Yesterday I took the time to slander* stroll through a local electronics store after work, and stumbled across the new E-PL1 in black which they had on display. I couldn’t resist but take it in my hands and fiddle around with it a bit

So these are my first impressions, comparing it to my E-P1:

• Although the shell is made from plastic and not from metal (as the E-P1’s), the E-PL1 feels very solid.
• The more pronounced grip makes it a bit easier to hold than the E-P1/2.
• The slightly smaller display is still big enough, although it seems a little less bright than the E-P1/2’s.
• The new “L” lens with plastic mount seems to be slightly lighter. The material the mount is made from seems to be quite solid – but only time will show if it will actually wear out quicker than a metal mount.
• The flash is a nice add-on, also the bounce trick (holding the mechanism down with one finger) is quite neat – although I personally don’t miss a flash at all on my E-P1 (and if I needed one, I would buy a real one!)
• The option of attaching the new external viewfinder with its 1.44 mp resolution is a real plus for the E-PL1 – it might actually be the addition to an E-P1 if you like to shoot manual lenses: Keep the E-P1 for your AF lenses and take the E-PL1 + VF for your manual ones. (But then again – you could also sell the E-P1, add to what you got for it the money for an E-PL1 and get the E-P2 …)
• I didn’t miss the E-P1’s control wheels that much – setting shutter speeds and aperture values with the buttons goes quick and easy – although a bit quicker and easier on the E-P1.
• The new 14x magnification mode is awesome – I wish they added that to the E-P1/2 with the next firmware update!
• The movie record button is as customizable as the Fn button, although the E-PL1 lacks a dedicated AFL/AEL button. But still, the E-PL1 is a bit more customizable than the E-P1/2.

All in all it seems to be a very neat little camera, and surely an option for anyone thinking of getting into the MFT system – especially if there is a budget. Personally, I’d still prefer the E-P2 for its nicer looks and more solid feel, but as I said the E-PL1 feels quite solid as well, and also doesn’t look that bad! (And it’s available in more colors!)

* Oops, that happens when you don’t look the word up in the dictionary! Okay, schlendern ≠ to slander!