We have collected 8 reviews of the Olympus E-PL3. Experts rate Olympus E-PL3 7.8/10. Reviewsor.com helps you find reviews, best prices, user reviews of the Olympus E-PL3 and Olympus Digital cameras.

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Olympus E-PL3 Reviews

DigitalTrends

11/2011

8.0/10

Olympus Pen E-PL3 Review

Review: Olympus continues to package high-quality stills and user-friendly features into its PEN series with the seriously slimmed down E-PL3.Olympus has continued to expand its Micro Four Thirds (MFT) repertoire with new models for its PEN series. While the manufacturer might be finding itself in the news for, ahem, less than exemplary corporate behavior, its cameras measure up. The E-PL3 is no exception, which though deviating significantly from the design of the E-PL2, still manages to turn heads for its good looks and pack a couple of worthwhile technical upgrades.It isn’t a perfect camera, and certainly some of its missteps can be found in tepid attempts to do too many things.Like the rest of the Olympus PEN lineup, the E-PL3 is a handsome camera. It has a noticeably sleeker, slimmer body than its predecessors without too much clutter on the back-facing panel. In a somewhat befuddling movie, Olympus chose to deviate rather drastically from the vintage feel of the E-PL2 and outfit the E-PL3 with an appearance more similar to its XZ-1 and E-PM1 than the earlier PEN models. The absence of a faux-leather grip and streamlined, smoother body is what most of this can be attributed to.

Camera Labs

11/2011

8.7/10

Olympus Pen E-PL3 review

Olympus launched its Pen range of Micro Four Thirds mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (ILCs) with the E-P1 in 2008. Announced in June 2011 the Pen E-PL3 is the third generation of the range that melds the company's iconic 60's design with 21st century digital imaging technology. Nicknamed the 'Pen Light' the E-PL3 is a smaller, lighter and simpler version of the Pen flagship E-P3 and is now also joined by a third Pen, the entry-level E-PM1, also known as the Pen Mini. With the E-PL3, the company has taken a step away from the classic Pen style of the earlier models. It's significantly smaller, though not much lighter than its predecessor and sports a new 16:9 flip-up screen and a redesigned 12.3 Megapixel sensor. The built-in flash is gone, replaced by a clip-on unit and there's a new AF assist lamp to augment the capabilities of the improved 35-point contrast detect AF system. The E-PL3 can shoot 1080i60 video in AVCHD format and improves on the E-PL2's continuous shooting with a top speed of 5.5 frames per second. With built-in sensor-shift image stabilisation and an ISO sensitivity range that now extends to 12800 ISO its low light performance is considerably improved.

DigitalVersus

10/2011

8.0/10

Digital Cameras: SLR, Micro 4/3 and Interchangeable Lens Reviews

With the Pen E-PL3, Olympus has completely reworked the body of this interchangeable lens compact by getting rid of loads of seemingly 'superfluous' features such as the grip handle and built-in flash. The E-PL3 has, however, been treated to a bunch of eagerly awaited new additions, like a tilt screen and 1080 HD video. Has Olympus finally found the right balance with its E-PL series? With a slim body and an all-metal casing, the Olympus E-PL3 is a sleek-looking camera with a reassuringly sturdy build. On first contact, the camera feels robust and pleasant to handle. However, after using the compact for a few minutes, we really started to notice the lack of grip handle—a feature that's been ditched in this new model. We therefore found it difficult to keep hold of the E-PL3, as with only one small rubber grip pad, the smooth metal finish makes the camera feel like it's slipping out of your hands. The main controls can be easily accessed and the click-round scroll wheel makes changing the settings quick and easy. This is particularly handy in PSAM modes. We do, however, think it's a shame that the customisable Fn button still offers a rather limited choice of options: for example, you can't set it for direct access to ISO settings.

DPReview

09/2011

7.3/10

Olympus PEN Lite / E-PL3 Review

The Olympus PEN Lite/E-PL3 is identical in terms of output to the recently reviewed Olympus E-P3. We have tested to verify image quality (and of course include these tests in the review). Where appropriate, you will find our comments and judgements identical to those expressed in our in-depth review of the Olympus E-P3. Much of the original content in this article then is devoted to assessing features and functionality unique to the E-PL3. From the outset, Olympus has positioned its E-PL lineup as a simplified, lower-cost alternative to its higher-end E-Px cameras. The release of the third generation Olympus PEN E-PL3 (dubbed PEN Lite) continues this tradition while sporting much of the functionality and nearly all of the performance gains of its big brother, the Olympus E-P3. One difference this time around, however, is the simultaneous arrival of the E-PM1/PEN Mini, which now becomes the entry-level model in the PEN lineup. The PEN Lite sits between the PEN Mini and Olympus' flagship E-P3, offering a combination of external control points and compact-camera-like handling that may appeal to those who want high image quality in a small package, and are ready to move beyond an 'auto everything' experience.

TechRadar

09/2011

8.0/10

Olympus PEN Lite E-PL3 review

Small but perfectly formed, cameras in the Olympus PEN range are well loved for their stylish good looks and user-friendly handling. One of a trio of new launches from the manufacturer, the new Micro four Thirds PEN Lite E-PL3 continues the PEN trend for combining retro charm with a comprehensive feature set. It may be smaller than its big brother, the E-P3, but it's brimming with innovative technologies and beginner-friendly characteristics.Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras belong to the relatively new breed of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras, (popularly referred to as Compact System Cameras, or CSCs) which marry some of the merits of shooting with a DSLR with the reduced size and weight benefits provided by a compact digital camera. Incorporating a unique internal design, the mechanism inside a CSC differs from that of a traditional DSLR. Omitting the traditional DSLR reflex mirror system and optical viewfinder design, CSCs allow for the lens to be positioned much closer to the sensor. This enables manufacturers to significantly scale down the size and weight of these cameras, without having to scale down the sensor as well.

PCMAG

08/2011

7.0/10

Olympus PEN E-PL3

The Olympus PEN E-PL3 ($699.99 with 14-42mm kit lens) is the successor to the E-PL2 ($599.99, 4 stars), which was once the smallest camera in Olympus's Micro Four Thirds lineup. This is no longer the case, as the company has expanded its offerings to include three more compact interchangeable lens cameras. The E-PL3 is the middle child, so to speak, fitting in between the larger PEN E-P3 ($899.99, 4 stars) and the smaller PEN E-PM1; it's also the only sibling to sport a tilting LCD. The E-PL3's body is a bit bigger than the Sony Alpha NEX-C3 ($649.95, 4.5 stars), our Editors' Choice in this category, but much more compact than an SLR. The PEN E-PL3 doesn't deliver the image quality or the overall performance of the NEX-C3, but it's a solid choice if you've already bought into the Micro Four Thirds system and are looking for an upgrade. Its autofocus system is much faster than previous-generation Olympus PEN models, and the LCD adds versatility. Design, Features, and User InterfaceThe 12-megapixel E-PL3 is available in silver, red, black, or white, and features a metal exterior with a flat front that eschews the handgrip that you'll often find on cameras in this class. The rear of the camera features a rubber thumb grip, making it easy to hold with security and comfort.

CNet UK

06/2011

Olympus Pen Lite E-PL3

If three is the magic number, the Olympus Pen Lite E-PL3 should have plenty of tricks up its sleeve. It's a new lens-swapping snapper in the Micro Four Thirds range and will be available in late summer.New lenses will also be available at the same time as the E-PL3. Prices and availability are yet to be confirmed. The 12-megapixel E-PL3 is also known as the Pen Lite. It's contained in a brushed-aluminium frame and is designed to be both a versatile back-up for seasoned photographers and a lightweight option for amateurs looking to get serious. It uses Micro Four Thirds lenses, a range of standard-sized glass that gives you different effects for different situations. Micro Four Thirds cameras can swap lenses, but aren't as big as traditional lens-swapping dSLRs. They miss out the mirror mechanism inside, but apart from that they have all the power and features of a dSLR. They're also very friendly to use, designed for people who want to start off with everything in automatic mode and hopefully learn more about photography as they explore the settings and features on offer.An example is the Live Guide feature. When you want to get a pleasing blurry background to make your photo stand out, you need to adjust the aperture and depth of field.

DPReview

06/2011

Olympus PEN LITE / E-PL3 Hands-on Preview

Olympus wasn't the first company to introduce a mirrorless interchangeable camera but it was the first to develop a simplified, cost-reduced model with an easy-to-use interface to allow point-and-shoot upgraders to get the most out of their first large-sensor camera. Olympus has a history of developing new ideas and technologies, only to watch them become popular across the industry, so won't have expected the field to itself for long. Its response to this challenge are two new models - the PEN Lite and PEN Mini. The PEN Lite is the third generation of the company's simplified PEN model. And, where the E-PL1 felt like an E-P2 shoe-horned into a cheaper body (and the E-PL2 a slightly more satisfying version same concept), the E-PL3 is more obviously a model in its own right. Although it shares much with the co-announced E-P3, the Lite has more distinct styling and better feature differentiation than we've previously seen. In terms of similarities, the E-PL3 shares the same updated 12MP imaging sensor and dual-core TruePicVI processor as the E-P3, providing the camera with many of the same capabilities as its big brother. However, its styling is more obviously reminiscent of the company's flagship XZ-1 compact than of previous PENs.

Prices

Information	Prices
Olympus E-PL3 Digital Camera with 14-42mm II Lens (Black)	$569.95	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL3 14-42mm 12.3 MP Interchangeable Lens Camera with CMOS Sensor and 3x Optical Zoom (Red)	$598.99	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL3 14-42mm 12.3 MP Interchangeable Lens Camera with CMOS Sensor and 3x Optical Zoom (White)	$599	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL3 14-42mm 12.3 MP Interchangeable Lens Camera with CMOS Sensor and 3x Optical Zoom (Red)	$599	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL3 12 Megapixel Digital Camera with Lens Kit - Black	$599	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL3 17mm 12.3 MP Interchangeable Lens Camera with CMOS Sensor and 3x Optical Zoom (Black)	$599	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL3 12 Megapixel Digital Camera with Lens Kit - Black	$599	See it
Olympus E-pl3 Digital Camera, 14-42mm Lens, Red/silver V205031ru000	$599	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL3 12 Megapixel Digital Camera with Lens Kit - White	$599	See it
Olympus E-pl3 Digital Pen Silver Camera Kit With 14-...	$599	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL3 12 Megapixel Digital Camera with Lens Kit - Silver	$599	See it
Olympus E-pl3 Black Digital Camera With 14-42mm Lens	$599	See it
Olympus E-PL3 12.3MP Digital Camera, 3.0 inch Tilt LCD, 14-42mm Zoom Lens, SD Card slot, 1080/60i HD Video Capture, 3D Photo Mode, Black / Black	$599	See it
Olympus E-pl3 Digital Camera, 14-42mm Lens, Blk/blk V205031bu000	$599	See it
Olympus E-PL3 12.3MP Digital Camera, 3.0 inch Tilt LCD, 14-42mm Zoom Lens, SD Card slot, 1080/60i HD Video Capture, 3D Photo Mode, Silver / Silver	$599	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL3 14-42mm 12.3 MP Interchangeable Lens Camera with CMOS Sensor and 3x Optical Zoom (Black)	$599	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL3 17mm 12.3 MP Interchangeable Lens Camera with CMOS Sensor and 3x Optical Zoom (Black)	$599	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL3 14-42mm 12.3 MP Interchangeable Lens Camera with CMOS Sensor and 3x Optical Zoom (Black)	$599	See it
Olympus E-pl3 Digital Pen Black Camera Kit With 17mm Black Lens	$599	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL3 14-42mm 12.3 MP Interchangeable Lens Camera with CMOS Sensor and 3x Optical Zoom (Silver)	$599	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL3 Micro 4/3 12.3 MP Digital Camera & 14-42mm MSC II R Lens (White/Silver) with 16GB Card + Battery + Case + UV Filter + Tripod + Cleaning & Accessory Kit	$599.95	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL3 Micro 4/3 12.3 MP Digital Camera & 14-42mm MSC II R Lens (Silver/Silver) with 16GB Card + Battery + Case + UV Filter + Tripod + Cleaning & Accessory Kit	$599.95	See it
Olympus E-PL3 PEN Digital Camera w/ m14-42mm Lens (Black)	$599.99	See it
Olympus Olympus E-PL3 PEN Digital Camera w/ m17mm Lens (Black)	$599.99	See it
Olympus E-pl3 Pen Digital Camera 14-42mm Black +4gb Kit + Worldwide Warranty	$599.99	See it
Olympus Olympus E-PL3 PEN Digital Camera w/ m14-42mm Lens (Red)	$599.99	See it
Olympus Olympus E-PL3 PEN Digital Camera w/ m14-42mm Lens (Black)	$599.99	See it
Olympus E-PL3 PEN Digital Camera w/ m17mm Lens (Black)	$599.99	See it
Olympus E-PL3 PEN Digital Camera w/ m14-42mm Lens (White)	$599.99	See it
Olympus Olympus E-PL3 PEN Digital Camera w/ m14-42mm Lens (Silver)	$599.99	See it
Olympus E-PL3 PEN Digital Camera w/ m14-42mm Lens (Silver)	$599.99	See it
Olympus E-PL3 PEN Digital Camera w/ m14-42mm Lens (Red)	$599.99	See it
Olympus Olympus E-PL3 PEN Digital Camera w/ m14-42mm Lens (White)	$599.99	See it
Olympus E-PL3 Digital Camera - Red - with 14-42mm Zoom Lens, Silver - Bundle - with 8GB SD Memory Card, Spare BLS-1 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery, Camera Case, USB 2.0 SD Card Reader	$601	See it
Olympus E-pl3 Digital Camera - White - With 14-42mm Zoom Lens, Silver Bundle	$601	See it
Olympus Pen E-pl3 12 Megapixel Digital Camera With Lens Kit - Black	$606.54	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL3 Micro 4/3 12.3 MP Digital Camera & 14-42mm MSC II R Lens (Silver/Silver) with 32GB Card + Battery + Case + Lens Set + UV Filter + Tripod + Cleaning & Accessory Kit	$614.95	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL3 Micro 4/3 12.3 MP Digital Camera & 14-42mm MSC II R Lens (White/Silver) with 32GB Card + Battery + Case + Lens Set + UV Filter + Tripod + Cleaning & Accessory Kit	$614.95	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL3 12.3 MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Olympus 17mm f2.8 M. Zuiko A Wide-Angle Lens (Black) + 16GB Deluxe Accessory Kit	$649.95	See it
Olympus E-PL3 Camera w/ 14-42mm Lens - Black	$649.95	See it
Olympus E-PL3 Camera w/ 14-42mm Lens - White/Silver	$649.95	See it
Olympus E-PL3 Camera w/ 14-42mm Lens - Red/Silver	$649.95	See it
Olympus E-PL3 Camera w/ 14-42mm Lens - Silver	$649.95	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL3 12 Megapixel Digital Camera with Lens Kit - Red	$699	See it
Olympus E-pl3 Black Pen Camera W/17mm F/2.8 Lens	$699	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL3 Micro 4/3 12.3 MP Digital Camera & 14-42mm MSC II R Lens (Black/Black) with 40-150mm Lens + 16GB Card + Battery + Case + Accessory Kit	$699.95	See it
Olympus Pen E-pl3 Epl3 Micro Digital Camera +14-42mm+40-150mm Lens Kit White	$699.95	See it
Olympus Pen E-pl3 White Digital Camera Body +14-42mm Lens Kit + 2gb Kit	$699.99	See it
Olympus Pen E-pl3 W/ 14-42mm Lens Black Epl3	$699.99	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL3 Micro 4/3 12.3 MP Digital Camera & 14-42mm MSC II R Lens (Black/Black) with 40-150mm Lens + 16GB Card + Battery + Case + 2.5x Telephoto & .45x Wide-Angle Lens Set + (2) UV Filters + Tripod Kit	$719.95	See it
Olympus PEN E-PL3 Micro 4/3 12.3 MP Digital Camera & 14-42mm MSC II R Lens (Black/Black) with 40-150mm Lens + 32GB Card + Battery + Case + 2.5x Telephoto & .45x Wide-Angle Lens Set + (2) UV Filters + Tripod Kit	$739.95	See it
Olympus PEN Lite E-PL3 12.3 MP CMOS Sensor Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with 14-42mm II Zoom Lens (Silver) + LEXSpeed 32GB SDHC Memory Card + Extra PS-BLS1 Battery + Deluxe Digital SLR Camera Bag + 3pc 37mm Multi-Coated Essential Filter Kit + Sunpak 620-9002TM Tri-Monopod & Much More! Willoughby's Est. 1898 Deluxe PEN Starter Bundle	$749.95	See it
Olympus E-PL3 12.3MP Camera Body Kit with14-42mm Lens	$789.96	See it