Olympus PEN E-P2From real comments

Verdict distilled from 11 mentions across 7 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment80%
PROS 80%
CONS 20%

Rank based on 11 mentions across 7 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a solidly built, retro-styled camera that feels great in hand
  • You're looking for an affordable secondhand mirrorless option as prices have dropped over time
  • You want a compact backup camera for street photography or travel

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need a camera guaranteed to include an SD card in the box
  • You want a larger body that feels more secure for one-handed shooting
  • You need brand-new accessories rather than a used/secondhand market purchase

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choiceBest value
1Budget
Outstanding ValueStrong Autofocus PerformanceExcellent Image Quality and ColorRising Price Compared to Original Z5Video Compression Artifacts and Rolling ShutterAutofocus Tracking Inconsistencies
Outstanding Value
Strong Autofocus Performance
Excellent Image Quality and Color
Rising Price Compared to Original Z5
Video Compression Artifacts and Rolling Shutter
Autofocus Tracking Inconsistencies
2Mid
Distinctive color rendering / X-Trans II sensorExcellent with vintage and manual-focus lensesTactile dial-based controlsSingle SD card slotDimmer EVF than newer bodiesLower megapixel count limits cropping flexibility
Distinctive color rendering / X-Trans II sensor
Excellent with vintage and manual-focus lenses
Tactile dial-based controls
Single SD card slot
Dimmer EVF than newer bodies
Lower megapixel count limits cropping flexibility
3Mid
Autofocus performanceFun and emotional shooting experienceImage quality and low-light performanceErgonomics require an added gripHeavier than expectedLimited retro-styled lens lineup
Autofocus performance
Fun and emotional shooting experience
Image quality and low-light performance
Ergonomics require an added grip
Heavier than expected
Limited retro-styled lens lineup
4Premium
Exceptional 61MP Resolution
Exceptional 61MP Resolution
5Mid
Excellent Z-mount lensesImage quality & color scienceImproved autofocus performanceAwkward Auto ISO and menu workflowIncremental upgrade over original Z6No flip-out/articulating screen
Excellent Z-mount lenses
Image quality & color science
Improved autofocus performance
Awkward Auto ISO and menu workflow
Incremental upgrade over original Z6
No flip-out/articulating screen
6Mid
Autofocus improvements for videoBuilt-in live streamingStrong value at discounted pricingAutofocus still lags competitorsUSB power bank compatibility issuesMenu system requires adjustment
Autofocus improvements for video
Built-in live streaming
Strong value at discounted pricing
Autofocus still lags competitors
USB power bank compatibility issues
Menu system requires adjustment
7Budget
Distinctive color rendering
Distinctive color rendering
8Budget
Compact, travel-friendly systemFun, characterful shooting experienceOutstanding image stabilizationLimited autofocus for actionOlympus pricing and company uncertaintyNo weather sealing
Compact, travel-friendly system
Fun, characterful shooting experience
Outstanding image stabilization
Limited autofocus for action
Olympus pricing and company uncertainty
No weather sealing
9Premium
Versatile tilt/flip screenImproved autofocus and trackingImproved IBIS and low-light performanceSensor readout largely unchangedBattery grip fitment issuesNot ideal for fast-action/wildlife shooters
Versatile tilt/flip screen
Improved autofocus and tracking
Improved IBIS and low-light performance
Sensor readout largely unchanged
Battery grip fitment issues
Not ideal for fast-action/wildlife shooters
10Premium
Strong, adaptive autofocus for wildlife/sportsRugged build and comfortable ergonomicsExceptional battery lifeAutofocus struggles in specific scenariosLarge size and weightEVF resolution criticized by some
Strong, adaptive autofocus for wildlife/sports
Rugged build and comfortable ergonomics
Exceptional battery life
Autofocus struggles in specific scenarios
Large size and weight
EVF resolution criticized by some
You are here
26Budget
Olympus PEN E-P2
Good Value on the Used MarketSolid Build QualityStandard Accessory CompatibilityFeels Precarious One-HandedMissing SD Card in Some Regions
Olympus PEN E-P2
Good Value on the Used Market
Solid Build Quality
Standard Accessory Compatibility
Feels Precarious One-Handed
Missing SD Card in Some Regions

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Owners love the solid, premium build and retro PEN styling. Multiple commenters highlight how well-built and great-feeling the E-P2 is in the hand, with one calling it 'an amazing piece of kit and wonderful too use.' The classic PEN aesthetic draws in collectors and nostalgic photographers alike, with one buyer specifically citing the vintage look and feel as a reason for the purchase. However, its compact size means one-handed handling can feel a bit precarious to some users.

The camera integrates well with standard Olympus accessories. Commenters confirm the E-P2 uses a standard Olympus hot shoe, meaning compatible flashes should work without issue. Additionally, the optical viewfinder pouch can be conveniently attached to a camera strap via a strap loop, adding practical accessory flexibility. These small compatibility details suggest the camera fits well into an existing Olympus accessory ecosystem.

Pricing has made the E-P2 increasingly attractive as a value buy over time. Buyers report a wide range of prices depending on when and where they purchased: from around 350 pounds with a pancake lens bundle, down to 199 dollars body-only by 2013, to just 60 dollars years later on the secondhand market. One buyer in Germany did note that no SD card was included in their regional package, a minor but notable omission for out-of-box readiness.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?