Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

  • Reviews
  • Recommended Cameras & Gear
  • Learn Photography
  • Contact
  • About
  • Subscribe

Olympus E-P3 First Impressions Review

August 6, 2011 By Eric Reagan

Olympus E-P3

The Olympus E-P3 is the third model in the flagship Micro Four Thirds lineup known as PEN cameras, which got started with the E-P1.  I’ve been using the Olympus E-P3 for a couple of days now and wanted to give you some of my initial thoughts on the new camera and why it’s the best PEN yet.

First of all, it’s fast.

I haven’t cared too much for the prior PEN models due to a rather sluggish AF performance, especially when compared to Panasonic Micro Four Thirds and Sony NEX cameras.  The short hand-on time I had with the E-PL2 demonstrated a somewhat faster AF system; however, the E-P3’s autofocus speed at or better than what Panasonic and Sony are doing with their mirrorless cameras.

Olympus E-P3

The E-P3 has a great design and control layout.  When the E-P1 came out, I was disappointed that it didn’t have a pop-up flash, opting only for external flash via the hot shoe.

These cameras are great for serious photographers who want to do some casual shooting, as well as the consumer crowd who wants a bit more than the average point and shoot.  In both of these scenarios, I think a pop-up flash is a very smart option to include.

Olympus somehow managed to keep the size down and include a pop-up flash that is completely hidden inside the body when not in use.  And for those who want to go a bit more on the serious side, there’s still a standard hot shoe on top.  So, big kudos on the clean design and flash functionality.

Keeping with the design and controls for a bit, the menu system is smart and intuitive throughout.  Of course, a mode dial up top gets you where you need to go for basic shooting modes.  And, I really like the way Olympus handles the other popular adjustments and controls via the side dock overlay in the LCD that you can bring up with a quick tap on the OK button.

Olympus E-P3

Another great feature with the E-P3 is a robust video mode with full manual exposure control available.  I’m looking forward to shooting a bit more video with the E-P3, but it looks very promising for both enthusiasts and casual shooters.

On the casual side of the video feature, the autofocus appears to be pretty smooth and accurate with the 14-42mm kit lens.  As a result, the E-P3 has the very real possibility of becoming a true dual-purpose camera – even for everyday casual video.

This just a hint at some of the power in this pint-sized shooter that I’m rather excited about.  Expect to see lots more about the Olympus E-P3 as we talk about specs, image quality and more in future installments here.  For now, I’m off to shoot some more stills and video with the new camera.

The Olympus E-P3 is available from Photography Bay’s trusted retail partner, B&H Photo, at the following links:

Olympus E-P3 at B&H Photo

By making your photography purchases at B&H Photo through these links, you are helping Photography Bay to continue to bring quality camera tests, news and reviews. Thanks for your continued support.

Filed Under: Olympus Tagged With: digital camera, digital camera review, E-P3, micro four thirds, mirrorless, Olympus, Olympus E-P3, PEN, review

 

Trackbacks

  1. Reviews: Olympus PEN E-P3 » Photo Video Online [en] says:
    October 23, 2011 at 10:57 am

    […] Olympus E-P3 First Impressions Review The Olympus E-P3 is the third model in the flagship Micro Four Thirds lineup known as PEN cameras, which got started with the E-P1. I’ve been using the Olympus E-P3 for a couple of days now and wanted to give you some of my initial thoughts on the new camera and why it’s the best PEN yet. First of all, it’s fast. August 6, 2011 […]

Support Photography Bay


Recent Posts

  • Reader Photos Roundup: January 15, 2023
  • Panasonic Lumix S5 II and S5 IIX Cameras Announced with 6K Video and Improved AF
  • Reader Photos Roundup: January 8, 2023
  • Vello FreeWave Plus II Wireless Remote Shutter Release Review
  • Reader Photos Roundup: January 1, 2023

Pages

  • 2022 Black Friday Camera and Photo Deals
  • About
  • Camera and Photo Deals Newsletter
  • Canon 1D X
  • Canon 1Ds Mark IV
  • Canon 5D Mark III
  • Canon Rebel T4i
  • Contact
  • Disclosures
  • DSLRs
  • How to Subscribe
  • Learn Photography
  • NAB 2016 Live Blog
  • Nikon D4
  • Nikon D800
  • Photography Laws
  • Recommended Cameras & Accessories
  • Reviews
  • Sony Alpha A77

Copyright © 2023 | Photography Bay