Compact System Cameras and the Olympus PEN E-PL2

Olympus PEN E-PL2 is a second generation Compact System Camera (CSC). These are the cameras bridging the gap between the Digital SLR favored by professionals and point and shoot compact cameras.



The reduction in size, hence "compact", is as a result of removing the reflex mirror mechanism, meaning it is far more portable than a digital SLR. These cameras are also lighter too, the Olympus PEN E-PL2 weighs in at only 11.2 ounces.



You will be more likely to take these cameras to situations where the larger camera would be more inconvenient. Compact System Cameras are proving popular as back-up cameras for professionals, even proving good enough as a main camera for some work situations.



At first glance the camera body looks out of proportion compared to the lens and you would think it would feel unbalanced. However once in the hand it is surprisingly stable and comfortable to hold, not as you would imagine.



The Olympus PEN E-PL2 for example has been built on the success of its predecessor the PEN E-PL1. It comes with a new improved lens system that is smoother and quieter in operation.



The "System" part of this camera range is from the fact that lenses are interchangeable. You can change lenses, you are not limited to the fixed lens of compact cameras. You are therefore able to take a much greater range of photographs than would be possible with a fixed lens.



Interchangeable lenses range from ultra-wide-angle to telephoto lenses, allowing for greater creativity in your photography. Plus there are even compatible 3D lenses available for some compact system cameras that would allow you to enjoy viewing 3D images on a 3D television, great for bringing life to those holiday shots.



Usually compact cameras only have a small image sensor, this is another are where Compact System Cameras scores, the size of its image sensor is much bigger. It's able to use a larger image sensor that you would normally only expect to see in a DSLR camera. We are not just talking a little bit bigger but about 12 times bigger!



The much bigger image sensor in the Compact System Camera means that the image quality will remain high with low noise levels in all but the dimmest lighting conditions, way after the image quality in Compact Cameras would have been compromised.



As you would perhaps expect, these versatile digital cameras in the CSC range are capable of taking video too, in some cases full 1080i high definition.



If you are fairly new photography or just want to take great photographs with minimum effort the Compact System Camera could well be for you. Having easy to use controls and a number of automatic features, they will do nearly all the work for you. The Olympus PEN E-PL2 has reverted from the all button control design of the E-PL1, back to a more conventional button and dial controls.



If required, as your ability or desire grows, these cameras have settings that will enable you to take much more creative control over your photography. This is all without considering the effects that switching lenses can do for your ability to take great shots. But for many people buying one of the camera and lens packages available will meet their needs for along time to come...



You'll be surprised by the results of these cameras and using the intelligent automatic features just how easy to achieve them. The PEN E-PL2 has a particularly useful high quality 3" screen, with twice the resolution of the PEN E-PL1 to make framing and viewing images easier.



Next, find out more about the Olympus PEN E-PL2 camera and find out what makes this great little camera favorite with professionals and amateurs, just click here for Digital Camera Best Buys, plus more digital camera reviews.