My review sample of E-PL2 was delivered earlier today. What can I say? It looks like a pretty sweet camera.

It's much smaller than my Panasonic G2 and even slightly smaller than E-P1. It's also lighter than both, but build quality is very nice. Front panel is made of aluminum. Aluminum is classy, but when there's -20 degrees centigrade outside, it literally burns your fingers with cold. Plastic cameras are much more pleasant to shoot without gloves :)

The new kit lens is a huge improvement. It focuses much faster and is built much better than the old one. However, Panasonic G2 is still faster when used with the same lens, this is especially noticeable with Panasonic 20mm f/1.7. To my surprise, focusing sound is noticeably louder when lenses are mounted on E-PL2; even its kit lens is absolutely silent when mounted on G2 but whines slightly when mounted on E-PL2.

Menu system is typical Olympus (in a word: messy). I also like control layout on my G2 quite a bit better. Thank God you can change video button function to AEL/AFL. Still, I miss Panasonic's wonderful thumbwheel.

I can't comment on image quality yet, but I see beautiful Olympus colors and very high level of detail.

I just purchased my E-PL2 yesterday. I had been going back and forth between a few models, including standard DSLRs from Nikon, Canon, and Sony. I realized that I prefer the compact-slim design form factor of a 4 thirds model.
I actually tried the NEX-5 for a few weeks but returned it. Nothing really bad to say about it. Just that the design is ultra slim like a point n' shoot, and the lenses dominate the body. They feel unnatural to grip and heavy. I missed the mode selection dial and although they're not optimal, I prefer an integrated flash.
11 years ago I bought my first digital camera, being an Olympus. Thought I'd come back to my first 'love'.
I enjoy the compact form factor of the E-PL2, yet when you grip it, you know you're holding a DSLR-like camera. I purchased a kit including both the 14-42 and 40-150 lenses. They are terrific. Although video is not full HD, I find the 720p video produced much to my liking and suits my needs just fine for the simple 4 to 5 minute clips I usually take.
I hope to learn much from the exchange of ideas and opinions on these forums.

My EPL-2 arrived yesterday - I'm over-the-moon about this little package. Although I've been using a D300 for the last few years, holding the Oly feels like I've come home after a very long absence: exciting and a bit scary. So much to learn...where is everything on this camera? Found the shutter-release!

Marie

AMEN!!

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Nikon D600, 24-85VR, 70-300VR, P7700, SB-700.

The "scary" does subside though... don't worry. And the images won't let you down!

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Nikon D600, 24-85VR, 70-300VR, P7700, SB-700.

I'm in the same boat, Marie, except I've been using a D200. The EPL2 is superior in almost every way except for this one significant irritation. I'd really like to be able to have exposure compensation while in manual mode and auto-ISO on, because that's how I've been using my Nikon for ages.

The camera is perfectly sized, and I'm thinking of picking up a 20/1.7 and/or 14/2.5 pancake so I can stick the whole think in my pants pocket.

The camera has caused me to go into lens acquisition mode worse than ever before. I have so far picked up 3 manual focus lenses for about $350 total, and the 40-150 Olympus zoom, but most of these lenses are en route. Some of these are m42 Pentax mount because they're so cheap, and the other is a Nikkor. The more I think about it, though, the more I think I'll limit future purchases to Nikon AI or AIS. At this point, I'm leaning toward unloading all my Nikon glass, except the MF ones, and I might keep the D200 if I can't get a good price for it.

I was initially concerned that "focus-by-wire" would not be acceptable, but after a few days of using the 14-42mkII, I can say it feels natural. I presume all m43 lenses are this way? MF assist is quite awesome.

ISO bracketing is also awesome, by the way. I just discovered this yesterday and I'm thrilled. The JPGs are indeed much better than they ought to be, and even though I've shot in RAW mode for almost 10 years, I'm thinking of letting this camera do the work. I've never liked post-processing anyway, except light cropping and exposure adjustment... maybe this is my ticket out.

In summary: =

I too love my E-PL2. I was skeptic for a long time but a friend convinced me to try one. Since I'm used to a larger camera body all the tiny buttons were a bit frustrating at first, but then I found out that I could turn off the ones I pressed by mistake and re-program others, so that's no longer a problem. Even though I think the E-P1 is the nicest looking I actually like how the E-PL2 looks and feels too. :)

It was great to find that the focus area can be made much smaller, since that is one of the things that scared me off originally. Another thing that worried me was the lack of AF assist light, but I have found that I don't miss one at all.

I have 20/1.7 and Olympus 14-42II and I find both to be great. The kit zoom has really exceeded my expectations.

I love my E-PL2 and I do mean LOVE it!! It's about the most perfect camera for me. Right size, looks cool and produces the goods and has in built body IS. With the right lens it is as good as any DSLR I have ever had.

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Andy
My Flickr

Lumix G3 with 14-45mm 25mm f/1.4 Leica DG Summilux & Oly 17mm f/2.8 + Legacy glass.

Well - I posted my first pics in the EPL-2 Image thread - considering I did nothing to the pics (except for one), I'm pretty happy. I think once I learn the mechanics of the camera I can relax and think about all those other things...composition, subject, having fun!

Marie

Having fun! That's the key!!

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Andy
My Flickr

Lumix G3 with 14-45mm 25mm f/1.4 Leica DG Summilux & Oly 17mm f/2.8 + Legacy glass.