Verdict
Having used the Olympus Pen E-P3 for a few weeks, it is certainly a camera that ticks a lot of boxes for me. It handles well and allows easy creative control.
While the AF system is generally fast if using one of the new MSC lenses, it is not always up to DSLR speed in low light so it’s not time to abandon phase detection just yet. At high ISO it delivers low noise and natural colour, producing rich tones even at ISO 800 and above. The compact-style body is more pocket-friendly than the SLR-styled versions and the accessory port on the E-P3 means you can always add an electronic viewfinder should you want one.
Despite the improvements to this new sensor, it would have been nice to see the E-P3 sporting a 16-million-pixel resolution, although a boost in dynamic range would be more useful from a quality point of view.
The £799 RRP of the E-P3 with 14-42mm lens is on the high side and will need to come down to meet the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 that now has a street price of £525 with lens. But so long as you have deep pockets – both literally and metaphorically – the E-P3 is a great little camera.
Olympus Pen E-P3 – Key features
Accessory port
Positioned underneath the hotshoe, this connection port allows the attachment of an electronic viewfinder and a range of accessories
OLED screen
The 610,000-dot, 3in display is touch-sensitive, allowing for direct control of the autofocus position, among other functions
Image stabilisation
The E-P3 features a sensor-based stabilisation system inside the body, which means that any lens placed on the camera can benefit from the anti-shake technology.
Battery life
The Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery in the E-P3 suggests a life of around 330 shots per charge, using thelive view display for every shot.
Art filters
The latest version of the art filter selection includes ten main modes with additional adjustment for most, and can also be accessed from the colour mode.
Camera Raw support
The included Olympus Master 2 software provides raw support and conversion facilities. Adobe’s next update to Camera Raw is also expected to support the files.
Function button
One of two buttons that can be customised for a range of quick functions from the main menu
This scroll wheel provides quick adjustment of either shutter or aperture control and other functions
