Olympus PEN

Olympus PEN E-P3

12.3 megapixel, Compact System Camera, 3.00x Zoom

Olympus upgrades their high-end PEN line with a load of new enhancements while maintaining the retro look of the original. The sensor size also stays the same, but is said to be enhanced for better performance in low light, though we couldn't see much of a difference. It's the new targeted touchscreen interface that really impresses, allowing easy autofocus confirmation via onscreen zoom, and the autofocus itself is so fast it rivals many SLRs.

Released August 2011

Olympus PEN E-P5

16.1 megapixel, Compact System Camera, Non-Zoom

The Olympus E-P5 is the company's best PEN-series Micro Four Thirds camera yet, taking the best of its predecessor, the E-P3, and many features from the acclaimed OM-D E-M5, and adding a few new wrinkles of its own. Overall, this flagship mirrorless model delivers blazing fast autofocus, burst shooting near 10fps and exceptional image quality -- even at higher ISOs -- that rival the performance of many top enthusiast DSLRs.

Released May 2013

Olympus PEN E-PL2

12.3 megapixel, Compact System Camera, 3.00x Zoom

Released January 2011

Olympus PEN E-PL3

12.3 megapixel, Compact System Camera, 3.00x Zoom

Released September 2011

Olympus PEN E-PL5

16.1 megapixel, Compact System Camera, 3.00x Zoom

The Olympus E-PL5 packs some serious photographic power into a small package, with image quality that's simply astounding at this price point. Though the E-PL5's menu system is confusing and confounding, those with patience will find themselves pleased with the camera's advanced, immensely customizable controls. Add to all this very fast and responsive shooting performance, and the Olympus E-PL5 emerges as a strong contender.

Released October 2012

Olympus PEN E-PL6

16.1 megapixel, Compact System Camera, 3.00x Zoom

Released June 2013

Olympus PEN E-PM1

12.3 megapixel, Compact System Camera, 3.00x Zoom

Relying on snazzy visual imagery, the Olympus Pen Mini E-PM1 aims at a simplified control system and a very small body, though it still has most of the controls found on its slightly larger cousin the E-PL3. Autofocus is said to be extremely fast as we found on the E-P3, and the Mini can also capture up to five frames per second.

Released September 2011

Olympus PEN E-PM2

16.1 megapixel, Compact System Camera, 3.00x Zoom

Small, lightweight, powerful and affordable, the Olympus E-PM2 features the same 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor, processor and FAST AF system as its much more expensive Olympus E-M5 sibling. The E-PM2 is by no means perfect -- it's a little lacking in shooting action stills and HD video -- but it is a tremendous value, and a great choice for beginners looking to step up from a point-and-shoot.

Released October 2012