many people that looking for a good mirroless camera, are not looking for photos that they have to come home turn around and take into photoshop and edit for over 30 mintues to fix there photos. Many simply like great software integration to be able to capture .jpgs that are ready to print. Again, not saying its a bad camera. If you take the SX50 megazoom canon camera or the majority of point and shoots and compare it with this camera...this camera wins hands down. Its better than a rebel T1i that I used for quite some time to take pictures that overexposed anything that had sky in it. You do get decent black levels when there is plenty of sunlight and contrasting scenery. But there are many pictures shot, where its simply lacking. ENTER THE GF6 (OR G SERIES FROM PANASONIC AS A WHOLE FOR THAT MATTER AS GF5 IS VERY SIMILAR TO THE 6 AND CLOSER IN PRICE TO THIS CAMERA) The GF6 (and the GF series as a whole for that matter from GF2 onward, takes photos unlike any camera I have seen thus far. I leave the contrast on default because it needs nothing more. Unlike this camera blacks are a true black instead of grey and you still retain detail. The colors!: Some people like neutral colors. They have an option for this on the GF series, but I prefer colors to pop. What I love is almost every picture I have taken so far has metered very very well. The sky is blue, the trees are a popping green. Instead of talking I would rather just show you what Im talking about. by visiting flickrs website, you will see samples of real photos unaltered, unedited strait from a photo shoot today from the GF6. The GF5 and 3 have very similar pictures...The pictures speak louder than anything I can sit here and say. The only thing I will say is this is a camera for life. I can go back to my point and shoot days with the small senors. Even my sony point and shoot with its great colors...theres really no comparision. Search flickr for the following unaltered, unedited samples (Note: Once image screen opens, click the three dots off to the right side of the page " ... " You will see the option for download all sizes, select the largest one open in windows viewer and zoom in a bit on a good monitor. Here are the images on flickr: SEARCH FOR: "GF6 AMAZON REVIEW" Again side of page the three ... to view full size and in windows zoom in a couple of clicks to really see the detail. You may notice that on some of the photos above from the park the greens are a bit yellow. This was because I had white balance set to custom adjust where you can adjust between warm and cold color temps. The rest though, were on default camera settings. I prefer cooler temps and auto white balance delivers very well on this camera. And metering is some of the best I have seen. T1i yuck. D90. yuck. this one. right one. CONCLUSION: For the money the Epm2 is a very good camera. But I would still go GF5 over it. Panasonic simply does a better job with contrast and those dark blacks to me really add a punch to the pictures on this particular series (The GF series). Its like watching a blu-ray on a Panasonic Plasma tv vs the blacks you get from an average LED or LCD TV. Olympus, you had so much portential with this sensor, but you failed me here with the blacks. I know you have other cameras here that can do it. Some of your upper model cameras give the GF6 a run for the money if not beat it with speed. But this particular model (epm2).....I would take the GF2, 3, 5, or 6 over it in a heartbeat.

My search for a high quality compact replacement for my old Canon Rebel SLR is over. This camera outperforms my old Rebel XT in nearly every way and yet is lightweight and compact. Of course, this is not a pocket camera. And the flash is somewhat inconvenient. Then again, you rarely need the flash because the camera shoots beautifully up to ISO 1600. I've used the camera for over month now and I'm very happy with its operation and the photos. A trip to Hawaii provided lots of opportunities for outdoors shots. The JPEGs are gorgeous. The combination of the large sensor and the solid image processing does the job. The Pen Mini is also a great traveling companion. I can put an entire kit including an extra lens in a small bag and it doesn't weigh me down. As others have said, the menu system is somewhat complicated. But the Super Control Panel helps a lot (good luck figuring out how to turn it on - requires a deep dive in the menu system). All in all, I'm very happy with this purchase. Highly recommend. Marc (Denver, CO)

I've had the Olympus E-PM2 for 4 months now, and I must say I'm liking it more and more every day. Image quality from the kit lens might seem ordinary at first, but the camera does render excellent color even from JPEGs (this is where I got most compliments, the colors of the JPEGs output). Autofocus is superfast and super quiet, unlike the Sony NEX-5. Even in dim light, with the kit lens (shot at the widest aperture available), autofocus is fast thanks to the illuminator. I've been shooting more with the Olympus prime 45mm f1.8 recently, and image quality is superb. I bought this lens for ~$300 from a Japanese Amazon retailer. With that lens I don't even carry my flash around any more. Color is warm, bokeh is splendid, and overall a great purchase. If you're used to shooting prime, I might even suggest skipping the kit lens and getting the 17mm 1.8 with the 45mm 1.8 - otherwise Panasonic has other lens choices that are compatible with Olympus too, as long as they're all micro 4/3. But considering the kit lens is included in the bundle for such a small difference in price, might as well get it. The kit lens is not bad shooting in day light, but if you don't plan on purchasing any additional lens, it's probably better investing in a more high-end (fixed-lens) compact, like the Sony RX-100 or Canon S120. As for which PEN to get, the E-PM2 has the 16MP sensor from the OM-D-E5, which is significantly better than the E-P3. E-PM2 and E-PL5 have similar specs, but the E-PL5 has a tilting LCD and mode dials, which I figured I can live without, but we'll see if I regret that decision. In my opinion it's better to invest more heavily in lenses, as it seems like the micro 4/3 line is improving steadily, and new bodies with newer sensors will make their way to the market in the future. I figured in a few years I could get a new body with a better sensor but retain all of my lenses. That being said, I might be too attached to this E-PM2 at that point to let go ;) Overall, an excellent purchase.