Olympus PEN E-PM1: Makes Me Feel Like a Pro! #PenReady
Sunday, October 30, 2011 Posted by Felicia
First of all, I have to tell you all that I am anything BUT a professional photographer. I truly love taking pictures and always have the best intentions of learning more about how to take them, but the truth is that I really am mediocre at best. I absolutely love the Nikon camera we purchased two Christmases ago, but I still have to use "automatic" most of the time. I even purchased one of those "Use Your Camera" books for dummies. I guess it would help if I read it! The reality is that as great as the photos are and as much as I love it, it is a HUGE camera when you are talking about travel. If you have been following my blog for a while, you know that I do quite a bit of travel for blogger events. I so want to take my Nikon, but I never do because of the size and limitations for quick trips. I generally end up using my iPhone and reserve the Nikon for blog pictures.
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| Compared to the Nikon |
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| Compared to the iPhone! |
So, when I received an email from Olympus a few short weeks ago asking me to take part in the Pen Ready Project I had to read the email about 25 times before it sunk in! I was sent the Olympus PEN E-PM1 to try out and upload my 20 best pictures to the Pen Ready Project page. Amazing. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and for what it has done to my photography.
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| No editing on any of the photos above. Shot with Grainy Film Art feature. |
First of all, the PEN E-PM1 is tiny and oh so cute! Truly, I just want to take it everywhere with me (and usually do). I can easily slip this into my purse which makes it that much easier to take on trips and carry-on bags. If you are a blogger and you have been to events, you know how important simplicity is when it comes to what you are carrying. For that matter, if you are a parent who isn't a blogger it is important!
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| Both photos taken using the Diorama art feature. No edits. |
The part I love the most, the PEN E-PM1 truly makes it easy for anyone to have professional looking photos. This is the part I couldn't even begin to make up. The proof is in the pudding when you look at the photos I've captured. I have had absolutely no photography classes and many of the best ones were when I was not trying. What makes the Olympus PEN E-PM1 so easy to use? Here is the list:
- DSLR image quality 12.3 megapixel sensor
- In-body stabilization technology (great for photography with kids)
- Live Guide System. You can preview what your shot will look like before you take it!
- Art Features: Pop Art, Soft Focus, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama and Dramatic Tone). This is one of my favorite features
- Direct HD Movie Button is located right on the back and allows up to 29 minutes of 1080 HD video and stereo sound
- Fast Auto Focus System makes it great for kids and pets who are always on the move
- iAuto automatically identifies what type of picture you are taking and adjusts accordingly
- Widescreen LCD allows you to see what you are shooting, whether it is a picture or video
- Eye detect automatically detects faces in your photos (up to 8 faces)
Everything just seems to work together for good on this tiny powerhouse. It is rare for me to have more good shots than bad, but the reality is that we have so many to choose from now. In my humble opinion, if you are looking for a camera that has great quality and ease of use, the Olympus PEN E-PM1 would be a great pick. The bottom line is that you are getting a fabulous camera that is also convenient to tote along with you. What more could you ask for really? The PEN E-PM1 currently retails for $499 and is available in 6 different colors.
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| Using Dramatic Focus. No edit. |
To prove just how easy the PEN E-PM1 camera is to use, Olympus has given away 1000 cameras to random people! They were on the streets of NYC, LA and more handing them out. The 1000 people have been asked to upload 20 of their best shots taken with the camera to the Pen Ready Project. You really have to check out some of the shots every day people are capturing with this camera. I have been completely inspired. If you want to check out my project page, just look for #796!
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October 30, 2011 1:21 AM
That camera sounds so awesome! I am so sad that my Nikon is too big and heavy to take out every day. I love the pictures it takes, but it's annoying to carry around.
October 30, 2011 1:54 AM
what a lovely opportunity
October 30, 2011 2:05 AM
WoW no editing, that is amazing. i so have to save up a bunch of $$.. this is way above my little canon esay share.. i have had it for 3 yrs now. broken crystal and all, still taking pics.. nothing like yours. i love the way these pics look, and when i went to the web site it says there have diff lenses and flash. This is my big big wish list item.. New Roof comes first thougth :(
October 31, 2011 11:38 AM
Those options are SO cool! I am really, really impressed!