The advantage of the rangefinder was its compact size over its main rival the SLR. Some also had interchangeable lenses. The biggest advantage of this camera in pre-autofocus times was the photographer could focus the lens through the viewfinder.

You could say this latest system camera; the Olympus Pen E-PM1 is related to the rangefinder design. Olympus has always strived to make their cameras as small and compact as possible, producing a range of half-frame 35mm film cameras some years ago. The Pen has most features found in a DSLR in a very small and compact camera, which allows for various accessories to be added to it.

The biggest advantage is different lenses can be acquired and attached to it. Though the 14-42mm zoom lens that comes with it really covers most eventualities. But for compactness, the lens can be taken off when stored in a small bag or even pocket. There is a range of lenses available for the Pen to make the camera even more versatile.

Anyone looking at a photo of this camera will note there is no built-in flash. However there is a flash hotshoe and a flash is bundled with the camera. The advantage of this is the flash is further from the lens resulting in a reduced chance of red eye. The disadvantage is this is one more piece of equipment to carry with the camera. But with more powerful flashes available for the camera, this increases its flexibility.

Further system accessories include a number of different viewfinders available, both electronic and optical. These are of great benefit as the view can be seen in very bright conditions (always a problem for viewscreens) also holding the camera to your eye keeps it that little bit steadier. A viewfinder is also a much more comfortable proposition for photographers who have been around for a while.

There are many other functions in this camera, most of which are found in other models of camera. Movie modes are now becoming standard, even in DSLRs and this camera is no different. Even there is an attachable microphone available to improve sound quality.

In all a lot of camera in a very neat size. Though one would wonder about having to carry around a compact camera and all the bits and pieces to go with it. On its own it is a compact, though not pocket sized with the lens attached. But with a suitable and very tidy bag, all the accessories you should need for it will fit comfortably.

There is a range of Pen cameras all with varying degrees of features, some with built-in lenses. So make sure when you are choosing, it is the right Pen that you are looking for.

Main Specifications:

Effective Pixels: 12.3 megapixels
Memory Card: SD
Image Recording: RAW (12-bit lossless compression), JPEG, RAW+JPEG, MPO (3D still)
Movie Recording: AVCHDAVI, Motion JPEG. Records in HD at various sizes.
Viewscreen Size: 3 inches. Approx. 460,000 dots
Shutter: 60 sec to 1/4000 sec
ISO: Standard 200 – 1600
Exposure modes: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual and other scene modes

This camera will suit perfectly when taking our Creative Photography Course

In the last few years photography has changed considerably. More users have switched to using digital cameras, and the quality of the cameras have increased. To reflect the constantly changing world of modern photography all our courses are periodically reviewed, updated and revised to provide our students with the most up to date information and learning experience possible. Our latest update is the Glamour photography course, which has been thoroughly updated with new images, text and videos and also ported to our e-learning system. This means new students can log onto all their e-learning courses from the one location using a single log on. Used by countless universities and colleges worldwide, our new e-learning platform  means that future changes will be simpler, faster and ongoing which will provide the student with both an easy to use and current photography course.

The Glamour Photography course includes 30 full lessons with over 300 images including…

* Finding and working with models,
* Finding locations,
* The creative photographic knowledge you need
* The Home and Studio lighting equipment guide
* Lighting guides with image, videos and examples
* Strobes, Flashguns, Softboxes, Umbrellas
* The Posing Guide
* Filters and Glamour Techniques
* Organising a ‘Shoot’
* Directing the model
* Model Release Forms
* Post processing the image
* Selling your Images
* Projects and feedback on your own work and more…

To enroll in our New Glamour Photography Course or find out more please visit our Glamour Photography page.

The Manual Mode setting.

Normally when you are about to take a few photos, you have a subject in mind. Therefore you can initially decide whether you need a fast shutter speed or maximum depth of field, etc. For example if it is a few sports photos, most likely there is action involved requiring a fast shutter speed. Simply adjust the Aperture to the smallest f-number, take a meter reading and then adjust the Shutter Speed until the meter reads correctly. If you feel the shutter speed is still not fast enough, then increase the ISO.

Likewise if depth of field is an issue, adjust the shutter speed to a minimum handheld shutter speed or slower if using a tripod. Then adjust the Aperture to higher f-numbers until the meter reads correctly. Again ISO can be adjusted if the Aperture value is insufficient.

Manual Mode is not one to be used all the time as it is slow to use. But it does have its advantages when there is time allowed to take good quality images. Also when used regularly, the photographer, especially beginners, gain a much better understanding of their camera and how a particular camera reacts in certain lighting situations.

So next time your out with the camera, get a bit of fun out of it in just trying to perfect that exposure using your own knowledge and initiative, you will find the reward in bagging a good image even better.

To learn all there is to know about exposure and the Manual Exposure Mode, enroll in our Basic Photography Course.