Olympus E-P1 mini review + Night POV LONDON 2023

A mini review of the Olympus E-P1 a great little camera, in this video I discuss what it was like to use and show some POV street photography in London at night.
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[@Daniel.Walker]

I’ve been using my ep1 as a palette-cleansing camera, but I’ve been sticking to daylight. But I’m absolutely loving what you’ve captured at night here!

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks Daniel!

[@davidhardy879]

Once again showing that it is THE PHOTOGRAPHER getting the great images ! It doesn't matter what kind of gear you have , it can be the most expensive camera in the world , if you don't know the basics and haven't shot enough pictures to get a sense of good composition , you will not get great results ! Good on YOU , Martin ! Beautiful work !

[@davidhardy879]

By the way , Martin . I have nine different MFTs . I have to say , my oldest model , the " Lumix GH2 . " ( some twenty years old ! ) has some of the most beautiful colors and rendering of ANY camera I have ever used ! I own several Pentax Cameras as well , and I do have to say I am ALWAYS impressed with the colors in the Lumix and Olympus cameras .

[@MartinCastein]

Love the Olympus colours I just picked up an om1 as well I’m hoping to use it properly soon!

[@kiwipics]

@Martin Castein ... The one thing that people should be aware of when buying the EP-1 (and any other of EP range) is that the image stabiliser often isn't working when bought on Ebay, MPB etc. Always ask for photos of the screen in shoot mode with IS switched on, and if the IS is shown in red, then the IS is basically non functional. Great little camera, and very cool looking in the stainless steel finish.

[@leodeer9515]

I was thinking of buying one of these on MPB, but it had a note about a faulty IS. If I’m only using this for pictures only (not video) with a higher shutter speed, do you think the lack of IS would cause many problems? Thanks for your thoughts.

[@kiwipics]

@@leodeer9515 .. I now own two EP-1s, one with and one without the IS working. I keep the one without IS for black and white with the ISO set at 400 asa and higher, and the one with working IS for all other shots. Either way it's worth buying, but bear in mind that I never use either of them for video work, and have no interest in doing so.

[@kimc5750]

The OMD’s are fab as well, lovely for landscape, that 45 f1.8 is great! Sunsets off 4/3 or M4/3 are magic!

[@shaggyfeng9110]

My first real camera is EPL-1, and then I got the EM-1. Years passed, I am still fully satisfied. The color rendition, the stab, the usability, everything just works in an enjoyable way.

[@mart872uk]

My EP1 arrived today , nice . Lovely quality build , designed to impress . Features way ahead of its time . Love it as an Oly collectible , but getting great results . The Art grainy black n white , gets right to the point . I shoot in RAW and large jpeg . The JPEG’s are mostly just right , the Raw pulls out pro results .

[@MartinCastein]

Lovely camera and heavier than I had expected, it is metal isn’t it, I’ve sent it back to Gavin now but I’m sure it’s metal. I’m going to buying one fairly soon. I will use it to do landscapes and I will put the behind the scenes video on KZbin.

[@lucdouce3400]

Those pictures in the lobby, beautiful.

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks!

[@too_many_cameras]

Beautiful images!

[@DaveMuller]

I really enjoy these reviews, thanks. It's lovely to have the best and latest gear myth busted over and over.

[@MartinCastein]

hahahaha yes, that is fun, ill try to keep going with it. Will be some more up to date gear at times too, going to make a mix.

[@johnbooth3073]

@@MartinCastein I have four Pentax m42 lenses from my dad’s Spotmatic F . Some people recommend them for mirrorless cameras and I’ve seen them recommended for 4/3 . Would you bother or just relegate them to shelf ornaments? Serious question by the way.

[@MartinCastein]

@@johnbooth3073 try them out and see, why not give them a go?

[@norbert_engel]

In 2010, I bought a Panasonic GF1 (using the same sensor as the E-P1) and later on an Olympus OM-D E-M5. I loved shooting both and always believed the Oly colours to be better, but that might've been because "the internet" said it. I recently sold the E-M5, but held on to the GF1 as there's just something special about these first M43 cameras.

[@36686593]

I have used Panasonic with great results for ages. I couldn’t articulate the results like you but I have the same sentiment, there is a quality that I really like, the gh3 is one of my favourite cameras even though I have many others, and the lenses are so sharp and wonderful I don’t see why people have dismissed this system.

[@MichealSeaghdha]

You've probably had many other replies, but the rendering is most certainly nothing like the E-P1 on any of the early Panasonic MFT cameras. The sky blues and greens in particular are gorgeous from and unique to all of the Olympus models (including older Four Thirds DSLRs) that I've personally used. That particular style of camera is especially well suited to the diminutive 12mm f/2 and 17mm f/1.8 prime lenses, which both have manual focus clutches. Just pre-focus to 3 metres and f/4 will invariably get you there.

[@Leos74]

Amazing photos! A few weeks ago, my trusty Olympus E-M5 mark ii has stopped working because of a faulty power switch, and until I feel ready to take on the tough task of trying to fix it, I've asked a friend to lend me his backup camera which is an Olympus E-PM2. Basically an E-P5 in a smaller body. Last friday, we did some street night photography in downtown, my friend with his E-M10 mk ii and me with the E-PM2. Honestly, didn't notice a significant difference in performance between these two cameras. Only thing that bothered me compared to the newer, better E-M5, was the lack of preview for image stabilization: with the shutter button half pressed, it would engage the I.S. and allow me to adjust the settings according to the stability of the shot. But with the older model, the I.S. only engages for the brief moment of the picture being taken, so you never see it in action. With the kit 40-150mm lens, it makes composing the shot on the telephoto end quite a challenge, especially at night. Love the colors, but still end up editing RAWs because I process them via Topaz DenoiseAI, which results in clean noise-less pictures with ISO values up to 3200. From what I've found online, the EP-1 has the first generation of micro 4/3 sensors, the 12mp one with 12 stops of dynamic range. The E-PM2 on the other hand seems to have the same 16mp sensor found in the first generation of the E-M5, which I used to own too. The dynamic range on this sensor is dramatically improved compared to the first gen, with the E-M5 beating many other crop-sensor cameras from that era.

[@yesteryearcameras]

Great video and pics! Fantastic location! I own the ep-1 since 2009. At that time I was fascinated by this new mirrorless system. Nowadays I know it's a wonderful camera with a special look. Sensorsize doesn't matter. The colors are so beautiful in these early models.

[@MartinCastein]

Im buying one, i really like it!

[@paulstevenson200]

I'm glad you enjoyed m 4/3. I am a hobby 'togger but I have to say m 4/3 is a brilliant system. I have G1, G5 and GX7 and all terrific cameras - light, comfortable and easy to carry with relatively straightforward menus.Previously a Canon user and still like Canon but I won't change from m4/3. Apologies for not providing more technical input but m4/3 is a cracking system. Thanks again.

[@jayse1195]

Very good video. My first foray into "proper" cameras was M43, I had several Olympus before moving to full frame. They are surprisingly capable at night and low light shots, which I'd read so many times as to the opposite. I sold all my m43 gear, my beloved EM1 and all lenses, but I still have the Lumix GF1, which was pretty much the Sony A7 of 2009. Great little camera, and matched with the Lumix 20mm (so 40mm FF equiv) f1.7 lens is pretty damn good. Lumix Leica make a 25mm (so 50mm FF) f1.4 lens which is just fantastic, and cheap as chips now. If it wasn't for my jobs now, if I was just thinking purely as a hobby street photographer, I'd 100% sell all my FF gear and go back to m43. Thanks for keeping these videos coming mate, all the very best.

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you Jay!! glad you liked it. Im going to buy one of these e-p1 cameras and that same lens, ive been looking at the whole range wow the naming of things is taking a bit of time to get used to! I think this is great for street photography.

[@aerialfilm1]

I think when they went from 16 to 20mp, a little of the magic was left behind. The files from my first generation e-m5 had a certain something I’m not feeling in the 20mp sensors. I’m still all in on Olympus and just had an OM-1 delivered, but I firmly believe any of the 16mp cameras hit the spot just right. They’re in the same class as a D700 or 5D. You know it when you see it.

[@MartinCastein]

Thats right, you know it when you see it.

[@danlee1811]

Totally agree, up to 16mp does seem to produce a nicer file. I've owned, and tried a great deal of full frame, crop, micro 4/3, and four thirds cameras.. right up to the 36mp d800. And I always droped back down to the lower MP bodies. Just seem to produce nicer photos (to my eye's anyway) 👍.

[@DogMediaLife]

Fantastic review mate, you've really done the system justice with your honest approach, and those files look simply sensational 👍😀👍

[@MartinCastein]

This was great fun, i think i might print a couple of these as well!

[@SalwanJBinni]

I'm not a believer of the M43 system but your photos are just AMAZING!

[@HughRaine]

I just bought an E-PL1 from eBay. At least... I thought I did. When I opened it and realised I'd actually bought a mis-named E-P1, I was WELL chuffed!

[@jravell]

Are these the JPGs straight out of the camera? They look wonderful. Also, tell us more about the tendency to overexpose. Which cameras do this?

[@MartinCastein]

They are a mix of edited and unedited, i didnt really even think about that I should have said, the ones of the inside of the building are next to straight out of camera, i just removed a light reflection on the far left of the image in the main first one. All the pictures have that sort of drawn look straight from camera. The escalator shot is the most edited but its just adding contrast, the files handle like this naturally. As for the overexposure thing. Basically if a camera sees a lot of dark areas it tries to make the picture brighter to compensate but i want the dark areas to be dark as its night time. So i have to tell the camera to underexpose, its like saying "no, the dark stuff is meant to be dark"

[@kevinl1492]

I follow your channel for the great advice you give on older Canon DSLR’s but I have a growing collection of Lumix M4/3 gear too. I have no experience with the older 12MP Olympus models but this sounds interesting. Today’s M4/3 cameras are more clinical I would say. They do control highlights very well though - a revelation to a 5D/6D/7D shooter!

[@normstangl3499]

Before I sold off my Canon 5D Mk iv gear I purchased an original Olympus EM1. I loved the image quality and the ergonomics and decided to take the full leap to M43. The Olympus bodies feel much better in my hand over the Canon. I sold off my Canon gear and picked up a used EM1 Mk iii and several lenses and still have money left over. I really love the Mk iii. My one big regret is that I sold off the original EM1. I really prefer the flip out screen of the original camera over the fully articulated screen of the Mk iii for my use and shooting style. I’m very happy with the image quality out of both Olympus cameras. I’m thinking of buying another EM1 or even an original EM5 as a backup. Perhaps I should consider one of the older EP models, based upon your enthusiastic test report for the EP1. I don’t shoot professionally and these systems really work for me. In fact my success rate is much higher with the Oly over the Canon. All of my lenses are pro and premium primes. However I picked up the 40-150 plastic fantastic kit lens for $60 USD and I have to say that I’m shocked at the images that I capture with this lens. It punches away above its pay grade.

[@cameratrav]

Martin, like you, a friend impressed me with M43 results from the popular Panasonic GX80, so I got a used one. It came with the surprisingly good 12-32 kit lens, I added the 35-100, not the fast expensive one but the small light budget model :⁠-⁠) If firmware is updated on both camera and these Panasonic lenses, then the Dual 2 IS stabilisation kicks in. I also bought the Olympus 45 1.8, but this doesn't support the stronger IS. I am still trying the 45 1.8 for portraits etc, I will be very interested if you try one! The GX80 is great, but I am used to an SLR, a used G80 came up which has further improved stabilisation in a slightly larger body. I am enjoying the G80 a lot for fun when I don't want to carry my full frame kit :⁠-⁠) Of course, now I am curious to try the earlier 12MP generation!

[@cameratrav]

Update, in March 2024, I added an Olympus Pen EPM 1 to my M43 kit with that earlier 12MP sensor. This is the Mini model, limited external controls, all in the menus. Not too bad to use and very small. Great rendering, perhaps a little warmer than from Lumix and makes surprisingly good portraits. Very cheap too :⁠-⁠)

[@samanimeguy23]

The EP1 was my first M43 camera...I'm all the way thru Pen F now with a few primes lenses too...love these size cameras

[@ulfjonsson2122]

Great video! I started in 2009 with the GF1, GX7 and a GX8. In 2022 I bought a "New - unused" E-P1! Use it daily!

[@quite1enough]

I definitely will try this camera if I have a chance. Always wanted compact street photo camera.

[@borderlands6606]

It's a truism that earlier, low megapixel cameras rendered nicely. In a bid to overcome grain, increase DR, boost resolution and ISO performance, manufacturers lost something in colour and saturation. With m4/3 lenses, especially wide angles, f4 - 5.6 offers front to back sharpness, and with so little mass stabilising that little sensor means ridiculously long exposures hand held (on later models particularly).

[@ae8za]

My first ever Olympus camera when it was first released but sold it off after a couple years. Just gotten a mint condition off eBay for sentimental reason for $80. Paired it with the Olympus 17mm Pancake and it's going to be with me until it dies off.

[@ryanmccutcheon4298]

Although I use a Canon system and TSE lenses now for my architectural work, I started with a Lumix G9 with Olynpus pro lenses. I'd have to say it's an incredible system. If they made tilt shift lenses, I'd still be using them. I will say I like the Olympus colors better. And certainly Olympus lenses are the best. I still have my mft kit and still use for personal work.

[@RyougiVector]

Yeah, I'm not sure why the system lacks a native tilt shift lens. Maybe they're figuring out how to weather seal one lol. Olympus colors have remained awesome since the E-1 of 2003.

[@D_R_Martin]

I have an Olympus OMD-EM10 ii that takes some pretty amazing portraits. It hasn't been the greatest in low light, but I haven't actually used the manual mode much on this particular camera. I do like the photos from the camera in general. Anyway, I think a better lens might actually address some of my concerns. Anyway, awesome video as usual.

[@PRB_and_PLB_Photography]

I use my Pen-F everyday. I love it. Pen-F + Leica 25mm 1.4 is a perfect set up

[@howardtowler6146]

The ep1 is a amazing camera. I think the ep3 was better in nearly every way but the the ep1 was brilliant and still looks amazing

[@spaceman77777]

Martin you rascal you got me into these beautiful little cameras. I just picked up a white E-PL2 with rhe 17mm 2.8 I'm very much a FF shooter (X-T2) with older Canon FD and Asahi Takumar lenses. Your office interior shot is sublime, reminiscent of Julius Shulman whose work I am obsessed with currently.

[@MartinCastein]

Haha thank you! Hope you enjoy the pl2

[@suburban_delight8969]

No experience with other M43 brands, but recently picked up a Lumix GX80 and was blown away with the rendering of the files. I got it mainly for the image stabilisation reputation for video, but its quickly become my favourite stills unit. the kit 12-32 lens has been great and picked up a Lumix 20mm f1.7 pancake which has been superb.

[@testdev4596]

I also got GX80. Technically it's a marvel. Love stabilization, compact body, everything is fine except of colors. I mostly use JPegs an have no problem with my other cameras, but lumix colors are so unnatural I didn't get a single shot with acceptable colors. Pity.

[@houghwhite411]

​@@testdev4596 I don't like lumix color as well, I tweak the raw on lightroom 98% of the time

[@AlpacoFilms]

As a long time MFT user. I’d highly recommend any MFT camera. For landscape and architecture I’d suggest the Olympus E-M1 Mark II. It’s a little larger of a body but it’s ibis is very good and you can find them for less than $600 USD and cheaper quite often. It has hybrid AF so it’s fast and accurate. And you still get the benefit of the smaller lenses and the smaller sensor.

[@LyndonPatrickSmith]

And that is why I cant bring myself to sell some of my M. Zuiko micro four thirds lenses! Olympus colours and image stabilization are legend. Around here MFT is still alive and well as some photographers want a smaller interchangeable lens kit to use as a secondary system that compliments their larger full frame setups. APS-C bodies and lenses are usually too close to full frame size and weight. Plus shooting portraits in 4:3 is awesome, especially in portrait orientation. It’s reminiscent of the old 645 aspect ratio. If I was to buy one MFT camera it would be the EM1 ii. They’re relatively cheap now, and firmware updates got them close to new models. Olympus weather sealing is the best I’ve seen. I literally hosed off a em5ii and 12-40 2.8 after a colour run and they worked perfectly. Enjoy!

[@MartinCastein]

loved this little camera, im going to get the e-p1 that was enough for what id use it for i think and a couple of lenses. very good fun. its important that these things are enjoyable too. I would really like to try doing a portrait shoot with it.

[@samuelsantos4438]

You need to try the Omd EM-10ii, the ergonomics are much better and the out put is very similar! I would love to see your reaction. Make a video! So cool to see the come back for Olympus.

[@Newlyretired]

Thanks

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you so much Steve!!!!!!

[@maximemaxoo1214]

love the shots in that building lobby !

[@Austinite333]

The model names can get confusing. The larger pens were E-P 1, 2 ,3 etc. then there were the light models, E-PL1,2,3 etc. To add to the mix there were the tiny E-PM1 and E-PM2. The M1 had the same sensor as the E-P3 and the M2 had the 16mp sensor and AF system from the original EM5. I own both of those tiny cameras and they are joy to use with the 14 & 17mm pancake lenses. Very well made they are too. ,

[@MartinCastein]

I noticed the names get confusing! haha oh well. i know which one i want though.

[@Leptospirosi]

It is a great system with great and affordable lenses. I generally use FF for portrait stuff and detail photos because I can isolate the subject, but when I travel and just take photos of what I see around, it's always my M43 that follows me. In general, when you switch from 12MP to 16MP (first gen) the image gets crispier and e little more modern, and the colours a bit more vibrant, some time a bit wild. The second generation of 16MP sensors (E-M5MkII) has vibrance more under control, but the crispness becomes even stronger, sometimes with a hint of Moirè, due to weak or absent AA filter. The third generation (20MP) is in general more balanced, and about on spot: I just love the Pen F, for what it does but the GX9 is different but as good at taking images. It is the lens that can change the feel of the image, but by this generation you have so many control in camera to tweak the effects that it doesn't matters, at least for jpegs. I don't own a staked BSI sensor like the on on the OM1 or the 25MP sensor on the Gh6 so I cannot comment on those. On the latest camera, image stabilization becomes monstrous and you can shot hand held high resolution images of 50 or 80Mp hand held without problem or shoot with 4-5 seconds of shutter speed.

[@deanrobertnoble138]

Love the EP-1. Just looks so nice as well. I use the Olympus Em1-mkii. Great cameras and very affordable; you can hand hold long exposure….the stabilisation is fantastic. Just be aware that on a lot of these old EP-1 cameras, the stabilisation is beginning to fail. If you get a constant flashing, red IS on the screen, the stabe has died. Not a big deal in good light but even the 3 axis helps in lower light.

[@MartinCastein]

Ah ok, i never thought about things like IS wearing out! thanks for the tip Dean!

[@alex-reay]

@@MartinCasteinI have an E-P2 with failed IBIS so o just turn it off. There are YT videos showing how to fix it.

[@normstangl3499]

I’d love to hear your thoughts on using one of the Olympus EM camera bodies. Especially how they fit in the hand. You mentioned the shortfall of the Sony 7RV that wasn’t quote right, with your little finger hanging at the edge. Perhaps the EM1 Mark II or III might just feel better.

[@MartinCastein]

Id like to use them but never have unfortunately maybe one day i will!

[@kimc5750]

They are great cameras and started the mirrorless wave. I also love the E-P5. The older E-volts are so great. The E300/500/400 with the Kodak sensors are glorious.

[@mjfab74]

for portrait just adapt an old nifty fifty on it, either 1.8 or 1.4 and step it down or two. nikkors tends to be better/cheaper and readily available over all.

[@kevincooper8666]

I've got the ep1 which you were using the ep1mini in your title is another camera I had that too but made a present of it to a young person I've moved to the Fuji system because of the difficulty to get shallow depth of field with M4/3 however I was always happy with the quality of the photos from the ep1 and ep1mini the colours were always good from Olympus not so Panasonic GF1 the EP1 was easy to use but I ended up going to Fuji for even better colours film Sims ergonomics and build quality+ depth of field and a wish for a view finder but the ep1 is surprisingly good I might get a couple of batteries and resurrect mine good vid cheers

[@MartinCastein]

ahhhh i meant Ep1 "mini review" not "ep1 mini" review. hahah thats funny and thanks for you comment!

[@eddiegee2940]

I dabble in micro 4/3, it has its strengths and its many weaknesses. IMO, lumix micro 4/3 cameras/sensors do better job on night shots. Like It has the Leica sensor cool tint look, imo. Martin should try Lumix micro 4/3, a gx9, gh6 or gh5 maybe.. EVan Ranft podcast showed pix taken from Lumix GH6 at night with fog and neon lights in Atlanta, Georgia.

[@louiebodenstaff6772]

Simply brilliant Martin!

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you!

[@phil_F630]

Martin, your images are always inspiring. I have no experience of m4/3 but I do wonder if others could produce the quality of work approaching yours.

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you Phil, thats very kind of you!!!!!!

[@moxstudios]

Beautiful pictures!

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you very much!

[@photom3]

I can’t add much of anything to what T.W. Has already shared but I’ve found the Olympus line to be very good both cameras and lenses. And to your point about how companies stop producing certain features. It happens and you don’t often know until you have it in hand.

[@DessieTots]

Hey Martin if you want beautiful rendering try out the LUMIX GF1. I bought it when it came out and I own two just now. The GF1 looks good, feels good and has those magic words, Made In Japan printed on it. I’m happy to send one with the legendary original version LUMIX 20mm to you if you want to play with it for a while. I remembered humming and hawing over either the Olympus EP-1 or LUMIX GF-1. The Oly was stylish but didn’t have a decent fixed lens for it. The LUMIX had the 20mm. I’ve owned the EP-1 and EP-3. I’ve also owned a two camera and flash system with the Olympus EM-5 with Zuiko primes. I used this kit for weddings mainly. A bit nervous at first taking this new small camera system out to paying jobs but nobody noticed or cared. And coming from Rolleiflex cameras using the LiveView screen seemed natural. Anyhoo let me know if you want a play with the GF1 and lens.

[@djstudio5435]

Hello I use a pentex k. N. D and sometimes the pentex KX, but I like more the pentex than 10. D because of the color and the rendering as well. As my olympus. E 600 and I must tell you. It is a great camera. It shocked me because I even think it takes better pictures than an icon. D 5000 even the Sony a 500. There's just something different about the photographs. Attention to detail in color

[@mart872uk]

Glad I chose to follow your videos

[@hyprz]

None of the images in the Flickr "Olympus E-P1 - The Digital PEN" group give me the same filmy vibes as your photos. It must have been the color temperature of the lights in those buildings and your epic editing.

[@MartinCastein]

You have to be able to see a shot and lighting, in the middle of the day all cameras look the same

[@mart872uk]

The Olympus mft sensors are relaxed with quality results . Other KZbinrs (Wong) found delighted results .

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks Martyn! i love it, i think its really good.

[@nasserjunedi2780]

Are these unedited JPEGS or did you tweak them in post? How are the presets/settings on the camera?

[@DarrenBrown-ht7bg]

Really wonderful video, thank you. I use an EP3, I am curious how to change ISO to auto in manual mode, mine won’t let me, but I’ll keep messing with it. I’m new to photography, this video inspires me to keep getting out there and having fun!

[@MartinCastein]

On mine I just keep hitting left and it says auto on the far left after iso 200

[@mart872uk]

I’m getting great results on the EM1 mkiii . Not done any Street work esp at night . I suspect similar colour rendition. I have that look on my Samsung NX1 and nx500.

[@MartinCastein]

Thats good to hear. i want to find a wide lens as well and get the 45mm and the 14-42 i had on the camera here.

[@mart872uk]

@@MartinCastein to find out I bought an EP1 on eBay . The 7-14 lens is great .

[@sbcwinn]

I have a small collection of older micro 4 3 stuff. I still use it as a compliment to my DSLR. I do a ton of street photography and find that both my EPM1 and EPL2 are really great in that regard. Thanks for the mini review. I enjoyed it. Olympus did a great job of color management and I find that the images from these cameras require little post processing. I am a new subscriber and I look forward to viewing more of your videos. Can you do a more in depth review on the EP1??

[@cathcort1]

I enjoy your work with any camera. I am shooting Nikon these days but won't let go of my original Olympus EM 1.

[@Newlyretired]

I fear I might be about to fall down another rabbit hole 🙂🙃🙂 Thanks Martin 😉 Again another good video. I like the fact you are producing vids very regularly as well. Keep it up mate. Coffee in the post ☕

[@MartinCastein]

Trying to keep the work rate up, slipped a little last couple of weeks but back at it again now I hope! Rabbit holes are fun!

[@rafaelcatarino8372]

Man, I've had this camera for more than 10y but never got a lens for it 😅 bout time 😅

[@markscott4059]

Just picked one up for less than $150…. Cannot wait to use as my everyday carry …. Images you took are fantastic…. Cannot tell the images are from a full frame apsc or m43…

[@dezmondwhitney1208]

This video woke me up and made me think. Until I had watched this, I had no idea of the potential of the micro four thirds range of cameras. A great way of thinking about one's photography.

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks Dezmond. It was great to try a m43 camera, really liked it!

[@mitchellwnorowski6747]

Olympus colors are the closest thing to a ccd sensor. I own 4 of them. OM-5,EM1 ii, EM10 iii, E-PM1. I also have pentax and NIkon dslrs, no comparison.

[@brucecggallagher1949]

Olympus colours are easier on the eye if you compare it to Panasonic, the other company that embraced the format. My favourite feature of this system m/4/3 , is the taking/viewing ration ....4:3 to me is more natural compared to 2:3. When Nikon first came to the USA in the 50's they had to trash all their cameras because people in the US wouldn't buy 4:3 aspect ratio film cameras. The Japanese consider 4:3 more harmonious to the eye compare to 2:3 aspect ration. I find standard 35mm film ratios too tall. Check out the Panasonic 20mm f1.7 if you want another lens to consider for your possible new kit....also the Panasonic 14mm f2.5 is a real deal. Cheers

[@keithbuck8252]

Hi Martin chuffed to be part of this channel. Just wanted to ask what was the most useful focal length you found for the pictures on this video. ..I recently purchased one of these, it came with just the 17mm lens though...have plans to add a lens which length would you recommend Thank you in advance

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks Keith oh definitely the wider end. Almost all of these are at 14mm or 12 or whatever the widest was. I think it’s 14mm

[@johnstaples1606]

Great stuff.. did you do much to the files in Lightroom ..? The colours and contrast are buttery.. I’ve parked getting a 6D and looking on eBay for a Olympus set up.. Any other random cameras your friends recommend..? I’ve got a Samsung nx2000.. it’s a very sharp little camera but doesn’t have the same render you illustrated in your video.. I’d be interested in what you thought about other older cameras.. could be a topic for you to pursue?? Great work..!!

[@MartinCastein]

The interior ones are hardly edited apart from the escalator one, but it has that rendering essentially from the camera. But they are edited yes.

[@BeatPoet67]

My poor EP1 has been gathering dust for years - but when I occasionally take it out it never disappoints apart from the rudimentary display. Time to recharge the battery again. If I can find the charger...

[@annoyingorangefanclub]

amazing photos, I've been thinkin gof getting this camera and this sells me on it, might I ask what lens you're using and how much you edited the pictures? they all have a very nostalgic film-esque look to them that I really like.

[@serananeve4721]

I'm new here, brought one today

[@_BatCountry]

This is a really great video, thanks for this Martin. I float across formats: I have a Fujifilm GFX50S ii in the studio, and a Sony A7iii as a workhorse, but the camera that's always in my bag is actually a Lumix G9, and it has been since about 2019. I think it's the very best M43 camera on the market, it might be the best all-rounder camera I've ever owned. There's an E-P1 for a hundred bucks in the window of a local Berlin camera store, based on your video, I'm out the door to buy it right now. Thanks again, I look forward to watching more of your stuff.

[@KaustinG]

Awesome video and awesome photos! Were you using the 14-42mm?

[@MartinCastein]

Yep that’s the one

[@hostsofmichael]

Martin you are the man. Thanks for this video. Another great one. You have made me want this camera, BUT, seeing that the E-P3 has a pop out flash, and is still cheap, leans me towards that direction, So my question for you is, Have you tried the E-P3 before? or have you heard anything about it that would lead you to assume there is different picture quality? I just wouldn't want to get it and it end up not having this apparent magic that the E-P1 seems to have. Thank you for your time!

[@MartinCastein]

The e-p3 is actually what I bought in the end it’s a great camera willl have a video on it soon enough

[@hostsofmichael]

@@MartinCastein oh wow that's great to hear! I am looking forward to the video. Would you say it it retains the magical powers of the E-P1? :D Thanks for responding

[@MartinCastein]

Yep exactly the same

[@hostsofmichael]

@@MartinCastein you deserve a commission from the sale you just made 🤭❣️ Thanks so much ! Now, to find a lens

[@zerofuxgiven1705]

what ate the settings for night photography?

[@markscott4059]

Are these image SOC or processed raw files using one of your presets? Looks fantastic. Just pick one up with a 17mm 1.8 and need to get your presets…

[@MartinCastein]

Hi Mark, yes they were editing with my Urban presets pack, actually all were edited with the first preset "streets 1" you can reduce the opacity slider of the presets just above where the presets are in lightroom and the interior one of the seating area has it only at about 20% whereas the escalator and many of the others are at 100%, you have to manipulate the white balance sliders a fair bit always too.

[@lucasliaskos]

Question to anyone in the comment section that knows: Which Olympus micro four thirds camera has the best handheld stabilisation? Considering picking up one of these after the review, damn you Martin!😀

[@MartinCastein]

🤣

[@louiebodenstaff6772]

Hi Lucas, the best hand-held stabilization is on the new Olympus OM-1, but most any Olympus is still very good!

[@kylemartirez3930]

How did u edit the pics and what lens are u using😊

[@MartinCastein]

my Night Lights presets the lens is the 12-40 i think its called? its a tiny little zoom

[@robertalexander2478]

How would you compare the rendering to the pl8 considering they have the same sensor just higher mp?

[@MartinCastein]

I can’t compare sorry not used.

[@dzonyLM]

because of this video I got Olympus Mini E-PM1 with kit lens. It is horrible to use compared to 5D or 6D. on the other hand I got my set for 50 Euros and pictures looks great.

[@jayallan-eq4tq]

Did you have any problems with focus hunting in dim light? I've read it's a huge problem.

[@MartinCastein]

The focus is pretty bad on it, I had no trouble in these conditions and can’t say I noticed the focus even BUT while this is low light the scenes are naturally hi contrast which makes focus easy. But yeah the focus is otherwise bad.

[@gamingwithstand6886]

Olympus E-P1 has a Panasonic sensor.

[@juanpazmino8645]

I have been using an OMD10 mark II for the last 5 years, and I do not have that kind of rendering.

[@MartinCastein]

That’s a different camera

[@jalakanen]

I bought ep1 years ago with 17/2.8 lens. I damaged it very badly, but i found ep2 wich have same sensor

[@MartinCastein]

which camera did you prefer?

[@jalakanen]

@@MartinCastein ep2.

[@ShatteredInsights]

What do you use to capture your pov shots? A go pro? I’m just curious

[@MartinCastein]

Hi Steven, its a go pro hero 11. Im still working out the best settings for this kind of thing, at the moment im setting white balance manually and then everything on auto but read recently that setting it to 4k makes it downsample a bit and you get better low light like that. Its a bit shaky in low light for my liking still. Its on a chest mount i made out of 2 other chest mounts so its just magnetic now.

[@danlee1811]

The early 12mp bodies, up to e-p3 definitely had a less clinical look. 👍

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks Dan! good to know!

[@JoVeda_xo]

Where are these places at?

[@MartinCastein]

City of London around Liverpool Street

[@slowsteve3497]

You’re giving camera too much credit for your beautiful work.

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks Steve, very kind of you.

[@mart872uk]

If you are used to great clunky plastic cameras with massive lenses this may not be for you .

[@RyougiVector]

What kind of input is this? Some vaguely off-putting way of describing the build and size of the camera? EDIT: this comment came first in the comment section before the original comment you made and the reply Martin said. I see that this is a reply to Martin's comment. Even in-context, it's an off-putting reply though.

[@cmalc8]

I'm not going to name these BIG manufacturers, but one looks greenish and dull, one bluish and sterile, and the third definitely red and very punchy but unsubtle. Olympus M4/3 in general just look alive and 'right' to me, jpg's straight out of the camera. There are two more very popular but smaller manufacturers who are nearly there.

[@sadeqsegaraga8766]

'Straight out of the camera' means JPEG, right?

[@MartinCastein]

No means raw jpeg is processed in camera like could be high contrast black and white. Raw is same on every camera of the same model.

[@jan-martinulvag1953]

straight out of camera you said. I dont think so

[@vedranr.glavina7667]

On both EP-1 & EP-2 the VR is out of the order....