Olympus E-PL6 User manual

Table of Contents
Quick task index
1. Preparing the camera and flow of
operations
2. Basic operations
3. Frequently-used options and
customization
4. Printing pictures
5. Connecting the camera to a
computer
6. Other
7. Battery and charger
8. Card basics
9. Interchangeable lenses
10. Information/
Separately sold accessories
11. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Index
Thank you for purchasing an Olympus digital camera. Before you start to use your new camera,
please read these instructions carefully to enjoy optimum performance and a longer service life.
Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.
We recommend that you take test shots to get accustomed to your camera before taking important
photographs.
The screen and camera illustrations shown in this manual were produced during the development
stages and may differ from the actual product.
The contents in this manual are based on firmware version 1.0 for this camera. If there are
additions and/or modifications of functions due to firmware update for the camera, the contents will
differ. For the latest information, please visit the Olympus website.
Instruction Manual
DIGITAL CAMERA

2 EN
This notice concerns the supplied flash unit and is chiefly directed to users in
North America.
Information for Your Safety
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
When using your photographic equipment, basic safety precautions should always be
followed, including the following:
• Read and understand all instructions before using.
• Close supervision is necessary when any flash is used by or near children. Do not leave
flash unattended while in use.
• Care must be taken as burns can occur from touching hot parts.
• Do not operate if the flash has been dropped or damaged - until it has been examined by
qualified service personnel.
• Let flash cool completely before putting away.
• To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not immerse this flash in water or other liquids.
• To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not disassemble this flash, but take it to qualified
service personnel when service or repair work is required. Incorrect reassembly can
cause electric shock when the flash is used subsequently.
• The use of an accessory attachment not recommended by the manufacturer may cause a
risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Indications used in this manual
The following symbols are used throughout this manual.
#Cautions Important information on factors which may lead to a malfunction
or operational problems. Also warns of operations that should be
absolutely avoided.
$Notes Points to note when using the camera.
%Tips Useful information and hints that will help you get the most out of
your camera.
gReference pages describing details or related information.

3 EN
Table of Contents
Quick task index 6
Preparing the camera and flow
of operations 8
Names of parts .............................8
Unpack the box contents...........10
Charging and inserting the
battery .........................................11
Inserting and removing cards...12
Attaching a lens to the
camera.........................................13
Attaching the flash unit .............14
Power on.....................................15
Setting the date/time..................16
Shooting......................................17
Setting the Shooting mode.......17
Taking photographs..................17
Recording movies.....................19
Viewing photographs and
movies.........................................20
Index display/
Calendar display ........................20
Viewing still images..................20
Watching movies ......................21
Volume......................................21
Erasing images.........................21
Selecting images......................21
Basic operations 22
Basic shooting operations........22
Monitor display during
shooting....................................22
Switching the information
display ......................................23
Focus lock ................................23
Using the shooting modes........24
“Point-and-shoot” photography
(Pprogram mode)....................24
Choosing aperture
(Aaperture-priority mode).......25
Choosing shutter speed
(Sshutter-priority mode)..........26
Choosing aperture and shutter
speed (Mmanual mode)..........26
Using movie mode (n)............27
Using art filters..........................28
Shooting in scene mode...........29
Using shooting options.............31
Using live guides ......................31
Controlling exposure
(exposure compensation).........32
Changing the brightness of
highlights and shadows............32
Using a flash
(flash photography)...................33
Choosing a focus target
(AF Area)..................................35
Sequential shooting/using the
self timer...................................35
Zoom frame AF/zoom AF..........36
Basic playback operations........38
Monitor display during
playback ...................................38
Switching the information
display ......................................38
Single-frame playback..............39
Using playback options.............40
Using the touch screen..............43
Live guides ...............................43
Shooting mode .........................43
Playback mode.........................44
Adjusting Settings.....................45
Table of Contents

4 EN
Table of Contents
Frequently-used options and
customization 46
Using live control.......................46
Reducing camera shake
(image stabilizer)......................47
Processing options
(picture mode) ..........................48
Adding effects to a movie.........49
Adjusting color
(white balance).........................50
Setting the image aspect..........51
Image quality (record mode).....52
Adjusting flash output
(flash intensity control)..............53
Choosing how the camera
measures brightness
(metering).................................54
Choosing a focus mode
(AF mode).................................55
ISO sensitivity...........................56
Face priority AF/
pupil detection AF.....................56
Movie sound options (recording
sound with movies)...................57
Using the menus ........................58
Shooting Menu 1/
Shooting Menu 2 ......................59
Formatting the card
(Card Setup).............................59
Restoring default settings
(Reset/Myset)...........................59
Processing options
(Picture Mode)..........................60
Image quality (K)...................62
Setting the self timer (j/Y)...62
Varying settings over a series of
photographs (bracketing)..........62
Recording multiple exposures
in a single image
(multiple exposure)...................64
Shooting automatically
with a fixed interval
(time lapse shooting)
.................65
Wireless remote control flash
photography..............................66
Digital Zoom (Digital Tele-
converter) .................................66
Playback Menu.........................67
Displaying images rotated
(R)..........................................67
Editing still images....................67
Canceling all protections ..........69
Using the Smartphone
connection option
(Connection to Smartphone) ....70
Setup Menu..............................71
X(Date/time setting)...............71
W(Changing the display
language)..................................71
i(Monitor brightness
adjustment)...............................71
Rec View ..................................71
c/#Menu Display..................71
Firmware...................................71
Using the custom menus...........72
Before Using the Custom/
Accessory Port Menus..............72
Custom Menu...........................73
RAF/MF ..................................73
SButton/Dial ...........................73
TRelease/j.........................74
UDisp/8/PC..........................74
VExp/p/ISO..........................76
W#Custom............................77
XK/Color/WB.......................77
YRecord/Erase.......................78
ZMovie ...................................79
bKUtility..............................79
AEL/AFL...................................80
Button Function ........................81
Viewing camera images
on TV........................................82

5 EN
Table of Contents
Choosing the control panel
displays
(KControl Settings)................84
Adding information displays
(G/Info Settings).....................86
Shutter speeds when the flash
fires automatically
[#X-Sync.] [#Slow Limit] ......87
Adding effects to a movie
[Movie Effect]............................87
Accessory Port Menu.................89
Using OLYMPUS PENPAL.......89
A
OLYMPUS PENPAL Share ...90
B
OLYMPUS PENPAL Album ...91
CElectronic Viewfinder...........91
Printing pictures 92
Print reservation (DPOF) ...........92
Creating a print order................92
Removing all or selected
pictures from the print order .....93
Direct printing (PictBridge) .......93
Easy printing.............................94
Custom printing ........................94
Connecting the camera to a
computer 96
Installing the PC software .........96
Copying pictures to a computer
without OLYMPUS Viewer 3.......98
Other 99
Shooting tips and information ...99
Error codes...............................101
Cleaning and storing the
camera.......................................103
Cleaning the camera ..............103
Storage...................................103
Cleaning and checking the
image pickup device...............103
Pixel Mapping - Checking the
image processing functions....104
Battery and charger 105
Battery and charger .................105
Using your charger abroad .....105
Card basics 106
Usable cards.............................106
Interchangeable lenses 107
M.ZUIKO DIGITAL lens
specifications..........................107
Information/Separately sold
accessories 110
Record mode and file size/
number of storable
still pictures..............................110
Using separately sold
accessories...............................111
Electronic Viewfinder (VF-4)... 111
Using external flash units
designated for use with this
camera....................................113
Wireless remote control flash
photography............................113
Other external flash units........114
Menu directory..........................115
Specifications...........................120
System chart.............................122
Principal Accessories..............124
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 125
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS..........125
Index 133

6 EN
Quick task index
Shooting g
Taking pictures with automatic settings iAUTO (A)17
Easy photography with special effects Art filter (ART)28
Choosing an aspect ratio Aspect ratio 51
Quickly matching settings to the scene Scene mode (SCN)29
Pro-level photography made simple Live Guide 31
Adjusting the brightness of a photograph Exposure compensation 32
Taking pictures with a blurred background Live Guide 31
Aperture priority shooting 25
Taking pictures that stop the subject in
motion or convey a sense of motion Live Guide 31
Shutter priority shooting 26
Taking pictures with the correct color White balance 50
One-touch white balance 51
Processing pictures to match the subject/
Taking monotone pictures Picture Mode 48
Art filter (ART)28
When the camera will not focus on your
subject/Focusing on one area AF Area 35
Zoom frame AF/zoom AF 36
Focusing on a small spot in the frame/
confirming focus before shooting Zoom frame AF/zoom AF 36
Recomposing photographs after focusing Focus lock 23
C-AF+TR (AF tracking) 55
Turning off the beep speaker 8(Beep sound) 75
Taking photos without the flash ISO/DIS Mode 56/29
Reducing camera shake
Image Stabilizer 47
Anti-Shock 76
Self-timer 35
Remote cable 124
Taking pictures of a subject against
backlight Flash shooting 33
Gradation (Picture Mode) 61
Photographing fireworks Bulb/time photography 27
Scene mode (SCN)29
Reducing image noise (mottling) Noise Reduct. 76
Taking pictures without white subjects
appearing too white or black subjects
appearing too dark
Gradation (Picture Mode) 61
Histogram/
Exposure compensation 23/32
Highlight&Shadow Control 32
Optimizing the monitor/
adjusting monitor hue
Monitor brightness
adjustment 71
Live View Boost 75
Quick task index

7 EN
Quick task index
Checking set effect before taking a
picture Preview function 81
Test Picture 81
Checking horizontal or vertical orientation
before shooting Level gauge 23
Shooting with deliberate composition Displayed Grid 75
Zooming in on photos to check focus Autoq(Rec View) 71
mode2 (qClose Up Mode) 75
Self-portraits Self-timer 35
Sequential shooting Sequential shooting 35
Extending the useful life of the battery Sleep 75
Increasing the number of pictures that
can be taken Record mode 52
Playback/Retouch g
Viewing images on a TV Playback on TV 82
Viewing slideshows with background
music Slideshow 42
Brightening shadows Shadow Adj (JPEG Edit) 68
Dealing with red-eye Redeye Fix (JPEG Edit) 68
Printing made easy Direct printing 93
Commercial prints Creating a print order 92
Simple photo sharing OLYMPUS PENPAL 89
Connection to Smartphone 70
Camera Settings g
Restoring default settings Reset 59
Saving the settings Myset 59
Changing the menu display language W71

8 EN
Preparing the camera and flow of operations
1
1
Names of parts
1
2
3
4
5
6a
0
9
8
7
4
e
b
c
d
f
g
1Mode dial........................................P. 17
2Shutter button...........................P. 18, 23
3ON/OFF button..............................P. 15
4Strap eyelet.....................................P. 10
5Lens attachment mark....................P. 13
6Mount (Remove the body cap before
attaching the lens.)
7Hot shoe cover
8Stereo microphone...................P. 57, 69
9Self-timer lamp/AF illuminator
...............................................P. 35/P. 73
0Lens release button........................P. 13
aLens lock pin
bTripod socket
cBattery/card compartment cover.....P. 11
dBattery/card compartment lock.......P. 11
eConnector cover
fMulti-connector...................P. 82, 93, 96
gHDMI micro connector (type D)......P. 82
Preparing the camera and flow of
operations

9 EN
Preparing the camera and flow of operations
1
1
3
2
4
78
b
a
6
0
9
5
F(Up) /F(Exposure compensation)
button (P. 32)
I(Right) /#(Flash)
button (P. 33)
G(Down) /jY
(Sequential shooting/Self-timer)
button (P. 35)
H(Left) /P(AF
target) button (P. 35)
Qbutton
(P. 46, 58) Control dial* (j)
(P. 20)
Rotate to choose an
option.
1(Erase) button ............................P. 21
2q(Playback) button................P. 20, 39
3Accessory port..........................P. 72, 89
4Monitor......................................P. 22, 38
5Speaker
6Hot shoe .......................................P. 113
7Fn/Gbutton...................P. 81/P. 20, 39
8Ubutton.......................P. 20, 36, 39, 86
9H/R(Movie) button..P. 21/P. 19, 21, 81
0INFO (Information display) button
............................................P. 23, 32, 38
aMENU button.................................P. 58
bArrow pad
Control dial* (j)...........................P. 20
* In this manual, the jicon represents operations performed using the control dial.

10 EN
Preparing the camera and flow of operations
1
Unpack the box contents
The following items are included with the camera.
If anything is missing or damaged, contact the dealer from whom you purchased the
camera.
Camera Body cap Strap USB cable
CB-USB6 AV cable (Monaural)
CB-AVC3
• Flash case
• Computer software
CD-ROM
• Instruction manual
• Warranty card Camera
grip
MCG-4
Flash
FL-LM1 Lithium ion battery BLS-5 Lithium ion charger BCS-5
Attaching the strap
1
Thread the strap in the direction of
the arrows.
2
Lastly, pull the strap tight making
sure that it is fastened securely.
3
21
4
• Attach the other end of the strap to the other eyelet in the same way.
Attaching the grip
Use a coin or similar object to tighten the screw.
2
1

11 EN
Preparing the camera and flow of operations
1
Charging and inserting the battery
1
Charging the battery.
Charging indicator
BCS-5
Charging in
progress Lights orange
Charging
complete Off
Charging error Blinks orange
(Charging time: Up to approximately
3 hours 30 minutes)
1
2
3
AC wall outlet
AC cable
Lithium ion
charger
Lithium ion battery
Direction indicating mark
()
Charging indicator
#Cautions
• Unplug the charger when
charging is complete.
2
Loading the battery.
2
1
3
Battery/card
compartment lock
Battery/card
compartment cover
Direction
indicating
mark
Removing the battery
Turn off the camera before opening or closing the
battery/card compartment cover. To remove the
battery, first push the battery lock knob in the direction
of the arrow and then remove.
#Cautions
• Contact an authorized distributor or service center if you are unable to remove the
battery. Do not use force.
$Notes
• It is recommended to set aside a backup battery for prolonged shooting in case the
battery in use drains.
• Also read “Battery and charger” (P. 105).

12 EN
Preparing the camera and flow of operations
1
Inserting and removing cards
1
Loading the card.
• Slide the card in until it is locked into place.
g“Card basics” (P. 106)
#Cautions
• Turn off the camera before loading or
removing the card.
2
Closing the battery/card compartment cover.
• Close the cover and slide the battery/card
compartment lock in the direction shown
by the arrow.
2
1
#Cautions
• Be sure the battery/card compartment cover is closed before using the camera.
Removing the card
Press the inserted card lightly and it will be ejected.
Pull out the card.
#Cautions
• Do not remove the battery or card while the card
write indicator (P. 22) is displayed.
FlashAir and Eye-Fi Cards
Read “Card basics” (P. 106) before use.

13 EN
Preparing the camera and flow of operations
1
Attaching a lens to the camera
1
Attach a lens to the camera.
1
2
12
Rear cap
• Align the lens attachment mark (red) on the camera with the alignment mark (red) on
the lens, then insert the lens into the camera’s body.
• Rotate the lens in the direction indicated by the arrow until you hear it clicks.
#Cautions
• Make sure the camera is turned off.
• Do not press the lens release button.
• Do not touch internal portions of the camera.
2
Remove the lens cap.
2
1
1
Using lenses with an UNLOCK switch
Retractable lenses with an UNLOCK switch cannot
be used while retracted. Turn the zoom ring in the
direction of arrow (1) to extend the lens (2).
To store, turn the zoom ring in the direction of arrow
(4) while sliding the UNLOCK switch (3).
4
1
2
3
Removing the lens from the camera
While pressing the lens release button, rotate the
lens in the direction of the arrow.
2
1
Lens release button
Interchangeable lenses
Read “Interchangeable lenses” (P. 107).

14 EN
Preparing the camera and flow of operations
1
Attaching the flash unit
1
Remove the terminal cover from the flash unit and attach the flash to the
camera.
• Slide the flash unit all the way in, stopping when it contacts the back of the shoe and
is securely in place.
2
1
UNLOCK switch
2
To use the flash, raise the flash head.
• Lower the flash head when the flash is not in use.
Removing the flash unit
Press the UNLOCK switch while removing the
flash unit. 2
1
UNLOCK switch

15 EN
Preparing the camera and flow of operations
1
Power on
1
Press the ON/OFF button to turn on the camera.
• When the camera is turned on, the (blue) power lamp will light and the monitor will
turn on.
• To turn off the power, press the ON/OFF button again.
250250 F5.6 01:02:0301:02:03
3838
ISO-A
200
RR
ON/OFF button
Monitor
Battery level
7(green): Camera ready to shoot.
Displayed for about 10 seconds
after the camera is turned on.
8(green): Low battery
9(blinks red): Charge the battery.
Number of storable still pictures
Available recording time
Using the monitor
2
13
You can adjust the angle of
the monitor. When set to the angle to take your own picture, the monitor display up/
down direction inverts.
Camera sleep operation
If no operations are performed for a minute, the camera enters “sleep” (stand-by) mode to
turn off the monitor and to cancel all actions. The camera activates again when you touch
any button (the shutter button, qbutton, etc.). The camera will turn off automatically if
left in sleep mode for 5 minutes. Turn the camera on again before use.

16 EN
Preparing the camera and flow of operations
1
Setting the date/time
Date and time information is recorded on the card together with the images. The file
name is also included with the date and time information. Be sure to set the correct
date and time before using the camera. Some functions cannot be used if the date has
not been set.
1
Display the menus.
• Press the MENU button to display the menus.
MENU button
4:3
j
D
2
1
Shooting Menu 1
Card Setup
Reset/Myset
Picture Mode
Image Aspect
Back Set
OnDigital Tele-converter
2
Select [X] in the [d] (setup) tab.
• Use FG on the arrow pad to select
[d] and press I.
• Select [X] and press I.
X
j
±0 k ±0
W
2
1
--.--.-- --:--
Setup Menu
English
5sec
c / # Menu Display
Firmware
Rec View
Back Set
[d] tab
3
Set the date and time.
• Use HI to select items.
• Use FG to change the selected item.
• Use FG to select the date format.
X
YMD Time
2013 Y/M/D
Cancel
The time is displayed
using a 24-hour clock.
4
Save settings and exit.
• Press Qto set the camera clock and exit to the main menu.
• Press the MENU button to exit the menus.

17 EN
Preparing the camera and flow of operations
1
Shooting
Setting the Shooting mode
Use the mode dial to select the shooting mode.
A A full auto mode in which the camera automatically optimizes settings for the
current scene. The camera does all the work, which is convenient for beginners.
PAperture and shutter speed are automatically adjusted for optimal results.
AYou control aperture. You can sharpen or soften background details.
SYou control shutter speed. You can express the motion of moving subjects, or
freeze motion without any blur.
MYou control aperture and shutter speed. You can shoot with long exposures for
fireworks or other dark scenes.
ART Select an art filter.
SCN Select a scene according to the subject.
nShoot movies using shutter speed and aperture effects and movie special effects.
Taking photographs
First, try taking photographs in full auto mode.
1
Set the mode dial to A.
Monitor
250250 F5.6 01:02:0301:02:03
3838
ISO-A
200
RR
Number of
storable still
pictures
Available
recording
time
ISO
sensitivity
Shutter speed Aperture value
Indicator Mode icon

18 EN
Preparing the camera and flow of operations
1
2
Frame the shot.
• Be careful that your fingers
or the camera strap do not
obstruct the lens.
Horizontal
grip Vertical grip
3
Adjust the focus.
• Display the subject in the center of the monitor, and lightly press the shutter button
down to the first position (press the shutter button halfway).
The AF confirmation mark ((or n) will be displayed, and a green frame (AF target)
will be displayed in the focus location.
250250 F5.6 01:02:0301:02:03
3838
ISO-A
200
RR
Press the shutter
button halfway.
AF confirmation markAF target
• The ISO sensitivity, shutter speed and aperture value that have been set
automatically by the camera are displayed.
• If the AF confirmation mark blinks, the subject is not in focus. (P. 99)
Pressing the shutter button halfway and all the way down
The shutter button has two positions. The act of lightly pressing the shutter button to the
first position and holding it there is called “pressing the shutter button halfway,” that of
pressing it all the way
down to the second
position “pressing the
shutter button all (or the
rest of) the way down.”
Press halfway Press the rest of
the way down
4
Release the shutter.
• Press the shutter button all the way (fully).
• The shutter sounds and the picture is taken.
• The shot image will be displayed on the monitor.
$Notes
• You can also take photographs using the touch screen. g“Using the touch screen”
(P. 43)

19 EN
Preparing the camera and flow of operations
1
Recording movies
You can shoot movies in any shooting mode. First, try shooting in full auto mode.
1
Set the mode dial to A.
2
Press the Rbutton to begin
recording. Rbutton
3
Press the Rbutton again to end recording.
00:02:18
Displayed during
recording Recording time
#Cautions
• When using a camera with a CMOS image sensor, moving objects may appear distorted
due to the rolling shutter phenomenon. This is a physical phenomenon whereby distortion
occurs in the filmed image when shooting a fast-moving subject or due to camera shaking.
In particular, this phenomenon becomes more noticeable when using a long focal length.
• If the camera is used for extended periods, the temperature of the image pickup device
will rise and noise and colored fog may appear in images. Turn off the camera for a short
time. Noise and colored fog may also appear in images recorded at high ISO sensitivity
settings. If the temperature rises further, the camera will turn off automatically.
Taking photographs during movie recording
• Press the shutter button during movie recording to pause movie recording and take a
photograph. Movie recording restarts after the photograph is taken. Press the Rbutton
to end recording. Three files will be recorded to the memory card: the movie footage
preceding the photograph, the photograph itself, and the movie footage following the
photograph.
• Only one photograph can be taken at a time during movie recording; the self-timer and
flash cannot be used.
#Cautions
• Image size and quality for photographs are independent of movie frame size.
• The autofocus and metering used in movie mode may differ from that used to take
photographs.
• The Rbutton cannot be used to record movies in the following instances:
Multiple exposure (still photography also ends.)/shutter button pressed halfway/during
bulb or time photography/sequential shooting/Panorama/3D/time lapse shooting

20 EN
Preparing the camera and flow of operations
1
Viewing photographs and movies
1
Press the qbutton.
• Your most recent photograph or movie will be displayed.
• Rotate the control dial to select the desired photograph or movie.
q button
Arrow pad/Control dial
Displays the
previous
frame
Displays the
next frame
2013.06.01 12:30 20
100-0020
L
N
Still image
2013.06.01 12:30 4
100-0004
WB
AUTO
WBWBWB
AUTOAUTOAUTO
P
HD
Movie
Index display/Calendar display
• To view multiple frames, press Gduring single-frame playback. To start calendar
playback, press the Gbutton repeatedly.
• Press the Qbutton to view the currently selected picture full frame.
Calendar display
2013.6
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
26 27 28 29 30 31 1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 1 2 3 4 5 6
26 27 28 29 30 31 1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 1 2 3 4 5 6
Index display
2013.06.01 12:30 21
Viewing still images
Close-up playback
• In single-frame playback, press Uto zoom in up to 14×;
press Gto return to single-frame playback.
2x