The Olympus EP-L9: A Compact and Convenient Camera for Casual Photographers

For those who are looking to step up from their smartphone camera, the Olympus EP-L9 is an excellent option. This compact camera is designed to appeal to casual photographers who want a reliable and easy-to-use device without breaking the bank. The EP-L9 offers a range of improvements over its predecessor, the EPL-8, including a 121-point autofocus system, which is up from 81 points in the EPL-8, and the ability to shoot 4K video at either 24 or 30 frames per second.

One of the standout features of the EP-L9 is its availability in a limited edition blue color. Olympus did not send us this particular version, but it's worth noting that the camera is available in other colors as well. In terms of image quality, the EP-L9 uses a 16-megapixel Four Thirds sensor, which delivers good results despite being somewhat unremarkable. The ISO range is a respectable 200 to 25600, and the camera can shoot at a continuous speed of 8.6 frames per second.

The flip-out touchscreen on the EP-L9 is another notable feature. It works quite nicely and provides a convenient way to compose shots and adjust settings. However, it's worth noting that some features are not immediately accessible, which may be frustrating for more advanced users. The exposure compensation button, for example, can also move the focus point around if you're not careful.

In terms of video capabilities, the EP-L9 is capable of 4K resolution at either 24 or 30 frames per second, although it does suffer from some overzealous sharpening. It's also worth noting that there are no microphone or headphone jacks, which may limit its use as a vlog camera. However, it still offers options for both sensor shift and electronic image stabilization, which work well.

One thing to consider when choosing the EP-L9 is the availability of additional lenses. Olympus makes some compact pancake prime lenses that would complement this camera perfectly, but they do take up more space in the camera bag or purse. On the other hand, the streamlined control layout may make it more approachable for casual users who don't need all the bells and whistles.

The main complaint about the EP-L9 is that it doesn't leave much room to grow into if you're an aspiring enthusiast photographer. The features are often hidden in hard-to-reach places, and some controls can be finicky to use. For example, 4K video resolution can only be accessed by going through a menu system, rather than having it as a direct option. Additionally, the exposure compensation button can also move the focus point around if you're not careful.

To get around these limitations, you may want to consider remapping the exposure compensation control to a function button. This allows you to access more advanced features and settings, although it does require some setup and experimentation. At the end of the day, the EP-L9 is best used in automatic mode for casual photographers who are content with that level of control.

Overall, the Olympus EP-L9 is a small, simple, and cute camera that's perfect for those who just want to take pictures without too much fuss or bother. It may not offer anything earth-shattering, but it's a reliable and convenient device that can be taken anywhere.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enyou've heard this one before our phones have gotten so good at taking pictures that for many of us they're all the camera we need but what do you buy if you want the portability of a phone and the flexibility and image quality of an interchangeable lens camera well you might just get this the olympus pen ep-1 ein like the EPL 8 before it it's geared to first-time camera buyers those casual photographers looking to step up from their smartphone without running into the terrifying complexity of higher-end DSLRs and mirrorless cameras epi8 owners are probably more likely to upgrade to the premium level pen F or maybe one of the OMD cameras rather than the EPL 9 but this still offers a couple of notable improvements one it has a 121 point autofocus system up from 81 in the EPL 8 and it can now shoot 4k video at either 24 or 30 frames per second or 25 for our pals across the pond it also has a built-in pop-up flash so that's cool but what we really like is it's available in a very good-looking limited edition blue color which Olympus did not send us oh well next time other than that things are mostly the same and that means a 16 megapixel Four Thirds sensor ISO range of 200 to 25600 a 180 degree flip out touchscreen which works quite nicely and a pretty impressive continuous shooting speed of 8.6 frames per second ok you got me that's actually 1/10 of a frame per second more than the e PLA for anyone who's counting image quality is unremarkable which is not to say it's bad it's simply not anything new you'll want to keep the ISO as low as possible but it's actually quite impressive considering the form factor it's certainly better than your phone and it also opens up a host of creative opportunities that phone's simply aren't great at from long exposures to shallow depth-of-field to jumping down the rabbit hole of additional lenses as for video well it's also not bad 4k does make a difference although it suffers a bit from overzealous sharpening you can also shoot in any exposure mode in video which is certainly a plus and you have options for both sensor shift and electronic image stabilization which both work well however there are no microphone or headphone jacks so while the flip out screen and compact size make this seem like a good vlog camera there are better options one upgrade we had hoped for was 5 axis stabilization but the EPL 9 makes do with the older 3 axis system it still works pretty well in fact we were able to shoot handheld down to about a half a second in some conditions but if you look at Olympus's OMD line you'll see the EMT which has both 5 axis stabilization and an electronic viewfinder and because of instant rebates it's actually selling for the exact same price as the EP l9 right now so $5.99 for the body only or $6.99 with the same 14 to 42 millimeter lens so does the EPL 9 have an advantage well yes size aside from the fact that it is not weather sealed this camera is designed to be taken anywhere and will easily stow into a small camera bag purse or cargo shorts pocket if you must in addition to the kit lens both Olympus and Panasonic makes some nice compact pancake prime lenses that would complement the EPL 9 size so you do have some other options for lenses that won't ruin the form factor it also features a more streamlined control layout which may make it more approachable to more casual users but that's also what gets us to our main complaint about this camera which is it doesn't leave a lot of room to grow into if you are an aspiring enthusiast photographer you may quickly grow frustrated with the limitations of this camera including some features that are oddly hidden like 4k video resolution which can't be found in the same place as 1080p and 720p there is also little in the way of direct access control and the exposure compensation button is frustrating because it can also move the focus point around so if you tap on the screen to set your focus point which works great and you go to adjust your exposure compensation you can't because it just moves the focus point around so you can reset it if you hit okay but that also resets the focus point to wherever it was before you touch the screen now you can get around this by remapping the exposure compensation control to a function button but there are still some other odd behaviors and at the end of the day this is really a camera that's best used in automatic mode and for people who are content with that it's great it's nothing earth-shattering but it's a small simple and frankly cute enough camera that you may actually take it out and use it or you'll at least plan to and then just go take pictures with your phone anyway hey thanks for watching this video for more information on the olympus EP l9 you can find our full review at digital Transcom or let us know what you think about the camera down in the comments and be sure to hit that subscribe button if you want to see more videos from digital trendsyou've heard this one before our phones have gotten so good at taking pictures that for many of us they're all the camera we need but what do you buy if you want the portability of a phone and the flexibility and image quality of an interchangeable lens camera well you might just get this the olympus pen ep-1 ein like the EPL 8 before it it's geared to first-time camera buyers those casual photographers looking to step up from their smartphone without running into the terrifying complexity of higher-end DSLRs and mirrorless cameras epi8 owners are probably more likely to upgrade to the premium level pen F or maybe one of the OMD cameras rather than the EPL 9 but this still offers a couple of notable improvements one it has a 121 point autofocus system up from 81 in the EPL 8 and it can now shoot 4k video at either 24 or 30 frames per second or 25 for our pals across the pond it also has a built-in pop-up flash so that's cool but what we really like is it's available in a very good-looking limited edition blue color which Olympus did not send us oh well next time other than that things are mostly the same and that means a 16 megapixel Four Thirds sensor ISO range of 200 to 25600 a 180 degree flip out touchscreen which works quite nicely and a pretty impressive continuous shooting speed of 8.6 frames per second ok you got me that's actually 1/10 of a frame per second more than the e PLA for anyone who's counting image quality is unremarkable which is not to say it's bad it's simply not anything new you'll want to keep the ISO as low as possible but it's actually quite impressive considering the form factor it's certainly better than your phone and it also opens up a host of creative opportunities that phone's simply aren't great at from long exposures to shallow depth-of-field to jumping down the rabbit hole of additional lenses as for video well it's also not bad 4k does make a difference although it suffers a bit from overzealous sharpening you can also shoot in any exposure mode in video which is certainly a plus and you have options for both sensor shift and electronic image stabilization which both work well however there are no microphone or headphone jacks so while the flip out screen and compact size make this seem like a good vlog camera there are better options one upgrade we had hoped for was 5 axis stabilization but the EPL 9 makes do with the older 3 axis system it still works pretty well in fact we were able to shoot handheld down to about a half a second in some conditions but if you look at Olympus's OMD line you'll see the EMT which has both 5 axis stabilization and an electronic viewfinder and because of instant rebates it's actually selling for the exact same price as the EP l9 right now so $5.99 for the body only or $6.99 with the same 14 to 42 millimeter lens so does the EPL 9 have an advantage well yes size aside from the fact that it is not weather sealed this camera is designed to be taken anywhere and will easily stow into a small camera bag purse or cargo shorts pocket if you must in addition to the kit lens both Olympus and Panasonic makes some nice compact pancake prime lenses that would complement the EPL 9 size so you do have some other options for lenses that won't ruin the form factor it also features a more streamlined control layout which may make it more approachable to more casual users but that's also what gets us to our main complaint about this camera which is it doesn't leave a lot of room to grow into if you are an aspiring enthusiast photographer you may quickly grow frustrated with the limitations of this camera including some features that are oddly hidden like 4k video resolution which can't be found in the same place as 1080p and 720p there is also little in the way of direct access control and the exposure compensation button is frustrating because it can also move the focus point around so if you tap on the screen to set your focus point which works great and you go to adjust your exposure compensation you can't because it just moves the focus point around so you can reset it if you hit okay but that also resets the focus point to wherever it was before you touch the screen now you can get around this by remapping the exposure compensation control to a function button but there are still some other odd behaviors and at the end of the day this is really a camera that's best used in automatic mode and for people who are content with that it's great it's nothing earth-shattering but it's a small simple and frankly cute enough camera that you may actually take it out and use it or you'll at least plan to and then just go take pictures with your phone anyway hey thanks for watching this video for more information on the olympus EP l9 you can find our full review at digital Transcom or let us know what you think about the camera down in the comments and be sure to hit that subscribe button if you want to see more videos from digital trends\n"