Olympus Pen E PL9 review. Detailed, hands-on, not sponsored.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- A detailed hands on review of the Olympus Pen E PL9 camera.
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Honestly, I bought this camera because it was cheap.... and as I already have a G9 my lenses were compatible. What I didn’t think was that I tend to grab the Oly more often than the G9. For every day fun and quality, this camera can’t be beaten. Size and looks are great, and I can’t see a difference betwen 3 and 5 axis IBIS. Both are great. I don’t miss a viewfinder at all, I tilt the screen a bit if the day is too bright. Great camera, great colors and practical design. Recommended.
Thanks for sharing your observations, always nice to hear from a photographer with personal experience.
You almost sound like Rick Steves there.
Thanks, it sounds like I'm getting there ... I'll keep trying.
Haha. I know. I feel like I need to take a trip now. Wonderful sounding voice. 💕
very useful, truly the best tutorial i've seen in 14 min, wow, great
It's always great to know that my videos are appreciated, thanks for the kind words.
If it only had a viewfinder... well you have EM10 iii for that :-)
Yes, if that's all that's stopping you, that model (and others) do have viewfinders.
Completely agree! Viewfinders make a camera more bulky, and that is exactly what I don't want.
I must say, that I do prefer a viewfinder ...
@@MaartenHeilbron I understand that some people prefer a viewfinder, but there are already many M43 models with viewfinders, so they have a lot of choice. The people not wanting a viewfinder, on the other hand, have very limited choices. In fact, there is no M43 model with full control buttons but without viewfinder. The Pen E-PL9 comes closest to it, but it is just a bit short. Nevertheless, I am considering to buy it, because it is quite a cool camera. It is especially suitable for street photography to shoot from the hip, while using the screen tilted upwards as viewfinder.
@@SurfinScientist Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Informative and entertaining review as always :) I’ve recently purchased an Olympus camera myself, and those menus do take a bit of getting used to. I’m hoping not having to delve in there too often :/
Thanks, I appreciate your kind words.
this guy... no bs, professional and simple. no trying to be funny (cough). Love it!
Thanks, it was a pleasure to read your kind words.
brilliant review... your Scorp (gimbal) review is as good too !
Thanks, always nice to read that my content is appreciated.
Thank you for an excellent review!
I just ordered the Pen EPL10 based on this review, as I cannot find a quality review on this newer model - which, according to specifications, should be just as good as the Pen EPL9, with just a few modified menu options..
I simply cannot wait to receive my camera, and I plan on listening to your review again to get started with it!
It's always nice to know that viewers appreciate my work. Thanks!!
Just came across your comment Brice. Could you let us know if the EPL10 now allows to chose silent (electronic) shutter in all modes (M, A, S)? The EPL9 wouldn't . Thanks
How was your experience with e pl10? I’m expecting to receive mine today. Just curious to know your thoughts
Just bought an excellent used E-PL9 with the 14-42 pancake lens to go along with my E-M1iii, Pen-F, and suite of lenses. I normally shoot Nikon DSLRs, but I recently caught the Olympus MFT mirrorlezs bug. Fun, portable, relatively inexpensive, and great computational features.
Glad to hear you're enjoying it. The used market can be an excellent resource to experiment with other models.
Odd question for you. At 3:30 how did you mount the camera so that you could use the flip down screen hands free?
A mcgyvered solution involving a c-stand.
My gosh. This is fantastic. I had to stop and rewind a few times but the pace and
information you supplied was second to none. I’m subscribing. Thank you sir. 💁🏻♀️🌸
Wonderful, so nice to read that you are please with this video.
Great Video! Menu interface seems a bit odd and not so intuitive on Olympus cameras or it is just me?
It's not you. I agree, although Sony is somewhat unorganized, this one is obtuse.
Its nice that the ISO meter mentioned how many stops you go
Agreed, on so many cameras, there's no indication of the exposure while you're making the adjustment.
Absolutely brilliant, comprehensive review. Many thanks. I'm seriously thinking of downgrading from my heavy old SLR N500 as a 'walkabout' travel camera and looking around for serious options. How does it compare to, say, a TZ100/200 in your opinion? Many thanks - glad I stumbled across your video.
Depends what you're looking for. I like the style (and sensor) of the Fujifilm X100 series - although they're hard to find. Also consider (if you're okay with 1") the Sony RX100 series, very good and very pocketable little cameras.
@@MaartenHeilbron Many thanks for taking the trouble to reply. I'll check them out.
Fantastic review. Thank you.
Always nice to know my videos are appreciated! Thanks.
I could not figure out how to adjust aperture in manual mode until I watched this so thank you!
Always nice to know my videos are helpful, thanks for commenting.
BRILLIANT for all Olympus owners!!
Thanks, I appreciate your kind words.
I would have bought this model instead of the more expensive Pen F, but the lack of an optical viewfinder was a non-starter.
I agree, I would also prefer a model with a viewfinder.
Electronic viewfinder (not optical). Too bad it can't use Olympus's auxiliary EVFs.
Yes, I'm also an EVF fan - so much more useful, particularly for video.
Hi Maarten, I always like your reviews, but I feel this time (and the Panasonic one) you lost yourself a bit too much in the explaining everything part. I like it when I see you make nice pictures with the camera in between explaining everything in depth. :)
Thanks for your note - for the last three (also the M50) I did try to create shorter videos. I agree, there should be more shooting, more photos and a little less rushed. Lesson learned.
Olympus setting menu is just a mess, i understand the hassle to explain things one by one especially some of the features have a copy in other sub menu
It's the lack of organization that frustrates me - it feels so random.
Thank you for your kind words - as I said, there is some validity to this complaint.
A very good and detailed review and also a bit helpful for my Pen-F. Thank you.
That's very kind of your to say, thanks for commenting. Always nice to know I'm providing useful content.
Sir ,two things.
1, awesome detailed vid as ever.
2, where the hell can I get me a dancing Mounty ...the UK need one !!!!
1) Thanks, I appreciate the kind words
2) My daughter found mine in a souvenir shop in Banff. I'm sure Google can help.
Hello! I’m on the fence about going with an Olympus from Canon. Or maybe using both. Not sure. Do you find all those features necessary in camera or do you find them a bit overwhelming? I love most of the features but I guess it’s either my lack of experience or lack of knowledge. I’m not an amateur and I thought I would be able to keep up! Whew! Great review!!
That doesn't sound like a comfortable fence. They are overwhelming, but in most cases, if you shoot in one of the PASM modes and have a fair idea of what you're up to, photography-wise, you can overlook them, so you don't have to be overwhelmed. And as it pleases you, there's the opportunity to try one or more settings or features out to see if they add any value to your photography. And thanks for your kind words.
Hi there …. comprehensive but I’ve had trouble making it work in movie mode. Obvs I select the movie dial on the top. When I press the shutter it just fires a shot, no movie. Any ideas what’s wrong please? thanks
Use the movie button on the back to start/stop recording.
@@MaartenHeilbron it’s the Fn button i now realise
This is my kind of review! Thanks 🙏
Thanks. It is my kind of review.
I got the E-PL9 to work alongside my E-M1 MkII. Both have the electronic shutter which avoids the mechanical shutter noise - in the E-PL9 it is ONLY found in the AP setting as Silent mode! This is mode designed for quiet shooting like at a wedding and you cant set the shutter speed or f/stop because it is a Program mode! You can't use electronic shutter in any of the PASM modes! This is a big disappointment - why would Olympus cripple the camera this way?
hehe, it's always been difficult to understand the reasoning behind a camera's limitations.
One question why did the olympus pen f super expensive it came out 2016?
I was not in the room where this was decided.
Still expensive. 20MP, super stylish, a Rolex watch of a camera. Hand candy.
Great review! I want to buy this camera or the previous model E-PL8.
Do you think this model is a better choice comparing to E-PL8 considering the substantial price difference?
I'm sorry, I didn't review the previous model, so can't really help.
Is HDR possible hand-held?
As the camera takes 4 images, likely not.
Wow this very expensive, but it is useful. Nice sharing this video.
Thanks for your kind words.
Great video, thank you. I’ve ordered my first dslr its e pl10. Excepting to receive it today. I want to know your thoughts about e pl10 and with lens should I choose next if I’m interested in portraits and landscapes?
Thanks. I have not kept up with Olympus or the M4/3 space in the last few years, so really have no guidance to offer beyond that in the video.
Hi, I'm sorry for my bad English, only one question, when you shoot in Art mode, can you save in Raw?
Thanks a lot
Raül
Your English is fine. The answer is Yes.
It is a small camera for walking around all day or when u go to a zoo or a mesuem, or any place with family. I want to own this camera. I never had a micro 4/3 camera before . I own apsc and full frame. I read the specs of e pl9 and saw your video. Thanks for your review. I can't wait to buy one
Thanks for your kind words, glad to hear your enthusiasm for this model.
Great video! Picking one of these up.
Thanks for your kind words.
Hello Maarten, as always - an enjoyment. Why to buy this camera? Only for the blue edition, I confess. It looks so fine. Is this a serious scale? Yes. Because I own Olympus Stylus 1s, Pen F, OMD 5 Mk II and 1 Mark III. That´s very good cameras for serious (handmade) photography. But this one is an eyecatcher - for me. Beatutiful. Simple. Easy - just not simple. In blue one for the heart - as it`s greater sister Pen F. Love on first sight...it only would be nice to use an external EVF as possiibilty or still better a Popup. To h a v e one as possibility is more convincing as the formfactor argument or that Olympus do have other cameras with - in my opinion. This solution would not be a question of design but of photographic practicality.
Thanks for the kind words. And for sharing your thoughts on the model.
How to manually moved the focus point? I only getting center point mid and whole screen.
Select AF single target, then use the D-pad to position. More details in the manual p69.
Thanks for the review. Looking forward to your review of the RX100vi.
Always my pleasure, thanks for your kind words. I'm looking forward too - Sony Canada says they should have one for me in time to take it cycling in France this summer.
The best recension one I've seen far,... . I have a single question I think was not mentioned: Can I end the wifi and bluetooth? While using the camera? Or is it automatically set up (and still in the bluetooth and wifi searched mode for propriate device)? :DD, thank you for all answers! :DD I am hitting the subscribe button!
Thanks for your kind words. Yes, wifi and bluetooth can be disabled if you are not using the app.
it appears from what I hear that auto ISO is not usually available in automatic video shooting mode? Is there a workaround for that?
I don't remember the PL9 -0 but generally cameras do have AutoISO in video mode. However, the workaround would be auto aperture (Shutter priority mode). The downside on some cameras is the stepped adjustments - adjustments in AutoISO are usually smooth.
hi. any idea on how to get the art filters working when filming in 4k? they seem to only work in 1080, although they work in 4k on the em10iii..
Sorry, no idea. It's been years since I posted this review and used this camera.
One of the best camera reviews I've seen so far! Very thorough!
Thank you for your kind words.
Great review! Do you know how much time it takes EPL-9 to power on and take the first picture?
I don't have that information.
@@MaartenHeilbron Under a second, maybe half a second and most of that is waiting for the 14-42 EZ lens to extend. Shame that the LC-37 auto-opening lens cap is an expensive extra; I find it really useful
@@christophermartin9143 Thanks for adding this information, appreciated.
@@MaartenHeilbron No problem. I just bought a second E-PL9 for what I think is an absolute bargain price. Ex-Olympus demonstration model, body and battery with third-party charger. No cables, strap or instructions. Body suffering from a bit of paint damage. Under 1/3 of new price. Olympus JPEGs are some of the best
I thoroughly enjoyed your review. You're so adorable. This video is very informative and clear
Thank you so much! Maybe I should change from being #notsponsored to #adorablereviewer?
Love this video and very helpful for me!! I just took over this p9 from wife 🤣 and need to learn using for my small business.
Thank you for your kind words, glad it was helpful.
Thank you! Very high-quality review.
I appreciate your kind words, thank you.
W was Czechscwow
Should I have known that?
It might be a bit late but i just bought one .. and i kinda dislike the AF illuminator when i take a picture at night because it gets too bright .. is there any way to fix that ?
On the shooting menu you'll find an option called AF Illuminator, turn it off.
Will this take an external microphone that uses the hot shoe? I recently bought the camera, and the inbuilt mic adds a background hiss to recording for me.
This camera does not have a mic in port. I don't believe that the Olympus flash shoe supports any audio functions. I would suggest that you purchase a mic for your phone (I use the Sennheiser/Apogee clip mic bhpho.to/2YpIVmW) and record on the phone.
If synchronizing audio while editing sounds complicated, it's not. After you've done it once or twice, you'll see it's easy.
Note - the link above is an affiliate link, you pay the same price, but if you do purchase, I get a small commission.
Great video!
Can you rewiew the pen-pl 10?
Let me see if Olympus will lend me one for review.
very good.
Thanks for your kind words
Hello. If using remote control using wifi, how far is distance between the camera and the smartphone?
I have not measured this, but certainly not more than a few metres.
thanks for all yours videos which learning a lot. which kamera are the best for street video recording during travel, canon m50 or Olympus e-pl9 and which lens do you recommend for each one?
For travel and street photography, either is fine - you want to keep it small and fast. Both are equally right hand friendly. It comes down to which one fits your wallet, hand and style better. As for lenses, go with a 35mm prime that has a wide aperture - that's the best for streeting. .
I want to buy this camera mainly for video. I think the new high-end image processor can produce great video images. does it have kinda "s-log" flat image mode for color grading options?
No log options, but I would not let that stop me. You can create a flat colour profile using the colour management tools.
what is the flattest profile for shooting video?
Muted?
I would chose the Pen E PL8 , because of the optional Viewfinder Vf-4.
Right, good point.
Great review as always. Thanks :)
It's always my pleasure, thanks for the kind words.
If I had seen this a couple months ago I might have been tempted to get this instead of my much more expensive camera!
Sorry, I did post it quite a while ago.
@@MaartenHeilbron Oh, no blame here. The universe decided this is when I'd see it. Thanks!
Yay your back 😀
Didn't realize I'd been gone, but it's nice to be back.
Just curious. I have a couple of Olympus cameras. Is the super control panel readily available and cannot remain on top or do you always have to go looking for it.
On top of what? Looking for it where?
@@MaartenHeilbron on the lcd screen...its readily available on several of my cameras....just push a button....and their it is.
@@pjcardone164 Glad to hear your problem is cleared up.
Is the pen F much better than the one in your video?
Don't know, sorry.
I find 2 dials on a camera to be very helpful. Those with only 1 feel hindered in use.
I agree with that view, two provides enhanced flexibility, particularly if you shoot manual exposure.
If only😱 I tried to use a cameras LCD screen yesterday, I could just see the histogram😩
What an unusual error. I'd have it looked at.
I use this body.
And?
@@MaartenHeilbron solid review. If only the reviewer wouldn't whine and complain about things that don't even make sense complaining about.
@@jannieschluter9670 Thanks, but what isn't worth complaining about? Shouldn't a detailed reviewer cover all of the issues?
Thanks. A very detailed review! I'm still using a E PL2 and have been wondering if I should upgrade to the E PL9...nothing wrong with the the E PL2, just that its 9 years old now.....Do you think its too old to continue using?
Any camera that suits your needs remains a great camera. Unless functionality has been impaired by wear and tear, no reason to replace it. Thanks fr your kind words.
@@MaartenHeilbron Thank you!!
I still have my E-PL2 as well. I will never give it up.
Something about the feel in my hands and button layout.
But the main reason are the colors and the grain and textures. Facial tones.
I have many Olympus M43 and this model has its own “thing”. Warm and lovely. 💁🏻♀️
Hello! Have you conducted 4k/30fps mode continous recording tests? Does it overheat the camera sensor? Or it is possible to record more than 10 min?
The camera did not overheat in slightly warm conditions in the 30 minutes which is the video recording time limit.
Thank you very much for answer! Now it's time for me to buy and testing!
always happy to help
@@MaartenHeilbron I was looking for an answer on the 4K shooting duration for a long time. Thanks so much for this!
It's not a review, it's just a detailed description. What do you actually think of the camera ?
Oh dear, sorry I didn't fulfil your expectations. I thought I summarized it in the video, but here's my bottom line. It's quirky to use, has lots of fun and interesting features, the stability is best in class and it fulfils the promise of image quality you expect from Olympus. What I miss most is a viewfinder.
He said -> The menu was a bit quirky. The video modes as well.
He wished it had a wiewfinder. The image stabilization is superb. Maybe the best.
Lots of modes and scenes. HDR. Silent. Focus stacking. Panorama. Slow-Mo. Art.
Tilting flash. Nice selfie touch screen. He loved the “Live Composite.” Me too. 💕
How can they call it PL9 without adding a PL MOUNT?
How indeed?
Actually the “L” stands for Lite. Or in Japan “Ladies”. Ladies version. Really. 💁🏻♀️💕
which one PL9 or Mark10 ii
No idea, it's your call. Quality-wise fairly equivalent, depends on which features or style appeals to you.
most helpful! thank you!
How kind of you to say, thanks!
Please do a review on the Olympus PEN-F!
It's on my to-do list.
no Super Control Panel?
glennaa11 hey man, watch the whole video before commenting
Yes, did you not watch the video?
Thanks for your support.
How can I find the super control panel?
@@elli_maija_v IN P, A, S or M mode, press the shortcut button (manual page 30).
Congratulations! Your work is memorable.
I'm Brazilian and I follow your channel from Brazil.
I would like to know which application you use to make the covers of your videos.
Thanks for the kind words. I make the thumbnail images using Photoshop with a template created by a talented designer.
@@MaartenHeilbron Thanks
To be honest i haven't use any MFT systems or any Olympus camera, but that Pen 9 looks interesting i like the classic look
Agreed, it's a very stylish unit.
Olympus offers a lot of advance and interesting options and features. The drawback is that it can be a bit overwhelming, but it's worth a try!
You can look away from the distractions and (in PASM modes) use it the same way you might use a simpler camera. Then, when you're ready to explore ...
Hi Mr. Im considering btw epl9 and gf10 to use as second/everyday camera to replace my rx100m3. So concept is that it must be small... so acutually ive lean toward GF10 due to size and prefer 12-32 but that 5min 4k limit and ibis of epl9 pull me back on loop of my decision
I would like to ask which one have better focus speed. And any suggestion btw this two camera???
Ps.For serious work ive my A7II and Fuji XT-1
I did not compare the focus speed of these two side by side - check with dpreview.
I love Toronto !
Yes! So do I.
I have a question, should I choose Lumix GX85 (GX80) or this PEN E-PL9? In my country, the Olympus is a little bit more expensive (+- 70 dollars).
Sure! Both are good choices, so save a few dollars and take the Panasonic.
@@MaartenHeilbron Thank you!
Always happy to help.
One has a very small viewfinder and the other a selfie LCD. depends if you must have one of these! :-) I would go for the selfie screen for the fun element than a tiny viewfinder.
Olympus have many cameras with an integrated EVF. This one is the *only* model that hasn't got one, so to complain about it, is somewhat lame and hypocritical. However, I agree that there _could be_ a sort of pop-up EVF in some future model, like there are now in Sony RX100 cameras. But then, people would complain about something else.
While the entire Olympus lineup may include many cameras that do have an EVF, this one does not. In a review of this model, it seems appropriate to mention this.
Thank you. To mention it, yes, that is fine, but the wider context was missing - all other cameras have an EVF. Why is Olympus making one without it? There must be a reason. Decent EVF also complicates camera design, makes a camera bigger, in some way or the other. When taking photos at arm's length, or at awkward angles, or above the head, this PL is lighter, easier and more comfortable to hold in hands that any OM model with an EVF hump, or even the Pen F, which is squarish, but is heavier and has a bigger body.
All that being said, I think it is possible to have a pop-up EVF in a future model, and maybe users can suggest Olympus such a solution?
I wish I had answers to your questions - but often the decisions made by product managers leave me scratching my head.
@@zvonimirtosic6171. Sorry.. He’s right. I would have liked an EVF in this model too.
Like the range finder style. The model above this one has it. The PEN - F (expensive.)
Of the whole PEN series I think they should have included an EVF in there top 3 models.
Not only in their larger DSLR style bodies. Think Fujifilm X-E2. Or Lumix GX7.