Olympus PEN E-P3 Pro Reviews

At the end of the day, though, the most important questions with any camera are twofold. Does it take good pictures, and is it fun to shoot with? The answer to both questions is "Yes". While it doesn't quite match up to its APS-C sensor-based rivals in terms of high ISO and dynamic range performance, overall the E-P3 yields good, sharp images with accurate color. It also handles quite well, catering to different hand sizes with a choice of interchangeable grips, and providing a good selection of external controls that reduce the need to visit the menu system. The fast AF and minimal shutter lag are a combination that really make the P3 a pleasure to shoot with. If you shoot a lot of handheld video, you'll want to be aware of the strange jello effect we found when image stabilization was enabled, but if you shoot predominantly stills or tripod-mounted video--and we suspect there are still plenty of us who still do--then you'll very likely enjoy shooting with the Olympus P3. That slight proviso about video stabilization aside, the Olympus E-P3 is a pretty clear Dave's Pick.

Although its price ranks as one of the highest in its class, the Olympus Pen E-P3 offers a number of improvements over its predecessors, most notably performance. In fact, other than a rather paltry 3 frames-per-second burst speed, it’s one of the fastest—if not the fastest—mirrorless cameras on the market to date. Improved performance alone may provide enough motivation for Pen users to upgrade and certainly gives the E-P3 an edge over the competition, particularly in combination with its well thought out feature set.

I’m not afraid to say it: I love the Olympus E-P3 Pen camera. In spite of my concerns about shooting mountain biking, it turned out to be perfect for traveling in Europe. It’s inconspicuous, light and it’s easy get through security and carry on the plane. I’m really pleased with the camera controls and feel and I have no complaints about the image quality. I am also very happy with the lens selection right now. I’m especially fond of the 14-150mm and the 12mm f/2.0 prime lenses and even the standard 14-42mm kit lens is pretty good. I didn’t plan it this way, but the E-P3 ended up being my most-used camera this summer. If I wasn’t shooting a sports event, the camera I wanted to use was the E-P3. Yes, there is a bit of an image quality compromise compared to a digital SLR – but in most cases, it’s not enough to really make a difference. Most of the time the performance compromises are more than outweighed by the camera’s convenience. Whether you’re a pro looking for a compact camera for travel and casual photography, you’re a family that wants a high-quality camera for video and snapshots, or you’re a beginner looking for a manual camera to learn with, the E-P3 is a great choice. And as I said earlier, if the E-P3 sounds good to you but the price is a little high or you want something smaller, the Olympus E-PL3 and E-PM1 are smaller, less expensive alternatives that deliver the same basic performance and image quality. I happily recommend all three cameras and I’ve really enjoyed my time with the E-P3.

The Olympus E-P3 is a remarkable camera that snaps quality photos, even in difficult lighting conditions. I like the build quality, and the attention to details that Olympus has put into it. Its design will surely catch the attention of classic camera enthusiast, but I’ll leave it to you to decide. From a photographic point of view, the E-P3 and its kit lens where a great all-purpose combo. I am impressed by the auto-focus speed which was great for quick shots. This is really a promise that has been delivered upon. The photo quality was also very satisfying for a camera of this category. Keep in mind that your lens quality will have a huge influence on the photo outcome. Overall, the E-P3 is not the smallest camera, and it doesn’t have the biggest sensor. One could even say that it is outgunned by newer competitors like the Samsung NX200, Sony NEX5N and NEX7, but in the end, it does deliver very nice photos even in places where other cameras would be way over their heads. To be fair, the E-P3 also costs much more than even fancy “compact” cameras, so it is normal that the expectations should be high. I hope that this review gave you a good idea on what using the Olympus E-P3 feels like. Don’t forget to check the Olympus E-P3 samples on the Ubergizmo Flickr account. If you have questions, drop a comment while we still have the camera on hand. We’ll try to reply ASAP.

At $900, the E-P3 kit is a far better value than the E-P1 and E-P2 before it, primarily due to the overhauled autofocus system and stunning OLED touchpanel. But when you realize what kind of money you'll be pouring into lenses -- objects that make this guy far less portable from a holistic viewpoint -- the reality starts to sink in. This is still a pricey luxury aimed at a niche, albeit one that's growing by the day. In our estimation, the only meaningful size savings associated with a Micro Four Thirds rig is in the body itself, and if you plan on using the kit lens alone, you may be fine. But if you plan on actually taking advantage of the whole interchangeable lens function, you could be better off buying glass for a smaller Digital SLR.

The E-P3 is an impressive Micro Four Thirds camera. It's well built, looks the part and takes great pictures to high ISO settings too. The inclusion of a new built-in flash and AF illuminator finally lays to rest the complaints of previous models. Furthermore the FAST AF system is truly superfast, though the tracking modes aren't up to scratch for action shots. Although there's no built-in viewfinder and £800 isn't cheap in this market, the inclusion of a touchscreen OLED and manual movie mode are further justification for the cost. This is certainly the best PEN yet, and is among the best Compact System Cameras on the market.

Interestingly, the argument for/against the E-P3, now that were have a Micro Four Thirds 'CSC' camera in its third iteration, is not whether it's good enough to completely replace a DSLR - as with its predecessors we'd argue image quality falls slightly short (but only slightly) - but moreover whether the 'improvements' are pronounced enough to justify this completely new model. Especially now that the Compact System Camera market is becoming, if not yet crowded, then at least increasingly busy.

There are two things about the E-P3 that I particularly liked and which I think will appeal to anyone used to using a DSLR but looking for a more compact alternative with interchangeable lenses. The first is the ease with which exposure can be managed regardless of which of the PASM modes you happen to be in. This is made possible by the thumb-positioned sub-dial, but also the excellent screen information layout and menu structure. The second is the degree to which it's possible to customise the functions of the physical controls as well as the options that are available in individual exposure modes. I can't think of any other camera I've used that provides such a useful range of customisation options. These factors, along with the Pen E-P3's iAuto mode wil also endear it to those looking to move up a notch from a high end compact.

Without a doubt, this is one of the most fun cameras we've used on a daily basis. There isn't a high learning curve and what you see on its screen is usually what the camera records. It has extensive colour adjustments, Art filters and scene modes -- bascially, this camera allows you to express yourself in ways many other cameras can't.

Enthusiast users looking for a highly-capable, compact-bodied mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera could well have been forgiven recently for wondering if the market was passing them by, with the apparent emphasis on smaller, simpler cameras aimed at compact camera upgraders. Thankfully Olympus has decided that there's space in the market for a camera that caters to their needs, and the E-P3 hits the mark with style (in the most literal sense possible). Less-experienced users may well prefer to opt for the smaller, simpler E-PL3 or upcoming E-PM1, but serious photographers interested in a small system camera should certainly place the E-P3 towards the top of their shortlists. Only its ageing sensor costs it our top award.

The Olympus PEN E-P3 is a welcome upgrade to the E-P2, with extremely fast focusing, which was one of the big problems with the PEN series, especially if you'd used another faster Micro Four Thirds camera, but now Olympus are back in the game. The addition of a built in flash, AF illuminator and several new art filters and effects that can be applied to the art filters, is a very welcome addition. Olympus has expanded the appeal of the PEN series with new 12mm and 45mm lenses with an entirely metal construction, and a variety of lens converters are available. Image quality of the Olympus PEN E-P3 is excellent with excellent detail from the 12 megapixel sensor, with low noise, and great colour. The build quality and appearance of the camera is simply excellent, and probably the closest we have come to a "tough" mirrorless camera yet.

At almost £800 the Olympus Pen E-P3 isn’t light on the wallet and is firmly targeted at serious photographers. This third installment of the digital PEN feels good in the hand and brushes up on those issues that the previous two releases haven’t been able to cater for - namely the lack of a built-in flash and fast autofocus. Indeed with those problems well and truly rectified the E-P3 gets a firm thumbs up.

The EP-3 builds considerably on the strengths of its predecessors. As such, it’s a generously featured enthusiast-level camera that offers a good degree of user customisation while remaining easy enough for the novice user to get to grips with too. Image quality is the best we’ve yet seen from an Olympus PEN camera, with the new 14-42mm kit zoom producing crisp, sharp edges throughout the whole frame. That said, it loses a point overall on account of its high initial retail price - compared to other compact system cameras and even some enthusiast-level DSLRs, the EP-3 looks undeniably expensive. Still, if you're intent on buying one regardless, rest assured that you won't be disappointed by it.

An advanced-level camera that's as easy to use as an entry-level model. It's expensive, but the price is justified

Those who don't want a viewfinder, will find that the P3's OLED screen provides a very clear view in many situations. Provided the sensitivity is kept below ISO 3200, the P3 produces superb images, that are well exposed, have lots of sharp detail and pleasant colours.

This camera isn’t for everyone, but it offers enough value and performance that it could easily replace the standard, entry-level DSLR and, thanks to the compact body and fairly reasonable pricing (considering the build quality and performance) you’re looking at a nice camera for an acceptable price. While I cannot, in good faith, recommend this to someone who may or may not want to invest in at least one lens to go with it, I would recommend it as a second, portable camera for travelers and as a nice around-the-house camera for new parents and grandparents. It’s strong enough for a nerd yet made for a beginner.

This is still an ideal camera for someone who wants quality shots, but will more than likely just post them on their Facebook or Flickr account. The people looking to get a little more serious about photography without taking the full leap, or photographer who wants a low-profile camera on them at all times. The PEN EP-3 is our undisputed favorite of the current Micro Four-Thirds crop.

Potential problem for the E-P3 is price. Although $899.99 might sound reasonable for a metal-bodied camera, almost every camera manufacturer now offers cameras with better technical specs than the E-P3 at a lower cost. At the end of the day the Olympus E-P3 is the greatest Olympus PEN camera to date. It just remains to be seen whether that is enough to make it a great seller in stores.

The Olympus PEN E-P3 Micro Four Thirds camera offers a pleasing mix of a smaller-than-SLR body, fast performance, and beautiful images, but for the best pictures possible you still need a true D-SLR.

Here’s the kicker: The E-P3 is $899.99. That’s a steep price to pay for a Micro-Four-Thirds, which some consider a hobby camera. It’s hard to justify spending this much on anything that you won’t be using as a professional device, but there are a few things that could sway those considering such a purchase. The fact that Olympus has seriously invested to bring its PEN series up to speed — literally — is impressive. Looking at it, you might not think it’s all that different than the rest of the lineup, but the E-P3 packs a serious punch, a much more serious punch than its predecessors.