Olympus E-P3 Comparison Review
The Olympus PEN E-P3 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that was announced in June 2011 and is equipped with a Four Thirds sensor. It offers a resolution of 12.2 megapixel.
Is the Olympus E-P3 a good camera? The E-P3 has a Camera Elo of 1543. This rating puts the E-P3 below average of all mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (Four Thirds cameras), the E-P3 also ranks below average. – Well, the Olympus E-P3 is more than 9 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2011.
| Olympus E-P3 |
|---|
| Mirrorless system camera |
| Micro Four Thirds lenses |
| 12.2 MP, Four Thirds Sensor |
| 1080/60i Video |
| ISO 200 - 12 800 |
| Viewfinder optional |
| 3.0 LCD, 614k dots |
| Fixed touchscreen |
| 3 shutter flaps per second |
| In-body stabilization |
| 330 shots per battery charge |
| 122 x 69 x 34 mm, 369 g |
Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.
Body comparison with a credit card
An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Olympus E-P3 vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are presented. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Olympus E-P3 alongside a set of comparators. If you want to review a camera pair side-by-side, just select a right-side comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.
| Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life 1 |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch 2 |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympus E-P3 | 4.8 in | 2.7 in | 1.3 in | 13.0 oz | 330 | n | Jun 2011 | 799 |  | |
| Olympus E-P5 | 4.8 in | 2.7 in | 1.5 in | 14.8 oz | 330 | n | May 2013 | 999 | | |
| Olympus E-PL5 | 4.4 in | 2.5 in | 1.5 in | 11.5 oz | 360 | n | Sep 2012 | 599 | | |
| Olympus E-PL2 | 4.5 in | 2.8 in | 1.7 in | 12.8 oz | 280 | n | Jan 2011 | 599 | | |
| Olympus E-PL3 | 4.3 in | 2.5 in | 1.5 in | 11.0 oz | 300 | n | Jun 2011 | 599 | | |
| Olympus E-PM1 | 4.3 in | 2.5 in | 1.3 in | 9.3 oz | 330 | n | Jun 2011 | 499 | | |
| Olympus E-PL1 | 4.5 in | 2.8 in | 1.7 in | 11.8 oz | 290 | n | Feb 2010 | 599 | | |
| Olympus E-P1 | 4.8 in | 2.8 in | 1.4 in | 12.5 oz | 300 | n | Jun 2009 | 799 | | |
| Olympus E-P2 | 4.8 in | 2.8 in | 1.4 in | 12.5 oz | 300 | n | Nov 2009 | 799 | | |
| Panasonic GX1 | 4.6 in | 2.7 in | 1.5 in | 11.2 oz | 320 | n | Nov 2011 | 699 | | |
| Panasonic G10 | 4.9 in | 3.3 in | 2.9 in | 13.7 oz | 380 | n | Mar 2010 | 499 | | |
|
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. (1) Number of images that can be taken on a full battery charge according to the CIPA-standard; (2) Official announcement. |
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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Olympus E-P3 was launched in the US market at a price of $799. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
Check Ebay offers
Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide
The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.
The Olympus E-P3 features a Four Thirds sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 2.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Olympus E-P3 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.
Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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.
| Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympus E-P3 | Four Thirds | 12.2 | 4032 | 3024 | 1080/60i | 20.8 | 10.1 | 536 | 51 | |
| Olympus E-P5 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 22.8 | 12.4 | 895 | 72 | |
| Olympus E-PL5 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 22.8 | 12.3 | 889 | 72 | |
| Olympus E-PL2 | Four Thirds | 12.2 | 4032 | 3024 | 720/30p | 21.4 | 10.2 | 573 | 55 | |
| Olympus E-PL3 | Four Thirds | 12.2 | 4032 | 3024 | 1080/60i | 20.9 | 10.3 | 499 | 52 | |
| Olympus E-PM1 | Four Thirds | 12.2 | 4032 | 3024 | 1080/60i | 21.0 | 10.3 | 499 | 52 | |
| Olympus E-PL1 | Four Thirds | 12.2 | 4032 | 3024 | 720/30p | 21.5 | 10.1 | 487 | 54 | |
| Olympus E-P1 | Four Thirds | 12.2 | 4032 | 3024 | 720/30p | 21.4 | 10.4 | 536 | 55 | |
| Olympus E-P2 | Four Thirds | 12.2 | 4032 | 3024 | 720/30p | 21.5 | 10.4 | 505 | 56 | |
| Panasonic GX1 | Four Thirds | 15.8 | 4592 | 3448 | 1080/60p | 20.8 | 10.6 | 703 | 55 | |
| Panasonic G10 | Four Thirds | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 720/30p | 21.2 | 10.1 | 411 | 52 |
Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The E-P3 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the E-P3 can use is 1080/60i.
Feature comparison
Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The following tables report on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Olympus E-P3 and comparable cameras.
| Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Size (inch) |
LCD Resolution (000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Mech Shutter Speed |
Shutter Flaps (1/sec) | Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympus E-P3 | optional | n | 3.0 | 614 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 3.0 | Y | Y | |
| Olympus E-P5 | optional | n | 3.0 | 1037 | tilting | Y | 1/8000s | 9.0 | Y | Y | |
| Olympus E-PL5 | optional | n | 3.0 | 460 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 8.0 | n | Y | |
| Olympus E-PL2 | optional | n | 3.0 | 460 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0 | Y | Y | |
| Olympus E-PL3 | optional | n | 3.0 | 460 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 5.5 | n | Y | |
| Olympus E-PM1 | optional | n | 3.0 | 460 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 5.5 | n | Y | |
| Olympus E-PL1 | optional | n | 2.7 | 230 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 3.0 | Y | Y | |
| Olympus E-P1 | none | n | 3.0 | 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0 | n | Y | |
| Olympus E-P2 | optional | n | 3.0 | 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0 | n | Y | |
| Panasonic GX1 | optional | n | 3.0 | 460 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 4.2 | Y | n | |
| Panasonic G10 | 202 | n | 3.0 | 460 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.6 | Y | n |
One convenient feature of the E-P3 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.
Connection 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 PEN E-P3 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
| Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Microphone |
Internal Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support | NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympus E-P3 | Y | stereo | - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Olympus E-P5 | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
| Olympus E-PL5 | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Olympus E-PL2 | Y | stereo | - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Olympus E-PL3 | Y | stereo | - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Olympus E-PM1 | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Olympus E-PL1 | Y | stereo | - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Olympus E-P1 | Y | stereo | - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Olympus E-P2 | Y | stereo | - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Panasonic GX1 | Y | stereo | mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
| Panasonic G10 | Y | mono | - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - |
Expert reviews
While the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the E-P3 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog).
| Camera Model |
camera labs |
dp review |
ephoto zine |
imaging resource |
photography blog |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympus E-P3 | 83/100 | 74/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2011 | 799 | |
|
| Olympus E-P5 | + + | 78/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | May 2013 | 999 | |
|
| Olympus E-PL5 | + + | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 599 | |
|
| Olympus E-PL2 | 83/100 | 71/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2011 | 599 | |
|
| Olympus E-PL3 | + + | 72/100 | 4.5/5 | .. | 4/5 | Jun 2011 | 599 | |
|
| Olympus E-PM1 | 86/100 | 71/100 | 4.5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | Jun 2011 | 499 | |
|
| Olympus E-PL1 | 86/100 | 69/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2010 | 599 | |
|
| Olympus E-P1 | + | 66/100 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2009 | 799 | |
|
| Olympus E-P2 | + | 69/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Nov 2009 | 799 | |
|
| Panasonic GX1 | + | 77/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Nov 2011 | 699 | |
|
| Panasonic G10 | .. | 70/100 | 4/5 | .. | 4/5 | Mar 2010 | 499 | |
|
| Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. | |||||||||
The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.
Olympus E-P3 FAQ
Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the E-P3.
What type of imaging sensor is used in the E-P3?
The camera has a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor at its core.
Which image processing chip is used to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?
Olympus equipped the E-P3 with the TruePic VI image processor.
What is the ISO sensitivity range of the E-P3?
The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 12800.
Can the camera be equipped with an optional viewfinder?
Yes, Olympus provides the VF-3 as an accessory (here on amazon) that can be mounted on the hotshoe.
What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Olympus PEN E-P3?
Olympus does not publish a shutter rating for the E-P3. Yet, shutters in comparable cameras from other manufacturers are said to be good for at least 100 000 actuations. It should be noted, though, that this number represents a Mean Time before Failure. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust an expected shutter life of 100 000 shots over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.
Does the Olympus E-P3 feature an autofocus assist light?
Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.
What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with flash?
The E-P3's flash sync speed is 1/180 sec.
Does the Olympus E-P3 support the Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus interface for SD cards?
Yes, the camera can indeed use UHS-I cards (data transfer speed of up to 104 MB/s).
Which battery does the E-P3 use?
The camera gets its power from the BLS-5 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.
Camera to camera comparisons
If you would like to see a side-by-side review of this and another camera, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.
- Canon 1100D vs Olympus E-P3
- Canon 1200D vs Olympus E-P3
- Canon SX720 vs Olympus E-P3
- Fujifilm X100 vs Olympus E-P3
- Leica M10 vs Olympus E-P3
- Leica M8 vs Olympus E-P3
- Leica TL vs Olympus E-P3
- Nikon Df vs Olympus E-P3
- Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus E-PM2
- Olympus E-P3 vs Ricoh GR II
- Olympus E-P3 vs Sony A6000
- Olympus E-P3 vs Sony A850
| Camera Model | Olympus E-P3 | |
| Camera Type | Mirrorless system camera | |
| Camera Lens | Micro Four Thirds lenses | |
| Launch Date | June 2011 | |
| Launch Price | USD 799 | |
| Sensor Specs | ||
| Sensor Technology | CMOS | |
| Sensor Format | Four Thirds Sensor | |
| Sensor Size | 17.3 x 13.0 mm | |
| Sensor Area | 225 mm2 | |
| Sensor Diagonal | 21.6 mm | |
| Crop Factor | 2.0x | |
| Sensor Resolution | 12.2 Megapixels | |
| Image Resolution | 4 032 x 3 024 pixels | |
| Pixel Pitch | 4.29 μm | |
| Pixel Density | 5.42 MP/cm2 | |
| Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | |
| Movie Capability | 1080/60i Video | |
| ISO Setting | 200 - 12 800 ISO | |
| Image Processor | TruePic VI | |
| DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 51 | |
| DXO Color Depth (bits) | 20.8 | |
| DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 10.1 | |
| DXO Low Light (ISO) | 536 | |
| Screen Specs | ||
| Viewfinder Type | Viewfinder optional | |
| LCD Framing | Live View | |
| LCD Size | 614k dots | |
| LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | |
| Touch Input | Touchscreen | |
| Shooting Specs | ||
| Focus System | Contrast-detect AF | |
| Manual Focusing Aid | no Peaking Feature | |
| Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000s | |
| Continuous Shooting | 3 shutter flaps/s | |
| Shutter Life Expectancy | 100 000 actuations | |
| Silent Shooting | no E-Shutter | |
| Time Lapse Photography | no Intervalometer | |
| Image Stabilization | In-body stabilization | |
| Fill Flash | Build-in Flash | |
| Storage Medium | SDXC cards | |
| Second Storage Option | Single card slot | |
| UHS card support | UHS-I | |
| Connectivity Specs | ||
| External Flash | Hotshoe | |
| USB Connector | USB 2.0 | |
| HDMI Port | mini HDMI | |
| Wifi Support | no Wifi | |
| Body Specs | ||
| Battery Type | BLS-5 power pack | |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 330 shots per charge | |
| Body Dimensions |
122 x 69 x 34 mm (4.8 x 2.7 x 1.3 in) |
|
| Camera Weight | 369 g (13.0 oz) |
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