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Olympus E-PL3 Comparison Review

The Olympus PEN E-PL3 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.

camera

Is the Olympus E-PL3 a good camera? The E-PL3 has a Camera Elo of 1419. This rating puts the E-PL3 below average of all mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (Four Thirds cameras), the E-PL3 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Olympus E-PL3 is more than 13 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2011.

Headline Specifications
Olympus E-PL3
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, 460k dots
Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
5.5 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilization
300 shots per battery charge
110 x 64 x 37 mm, 313 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.

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Body comparison with a credit card

The physical dimensions of the Olympus E-PL3 relative to a credit card are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Olympus E-PL3 vs credit card front
E-PL3 versus credit card top view
E-PL3 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Olympus E-PL3 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
    Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-PL3 110 mm 64 mm 37 mm 313 g 300 n Jun 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-P2 121 mm 70 mm 36 mm 355 g 300 n Nov 2009 US$ 799ebay.com
3.
 
Olympus E-P3 122 mm 69 mm 34 mm 369 g 330 n Jun 2011 US$ 799ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-PL1 115 mm 72 mm 42 mm 334 g 290 n Feb 2010 US$ 599ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-PL2 114 mm 72 mm 42 mm 362 g 280 n Jan 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-PL5 111 mm 64 mm 38 mm 325 g 360 n Sep 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-PM1 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 265 g 330 n Jun 2011 US$ 499ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-PM2 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 269 g 360 n Sep 2012 US$ 499ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GF2 113 mm 68 mm 33 mm 310 g 300 n Nov 2010 US$ 549ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GF3 108 mm 67 mm 32 mm 264 g 300 n Jun 2011 US$ 549ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GF5 108 mm 67 mm 37 mm 267 g 360 n Apr 2012 US$ 499ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Olympus E-PL3 was launched in the US market at a price of $599. 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.

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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

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 generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have 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 are more costly to manufacture and tent to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Olympus E-PL3 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-PL3 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

Olympus E-PL3 sensor measures

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.

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Sensor Characteristics
    Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Olympus E-PL3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.910.349952
2.
 
Olympus E-P2 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.510.450556
3.
 
Olympus E-P3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.810.153651
4.
 
Olympus E-PL1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.510.148754
5.
 
Olympus E-PL2 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.410.257355
6.
 
Olympus E-PL5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.388972
7.
 
Olympus E-PM1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i21.010.349952
8.
 
Olympus E-PM2 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.712.293272
9.
 
Panasonic GF2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i21.210.350654
10.
 
Panasonic GF3 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.610.145950
11.
 
Panasonic GF5 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.510.057350

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The E-PL3 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the E-PL3 can use is 1080/60i.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The adjacent tables list some of the other core features of the Olympus E-PL3 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
    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-PL3optional n3.0 / 460 tilting n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
2.
 
Olympus E-P2optional n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n Y
3.
 
Olympus E-P3optional n3.0 / 614 fixed Y 1/4000s 3.0/s Y Y
4.
 
Olympus E-PL1optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 3.0/s Y Y
5.
 
Olympus E-PL2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Olympus E-PL5optional n3.0 / 460 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
7.
 
Olympus E-PM1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
8.
 
Olympus E-PM2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
9.
 
Panasonic GF2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
10.
 
Panasonic GF3none n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 3.2/s Y n
11.
 
Panasonic GF5none n3.0 / 920 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

The LCD screen on the Olympus PEN E-PL3 is flexibly attached to the body. In particular, the LCD can be tilted vertically to facilitate odd-angle shots in landscape orientation. This tilting design is often preferred, for example, by street photographers to a fully articulated, swivel type of LCD attachment, as it is more unobtrusive during shooting than a screen that flips out to the side.

articulated screen
Flexible screen on the E-PL3

One feature that differentiates the E-PL3 from many older cameras is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The E-PL3 reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while cameras without IBIS have to rely on optical image stabilization in OIS-equipped lenses to achieve the same effect.

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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-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
    Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Olympus E-PL3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
2.
 
Olympus E-P2Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
3.
 
Olympus E-P3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
4.
 
Olympus E-PL1Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
5.
 
Olympus E-PL2Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
6.
 
Olympus E-PL5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
7.
 
Olympus E-PM1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Olympus E-PM2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
9.
 
Panasonic GF2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Panasonic GF3-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic GF5-stereo / mono--mini2.0---

Further information on the features and operation of the E-PL3 can be found in the free online Olympus E-PL3 Manual or on the Olympus support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the E-PL3 handle or perform in practice. 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. This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent 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]).

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Review Scores
     Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-PL33/5+ +..72/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-P23/5+..69/1004/54.5/5 Nov 2009 US$ 799ebay.com
3.
 
Olympus E-P3..83/100..74/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 US$ 799ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-PL1..86/100..69/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2010 US$ 599ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-PL23/583/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-PL53/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-PM1..86/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 US$ 499ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-PM23/5....77/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 499ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GF23/582/100..70/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2010 US$ 549ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GF33/582/100..71/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 US$ 549ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GF53/5......4.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 US$ 499ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Olympus E-PL3 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the E-PL3.

What is the technology behind the imaging sensor in the Olympus E-PL3?

The camera features a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

Which image processing chip is used in the Olympus E-PL3 to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Olympus equipped the E-PL3 with the Truepic VI image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Olympus E-PL3?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 12800.

Can the Olympus E-PL3 be equipped with an optional viewfinder?

Yes, Olympus provides the VF-2 as an accessory (here on amazon) that can be mounted on the hotshoe.

Does the Olympus E-PL3 have a selfie-friendly screen?

Yes, the LCD-screen of the E-PL3 is flexible and can be turned to be front-facing for capturing selfies.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Olympus PEN E-PL3?

Olympus does not publish a shutter rating for the E-PL3. 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.

How do I find the shutter count on my Olympus E-PL3?

Olympus embeds the number of shutter actuations in hidden menus. You can check the number of shots that your E-PL3 has taken up to now by carefully following the steps described on the Olympus E-PL3 shutter count page.

Does the Olympus E-PL3 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 the Olympus E-PL3 for flash photography?

The E-PL3's flash sync speed is 1/160 sec.

Which battery does the Olympus E-PL3 use?

The camera gets its power from the Olympus BLS-5 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes 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 Summary
    Camera Model Olympus E-PL3
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date June 2011
    Launch Price USD 599
    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) 52
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 20.9
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.3
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 499
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen
    V-logging Friendliness Front-flip possible
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 5.5 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Battery Type Olympus BLS-5 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)300 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 110 x 64 x 37 mm
    (4.3 x 2.5 x 1.5 in)
    Camera Weight 313 g (11.0 oz)

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