Olympus PEN E-PL2 is a compact digital camera but with the advantage of interchangeable lens system. It is one of the new style of digital cameras bridging the gap between the point and shoot compact and the Digital SLR preferred by professionals.

The "Compact" size results from the removal of the reflex mirror mechanism characteristic of SLR cameras. Weight is also reduced, the Olympus PEN E-PL2 weighs 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.

Seeing them for the first time they look unbalanced. Though obviously not an SLR camera, in the hand they feel good.

The Olympus PEN E-PL2 for example has been built on the success of its predecessor the PEN E-PL1. One of the improvements is a smoother and quieter lens system compared to the PEN E-PL1, which was a good lens.

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.

Another feature of the digital compact system camera and where it scores over compact cameras is in the size of its image sensor; usually compact cameras only have a small image sensor. The CSC is able to accommodate a large sensor that you would normally only find in a Digital SLR 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.

Whether you are a newcomer to photography, or just to take good quality photos with little fuss, a Compact System Camera such as the PEN-EPL2 could be for you. They have easy to use controls and automatic intelligent features that will do most of 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. Not forgetting the ability to use different lenses, which can be bought as required. Although for many, one of these cameras bought with a lens package may be all you’ll ever need...

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 high quality 3" screen having twice the resolution of the PEN E-PL1, this makes framing and viewing your images easier.