[1] The PEN E-PL1 was the lowest-cost Micro Four Third camera available at launch, with a US dollar MSRP of $500.

In terms of market, DPReview considered the E-PL1 more aimed at the point-and-shoot (compact camera) market, rather than the DSLR market (like the E-P1 & E-P2) – more of a large-sensor compact than a small format DSLR.

In DPReview's opinion the E-PL1 was easy to use in automatic mode, but due to the small number of dedicated dials and buttons, it could be more awkward to use in manual modes compared to a DSLR.

The E-PL1s offered increased maximum ISO sensitivity and shipped with a slightly higher capacity battery and an updated version of the kit 14-42mm lens.

There was no E-PL4 in the line, as the number 4 is nearly homophonous to the word "death" and considered bad luck in Japanese culture.