Value & Verdict

Olympus PEN E-PL2 review – Value

At £479 for the standard kit at launch, the E-PL2 is competitively priced against the competition. It’s roughly £30 more than the equivalent Panasonic GF2 kit, and £30 less than the Sony NEX-5 kit, while the Samsung NX100 is the most affordable of them all at £299.

Olympus PEN E-PL2 review – Verdict

There’s no denying that the E-PL2 is a welcome development over the E-PL1 and, in many ways, is the most rounded of the non-viewfinder Compact System Cameras.

Starting with its looks, it’s a balanced blend of retro and modern that eclipses its rivals, with a solid build that belies its price. There’s plenty of features to satisfy both beginners and enthusiasts alike, while the images from the 12.3MP sensor should please even the most discerning photographer, just as long as you recognise its ISO limits.

Unlike the touchscreen of the Panasonic GF2, the body-mounted controls of the E-PL2 may make it look a touch over-complicated, but that’s not the case. In fact, its all the better for it, making it intuitive and quick to use.

Overall, the Olympus PEN E-PL2 is a lovely little camera to take pictures with, both for first-time users upgrading from a compact as well as those looking for a more compact camera to partner their DSLR.