One very nifty feature of Olympus PEN E-PL1 that I reviewed just a while back is this ART filter function. Basically with this function, you completely remove the need for Photoshop at least 95% of the time. All the sample photos shown are straight out of the camera without any post processing. Efficiency!
the art filter function on Olympus PEN E-PL1
Let me explain!
Switch the dial to ART mode on the camera, and immediately you are presented with the screen that looks like the above. Using the up/down button, choose the desire ART filter, click OK, and start shooting like normal. The photos will turn out dramatically different from the usual way.
100% Arabica – sepia filter
There are six different art filters to choose from. The above was shot using the Sepia filter to give it a bit of a rustic look.
making a living – pin hole filter
One of my favorites would be the pin hole filter. Some might view the on-purpose vignetting a cheap way to make photos looking artistic. To me, if it looks good, why not? I love it.
Pulau Tenggol, 2010
Here’s another pin hole effect, on the left is without filter, and on the right you can clearly see the dramatic effect.
The plus point is that you can set the camera to record both original jpeg as well as jpeg with art filter at the same time. Of course, there’s always the RAW + jpeg format too if you want to retain even greater control.
toy city – diorama filter
The diorama filter effect is kinda cute, taking from an elevated vantage point, you can make the scenery looking as if it’s a scaled model, very cool.
daily commute – grainy film
I kinda like the grainy film filter too. I tend to shoot quite a lot of street photos (when I’m not shooting food, that is), and the B&W shots it generates works pretty well. Very usable.
after dive relaxation at Tenggol
The smaller size is a huge advantage when doing street photography, unlike a huge SLR, this isn’t as imposing and people tend to not notice it as much. Not to mention the lighter camera won’t strain your arms nearly as much.
jaclyn – soft focus
I have a feeling that the soft focus filter will be girls’ best friend. Not that Jaclyn isn’t a hot chick, but the filter just make post processing completely irrelevant in this case. Nice kan? 😀
There’s also the pop art filter that makes colors really stand out, think balloon party.
pop art filter with lord of the rings!
Lacking a chance to attend any party lately, here’s a demonstration of the pop art filter effects with Lord of the Rings midget figures. You can see the amplified color saturation in this filter to make bright colors stand out more.
Here’s four different types of art filter and their amazing effects in a nice little collage to sum it up! Pretty cool isn’t it?
Oh! and these function works on VIDEO mode too! Â Check out this little video demo that I made while at Tenggol island.
There’s a slow motion effect with PIN hole, and a fast forward effect on Diorama filter when you apply them on video mode. The others will be running at normal speed, makes for pretty cool video, no?
I absolutely love this function, put post processing to bare minimum, saves time, and be artistic! 😀
If you’re thinking of getting this baby, do also check out the Evolve contest for a chance to win an Olympus PEN E-PL1! The contest runs until end of April, 2010. Check out evolvewitholympus.com.my for more!
this post is brought to you by the awesomesauce Olympus Pen E-PL1
I’m in love. With Jaclyn. Not the camera. 🙂
yum,
HAHahahaha, she’ll be happy!
I’ve seen this baby in action. Very impressive! I’m torn between this and the Panasonic GF1, though. Eventually, will get either one, I suppose since the DSLR is a bitch to carry around sometimes. ^_^
me love the art filters too!! <3 <3
let's kidnap the camera!!
your diorama filter demo is like the awesomest evahhh. uncle you so is so l33t hor 😛
Wtf this is damn niceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Awesome shit here. *thumbs up*
Lyrical Lemongrass,
yess, this one’s got flash + anti shake but GF1 doesn’t have the latter.
vvens,
yess! it’s nais! 😀
fresh,
hahaha yah cos my office is the high
michellezyenn,
tenkiu tenkiu 😀
waahhh~ naisss!
eeee…. i like Oly!!! It’s so cool!
Tey Cindy,
😀
eiling,
buy one!
wah… I think ur effort in making the video deserves a thumb up. well done!
Cool stuff, Diorama is like the effect from a Tilt-shift lens without having to spend 5k and I love vignetting too!
The soft focus is a bit like Orton processing too.
How ironic – you made a real high-rise shot look like a shot of a scale model!
Ruby,
thank you, i tried! 😀
ShaolinTiger,
yah, everything made easy 😉
Suertes,
haha yah very cute!
Awesome camera! very “Dslr-newbie-friendly”..
and art filters sounds interesting ^^
lb,
yah, exactly right! 😀
i like the diorama effect! awesomesauce!
OMG!!! this camera is so awesome.. I’m going to get it tonight or maybe on the weekend! Thanks for the review! 🙂
Arghh!! can’t wait for it!!!!!
kimberlycun,
yaaa very cute!
sotong,
don’t steal mine!
Eeeeee! cantik! :D:D:D:D:D Lord of the ring dolls damn cute. Lol. ;P
FML! my skin looks so nice
WTF!!! can it be like that in real life also???
yum, lol! thanks!! *blushes*
veen dee,
terima kasih banyak banyak. 😀
Jaclyn,
hehehe yes, why cannot!? 😛
And it comes with interchangeable lens too right? When is my bonus coming out…haha!
Now you make me wanna get an E-PL1 🙁
Initially I wanted to settle for Nikon P100.. now I have second thoughts.. sigh!!! Of course the price difference is almost RM1k!!!
decision.. decision
JD,
yes, can change to any micro 4/3 lens, and ordinary 4/3 lens with adapter
Leo,
P100 is a compact maa, very different animals
cos too perfect d!real life is not lol
Did u say Olympus PEN EPL1? This word pops up in my head : EXPENSIVE lol!
Jaclyn,
but you are! admit it!
jipp,
hahaha expensive? 2k+ laa not too bad at all 😀
i want the cam! but no money
aih the loss sucks! *bawls*
hahaa i wish ky i wish!
Nice camera! How is it if compared with S90?
Looks great! Wih my camera the pictures look so dull, it actually looks more “real” when it’s edited in Photoshop, it’s like adjusting it to look like it actually looked in real life..
Jaclyn Chew,
ask eric to buy 😛
Tony Wan,
S90 is a compact, this one has SLR sensor, so they are very different
Sofia,
hahaha yah, this one doesn’t need any editing 😀
<3 pin hole~
Loving the Oly!! Been playing around with the Pen-2 this week and it’s been so much fun.
go go go! go get one! or you already have????! 😀
lilbunny,
yah one of my fav!
boo_licious,
get one 😛
Joey,
Yess! 😀
I love the Pinhole effect! The other filters look awesome too! But i just got my Lumix LX3 – hmmm… save up first la!
Pureglutton,
can always sell the lx3 hahahahah
Nice Camera.
Thank for sharing.
But I heard this version with more plastic material feeling…
DSvT,
well it is placed below the EP-2 🙂