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Olympus PEN-F vs Nikon D3

The Olympus PEN-F and the Nikon D3 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in January 2016 and August 2007. The PEN-F is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the D3 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a Four Thirds (PEN-F) and a full frame (D3) sensor. The Olympus has a resolution of 20.2 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 12.1 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Olympus PEN-F
versus
Nikon D3
Olympus PEN-F   Nikon D3
Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Micro Four Thirds lenses Nikon F mount lenses
20.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor 12.1 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/60p Video no Video
ISO 80-25,600 ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 25,600)
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 1037k dots 3.0" LCD – 922k dots
Swivel touchscreen Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
10 shutter flaps per second 11 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
330 shots per battery charge4300 shots per battery charge
125 x 72 x 37 mm, 427 g 160 x 157 x 88 mm, 1300 g
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Check PEN-F offers at
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Check D3 offers at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Olympus PEN-F and the Nikon D3? 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 physical size and weight of the Olympus PEN-F and the Nikon D3 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The PEN-F can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the D3 is only available in black.

Size Olympus PEN-F vs Nikon D3
Compare PEN-F versus D3 top
Comparison PEN-F or D3 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D3 is considerably larger (179 percent) than the Olympus PEN-F. Moreover, the D3 is substantially heavier (204 percent) than the PEN-F. It is noteworthy in this context that the D3 is splash and dust-proof, while the PEN-F does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

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. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (PEN-F) and the Nikon Lens Catalog (D3). Mirrorless cameras, such as the Olympus PEN-F, have moreover the advantage that they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance and can thus use many lenses from other systems via adapters.

Concerning battery life, the PEN-F gets 330 shots out of its Olympus BLN-1 battery, while the D3 can take 4300 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL4a power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the D3 has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus PEN-F 125 mm 72 mm 37 mm 427 g 330 n Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D3 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1300 g 4300 Y Aug 2007 4,999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1155 g 2200 Y Feb 2007 4,499ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 Y Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D3X 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1260 g 4400 Y Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 Y Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D700 147 mm 123 mm 77 mm 1074 g 1000 Y Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-M1 130 mm 94 mm 63 mm 497 g 350 Y Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-M5 122 mm 89 mm 43 mm 425 g 360 Y Feb 2012 1,299ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-M5 II 124 mm 85 mm 45 mm 469 g 310 Y Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-M10 II 120 mm 83 mm 47 mm 390 g 320 n Aug 2015 649ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus E-M10 III 122 mm 84 mm 50 mm 410 g 330 n Aug 2017 649ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-P5 122 mm 69 mm 37 mm 420 g 330 n May 2013 999ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-PL7 115 mm 67 mm 38 mm 357 g 350 n Aug 2014 599ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-PL8 115 mm 67 mm 38 mm 357 g 350 n Sep 2016 549ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GX7 123 mm 71 mm 55 mm 402 g 350 n Aug 2013 999ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GX8 133 mm 78 mm 63 mm 487 g 330 Y Jul 2015 1,199ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. 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 PEN-F was launched at a markedly lower price (by 76 percent) than the D3, which puts it into a different market segment. 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 imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors 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 are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Olympus PEN-F features a Four Thirds sensor and the Nikon D3 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the D3 is 282 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.0 and 1.0. The sensor in the PEN-F has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the D3 offers a 3:2 aspect.

Olympus PEN-F and Nikon D3 sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the Olympus PEN-F offers a higher resolution of 20.2 megapixels, compared with 12.1 MP of the Nikon D3. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 3.34μm versus 8.43μm for the D3). However, it should be noted that the PEN-F is much more recent (by 8 years and 5 months) than the D3, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the PEN-F has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Olympus PEN-F implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the PEN-F 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 Nikon D3 are 21.3 x 14.2 inches or 54.1 x 36 cm for good quality, 17 x 11.3 inches or 43.2 x 28.8 cm for very good quality, and 14.2 x 9.4 inches or 36 x 24 cm for excellent quality prints.

Unlike the D3, the PEN-F has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (40MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Olympus PEN-F has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D3 are ISO 200 to ISO 6400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.

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.

PEN-F versus D3 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the D3 has a markedly higher DXO score than the PEN-F (overall score 7 points higher), which will translate into better image quality. The advantage is based on 0.4 bits higher color depth, 0.2 EV of lower dynamic range, and 1.4 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Olympus PEN-F Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38881080/60p23.112.489474
2.
 
Nikon D3 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2229081
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III APS-H 10.1 3888 2592none22.711.7107871
4.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
5.
 
Nikon D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none24.713.7199288
6.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
7.
 
Nikon D700 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2230380
8.
 
Olympus E-M1 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p23.012.775773
9.
 
Olympus E-M5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60i22.812.382671
10.
 
Olympus E-M5 II Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p23.012.584273
11.
 
Olympus E-M10 II Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p23.112.584273
12.
 
Olympus E-M10 III Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.112.8112074
13.
 
Olympus E-P5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.489572
14.
 
Olympus E-PL7 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.712.487372
15.
 
Olympus E-PL8 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p23.012.6103073
16.
 
Panasonic GX7 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p22.612.271870
17.
 
Panasonic GX8 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.512.680675
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The PEN-F indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the D3 does not. The highest resolution format that the PEN-F can use is 1080/60p.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the PEN-F has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), while the D3 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the D3 has a higher magnification than the one of the PEN-F (0.70x vs 0.62x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Olympus PEN-F and Nikon D3 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
  empty 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 PEN-F2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
2.
 
Nikon D3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
4.
 
Nikon D3Soptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
5.
 
Nikon D3Xoptical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
6.
 
Nikon D4optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
7.
 
Nikon D700optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
8.
 
Olympus E-M12360 n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
9.
 
Olympus E-M51440 n3.0 / 610 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s n Y
10.
 
Olympus E-M5 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
11.
 
Olympus E-M10 II2360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Olympus E-M10 III2360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.6/s Y Y
13.
 
Olympus E-P5optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s Y Y
14.
 
Olympus E-PL7optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
15.
 
Olympus E-PL8optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
16.
 
Panasonic GX72760 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/8000s 5.0/s Y Y
17.
 
Panasonic GX82360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that differentiates the PEN-F and the D3 is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The PEN-F reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the D3 offers no blur reduction with lenses that themselves do not provide optical image stabilization.

The PEN-F has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the D3 does not have a selfie-screen.

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 PEN-F 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 PEN-F and the Nikon D3 both have 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.

The PEN-F writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the D3 uses Compact Flash cards. The D3 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the PEN-F only has one slot.

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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 PEN-F and Nikon D3 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Olympus PEN-FYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
2.
 
Nikon D3Y- / ---mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIY- / ----2.0---
4.
 
Nikon D3SYstereo / ---mini2.0---
5.
 
Nikon D3XY- / ---mini2.0---
6.
 
Nikon D4Ymono / monoYYmicro2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D700Y- / ---mini2.0---
8.
 
Olympus E-M1Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
9.
 
Olympus E-M5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Olympus E-M5 IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
11.
 
Olympus E-M10 IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
12.
 
Olympus E-M10 IIIYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
13.
 
Olympus E-P5Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
14.
 
Olympus E-PL7Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
15.
 
Olympus E-PL8Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
16.
 
Panasonic GX7Ystereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
17.
 
Panasonic GX8Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-

It is notable that the PEN-F offers wifi support, while the D3 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D3 (unlike the PEN-F) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the PEN-F and the D3 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D3 was replaced by the Nikon D4, while the PEN-F does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the PEN-F and D3 can be found, respectively, in the Olympus PEN-F Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D3 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Olympus PEN-F or the Nikon D3 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Arguments in favor of the Olympus PEN-F:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (20.2 vs 12.1MP) with a 27% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/60p movies.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1037k vs 922k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (125x72mm vs 160x157mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 873g or 67 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (76 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 8 years and 5 months of technical progress since the D3 launch.

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Advantages of the Nikon D3:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (7 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1.4 stops ISO advantage).
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.62x).
  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (4300 versus 330) out of a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in August 2007).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the PEN-F is the clear winner of the match-up (17 : 12 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

PEN-F 17:12 D3

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Olympus PEN-F and the Nikon D3 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings 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 incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the PEN-F or the D3 perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major 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
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus PEN-F....4/582/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D3......+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 4,999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D Mark III............ Feb 2007 4,499ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D3X......86/1004/55/5 Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D700..89/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-M15/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-M54/5+ +..80/1004.5/55/5 Feb 2012 1,299ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-M5 II5/5+ +4.5/581/1005/55/5 Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-M10 II4.5/5+ +..80/1005/55/5 Aug 2015 649ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus E-M10 III..+5/580/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2017 649ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-P55/5+ +..78/1004.5/55/5 May 2013 999ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus E-PL74/5+....5/54/5 Aug 2014 599ebay.com
15.
 
Olympus E-PL8........4.5/54/5 Sep 2016 549ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GX74/5+..79/1005/55/5 Aug 2013 999ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic GX85/5+..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2015 1,199ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, 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.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, 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.

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    Specifications: Olympus PEN-F vs Nikon D3

    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 PEN-F Nikon D3
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses Nikon F mount lenses
    Launch Date January 2016 August 2007
    Launch Price USD 1,199 USD 4,999
    Sensor Specs Olympus PEN-F Nikon D3
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm 36.0 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 224.9 mm2 860.4 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm 43.2 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 20.2 Megapixels 12.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5184 x 3888 pixels 4256 x 2832 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.34 μm 8.43 μm
    Pixel Density 8.96 MP/cm2 1.40 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video no Video
    ISO Setting 80 - 25,600 ISO 200 - 6,400 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 100 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor TruePic VII EXPEED
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 74 81
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.1 23.5
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.4 12.2
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 894 2290
    Screen Specs Olympus PEN-F Nikon D3
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.62x 0.70x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1037k dots 922k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Olympus PEN-F Nikon D3
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peakingno Peaking Feature
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 11 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/16000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards CF cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    Connectivity Specs Olympus PEN-F Nikon D3
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI mini HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Body Specs Olympus PEN-F Nikon D3
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Olympus BLN-1 Nikon EN-EL4a
    Battery Life (CIPA)330 shots per charge4300 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 125 x 72 x 37 mm
    (4.9 x 2.8 x 1.5 in)
    160 x 157 x 88 mm
    (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.5 in)
    Camera Weight 427 g (15.1 oz) 1300 g (45.9 oz)
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