Olympus E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Black)

Comments about E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Black):

This is the third PEN camera I have had; I started with the E-PL1, upgraded to the E-PL2, and finally the E-P3. I never thought I would want to spend this much for a small camera but I finally realized that I really prefer these over larger dslrs, which, I ended up selling mine. The E-P3 is built very well, has excellent image quality, and is very responsive. I have not found the Olympus menus difficult to use as reported by some; it is just a matter of getting familar with them. The camera also has an easy to use "super control panel' and enough dedicated buttons for quick and easy shooting control. Overall I have been very pleased with the E-P3. Before this camera I always felt a little 'unsure' about m4/3rds cameras. After using the E-P3 and seeing where Olympus is taking their photographic line-up, I no longer wonder about committing to theis format. For myself, the E-P3 and Olympus lenses give me everything I need.

Comments about E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Black):

I am an Olympus fan for 15 years.
I just bought PEN-3 at B&H and took it to a long weekend to San Francisco. I fell in love from the first sight:)
Pros:
Fast reliable autofocus, good lenses, excellent colors, good controls, durable body.
Cons:
Lost my lens cup on the day one :(
Some functions burried in the camera settings that takes time to unearth translating into lost opprtunities.
Inadequate build-in flash

Comments about E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Black):

I have a Nikon D7000 that I love and use a great deal as an enthusiast. I have a variety of lenses that I use with the Nikon; however, I am concerned that it will start seeing limited duty in the days ahead.

The E-P3 is an outstanding camera. It has a solid build and feel. It is as easy to use as a point and shoot, but has the capability of allowing a knowledgeable photographer to make as many adjustments as on many DLSRs. I have already taken some shots that if not exceed, certainly meet the quality of shots that the Nikon gives- and this is with the kit 14-42 lens! Read the other reviews and you will see that Olympus has produced a winner here.

I will agree with those that the only downside to this camera is that it is somewhat limited with fast action and/or extreme low light environments.
While there are some lenses (Panasonic 20mm 1.7) that can make this camera competent in those environments, most DSLRs will be much quicker.

If you are looking for DSLR image quality without having to lug the 3-5 pounds worth of camera around, go for the E-P3.

Comments about E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Black):

I brought this camera a few months ago to get started with photography. I spent many days reading reviews and comparing. I wanted something small and light that I can carry with me while I'm snowboarding, but at the same time I wanted something that produces stunning images. Look no further people!! The kit lens does justice and has a wide aperture for taking great pictures in lowlight, but I did invest in 2 more additional lenses that I am extremely happy with. One setback with this camera is that it doesnt have a built in viewfinder. I also brought the hotshoe mounted view finder which works great but at the same time you cant use it when you want to attach an external flash. That is pretty much my ONLY con about the E-P3 which shouldnt deter you from purchasing this product. I learned sooooo much with this camera and I will probably keep it around for as long as it will still function.

One word of advice: Olympus does sell the Micro 4/3 to 4/3 adaptor that lets you attach more high grade lenses to it...dont do it. The cameras mechanism is too weak to operate and auto focus the larger lenses that are made for the bigger SLRs. Stick with the micro lenses since they do an excellent job.

This camera does it all, from low light, to panning, to landscapes.
Love this product.

Comments about E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Black):

This camera does everything pretty much as described, but it's battery is weak. It took longer to charge it up than it took to wear it out. For a camera, this expensive, this was the breaking point for me and I sent it back. Also, after playing with it for a week, I think it's overpriced as well. On the plus side, it takes very sharp images and is more portable than it looks. I probably would have kept this camera, if not for battery issues.

Comments about E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Black):

The real alternative to DSLR. Lightweight and compact, with a good quality lens and the ability to change lenses.
Do not slow when shooting, shoots well in low light.

Comments about E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Black):

It's not too heavy or bulky for my purse, and I like how quickly it turns on and is ready to shoot. Shooting RAW and small JPEG, you can see how nicely it processes the JPEG, fixing lens distortion, color lightness/darkness. Wish it wasn't so awkward to change ISO. 14-42 is not fast, not wide, not long, but a good enough compromise lens.

Comments about E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Black):

I love this camera. I've had about a week now and I can't put it down. I'm having so much fun experimenting in all the modes. So far, I have not experienced anything negative with this camera.

Comments about E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Black):

Nice small camera, reminds me of my OM1 except this one has auto features. I have only had for a couple weeks and have not learned very much so I have been using auto settings. Takes great pictures in auto modes. Small, concise, and does not feel like you are hauling a brick around. The only thing I don't like is that the 14-42 did not come with a shade. I have ordered one. I also will order the 17mm to make the camera even smaller.

Comments about E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Black):

This camera has an incredibly fast auto focus and I very much love the face detection. I am also a fan of B & W and love the jpeg B & W images. This camera replaced a Canon Power Shot S90 because I wanted a bigger sensor. It is a bigger camera but the images are very good. I can still fit it in a coat pocket.

Comments about E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Black):

I am enjoying this camera. I am using it a point and shoot for family pictures and travel, but expect to use it for product photography with the E lens adaptor and my E-3 lenses. The camera focuses quickly except in dim light and the touch screen works great.

Comments about E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Black):

This is a great camera, it is perfect for times when you don't want to carry a heavy DSLR. Since purchase I hardly ever carry my Pentax K-7. I will buy the EVF, because the view without it in bright sun is sometimes hard to see.

Comments about E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Black):

I was introduced to photography when I was 6. My dad gave me a kodak 110 camera. Other then my canon FD system, and Minolta Autofocus system. During the film era, I always had a Rollei point and shoot camera in my pocket. when I adapot digital. The long and unrespectable shooter lag from point and shoot/ pocket/daily cameras has been bothering me for the past 11 years. I miss my little Rollei 35mm. She was light, had enough manual controls, and almost zero shooter lag until I received the E-P3. She fits into my pocket, under my car seat, in the glove box with right lens on. (I own two lens currently. The Panasonioc 20mm and the kit lens. Both fit very well.) And more importantly, She has very short shooter lag. I can finally capture the picture I intend to in a dynamic setting. IT is a little heavy compare to the film point and shoot, but I do not mind due to more controls over the lower end model from Olympus. I would hoghly suggest this camera to people who are in the same shoes as myself. Well, I can't tell you how many of my less camera savvy friends ask me the following question: Why can't my new digital camera shoot the pictures when I want to as in my dirt cheap film point-and-shoots.
Additionally, I just received the Canon FD lens to M4/3 adaptor that I purchased dirt cheap from a leading auction site this morning. I put the VF-2 on the E-p3 then carefully take out all my Canon FD primes focus lens. Mount them on and shoot pictures through them which I had not been able to do for the past 12 or so years. It is a miracle for me to see the familier Canon FD tone reappeared in the digital era. BTW, the IS works great on manual focus lens. Remember to set the focu length though.

Comments about E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Black):

Easy to carry with wide angle, zoom and telephoto lenses. Takes great photos outdoors. Video is very easy to use.

Comments about E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Black):

I used to have all of the high-end camera gear...and never took it with me...missed lots of photo opportunities. The E-P3 takes beautiful pictures without the bulk. I highly recommend it for anyone that wants great pictures without the weight.

Comments about E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Black):

I am using the Olympus PEN E-P3 for general photography and a few family portrait shoots. I have previously owned the E-PL1 and E-PL2, but this E-P3 is the best one yet. The autofocus is much faster, and the overall response of the camera is noticibly quicker. It feels solid too. The touch screen is a nice addition, and the touch focusing option is great for macro work. The focus assist lamp is fantastic and certainly aids in low light focusing, but it might be obscured when using a larger four thirds lens (with the adapter of course).

Comments about E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Black):

I had read very positive reviews about the E-P3 and was looking for a camera that would produce high quality images and be more portable than a DSLR. That lead me to the Olympus E-P3. The camera is very well made, handling is fairly straight forward and IQ is very good. I was impressed with the build quality of the body, although a little less so with the 14-42 kit lens which feels a little cheaper. I ultimately returned the E-P3 because in spite of quick AF, excellent image quality, it did not seem up to what I had been getting from my Canon 60D, nor from the Fuji X100 that I had owned. I might have kept the E-P3 if I had purchased the very highly praised M.Zuiko 12mm lens, but for another $800 it did not make sense.

Nonetheless, this is a great camera for the right person. For me, I'm looking at the mirrorless APS-C cameras next.

Comments about E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Black):

So far this little camera has worked well for me and brought back some of the freedom and joy into photography.The adjustments and setup are not as common sense as the Nikon FF cameras I'm used to but when I learned them, all was fine.
It is a terrific street camera, inconspicuous and un-intimidating.
The kit lens quality is so-so but lens upgrades are in the mail.

Comments about E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Black):

I read about this camera in a magazine and decided to check it out. Am very surprised by th quality of photos and by the speed of the camera. I have been taking a lot of photos and exeprimenting with it ever since I bought it and would recommend it to everyone.

Comments about E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Black):

The Black and White Mode is the first real film look i have found in any professional digital camera paired with the metal body, size and overall rangefinder design with the addition of the mode dial have all restored the digital camera back into the long historical evolution of the street photographer's camera.