Autofocus
Like all Micro Four Thirds cameras, the E-PL1 relies on a contrast-detection AF system. In fact, the AF system in the E-PL1 is the same as that used in the E-P1 and E-P2. In general use there are 11 AF points available, and any of these can be manually selected for use. With face detection turned on, the number of focus points increases to 25, but these cannot be manually selected.
However, more accurate focusing is possible by switching to the magnified view on the rear screen. This allows one of 225 available AF points to be manually selected, which allows the lens to be focused precisely when taking images of static objects, such as landscapes or still-life photographs.
For most situations I found that the AF performed well, finding focus quickly but struggling a little in low-contrast lighting. While it obviously isn’t as fast as a phase-detection system, only those who regularly want to photograph moving subjects will find the system inhibitive.
