Why It Matters
The EP-3 could very well be the first camera that will satisfy the desires of the weekend photo hobbyist. The person who knows the difference between a zoom and a macro lens. Knows how to adjust ISO, exposure and shutter speed, accordingly. Is curious about HD DSLR video. Basically, they want to take relatively straight forward photos that look great and don’t need the power of a full-bore DSLR. The EP-3 is for this person.
It also has an all new sensor powered by a dual-core processor. The 12-megapixel count is the same as the previous-gen camera, but we all know resolution isn’t everything. You can also buy the EP-3 with an all new 12mm F/2 Prime lens, which takes advantage of that new sensor, and delivers some images that puts Micro Four-Thirds in the same conversation as an entry-level DSLR.
Using It
With its grip removed, the EP-3 is a minimal, matte black beauty with clean lines and a retro-inspired, all-metal build that feels – dare I say it? – Leica-esque. Knobs, buttons and dials galore. Which means there’s some heft. It’s not a burden, but you’ll notice.
The shutter is always fast. Autofocus issues are few and far between. And the Intelligent Auto setting did a damn good job of reproducing scenes as accurately as possible. The camera may not be as small as Panasonic’s GF2 wunderkind and its wonderfully slim pancake lens, but in general, the EP-3 stays out of the way.
Olympus also has filters on the EP-3 – think Hipstamatic, built into a real camera – and they’re good. There’s a Pop Art filter, which makes colours jump off the page. A Pinhole lens filter gives photos a muted look and create vignetting along the edges. And so on.
Olympus PEN EP-3
Price: $US900 (w/ either 12mm F2 Prime or 14-42mm kit lens)
Sensor: 12.3MP TruePic IV Image Processor
Iso: Up to 12,800
Formats Supported: Front: 1.3MP webcam
Video: AVCHD: 1080i @ 60fps max. AVI: 1280×720 max
Screen: 3-inch, OLED touchscreen
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This is the best Micro Four-Thirds camera I’ve used when it comes to minimal image noise at a reasonable ISO (below 1000). Images in natural light and low ISO settings go toe to toe with entry-level DSLRs in image quality. Photos are sharp and have plenty of depth. The 12mm F2 Prime Lens takes some fantastic shots; the 14-42mm kit lens isn’t too shabby, either. (Check out some photo samples here.)
Video is good, not great–you won’t be shooting professional footage with this thing. The photo filters are fun and easy to produce some nice, stylised shots. Oh, did I mention this thing looks beautiful?
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As far as the camera itself goes, the settings menus can be a bit perpelexing to access. The scroll wheel and jog dial on the back serve the exact same purpose, which leaves me wondering why both are there. And as much as I love the F2 Prime lens, I wish it was a bit smaller.
Low light shots are much improved over the last-gen Pen, especially when it comes to shutter speed, but images still show signs of graininess when examined up close. Video is only 1080i and uses the AVCHD codec. You can shoot 720p in AVI, but 1080anything in AVI would be nice.
Ultimately, the PEN EP-3 finds itself at the same crossroads as the other Micro Four-Thirds cameras. At $US900, its probably too expensive and complicated to use for the point-and-shoot crowd. It’s also not powerful enough across the board to replace even a comparable DSLR, like Canon’s T3i, which also delivers killer video.
Should I Buy It?
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.
LOL
Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 10:41 AMummm, so where can you get the ep-3 with the 12/2 for $900??? It comes with the kit or crappy 17/2.8 for that price..
The 12/2 costs US$799 just by itself..
Also worth looking at the much cheaper (but with built in viewfinder) 16mp Panasonic G3 if you are serious about u4/3..
To me u4/3 is for people want to take DSLR quality photos (but not fast action/sport) and don’t want the unnecessary weight of an old fashion DSLR. I think a lot of people buy DSLR because that is what the ‘pros’ use, not because they actually need a DSLR for any reason.
P.S. I have sold a number of landscape prints with u4/3 and dumped all my DSLR equipement, why carry the extra weight for negligable (in real world use) quality improvement to prints..
TSH
Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 1:06 PMWhat are your thoughts re: Sony’s recently-updated NEX camera line? Even smaller body, APS-C sized sensor, but far simpler controls.
LOL
Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 11:14 AMI dislike the NEX line myself, the cameras are even smaller yes, but the lenses are actually noticably bigger more than wasting the advantage of the smaller body. They actually make it worse as they balance very badly in the hand to me… Add to that the lack of range of lenses and lackluster performance of those lenses and you end up with a dead end (for my uses anyway)..
izabel
Saturday, July 30, 2011 at 3:56 PMI’m wanting a camera that will take high quality every-day
pics. to always carry with me, but to also take pics. of my professional jewellery. obviously with with extension tube,or reversal ring etc. – can’t afford the macro lens. This loos like the best I has come across.
Could I have some advise please.
Dennis Pritchett
Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 6:54 AMIzabel, you will get the same image quality from the E-PL3, or PM1, ay a much lower price. For close-ups, the kit lens, 14-42mm is great, it focuses down to 8 inches, which, with a bit of cropping, will give you what you need for business. You would save about $350.00 by getting the PL3 instead of the EP3, and the Olympus 4/3 50mm f2.0 macro is a fantastic lens, and can be used on the micro 4/3 bodies with a $150.00 adapter, which gives auto focus and metering. The Olympus 4/3 35mm f3.5 macro is also a fantastic lens for about $200.00, and can work with ab adapter on micro 4/3. If you don’t mind using manual focus, you can get an adapter for using many brands of older lenses, some of which are optically as good as expensive auto focus lenses. There are many options, you just have to find what works for you.
Good luck
Lisa Chung
Sunday, October 23, 2011 at 4:38 PMHi! I am looking for a camera which is small enough to carry in my handbag so i can bring it for day and night casual use. I also love to travel and would like to take some good photos with the camera; good quality images especially night shots. also hope to get abit more zoom for landscape photos from my travel. At the same time, I do not want to have to make alot of setting changes. Basically, I just a camera that I can shoot easily and still give good quality photos.
What should I get? Thanks!
izabel
Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at 10:33 AMthanks for your reply Dennis I have in the meantime got the pen ep-3 couldn’t be happier with the body, but found the 14-42 lens not as good as I expected. SO…… went all out and got the leica macro ( I’ll be living on rice for the next month or 2 :) ) but I am truly in love with it. it does everything I imagined and more, I give the ep-3 body and leica 45mm macro combo 10/10 izabel
Brian
Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 1:52 PMI sold my film SLR a few years ago and became so disenchanted with the digital compacts and point and shoots I have almost stopped taking photos. I was planning to buy an intermediate level DSLR however I really like the size and convenience of the 4/3 and ICL cameras. The PEN EP3 is almost perfect for much of my needs but am concerned with its suitability to capture indoor action like basketball and higher ISO (800-3200), I like the EVF on the NEX7 but find it not so comfortable in the hand. Which would be better suited to my needs?.