Olympus PEN E-PL1 12.3MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens (Black)

Before the Olympus E-Pl1, I owned a Pentax K110d and a Samsung NV15. The K110d is a really great entry-level DSLR, but a little to big and heavy for my taste to carry around. So, I bought the NV15 for everyday uses, it is very small, but I never was satisfied with the image quality.
Recently, I discovered this new market, the micro 4/3 camera and it was the kind of camera I was waiting for: small, light, good image quality, full manual control and relatively cheap.
Just to point out what kind of photographer I am: I have learned to take picture with a Nikon FM1 and a FM2 (I still have this little wonder) and I really like to take still picture, scenery and event of life. I have done film development in B&W, so now with digital, I like to have RAW editing.
Now about the E-PL1!
Pros
-Very small for a DSLR-like camera
-Very light
-Very good image quality (colors are wonderful)
-Low noise at high iso
-Price (cheapest m4/3 camera out there, in Canada I means)
-IS in the camera (not the lens)
Cons
-No viewfinder by default
-Plastic lens mount
-1/2000s limit
-limited lens choice

Now, I own this little camera for 1 week and I felt in love with. Before I bought this one, I read many, many review on the internet and after 1 week, I can confirm they are right, in general. The only con that still bugs me is the plastic lens mount. Anyway, it seems ok now but I hope it will not use too fast. For the rest, you can always buy a viewfinder and a lens adaptor, but for me, it was no need. So I am very well served with this great camera. I can carry it everywhere, it's retro look catch the eye and I am very satisfied with it. Will it please everyone? No, because for pro, the 1/2000s maybe a problem and if you buy every accessory, it will cost you more than a real DSLR. The IS (image stabilization) does really great think, but I never have one before. And it on the camera, meaning if I change the lens, IS is still there!
Before I choose this one, I checked the Samsung NX10 and the E-PL1 in a big electronic store, but since the NX10 is a little heavier and bigger, I preferred the E-PL1 and I don't regret it. Amazon was cheapest and the shipping was really fast. Finally, the panasonic GF1 was over budget.
One last comment, it's a shame to see how limited the camera choice is on Amazon.ca versus US or all other Amazon stores over the world. I have the impression to be in a retarded country. This is not limited to Amazon by the way, it's probably our "good" government that protect us, stupid consumers, from awesome (and dangerous) technology.

At $399 this is an excellent value product. The issues stated of slow AF really don't make a huge difference to real world situations. I don't see faster AF really making a world of difference to my picture taking abilities. I have the body paired with Contax G 90 and 45mm lenses. Great combo. Easy to like and use. Also the unit works fine with my Oly 4/3 lenses. Overall a terrific product with some minor interface issues and ergonomic improvements desirable eg. moving the key pad so fat part of hand does not press right arrow key and move AF target ( my fat hands probably )

I really cannot understand Oly's approach to the market though. The IQ performance difference between this and the E-5 is not that great. 1200$ seems a lot of extra money to pay for what you get with an E-5. It will be interesting to see if the new micro 4/3 system blows the doors off the market. I think they could BUT I suspect that a game change will take a little more time to achieve. Good luck with that Olympus.

Great looking, retro style camera, eye catcher when strapped around neck! Picture quality rivals most DSLR in daylight settings. Cool functions which are easy to use and access. Excellent video capabilities.