The E-PM1 from 2011 was Olympus's smallest M43 body at that time, weighing 275g with a 12.3MP Live MOS sensor and 3.5-stop IBIS. It sacrificed controls, a viewfinder, and screen articulation for the compact size, using a fixed non-touch display. No 4K, no Wi-Fi. It sat below the E-PL3 in the lineup and was aimed at upgraders from compact cameras who prioritized portability. Now very cheap on the used market. It has been succeeded by the Olympus PEN E-PM2. At 275g, this is one of the lightest M43 bodies available, 263g below the M43 average of 538g. Step up to the Panasonic Lumix G100D if you want more controls at the cost of 58g extra.
Best for: Handheld and low-light photography
Pros
- 3.5-stop IBIS for handheld stability
Cons
- Contrast-detect AF only, slower on unpredictably moving subjects
- Not weather sealed
- No 4K video
Specifications
| Body | |
| Brand | Olympus |
| Status | discontinued |
| Released | 2011-09 |
| Weight | 275g |
| Dimensions | 109.5 × 63 × 33.9mm |
| Weather sealed | No |
| Screen | Fixed |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Sensor | |
| Description | 12.3MP Live MOS |
| Megapixels | 12.3MP |
| Resolution | 4032 × 3024 |
| Viewfinder | |
| EVF | No |
| Stabilisation | |
| IBIS | Yes |
| IBIS stops | 3.5 stops |
| Dual IS | No |
| Autofocus | |
| Phase detect | No |
| Subject recognition | No |
| Shooting | |
| Video | |
| 4K | No |
| 4K 60fps | No |
| Log | No |
| Ports & storage | |
| Card slots | 1 |
| Card type | SD UHS-I |
| HDMI | micro |
| Headphone jack | No |
| Mic port | No |
| WiFi | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Battery | BLS-50 |
| Pricing | |
| Price (approx.) | N/A |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Olympus PEN E-PM1 have IBIS?
Yes. The Olympus PEN E-PM1 has in-body image stabilisation rated at 3.5 stops.
Is the Olympus PEN E-PM1 weather sealed?
No. The Olympus PEN E-PM1 does not have weather sealing. Take care in rain or dusty conditions.
Does the Olympus PEN E-PM1 shoot 4K video?
No. The Olympus PEN E-PM1 does not record 4K video.
Does the Olympus PEN E-PM1 have phase-detect autofocus?
No. The Olympus PEN E-PM1 uses contrast-detect autofocus. It is slower to lock on to moving subjects than phase-detect systems.
What card does the Olympus PEN E-PM1 use?
The Olympus PEN E-PM1 has 1 card slot and accepts SD UHS-I cards.
How much does the Olympus PEN E-PM1 weigh?
The Olympus PEN E-PM1 weighs 275g (body only, with battery and card).
Is the Olympus PEN E-PM1 still worth buying?
The Olympus PEN E-PM1 has been succeeded by the Olympus PEN E-PM2. The newer model improves on AF performance, sensor, and video specs. At a reduced second-hand price the Olympus PEN E-PM1 remains a capable body, but the Olympus PEN E-PM2 is the better long-term buy if the budget allows.