Olympus Viewer 3 Free Download

[Dallas Querry]

Somequick disclaimers, as usual, before we dive into the review. Neither Ming Thein nor I are associated with Olympus in any way and the E-PL9 was on loan solely for review purposes and has since been returned. This review is based on my user experience and may be subjective. I am not a video-centric reviewer, so I will skip the video capabilities of this camera. All images were shot in RAW and post-processed in Olympus Viewer 3, since there was no compatibility working with any other software alternatives at the time. For larger samples of all images shown here with full EXIF data, please visit the online gallery here.

The E-PL9 carries on the tradition of PEN-Lite series of being small and light. Based on the specifications, the E-PL9 is very similar to the OM-D E-M10 Mark III in terms of imaging capabilities. They both have the same 16MP image sensor, Truepic 8 image processor, UHD 4K video, identical AF-points navigation, layout and performance. The E-PL9 does not have a built in electronic viewfinder (EVF) and unfortunately Olympus has decided to remove the accessory port that allows attachment of an external EVF. Unlike the predecessors E-PL7/E-PL8, the E-PL9 now has a built in pop-up flash, which negates the inconvenience of carrying an external clip-on flash. The E-PL9 has 3-Axis in-camera image stabilization which, according to Olympus, offers up to 3.5 stops of stabilization. The LCD touch screen can be tilted downward 180 degrees for selfie taking purposes (something you will never see me do here). In terms of wireless connectivity to smart devices, the E-PL9 is the first Olympus camera to have low power consumption Bluetooth in addition to Wi-Fi. For full product specifications, visit the product page here.

The removal of the EVF attachment was an unexpected move but, in hindsight, necessary to further differentiate the PEN from the OM-D series. However, most photographers place significant value on an EVF. If an EVF is important to you then there are other cameras from Olympus and other manufacturers. While I can understand the exclusion of an EVF, I cannot quite comprehend why the E-PL9 has Wireless Remote Control TTL Flash. If Olympus is truly making the E-PL9 an entry level model by stripping away the EVF attachment, why include the wireless TTL flash and at the same time not include the wireless TTL on the higher end OM-D E-M10 Mark III? This did not make any sense to me at all.

The E-PL9 is an extremely well built camera. The body is made of solid metal and feels robust and reassuring. I welcome the addition of the slight bump on the right side of the camera body as it allows for more secure handling. I was not particularly happy being limited to a single control knob, but that is usually the case with most entry level options out there. The ergonomics are good as long as you keep the lenses you use on the camera as small as possible.

I was provided the Limited Edition Blue E-PL9, which was totally awkward at first but it grew on me as I continued shooting with it over the course of several days. For this review, considering the entry-level user demographic, I used the M.Zuiko 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ pancake lens and 40-150mm F4-5.6 R lens. I used the prime F1.8 lenses only in extremely low light conditions.

The E-PL9 produces the exact same image output as the E-M10 Mark III. Therefore, for my detailed assessment of image quality (sharpness, color, high ISO performance, etc) please refer to my full E-M10 Mark III review here.

The default JPEG engine does an excellent job at preserving highlights while maintaining shadow details. I did minimal post-processing for all the images shown here, and I had to add more contrast to deepen the shadow area for a punchier look. I did not tweak the colors at all. The default color profile was very close to what my eyes saw in real life and the auto white balance engine worked very well most of the time. I particularly love the skin tone rendering from the Olympus JPEG.

I was impressed that I was able to do what I can with E-M1 or E-M5 Mark II in a much smaller camera, both in terms of image quality and AF performance. Yes, the OM-D cameras have weather-sealing, more powerful 5-Axis IS, better handling and EVF but when it comes to the core imaging capabilities, the E-PL9 is just as capable.

I have always mentioned that Olympus makes great kit lenses. I was reminded of this as I reviewed my images shot with the 14-42mm pancake lens and 40-150mm R lens. I have used kit lenses from many other manufacturers and nothing comes close to replicating the sharpness, contrast and overall technical flaw controls (CA, corner softness, distortion, etc). To maximize the advantage of using a compact E-PL9, it is best coupled with small lenses. Of course if you wish to create shallow depth of field effect (bokeh) then you will have to upgrade to 45mm F1.8 or 25mm F1.8 lenses. I intentionally decided not to use my prime lenses and I was not disappointed with what the kit lenses can do.

On a more serious note, the availability of the low power consumption Bluetooth connectivity is a huge plus for E-PL9. The camera can be switched off and you can still transfer images out of the camera via the low power Bluetooth when you have paired it to a smartphone via the new Olympus O.I. Share app. I have witnessed the pain of losing battery power while transferring images via the old WiFi method. Though it was fast, the battery drain was a huge compromise. I am glad Olympus has solved this issue.

Any camera, even smartphones can do well when shooting on the street or at overpriced cafes. The true torture test for the E-PL9 came in the form of a dance and theatrical performance on a dimly lit stage. Special thanks to KL Performing Arts Center (KLPAC), I was able to secure a good seat and was granted permission to shoot this beautiful stage performance. I was shooting Mak Yong Titis Sakti, a modern take on a traditional form of dance-drama from the northern states of Malaysia.

Pros: Latest Truepic 8 image processor, superb JPEG, similar imaging and AF performance as higher end OM-D cameras, great build quality with robust metal body construction, new low-power Bluetooth connection and having a compact form factor. The camera survived my torture test, shooting a dimly lit stage performance.

The Olympus PEN E-PL9 is not a camera I would recommend for DSLR users looking for a mirrorless replacement or a second small body to work with, considering the lack of EVF and shortage of direct controls and customization options. Any camera from the OM-D line up should satisfy those needs better.

For new-comers to photography, smartphone users who want to step up their photography game and travelers who want to pack light, the E-PL9 is a compelling choice to consider. I cannot imagine a scenario in the world of a casual hobbyist photographer where the E-PL9 cannot successfully deliver.

You see, I enjoy street photography, and after my Olympus XZ-2 died on me (will not recognise a fully charged batteries!), I tried using my Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II as my primary always-carry camera. Fail: just that much too big and heavy in my coat pocket. It ended up in my backpack, which killed the ability for me to respond whenever I saw an image that I wanted to capture.

These beginner cameras once came with room to grow. If you wanted an eye level viewfinder, the option was there. If you wanted to learn about off camera flash, Olympus made it fairly easy. All this seems to have been simplified away. The only advantage I see to this camera is the excellent default JPEG output, which will allow the beginner to concentrate on the buts and bolts of basic photography without too much setting up.

Jason, not only simplified away, but should one really regard a 649 UK price, including kit lens, as an entry level camera? Is this the price consumers face for there being no genuine point and shoots as of old? This model, as by all accounts it does not greatly improve on earlier models in the same series, clearly shows that Olympus is harking back to a model structure whereby models were superseded with little actual improvement.

Yes, you have the cluster AF. Sorry I did not mentioned that, and honestly I did not have anything to test it on to (but you can read my experience with it in E-M10 Mark III, same behaviour). And yes, touch shutter is still available.

As an entry-level and or blogger/selfie camera, I am surprised that the camera screen flips downward when facing forward. That prevents the user from using the forward facing screen and a tripod at the same time. They really should have made it flip upward above the camera.

As usual. A stunning photo and great review. But got to admit I kind of worry about recent Olympus decision with their new cameras. Reduced feature and ability in EM10mkiii and removal of EVF port in this EPL9 made me questioned what will they do with the next EM5mkiii, EM1mkiii, or PEN-Fmkii? (please let the PEN-F mkii happen faster, so that I can afford the first gen ?).

Thanks for the review, Robin. Is that really true? No ISO-button and no ISO on function buttons? ISO control only via diving into the menu? It seems to me, Olympus tries hard to prevent people from buying this product. With ISO button and the tiltable VF-4 viewfinder this camera would be a gem.

Are you referring to 45mm F1.8 lens or 14-42mm zoom lens? Both lenses work fine and should be performing optimally in any Micro Four Thirds camera. If you want the best performance (image quality wise) go for either Olympus E-M1 Mark II or Panasonic G9

I found the Pen-F images quite a bit better than the EM-1 Mk1, both in quality and cropability. Part of the improvement may have been due to the other Pen-F advantages in the much better customisability of the colours and monochrome settings.

Thanks for this review! I understand that you limited your lens selection this time deliberately to less exciting lenses and thought that the resulting photos also looked less exciting than in your usual splendid KL spreads.

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