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Olympus E-M10 IV vs E-PL3

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV and the Olympus PEN E-PL3 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in August 2020 and June 2011. Both the E-M10 IV and the E-PL3 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with a Four Thirds sensor. The E-M10 IV has a resolution of 20.2 megapixels, whereas the E-PL3 provides 12.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Olympus E-M10 IV
versus
Olympus E-PL3
Olympus E-M10 IV   Olympus E-PL3
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Micro Four Thirds lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
20.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor 12.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor
4K/30p Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 200-25,600 ISO 200-12,800
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots) Viewfinder optional
3.0" LCD – 1040k dots 3.0" LCD – 460k dots
Tilting touchscreen Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
15 shutter flaps per second 5.5 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
360 shots per battery charge300 shots per battery charge
122 x 84 x 49 mm, 383 g 110 x 64 x 37 mm, 313 g
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Check E-M10 IV price at
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Check E-PL3 offers at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV and the Olympus PEN E-PL3? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Olympus E-M10 IV and the Olympus E-PL3. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The E-M10 IV can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the E-PL3 is available in four color-versions (black, silver, red, white).

Size Olympus E-M10 IV vs Olympus E-PL3
Compare E-M10 IV versus E-PL3 top
Comparison E-M10 IV or E-PL3 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus E-PL3 is considerably smaller (31 percent) than the Olympus E-M10 IV. Moreover, the E-PL3 is markedly lighter (18 percent) than the E-M10 IV. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the E-M10 IV nor the E-PL3 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. In this particular case, both cameras feature the same lens mount, so that they can use the same lenses. You can compare the optics available in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog. Mirrorless cameras, such as the two under consideration, have the additional advantage of having a short flange to focal plane distance, which makes it possible to mount many lenses from other systems onto the camera via adapters.

Concerning battery life, the E-M10 IV gets 360 shots out of its Olympus BLS-50 battery, while the E-PL3 can take 300 images on a single charge of its Olympus BLS-5 power pack. The power pack in the E-M10 IV can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-M10 IV 122 mm 84 mm 49 mm 383 g 360 n Aug 2020 699 amazon.com
2.
 
Olympus E-PL3 110 mm 64 mm 37 mm 313 g 300 n Jun 2011 599ebay.com
3.
 
Olympus E-P7 118 mm 69 mm 38 mm 337 g 360 n Jun 2021 799 amazon.com
4.
 
Olympus E-M5 III 125 mm 85 mm 50 mm 414 g 310 Y Oct 2019 1,199ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-PL10 117 mm 68 mm 39 mm 380 g 350 n Oct 2019 599ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-PL9 117 mm 68 mm 39 mm 380 g 350 n Feb 2018 599ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-M10 III 122 mm 84 mm 50 mm 410 g 330 n Aug 2017 649ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-PL8 115 mm 67 mm 38 mm 357 g 350 n Sep 2016 549ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus PEN-F 125 mm 72 mm 37 mm 427 g 330 n Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-M10 II 120 mm 83 mm 47 mm 390 g 320 n Aug 2015 649ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-M10 119 mm 82 mm 46 mm 396 g 320 n Jan 2014 699ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus E-PL7 115 mm 67 mm 38 mm 357 g 350 n Aug 2014 599ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-PL5 111 mm 64 mm 38 mm 325 g 360 n Sep 2012 599ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-P3 122 mm 69 mm 34 mm 369 g 330 n Jun 2011 799ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-PL2 114 mm 72 mm 42 mm 362 g 280 n Jan 2011 599ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-PM1 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 265 g 330 n Jun 2011 499ebay.com
17.
 
Olympus E-PL1 115 mm 72 mm 42 mm 334 g 290 n Feb 2010 599ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The E-PL3 was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 14 percent) than the E-M10 IV, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a Four Thirds sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 2.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3.

In terms of chip-set technology, the E-M10 IV uses a more advanced image processing engine (TruePic VIII) than the E-PL3 (Truepic VI), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

Olympus E-M10 IV and Olympus E-PL3 sensor measures

While the two cameras under review share the same sensor size, the E-M10 IV offers a higher resolution of 20.2 megapixels, compared with 12.2 MP of the E-PL3. This megapixels advantage translates into a 29 percent gain in linear resolution. On the other hand, these sensor specs imply that the E-M10 IV has a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 3.34μm versus 4.29μm for the E-PL3). In this context, it should be noted, however, that the E-M10 IV is much more recent (by 9 years and 1 month) than the E-PL3, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that compensate for the smaller pixel size. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the E-M10 IV has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Olympus E-M10 IV implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the E-M10 IV for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 25.9 x 19.4 inches or 65.8 x 49.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 20.7 x 15.6 inches or 52.7 x 39.5 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 17.3 x 13 inches or 43.9 x 32.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Olympus E-PL3 are 20.2 x 15.1 inches or 51.2 x 38.4 cm for good quality, 16.1 x 12.1 inches or 41 x 30.7 cm for very good quality, and 13.4 x 10.1 inches or 34.1 x 25.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Olympus PEN E-PL3 are ISO 200 to ISO 12800 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

E-M10 IV versus E-PL3 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Olympus E-M10 IV Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.313.2140276
2.
 
Olympus E-PL3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.910.349952
3.
 
Olympus E-P7 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.413.3149477
4.
 
Olympus E-M5 III Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.313.1132476
5.
 
Olympus E-PL10 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.313.1132476
6.
 
Olympus E-PL9 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.112.8116274
7.
 
Olympus E-M10 III Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.112.8112074
8.
 
Olympus E-PL8 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p23.012.6103073
9.
 
Olympus PEN-F Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38881080/60p23.112.489474
10.
 
Olympus E-M10 II Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p23.112.584273
11.
 
Olympus E-M10 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.388472
12.
 
Olympus E-PL7 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.712.487372
13.
 
Olympus E-PL5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.388972
14.
 
Olympus E-P3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.810.153651
15.
 
Olympus E-PL2 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.410.257355
16.
 
Olympus E-PM1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i21.010.349952
17.
 
Olympus E-PL1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.510.148754
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the E-M10 IV provides a higher video resolution than the E-PL3. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the E-PL3 is limited to 1080/60i.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the E-M10 IV has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the E-PL3 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the E-PL3 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the VF-2. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Olympus E-M10 IV and Olympus E-PL3 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Olympus E-M10 IV2360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 15.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Olympus E-PL3optional n3.0 / 460 tilting n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
3.
 
Olympus E-P7none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.7/s Y Y
4.
 
Olympus E-M5 III2360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
5.
 
Olympus E-PL10none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.6/s Y Y
6.
 
Olympus E-PL9none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.6/s Y Y
7.
 
Olympus E-M10 III2360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.6/s Y Y
8.
 
Olympus E-PL8optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
9.
 
Olympus PEN-F2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
10.
 
Olympus E-M10 II2360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Olympus E-M101440 n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Olympus E-PL7optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
13.
 
Olympus E-PL5optional n3.0 / 460 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
14.
 
Olympus E-P3optional n3.0 / 614 fixed Y 1/4000s 3.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Olympus E-PL2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Olympus E-PM1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
17.
 
Olympus E-PL1optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 3.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The E-M10 IV has one, while the E-PL3 does not. While the built-in flash of the E-M10 IV is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

Both cameras have an articulated rear screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This feature will be particularly appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the E-M10 IV is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Olympus E-M10 IV has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the E-M10 IV and the E-PL3 write their files to SDXC cards. The E-M10 IV supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the E-PL3 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV and Olympus PEN E-PL3 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Olympus E-M10 IVYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
2.
 
Olympus E-PL3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
3.
 
Olympus E-P7Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
4.
 
Olympus E-M5 IIIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
5.
 
Olympus E-PL10Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
6.
 
Olympus E-PL9Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
7.
 
Olympus E-M10 IIIYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
8.
 
Olympus E-PL8Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
9.
 
Olympus PEN-FYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
10.
 
Olympus E-M10 IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
11.
 
Olympus E-M10Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
12.
 
Olympus E-PL7Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
13.
 
Olympus E-PL5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
14.
 
Olympus E-P3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
15.
 
Olympus E-PL2Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
16.
 
Olympus E-PM1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
17.
 
Olympus E-PL1Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
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It is notable that the E-M10 IV offers wifi support, while the E-PL3 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

The E-M10 IV is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Olympus. In contrast, the E-PL3 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the E-PL3 was succeeded by the Olympus E-PL5. Further information on the features and operation of the E-M10 IV and E-PL3 can be found, respectively, in the Olympus E-M10 IV Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus E-PL3 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Olympus E-M10 IV and the Olympus E-PL3? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.


Reasons to prefer the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (20.2 vs 12.2MP) with a 29% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (TruePic VIII vs Truepic VI).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60i).
  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 460k dots).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (15 vs 5.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (360 versus 300) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports Ultra High Speed (UHS-II) SDXC cards.
  • More modern: Reflects 9 years and 1 month of technical progress since the E-PL3 launch.


Advantages of the Olympus PEN E-PL3:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • More compact: Is smaller (110x64mm vs 122x84mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 70g or 18 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More affordable: Was released into a lower priced segment (14 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in June 2011).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the E-M10 IV is the clear winner of the match-up (17 : 5 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

E-M10 IV 17:05 E-PL3

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Olympus E-M10 IV and the Olympus E-PL3 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the E-M10 IV or the E-PL3. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-M10 IV4.5/5..5/581/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2020 699 amazon.com
2.
 
Olympus E-PL33/5+ +..72/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 599ebay.com
3.
 
Olympus E-P74/5..4.5/5....4.5/5 Jun 2021 799 amazon.com
4.
 
Olympus E-M5 III5/5+5/582/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2019 1,199ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-PL10....4/577/100..4/5 Oct 2019 599ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-PL9..+....4.5/54/5 Feb 2018 599ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-M10 III..+5/580/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2017 649ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-PL8........4.5/54/5 Sep 2016 549ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus PEN-F....4/582/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-M10 II4.5/5+ +..80/1005/55/5 Aug 2015 649ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-M104/5....80/1005/55/5 Jan 2014 699ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus E-PL74/5+....5/54/5 Aug 2014 599ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-PL53/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 599ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-P3..83/100..74/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 799ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-PL23/583/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2011 599ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-PM1..86/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 499ebay.com
17.
 
Olympus E-PL1..86/100..69/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2010 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Olympus E-M10 IV vs Olympus E-PL3

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Olympus E-M10 IV Olympus E-PL3
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date August 2020 June 2011
    Launch Price USD 699 USD 599
    Sensor Specs Olympus E-M10 IV Olympus E-PL3
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 224.9 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 20.2 Megapixels 12.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5184 x 3888 pixels 4032 x 3024 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.34 μm 4.29 μm
    Pixel Density 8.96 MP/cm2 5.42 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 25,600 ISO 200 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 25,600 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor TruePic VIII Truepic VI
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 52
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 20.9
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 10.3
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 499
    Screen Specs Olympus E-M10 IV Olympus E-PL3
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Viewfinder optional
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.62x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Olympus E-M10 IV Olympus E-PL3
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 15 shutter flaps/s 5.5 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/16000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-II no
    Connectivity Specs Olympus E-M10 IV Olympus E-PL3
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Olympus E-M10 IV Olympus E-PL3
    Battery Type Olympus BLS-50 Olympus BLS-5
    Battery Life (CIPA)360 shots per charge300 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 122 x 84 x 49 mm
    (4.8 x 3.3 x 1.9 in)
    110 x 64 x 37 mm
    (4.3 x 2.5 x 1.5 in)
    Camera Weight 383 g (13.5 oz) 313 g (11.0 oz)
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