Olympus pen f technical characteristics. Olympus PEN E-PL3

When Olympus and Panasonic first announced the creation of the Micro Four Thirds system, ushering in the camera movement we now call "mirrorless", the ideal result seemed like this: a sleek "rangefinder" from the heyday of the film era, shooting digitally at DSLR level. Olympus has been steadily pursuing this strategy, reviving its classic cameras one after another: first by simply taking the PEN concept, then by recreating the famous one almost exactly, and now by turning to the PEN F series.

The new product should bring life back to the PEN line, slightly pushed to the periphery of attention by the very successful OM-D series: it received a proprietary 5-axis matrix stabilizer with the ability to create 50-megapixel images, an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 2,360 thousand dots, and a rotating 3-inch display and other delights familiar from the OM-D E-M5 II model - only with a new 20-megapixel sensor and in a miniature metal case, devoid of moisture protection. It’s as if we are talking about smartphones - along with the usual flagship, the Olympus line now has an “image” flagship, a camera that attracts with its shooting quality, functionality, and design.

⇡ Specifications

	Olympus PEN-F	Olympus OM-D E-M5 II	Olympus PEN E-P5
Image sensor		17.4 × 13.0 mm (Micro Four Thirds) Live MOS	17.4 × 13.0 mm (Micro Four Thirds) Live MOS
Image Stabilizer		Built into the housing, 5-axis, due to sensor shift; declared efficiency - up to 5 exposure levels	Built into the body, 5-axis, due to sensor shift; declared - up to 4 exposure levels
Effective sensor resolution	20.3 megapixels	16.1 megapixels	16.1 megapixels
Photo format	JPEG (EXIF 2.2, DCF), RAW		JPEG (EXIF 2.2, DCF 2.0), RAW
Video format	MOV (MPEG‑4AVC/H.264), AVI (Motion JPEG)		MOV(MPEG‑4AVC/H.264), AVI (Motion JPEG)
Bayonet	Micro Four Thirds	Micro Four Thirds	Micro Four Thirds
Frame size	Up to 5184 × 3888 pixels; in mode high resolution up to 10368 × 7776	Up to 4608 × 3456 pixels; in high resolution mode up to 9216 × 6912	Up to 4608 × 3456 pixels
Video resolution		Up to 1920 × 1080 pixels (60 fps)	Up to 1920 × 1080 pixels (30 fps)
Sensitivity	ISO 200-25600 expandable to ISO 80	ISO 200-25600 ISO expandable to ISO 100	ISO 200-6400 ISO expandable to ISO 100, ISO 12800 and ISO 25600
Gate		Mechanical shutter: 1/8000 - 60 s; Electronic shutter: up to 1/16000; Continuous (Bulb): max. 60 minutes	Mechanical shutter: 1/8000 - 60 s; Continuous (Bulb): max. 30 minutes
Burst speed	Up to 10 fps	Up to 10 fps	Up to 9 frames per second
Autofocus	Contrast, 81 points	Contrast, 81 points	Contrast, 35 points
Exposure metering, operating modes		324-point TTL metering, multi-spot/center-weighted/spot/highlight/shadow	324-point TTL metering, multi-spot/center-weighted/spot/highlight/shadow
Exposure compensation	+/- 5 EV in 1/3 stop increments	+/- 5 EV in 1/3 stop increments	+/- 3 EV in 1/3 stop increments
Built-in flash		No, there is an external one included	Eat
Self-timer	2/12 s	2/12 s	2/12 s
Memory card		One SD/SDHC/SDXC(UHS-II) slot	One SD/SDHC/SDXC(UHS-I) slot
Display		3 inches, 1,037 thousand dots, rotating	3 inches, 1,037k dots, oblique
Viewfinder		Electronic, OLED (2360 thousand dots)	Only optional
Interfaces	HDMI, USB	HDMI, USB, 3.5mm microphone jack	HDMI, USB
Wireless modules	WiFi	WiFi	WiFi
Nutrition		Lithium-ion battery BLN-1 with a capacity of 9.3 Wh (1220 mAh, 7.6V)	Lithium-ion battery BLN-1 with a capacity of 9.3 Wh (1220 mAh, 7.6V)
Dimensions	125 × 72 × 37 mm	124 × 85 × 45 mm	122 × 69 × 37 mm
Weight	427 grams (incl. battery and memory card)	469 grams (incl. battery and memory card)	420 grams (incl. battery and memory card)
Current price	89,990 rubles for the version without lens (body), 109,990 rubles for the kit version with a 17mm f/1.8 lens	62,990 rubles for the version without a lens (body), from 69,990 rubles for the version with a 12-50mm lens (price depends on the lens)	33,000 rubles for the version without a lens (body), 39,990 rubles for the version with a 14-42mm lens

⇡ Appearance and ergonomics

There is no need to even look for continuity between the new PEN-F and its predecessor from 1963 - everything is in sight: a slightly asymmetrical body without a handle for gripping with the right hand; switch to the right of the mount; a characteristic lever on the upper edge on the left. Although the purpose of levers and selectors is completely different in the digital era, the family spirit is conveyed well.

The camera is certainly very beautiful, especially in the silver and black version rather than all black like ours. Visual impressions are also reinforced by tactile ones - the body is made of aluminum coated with magnesium alloy and leather inserts in places of contact with the hands.

Beauty requires sacrifices - in this case small ones. The camera logically lacks a handle for a more comfortable grip, even though the PEN-F is a very small device; to hold it, you don’t need to make any extra efforts; fortunately, the protrusion for resting your thumb on the back surface helps somewhat. However, one of the most popular accessories for the PEN-F would be the optional ECG-4 metal handle.

Dimensions of Olympus PEN-F - 125 × 72 × 37 mm, weight - 427 grams. Despite the built-in viewfinder and the display rotating in all planes, the camera is very close in size to its predecessor in the honorary position of “main PEN” E-P5. When talking about top-end mirrorless cameras like Fujifilm X-Pro2 or Panasonic Lumix GX8, we are often forced to make an amendment: “This is not the most compact camera, but in comparison with mirror analogues...". There are no amendments here - even when combined with two or three lenses, the PEN-F will not take up much space in a regular backpack, not to mention the fact that a special case is not needed at all.

On the front panel, in addition to the bayonet mount with a lens release button, there is a large autofocus illumination lamp, a programmable button with a default aperture preview, and that same old-fashioned selector. If on the previous PEN F it allowed you to select the shutter speed, here it is a color and light control - proprietary “features” of the modern Olympus, providing for the most detailed in-camera JPEG settings.

Olympus PEN-F, right side

On the right side, under one cover, there are both interfaces: HDMI and USB. The speaker is located on the left side.

On the left on the top panel there is a family element: 50 years ago you still needed a film rewind lever, but now it’s an ordinary switch - a beautiful, analogue one. On the right we see another detail that makes you wipe away a tear of emotion - the shutter button has a thread built into it for the release cable; earlier on their own digital cameras Only one other retro adept - Fujifilm - dabbled in this kind of thing. In addition, there are more familiar things here: a hot shoe, a stereo microphone, a mode selector with a lock button, a video start button, and an exposure compensation dial. And the shutter button is surrounded by a multifunction ring.

At the bottom there is a compartment for the battery and memory card, as well as a tripod socket, located too close to this compartment so as not to block access to it when installing the PEN-F on a tripod.

Most of the rear side is occupied by a rotating display, but in the corner there is space for a viewfinder with a tiny diopter adjustment dial. To the right is a programmable key, a highlight/shadow adjustment lever, a second selector dial and a set of mandatory keys (five-way navigation key with additional functions on its “rays” and in the center), a button for increasing the image area, calling up a menu, changing the information displayed on the screen, playing back and deleting pictures. Another programmable key is located on the thumb rest.

⇡ Controls, display and viewfinder

The controls are built in the same way as on the OM-D series cameras, convenient and simple: there are a sufficient number of hardware keys and selectors, including reprogrammable ones, supplemented by a quick menu and a touchscreen display. The controls, for the most part, are quite well located and have good feedback; The only thing I didn’t like was the five-way navigation key with a too thin rim and a tight, unclear movement.

The Olympus PEN E-PL7 image sensor is inherited from the previous models PL5 and PL6 - 16.05 MP Live MOS. But to replace the TruePic VI processor in the new mirrorless camera, the manufacturer uses the next generation chip - TruePic VII.

The old matrix and the new processor, according to the stated characteristics, in combination provide the same burst shooting speed as previous cameras: eight frames per second at full resolution with autofocus and exposure locked on the first frame. With exposure adjustment between frames, the E-PL7 shoots 3.7 fps, earlier cameras - 3.6 fps.

The new camera's ISO sensitivity range is from 200 to 25600, expanding to ISO 100 at the low end, which is the same level of light sensitivity as the PL6. The only thing missing from the Olympus PL5 is an expansion of the lower limit.

And, of course, the Micro Four Thirds lens mount, which is familiar to Olympus compact system cameras, is new.

Taking selfies with the Olympus PEN E-PL7

The most obvious difference between the Olympus E-PL7 and earlier cameras is the LCD display, which features an updated tilt mechanism. The PL5 and PL6 feature 3-inch, 460k-dot touchscreens that tilt up 180 degrees for selfies, while the PL7 tilts in the opposite direction.

Olympus provides a number of arguments in favor of this interesting change. Firstly, you no longer have to block the lens, and therefore the view of the camera, when reaching for the touch screen. Secondly, it became possible to install a flash for taking selfies through the hot shoe, previously its placement would have blocked the screen. Even without connection additional accessories The hot shoe itself and the controls on the top of the case partially obscured the bottom of the display.

The new Olympus PL7 screen tilts 180 degrees down and 80 degrees up. This means that it is not obscured by either the camera body or the flash. The resolution of the capacitive display has increased to 1037 thousand dots.

The new screen design also comes with an improved graphical user interface. Once you flip the display down, it reveals touch-sensitive buttons for the shutter release, e-Portrait function and a customizable self-timer, so you can take selfies quickly and easily.

Unfortunately, the new tilting display mechanism is only really useful for taking selfies with long arms. Mounting the camera on a convenient surface or tripod means cluttering the LCD screen. That's why we'd have preferred a more versatile, fully articulated tilt-tilt LCD that flips out to the side, which also gives you the ability to view the scene from tricky angles, take self-portraits, and lets you fold the LCD inward to keep it clean and protected from impacts and scratches.

Improved body

The Olympus E-PL7 case has undergone changes. It's slightly larger and heavier than before: 4.4mm wider, 3.3mm taller and therefore 0.2mm deeper. Weight increased by 32g. The battery capacity in the new camera has increased to 1210 mAh compared to 1150 mAh in the previous one, which led to an increase in battery life from 320 to 350 shots (CIPA).

With the increase in size, the location of the controls has improved. The total number remains unchanged, but the manufacturer replaced the small, awkward ring with a metal disk that surrounds the shutter button. Now the index and thumb will be able to sit comfortably here. All rear panel controls have been moved to the right side of the LCD monitor, leaving the area above the display smooth and clean. (Supposedly it will be easier to shoot with one hand.)

And a couple more noticeable changes to the body: faux leather trim covers almost the entire surface of the camera, and not just the gripping area as before. And the handle in the E-PL7 is not removable, and the name of the line “Olympus PEN” is now proudly displayed on the front panel at the top right.

Improved image stabilization system

The Olympus PL7 has an upgraded image stabilization system that puts it somewhere between the early PL5, PL6, PM2 and the top-end P5. The last one mentioned is equipped with a five-axis stabilization system, while the other earlier models are equipped with two-axis stabilization.

For PL7, engineers reserved a three-axis stabilization system, which dampens vertical, horizontal and oblique vibrations of the camera, according to the manufacturer, with an efficiency of 3.5EV, compared to 3EV correction in PL5 and PL6.

And one more improvement: the new system camera has an additional image stabilization mode in addition to the other three already familiar to us from the PL series. The fourth mode simply automatically selects one of the other three based on movements it detects, such as when you're panning or something.

Improved autofocus system in Olympus PEN E-PL7

Autofocus has been improved. It's still Olympus' signature FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology) autofocus, but now features 81 focus points, up from 35 on earlier models. A Super Spot AF mode has also appeared, in which focusing is achieved over a small area of ​​the frame from 0.02 to 0.16% of the image surface.

Exposure compensation

We have already noted the expanded sensitivity range - compared to the PL5 - from ISO 100 to ISO 25600. The E-PL7 also features a wide exposure compensation range of +/-5EV, compared to +/-3EV in the previous camera. And finally, the new product provides four custom white balance settings instead of two.

Wireless communication

The Olympus E-PL7 system camera has a built-in wireless adapter Wi-Fi networks 802.11b/g/n. Combined with the updated OI Share app for Android and iOS smart devices, it allows you to quickly share images. The application allows you to remotely control the shutter release and also supports Live mode Bulb allows you to stream or shoot video, although clips are limited to seven minutes.

Although the Olympus PL7 lacks NFC technology to connect to Android devices With one touch, you can connect almost as quickly using a QR code displayed on the camera's LCD as with past Olympus models. Moreover, unlike NFC, this approach works with Apple gadgets, the manufacturer of which stubbornly refuses to support the NFC standard in its devices.

New creative tools

The E-PL7 system camera offers an impressive array of new creative tools and features. There are two new shooting modes: Panning Shot (panning or shooting with wiring) and Hand-held Twilight (hand-held twilight - combines eight frames in one with reduced noise and high speed shutter).

We have already mentioned the new e-Portrait mode and self-timer, which is convenient when shooting self-portraits, as it allows you to set the number of frames and adjust the shooting interval. By taking multiple selfies in succession, you can change your pose and transform your images just like Photo Booth.

The Olympus PL7 offers HDR mode for the first time, along with a bracketing feature that allows you to combine four images into one. All four shots, with a fixed sensitivity of ISO 200 and a maximum exposure time of one second, can be combined in a realistic or artistic style.

There are also two new art filters: vintage and partial color. Each of them has three different effects. For partial color there is an interesting interface that allows you to select 18 different shades with a control dial on the top panel.

Finally, Olympus' Photo Story feature features a hold mode that lets you pause a story while it's in progress and then return to finish it.

Video recording

The Olympus E-PL7, like previous cameras, records Full HD video (1920 x 1080 pixels; 1080p) at 30 frames per second, but the maximum bitrate is now 24 Mbps, compared to 20 Mbps in earlier models.

The new camera also offers an additional Old Film effect for video, and it uses three-axis sensor-shift stabilization in video mode instead of electronic stabilization.

If desired, you can shoot 720p time-lapse video, this mode is inherited from the E-PL6. The E-PL7 has a new microphone volume limiter feature.

Memory card compatibility

Like its predecessor cameras, the Olympus E-PL7 stores images on SD memory cards (Secure Digital Card): SDHC, SDXC, UHS-I and Eye-Fi. Although the last ones on the list are unlikely to be useful, given the presence of a Wi-Fi module in the camera. Compatibility with Toshiba FlashAir wireless cards, Eye-Fi's competitors, is not mentioned anywhere.

Introduction

Making cameras is somewhat similar to making cars. The manufacturer first develops a platform, and then releases the first model on it. A few years later, this model is refined, design errors, ergonomic errors are corrected, the design is refreshed, and so on. Exactly the same approach can be seen in most photographic equipment manufacturers. The quantity and quality of improvements and the success of the model on the market, as you understand, depend on each other. And, in my opinion, the new Olympus cameras are very successful in this regard. A lot has been reworked, so a first look is necessary in this case. But improvements to the line are primarily due to the actions of competitors in the market. The updated Sony NEX line is very good, as is the Samsung NX200. And in order to compete with them, these improvements were critical, very important for both the manufacturer and the consumer. The new camera still complies with the 4/3 standard, but I would not say that a smaller matrix (compared to APS-C) immediately makes the device worse. The niche of non-mirror cameras is designed for the mass consumer, who cares not only about photo quality, but also ease of use, additional options and camera operating modes. We'll talk about this later, but for now let's look at the new product.

In the article about the previous device - PL2, I wrote the following:

When E-PL1 fell into my hands, my joy knew no bounds. Compact dimensions, pleasant weight and many different filters in the camera made it possible to quickly get a beautiful photo. I didn’t want to part with the device, and I was even ready to buy it. Later, Sony NEX came out and created a real dumping, so Olympus reduced the original price of 24 thousand to 20. Then there were new products from Panasonic and Samsung. The past year turned out to be rich in mirrorless cameras, so now, having received the PL2, I didn’t feel much joy. Although it should be noted that the camera is pleasant. There simply isn’t this effect of novelty, and it’s not even that the PL2 is an improvement, but simply that mirrorless cameras are already a familiar phenomenon.

Regarding the new camera, I can say that it is impressive, especially if you have used previous cameras in the line. All I had to do was open the box to understand that there was something special here. In short, my impressions of the weekend were extremely positive. I will say more - in the future I will compare her not only with her “classmates” in the system.

Camera specifications:

• Sensor: Live MOS, micro 4/3 (17.3 x 13.0 mm), 12.3 million effective pixels
• Maximum image resolution: 4032x3024 pixels
• ISO values: 200 - 12800
• Display: TFT, 3 inches, 460 thousand dots
• Shutter speed: 1/4000 second to 30 seconds
• Flash: external via hot shoe
• Video: AVHCD 1920*1080 (FullHD), AVI Motion JPEG, 30 to 60 fps
• Lenses: micro 4/3
• Memory cards: SD, SDHC, SDXC, Eye-Fi
• Interfaces: HDMI, USB, video output

Appearance, body materials, dimensions

The design has changed a lot, and in this case the influence of Sony NEX is felt. Look at the back of the camera.

A wide-format folding display occupies almost the entire back side, and to the right of it is a navigation button with a multifunction dial. Above and below it are menu and information buttons. Exactly the same layout in the camera from Sony. A little higher there is a rubber insert for the thumb.

The front side has lost its grip and looks minimalistic, but at the same time expensive. Polished metal with a horizontal notch reflects the camera lens, which looks interesting and simply beautiful.

The camera materials are unchanged - the body is almost entirely made of plastic, excluding the front panel. As I said above, it is made of metal. Overall, the camera looks expensive, interesting and technical.

The dimensions have changed significantly compared to the previous model and generally correspond to those of competitors.

Controls

The layout of the elements has changed a lot. The back side was dealt with above, all that remains is to add that above the display there is a button for viewing the footage, a delete button and zoom buttons.

On the front, except for the bayonet connector, the lock button and the focus LED, there is nothing. On the right side, under the curtain, interface connectors for connecting to a computer and TV are hidden. On the bottom side there is a tripod connector, as well as a battery and memory card compartment.

Everything else, namely the power button, shutter release, mode dial, hot shoe connector, two microphones and the camera speaker, can be found on the top side. Unfortunately, I was not able to test the functionality of the “hot shoe” with third-party flashes, but I don’t think there could be any difficulties here.

Display

The main change in this case is that the display has been made folding. The mechanism is similar to that of the Sony NEX, and perhaps this is where the tilt angles are similar: 45 degrees down and 85 degrees up. This range is comfortable for almost any situation. Around the display there is a black frame of impressive size, the meaning of which is not entirely clear.

The diagonal of the widescreen screen is 3 inches with a resolution of 460 thousand pixels. The resolution is slightly worse than the NEX, at small elements The interface has noticeable grain. The screen covers the top safety glass, which simply cannot be scratched. Of course, it gets dirty quickly, but it can be easily cleaned with a regular cloth. Otherwise, I can’t say anything bad about it - the brightness is quite enough, it’s convenient to use.

Ergonomics and ease of control

Surprisingly, the lack of grip had virtually no effect on ease of use, which is surprising. Thanks to its relatively light weight, the camera is comfortable to hold with one hand. Plus, the rubber insert for the thumb played a significant role in ergonomics. The 14-42 mm kit lens is made of plastic and has minimal weight, so the camera does not weigh heavily in your hand.

On the other hand, the keys to the right of the display are not that easy to operate with one hand, as they are too close to the edge of the case. For the same reason, it is inconvenient to use the multifunctional ring; in addition, its dimensions cannot even be called average, which affects ease of use.

The keys for viewing and deleting footage are located on the left side of the body, so you won’t be able to operate all the buttons with one hand. But I don’t see anything wrong with this.

The power button is located almost flush with the body, but is pressed easily, without unnecessary effort or pain. There are also no complaints about the mechanics of the shutter button. The operating mode dial can be switched with the thumb of your right hand, plus, it is not too tight and turns easily.

Speed ​​and ease of shooting

As you understand, I will not draw final conclusions now, but will only outline the main points. I really like autofocus. First of all, it's fast. Perhaps the fastest among all contrasting ones. It is quite possible that the Samsung NX200, whose specifications state a response time of 100 ms, is faster, but you have to look at this. Further, in 99 percent of cases, autofocus performance is satisfactory, and taking into account the fact that it can be immediately adjusted manually, problems never arise.

Second, the turn-on time is only 2 seconds, which is very good. After the image appears on the display, you can safely press the shutter button - you will immediately get a frame. No slowdowns or waiting time. The shutdown time is no more than half a second.

The overall speed of work has also increased significantly. This can be seen by the time the footage is saved to the memory card.

Third, the video shooting button is located very conveniently. In many models it is located somewhere on the edge of the case or simply in a hard-to-reach place. Here everything is different - it’s easy to reach it, but it’s difficult to accidentally press it.

Fourth, the sound of the curtain being activated is very important to me. Many of you know what the Sony NEX sounds like - an unpleasant mechanical, crackling sound, and also quite loud. The new PL3 sounds pleasant, soft and delicate. It also seemed that the curtain began to work even softer, but perhaps I’m wrong.

We will talk about different shooting modes and everything else in a full article. Now I will say that clicking the camera is very pleasant.

Sample photos

Day:

Night:

Flash

The complete flash implementation is very similar to that in the Sony NEX. It is also attached to the case, but in the case of Olympus it is not attached to a screw that has to be tightened, but to a latch that can be unlocked with a button. When folded, the flash is inactive, no matter what you set in the menu, but just raise it, and the camera itself activates and uses the flash at the right moment.

Opening hours

The operating time declared by the manufacturer is 330 shots. In my operating mode, this figure is somewhat lower and equals approximately 270 shots, which is not bad considering the operating time of competitors - with the same Sony NEX 3 I took approximately 220 shots.

On the other hand, this figure was obtained in good lighting, without using flash and artistic styles, which is somewhat slower and requires additional time to process photos.

Conclusions

There are three new cameras in the new Olympus line, and each of them is interesting in its own way. But the PL3 is perhaps the most interesting of them all, since it has a flip-out display, although it is slightly inferior to that of the P3. By the way, the original PEN has remained virtually unchanged in terms of design, which is nice. It costs about 33 thousand rubles, which is 10 thousand more than PL3.

But the really hot new camera is the E-PM1. For about 17 thousand rubles you get the same quality, nice design and simple controls. Definitely, this camera benefits from the fact that it appearance The controls are simple and intuitive, close to those found in digital point-and-shoot cameras.

Decide for yourself which camera you should take. If you want something simpler, then take PM1, if you want something more complicated, take PL3. New products from competitors such as the Samsung NX200 and Sony NEX 7 play in a different price category. The NEX 5N is another matter, but I will try to make a comparison with this camera in a full review, fortunately there will be something to talk about there.

Alexey Ikonnikov (

The presence of an electronic-mechanical shutter made it possible to realize a fairly wide range of shutter speeds. The shortest value worked was 1/16000 of a second, so in this regard, the Olympus PEN-F performs better than Sony mirrorless cameras. However, some cameras (the same X-Pro2 from Fujifilm) allow you to shoot at a shutter speed twice as fast - 1/32000 s.

Continuous shooting is possible at a speed of 10 frames per second. You can shoot up to 25 frames in RAW format in one burst, after which the rate of fire drops to about one frame per second. If you shoot in JPEG, you can take up to 50 photos in one series.

How does it shoot?

After the market became saturated with excellent full-frame cameras (mainly Sony, Nikon, Canon), the bar for high-sensitivity image quality has risen significantly. I would even say that Micro Four Thirds is now difficult to take seriously. If you want minimal noise and the ability to shoot the starry sky at night at long exposures, then you should definitely look towards a full-frame camera. But if you compare the PEN-F with mirrorless cameras and compacts with a comparable sensor area, it performs surprisingly well.