* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Olympus PEN E-PL1 Mirrorless MFT (Micro Four Thirds) Camera Body, Black {12.3MP}
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$149.00
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KEH Certified™ pre-owned gear, expertly inspected†
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All rental gear is between Excellent and Like New Minus condition
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Standard accessories included
Olympus PEN E-PL1: Compact Micro Four Thirds With Sensor-Shift Stabilization
The E-PL1 brought the PEN series down to a more approachable size and price without gutting the core imaging chain. A 12MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor paired with the Truepic V processor handles stills up to ISO 3200, and the sensor-shift image stabilization system works with any Micro Four Thirds glass you mount, a real advantage for handheld shooting in low light or with longer focal lengths.
The rangefinder-style body strips down the control layout compared to pricier PEN siblings, trading dials for a simpler interface, but it adds something they didn't have at launch: a built-in pop-up flash with a 10m range and a full set of flash modes including slow sync and manual power control. That's a genuine convenience for documentary and event shooters who don't want to carry a hot-shoe unit everywhere. An 11-point autofocus system and 3.0 fps continuous shooting keep pace with everyday subjects, while shutter speeds from 60 seconds to 1/2000 sec give you room for both long-exposure night work and daylight action.
A dedicated movie record button drops you straight into 1280 x 720 video at 30 fps, recorded in Motion JPEG, useful for travel photographers who want quick clips without digging through menus. The fixed 2.7" HyperCrystal LCD with anti-reflective coating stays readable outdoors, and the optional electronic viewfinder gives eye-level shooters another way to compose. At 334g, it's a body built to go everywhere your other gear won't.
Who It's For
Street and travel photographers get a light, pocketable body with sensor-shift stabilization that steadies handheld shots across whatever Micro Four Thirds lens is mounted. Documentary and event shooters benefit from the built-in pop-up flash with slow sync and manual power modes, meaning no external strobe is required for fill light in mixed lighting. Beginners moving up from a point-and-shoot will find the aperture priority, shutter priority and full manual exposure modes approachable, backed by 8 white balance presets and AE/WB bracketing for more controlled results. Anyone shooting casual video benefits from the dedicated movie record button feeding straight into 720p capture.
Key Features
- 12.0MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor with Truepic V processor
- Sensor-shift image stabilization works with any Micro Four Thirds mount lens
- 11-point autofocus system
- ISO 100-3,200 manual, 200-3,200 auto with 1/3 or 1 EV steps
- 1280 x 720 video at 30 fps, Motion JPEG format
- Built-in pop-up flash with 10-meter range and manual power control
- 3.0 fps burst shooting, shutter speeds 60 sec to 1/2000 sec
- 2.7" HyperCrystal LCD with anti-reflective coating, 230,000 dots
FAQ
- What autofocus system does the E-PL1 use?
- An 11-point AF system handles most daylight and mixed-light shooting. It's straightforward but not tracking-focused; single-shot AF works best for deliberate composition rather than fast-moving subjects.
- Can I use the E-PL1's sensor stabilization with any lens?
- Yes. Sensor-shift stabilization works with every Micro Four Thirds mount lens you put on the body, which is a real advantage for handheld shooting with primes or longer focal lengths where optical stabilization isn't available.
- What's the video capability?
- 1280 x 720 at 30 fps, recorded as Motion JPEG. The dedicated movie record button lets you start capturing without navigating menus, useful for travel and event work where you need quick clips without setup overhead.
- Does it shoot RAW?
- Yes. The E-PL1 records RAW files, so you have full control over processing in post if your workflow requires it.
- How does the built-in flash perform?
- 10-meter range with manual power control, slow sync, and standard modes. It's genuinely useful for fill light at events or bouncing indoors without carrying a hot-shoe unit everywhere, though it's designed for supplemental light rather than primary coverage.
- What ISO range does it support?
- Manual ISO from 100 to 3,200, or Auto ISO from 200 to 3,200 in 1/3 or 1 EV steps. By 2010 standards this was solid for a compact body; usable up to 3,200 but noise becomes noticeable at the ceiling.
- How long does the battery last per charge?
- 290 shots per BLS-1 battery charge (CIPA rating). Typical for a mirrorless from that generation; bring a spare if you're shooting a full event day.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensor | Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) |
| Resolution | 12.0 MP |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| AF Points | 11 |
| ISO Range | Auto ISO (200 - 3,200), Manual ISO (100 - 3,200), 1/3 or 1 EV steps |
| Burst Rate | 3.0 fps |
| Video | 1,280 x 720 (30 fps) |
| Dimensions | 115 x 72 x 42 mm (4.53 x 2.83 x 1.65?) |
| Weight | 334 g (0.74 lb / 11.78 oz) |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Olympus |
|---|---|
| Flash System | Olympus/Panasonic TTL |
| Focus Type | Autofocus (lens motor) |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Memory Card Type | SD, SDHC |
Learn what to expect from each condition, cosmetically. Images are representative of each grade and may not show the exact item you receive. All equipment is guaranteed to work as intended, unless otherwise noted. We also occasionally offer items that fall .
Exceptions
- New
- New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
- Like New
- Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
- As Is
- Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
Like New Minus
Like New Minus
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent Plus
Excellent Plus
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent
Excellent
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Bargain
Bargain
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Ugly
Ugly
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
