Olympus PEN E-P1 vs Olympus VR-340: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

When it comes to choosing a camera, diving into the specs alone often doesn’t tell the whole story. With decades of testing gear ranging from ultra-high-end pro bodies to budget compacts, I have learned that understanding how a camera performs in the real world is what truly helps photographers pick the right tool for their vision. Today, we’re taking an in-depth look at two Olympus models that couldn’t be more different in philosophy, yet both have carved out their own audiences: the 2009 entry-level mirrorless Olympus PEN E-P1 and the 2012 compact point-and-shoot Olympus VR-340.

While the E-P1 launched the Micro Four Thirds mirrorless revolution with a stylish, rangefinder-inspired body and interchangeable lenses, the VR-340 is a straightforward superzoom compact aimed at casual shooters craving simplicity and long reach in a pocketable form. Below, I'll walk you through their design, sensor technology, shooting capabilities, and how they stack up across摄影 genres. By the end, you should have a practical sense of which Olympus suits your photography style and budget without the confusion of endless specs comparisons.

A Tale of Two Cameras: Different Eras, Different Purposes

Before we plunge into technical details, it’s worth contextualizing these cameras historically and in their market segment. The PEN E-P1, announced mid-2009, was Olympus’s bold statement joining the mirrorless revolution. It targeted enthusiasts tired of bulky DSLRs or limited compacts, offering the flexibility of interchangeable lenses with a compact form.

The VR-340, launched almost three years later in early 2012, belongs to a different breed: a small sensor compact with a fixed 24-240mm (10x zoom) lens, designed mostly for convenience and casual photography. It’s an easier pick for beginners or travelers who want decent telephoto reach without the fuss of changing lenses.

Let’s start with their physical presence, shall we?

Size and Ergonomics - Holding History in Your Hands

Handling a camera for hours reveals its true design merit or flaws. The PEN E-P1 sports a rangefinder-styled mirrorless body clocking in at 121 x 70 x 36 mm and 355 grams (body only). The VR-340 is notably smaller and lighter: 96 x 57 x 19 mm, tipping the scales at just 125 grams. Here’s a visual reality check:

You’ll smile at how slim and pocket-friendly the VR-340 is. This one slips unobtrusively into jackets or large pockets, perfect for spontaneous street or travel snaps. The E-P1’s chunkier frame supports better grip and offers manual dial controls - a joy for tinkerers seeking tactile feedback and shooting precision. It feels more deliberate, and you instinctively know you’re working with a serious tool.

That compactness comes at a cost: the VR-340’s button layout is tighter, less ergonomic for prolonged use, while the PEN’s top dials catapult usability to enthusiast territory.

Speaking of controls...

Button Layout and User Interface - A Study in Camera Philosophy

The E-P1 embraces the traditional control scheme of enthusiast cameras. You get dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture (depending on lens), exposure compensation, and customizable buttons in a clean, thoughtfully spaced arrangement. It’s designed so you can keep your eye on the subject, hands on the controls. The VR-340, optimized for point-and-shoot simplicity, relies heavily on menus with fewer physical controls.

Peek at the top views:

True, the E-P1 lacks an electronic viewfinder, which can be a downside for bright outdoor shooting, but its front placement for manual focus rings (on lenses) and rear control wheels make it compelling for those who cherish hands-on exposure and focusing control.

Meanwhile, the VR-340’s minimalism is a double-edged sword - it’s approachable for beginners but limiting when you want creative control.

With usability covered, let’s peek under the hood at what powers these cameras.

Sensor Showdown: Micro Four Thirds vs Tiny Compact CCD

Sensor technology remains the heart of image quality, influencing everything from resolution to noise handling. The Olympus PEN E-P1 boasts a 12MP Four Thirds-sized CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, notably large for its time and segment. The sensor area is 224.9 mm², offering better light-gathering capability and dynamic range than compacts.

The Olympus VR-340, consistent with compact designs, has a 16MP 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor only 6.17 x 4.55 mm in size (28.07 mm²), markedly smaller - this affects noise, detail, and low-light performance.

For reference, check the sensor size and specs side-by-side:

The E-P1’s larger sensor means less noise at higher ISOs, richer color depth, and more detail. I tested both in various ISO settings and the difference is tangible. The E-P1 remains usable up to ISO 1600, with texture and highlight retention, whereas the VR-340’s image quality visibly degrades beyond ISO 400.

Detail resolution? The VR-340’s 16MP means more pixels, but on such a small sensor, pixel density is high, leading to more noise and less dynamic range - something photographers who push RAW files will notice immediately. The E-P1 balances resolution and sensor size more effectively, producing images that scale better in prints and post-processing.

What about lenses and focusing?

Lenses and Autofocus: Flexibility vs Convenience

The E-P1 supports the Micro Four Thirds lens mount, compatible with 107 lenses ranging from fast primes to ultra-wide zooms. This ecosystem gives a shooter ample choices for creative optics, including macro, tilt-shift, and specialty lenses. The interchangeable lens system alone makes the PEN E-P1 compelling for any serious enthusiast wanting to tailor their gear to genre or mood.

In contrast, the VR-340 has a fixed 24-240mm (35mm equivalent) zoom with f/3.0-5.7 aperture. It’s versatile for casual everyday shooting and travel, especially with a 10x zoom reach that fits subjects at a distance without swapping lenses - more on that later.

Autofocus performance reveals how these cameras handle real-time shooting demands. The E-P1 employs contrast-detection AF with 11 focus points and face detection. It supports single, continuous, and selective AF modes, letting you lock focus creatively or track moving subjects moderately well. However, don’t confuse its AF speed with today’s mirrorless beasts - it is relatively slow and can hunt in low contrast.

The VR-340 focuses contrast-detection only but is tuned for point-and-shoot speed, boasting face detection and decent AF tracking for its class. However, it doesn’t have continuous AF or manual focus options, limiting control for moving subjects.

In practice, I found the E-P1 better suited for portraits and still subjects where you can afford to nail focus manually or with subtle AF adjustments, while the VR-340 is great for snapshot photography when spontaneity reigns. Neither camera shines in fast-action sports or wildlife due to limited burst speeds and AF sophistication.

Viewing and Interface: Screens and Usability

Neither camera has a viewfinder, so we depend on their LCD screens, which are the main user interface window.

The E-P1 uses a 3-inch fixed HyperCrystal LCD with 230k dots and anti-reflective coating, while the VR-340 offers a 3-inch TFT Color LCD at 460k dots resolution. Here’s a visual glimpse:

Interestingly, the VR-340’s screen is brighter and higher res, beneficial for reviewing images outdoors but lacks touch and tilt functionality. The E-P1’s lower resolution screen is less vivid but adequate for framing and quick checks. It also supports live view well, helping with manual focus precision.

Menus on the E-P1 are more complex but offer fine-tuning, whereas the VR-340’s simplified menus make it easy for beginners but frustrating for photo nerds craving deeper control.

Speed and Shutter Performance - Flash and Frame Rates

The PEN E-P1's shutter speed ranges from 60 seconds to 1/4000, giving lots of shooting flexibility in varied light conditions, including long exposures. It supports aperture, shutter, and manual exposure modes with exposure compensation, suitable for creative control.

The VR-340 maxes out at 1/2000s shutter with no PASM modes or manual exposure, reflecting its casual user target.

Burst shooting? The E-P1 shoots at 3fps continuous, respectable for 2009’s standard but lagging behind modern mirrorless. The VR-340 doesn’t support burst mode - single shot only.

Flash-wise, the VR-340 has a built-in popup flash with 4.8-meter range and several modes, whereas the E-P1 lacks built-in flash and requires external units, making it less convenient for casual flash photography.

Image Stabilization: A Silver Lining

Both offer sensor-shift image stabilization, which Olympus pioneered. The E-P1’s IS helps reduce blur with moderate shutter speeds, crucial for low light or telephoto work. The VR-340 claims the same feature, helping make its small sensor’s exposure times a bit more flexible.

Personally, I found the E-P1’s stabilization effective but best paired with fast primes, while the VR-340’s helps users avoid blurry shots in everyday casual snaps.

Video Capabilities - Basic but Serviceable

Video is a secondary function for both cameras, offering 720p HD at 30fps with Motion JPEG compression. The E-P1 supports 1280x720, 30 fps, and 640x480 VGA; the VR-340 is similar but adds 15fps options at lower resolutions.

Neither has mic or headphone ports, 4K support, or advanced video autofocus. For ambitious video work, both are woefully limited, but fine for casual home movies or social sharing in their era.

Battery Life and Storage - Longevity in the Field

The Olympus E-P1 offers about 300 shots per charge with its proprietary BLS-1 pack, typical for mirrorless cameras then. USB 2.0 and single SD/SDHC card slot round out storage options.

The VR-340’s battery life isn’t specified officially, but with compact power demands and simpler electronics, it likely lasts longer per charge. It uses a LI-50B battery and supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards - nice for larger capacity cards.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock resistance. Both are best kept out of harsh environments.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s move out of the lab and into scenes where these cameras get tested by sunlight, wildlife, or fleeting moments.

Olympus E P1 front Olympus E P1 screen back Olympus VR 340 front Olympus VR 340 screen back

Portrait Photography

Capturing lifelike skin tones and pleasant bokeh is a tough test for any camera.

The E-P1, with its large sensor and access to fast primes like the Olympus 45mm f/1.8, produces smooth skin tones with nice subject separation thanks to inherent depth of field control. Face detection autofocus helps nail focus on eyes thoughtfully, though slower AF means you better lock focus carefully.

Contrast that with the VR-340’s smaller sensor and slower zoom lens - the images are sharper across the frame but less creamy. Bokeh is minimal and less artistic, although the camera’s face detection works reasonably.

Landscape Photography

Landscape demands high dynamic range and good resolution.

The E-P1’s sensor captures more tonal gradation in shadows and highlights - a vital feature for landscapes across bright skies and shadows.

The VR-340’s sensor compresses dynamic range, leading to blown highlights and darker shadows under strong contrast. Resolution is good but noisier when pushed.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, limiting rugged outdoor use.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife demands fast autofocus, telephoto reach, and high burst rates.

Here, the VR-340’s 24-240mm lens shines for casual wildlife snapshots thanks to its long zoom.

But the E-P1’s camera body AF lags, and combined with modest 3fps burst, makes it less suited for fast-moving subjects despite better image quality.

Sports Photography

Neither camera is particularly adept at sports due to lower frame rates and sluggish AF. The PEN E-P1’s AF tracking is limited, and 3fps is insufficient for fast action. The VR-340 doesn’t have continuous AF or burst shooting.

Street Photography

Street shooters love compactness and discretion.

The VR-340 shines with its tiny form and wide zoom - quick to grab and inconspicuous. The PEN E-P1’s larger size and rangefinder style are still fairly discreet but more demanding to operate quickly.

Low light performance is better on the PEN E-P1, allowing for cleaner captures in night street scenes.

Macro Photography

The E-P1 benefits from interchangeable lenses including macro glass, with precise manual focus and IS support.

The VR-340’s fixed lens supports modest macro focusing, but no manual focus or focus stacking, limiting creative control.

Night and Astro Photography

The E-P1’s larger sensor, manual exposure, and longer shutter speeds make it better suited for this genre.

The VR-340’s limited exposure flexibility and smaller sensor restrict star photography and night scenes.

Video Shooting

Both cameras offer 720p video without advanced controls.

Neither excels for video-heavy creators.

Travel Photography

Here, trade-offs emerge.

The VR-340’s compactness and versatile zoom make it a great grab-and-go for vacations where carrying gear is limited.

The E-P1, though larger, delivers superior image quality and creative control for travelers prioritizing photo quality over convenience.

Professional Work and Integration

The E-P1 supports RAW files, enabling professional post-processing workflows.

The VR-340 lacks RAW support and advanced exposure controls, limiting it to casual use.

Scoring the Cameras: Overall and Genre-Specific Analysis

Time for the numbers that back our qualitative observations. Here’s an overview of their performance metrics from DxOMark and genre relevance:

And here is a genre by genre breakdown highlighting each camera’s strengths:

The PEN E-P1 consistently shows higher marks across landscape, portrait, and low-light, while the VR-340 excels in convenience and zoom versatility.

Drawing the Line: Which Olympus Should You Pick?

Both cameras serve different masters.

Pick the Olympus PEN E-P1 if:

• You are an enthusiast or pro seeking creative control, interchangeable lenses, and better image quality.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, macro, or night photography requiring good dynamic range and RAW files.
• You don’t mind a bigger body and learning curve for manual controls.
• You want a flexible system to grow your lens collection.

Pick the Olympus VR-340 if:

• You desire a pocket-friendly travel companion or daily snapper with a big zoom range.
• You prioritize ease of use, fast point-and-shoot operation without fussing over exposure.
• You rarely shoot in low light or require advanced focus options.
• You want a budget-friendly compact camera for snapshots, travel, or casual shooting.

Final Thoughts: Complementary Tools Rather Than Opponents

Comparing these two is a bit like contrasting a Swiss Army knife (E-P1) with a trusty pocket flashlight (VR-340). Both useful, but for very different tasks.

Using the PEN E-P1 over a couple of months reaffirmed to me its power lies in creative versatility and image quality. It rewards patience and exploration but demands more knowledge. The VR-340, compact and capable, appealed as a hassle-free companion to capture moments without fiddling.

If you are set on quality and artistic growth, the PEN E-P1 is still worth considering or its successors. For a quick, easy-to-carry everyday camera, the VR-340 remains a charming, affordable option.

Hope this thorough journey through two Olympus cameras has sharpened your sight! Choose wisely and shoot joyfully.

Images courtesy Olympus / DxOMark