Olympus Pen E-PM1 review

Full HD video recording, for which there’s a dedicated button unless you reassign to some other function, is done at 30fps in AVCHD format. There are plenty of control options here, with the ability to shoot in priority exposure modes (shutter or aperture) or full manual. The ISO is constrained when shooting video to 400-1600, and at ISO 1600 the results, again, weren’t as sharp as those from the NEX-5N. The kits lens also made light purring noises that were picked up by the built-in microphone.

The E-PM1 certainly isn’t as exciting as some of its competition, but it’s fairly strong in the key areas – such as performance, focus and noise levels. It may be mini by design, but best of all of is its mini price. At present it’s available for just over £350, with its kit zoom, if you shop around; plus there’s another £50 off until January thanks to a cashback offer from Olympus. That’s around £180 less than the NEX-5N at £530, which is also available with £50 cashback at present and around £100 less than the technically identical E-PL3 – though the extra money will be justified by those who feel a mode dial and tilting screen are essential features.

The E-PM1 is the cheapest CSC camera available at present by a significant margin and this, combined with a lack of any major failings, brings it right back into contention for your cash. If your budget is tight now, but you later plan on investing in extra lenses or accessories, then the E-PM1 is a good choice, and a deserving winner of our Budget Buy award.