A lens and memory card are not included with the camera.
Get the type of lens for the shot you need, and a high-capacity memory card so you don't get caught without memory.
The Olympus E-3 Interchangeable Lens SLR Digital Camera combines speed and weatherproof durability for capturing exceptional images in any situation. The camera's 10-megapixel Live MOS Image Sensor delivers high-resolution images for large-format print sizes and the TruePic III digital processing engine ensures high-speed image processing, accurate color and improved detail with low noise.
The E-3 employs a high speed 11-point biaxial cross type AF system that provides 5 frames-per-second continuous shooting, and 1/8000 second top shutter speed for the swiftness required in any shooting situation. Furthermore, when the E-3 is coupled with Zuiko Digital Supersonic Wave Drive Lenses (SWD), like the Olympus ED 12-60mm, it offers unmatched AF speeds. Plus, the cameras Body-Integrated Mechanical Image Stabilization system ensures blur-free images for all lenses attached to the E-3, so now even low-light telephoto shots are clear and sharp when you are holding the camera - even with shaky hands.
The camera's dual-axis swivel 2.5-inch Live View LCD can be rotated freely so photographers can compose with the camera held overhead or down low, thus enabling them to take shots from angles impossible until now without feeling like a contortionist and to see precisely how the settings they select impact the image, before the shutter is released and the image is captured. For a more traditional shooting experience, the E-3's large optical viewfinder provides a 100 percent accurate view and its 1.15x magnification makes it one of the largest and most accurate viewfinders for reliable composition.
The E-3 is also a durable camera that can handle some of the most extreme shooting conditions. Its sealed magnesium alloy chassis is completely splash-proof and dust-proof when used with pro lenses, and its durable shutter mechanism has been designed to have a lifespan of 150,000 exposures to meet the demands of serious photographers. In addition, the proven effective built-in Dust Reduction System with the Supersonic Wave Filter eliminates the problem of dust spots from your photos.
| Camera Type | SLR Digital Camera |
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Effective: 11.8MP, Recorded: 10.1MP |
| Sensor | 17.3 x 13.0mm MOS |
| Bit Depth | 12-bit |
| File Formats | RAW, JPEG |
| File Size | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Color Spaces | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Crop Factor | 2x |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens | No |
| Zoom | N/A |
| Lens Mount | Four Thirds |
| Focus Type | Auto and Manual Focus |
| Focus Range | N/A |
| Accessory Lens/Filter Mount | N/A |
| Shooting Controls | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity | ISO 100-3200 |
| Shutter Speeds | 1/8000 - 60 sec, bulb |
| Metering | Digital ESP, Center-weighted Average, Spot |
| Exposure Modes | Manual, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Program |
| White Balance | Auto, Lamp, Fluorescent 1, Fluorescent 2, Fluorescent 3, Daylight, Flash, Cloudy, Shade, Custom |
| Mirror Lock-Up | Yes |
| Burst Capability | High-speed continuous: 5fps, Low-speed continuous: up to 4fps |
| Self Timer | 12 seconds or 2 seconds |
| Interval Recording | No |
| Remote Control |
RM-CB1 Remote Cable (optional) RM-1 Infrared Remote (optional) |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes |
| Effective Flash Range | Up to 42.7' (13 m) |
| External Flash Connection | Hotshoe, PC terminal |
| Dedicated Flash System | Olympus FL Series |
| Max Sync Speed | 1/250 sec |
| Memory | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | No |
| Memory Card Type | CompactFlash I/II, xD |
| Still Images per GB |
RAW: 93 JPEG: High Res:150 - Low Res:10,240 |
| A/V Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | No |
| Video Resolution | N/A |
| Video Clip Length | N/A |
| Audio Recording | No |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder Type | Eye-level Single-Lens Reflex |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% |
| Display | 2.5" LCD |
| Connectivity/System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, A/V |
| System & Software Requirements |
Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, XP, Vista Macintosh OS X (10.2 or later) |
| Environmental | |
|---|---|
| Operating/Storage Temperature |
Operating Temperature: 32-104°F/0-40°C Humidity: 30-90% (operating), 10-90% (storage) |
| Weatherproofing | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Durability | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery Type |
BLM-1 Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery
1
Please Note:3x CR123 Lithium Batteries can be used with the optional LBH-1 Battery Grip close |
| Power Adapter | AC-01 AC Adapter (optional) |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.6 x 4.6 x 2.9" (143 x 117 x 75mm) |
| Weight | 28.7 oz. (810g) body only |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Reviewed by 76 customers
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Comments about Olympus E-3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
Easy to use.
Good Image Stabilization, ideal for outdoor activities.
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Comments about Olympus E-3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I have a collection of HG lenses that I have been using with my Olympus E-520, and I was looking for a camera body upgrade. The E-5 would be ideal, but it was out of my budget. The Pens are too small and really not a good match for the larger HG lenses, and I don't care for the add-on electronic viewfinder. I went with a refurbished E-3, rather than a refurbished E-30, because of the 100% viewfinder and weather sealing. I am very pleased with my decision.
The dual control dials are very nice and a definite step up from the E-520, as are the viewfinder and articulating LCD screen. The 11 point autofocus performs much better than the 3 point system on the E-520. At least in my initial tests, the CAF is much more reliable when using the dynamic single-target mode (sometimes called the diamond pattern). One concern I had was not being able to fine tune the autofocus for each of my lenses (the E-30 has this capability), but fortunately, I don't have any front or back focus issues with any of the lenses.
The E-3 is built like a tank and is considerably heavier than an E-520. I like the feel, but the extra heft may be a concern for some. The shutter sound is much softer than the E-520, didn't expect that.
Since Olympus has discontinued the E-XXX and E-XX cameras, the E-system DSLR user must either upgrade to the E-5 or go with a Pen. I would recommend considering the E-3 as an alternative and a great value if you do not need video.
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Comments about Olympus E-3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
Excellent resolution, color, noise quality, AF, flash, and especially build. I use the camera for nature and cityscapes, and sometimes for portraits and other work. This camera does everything I ask of it, and is reliable under every condition I have used it in, which in the field can be pretty harsh. Changing modes is a little cumbersome; Nikons have better button placement, but my work generally accommodates the pace the E-3 requires, and the image quality is worth it. Fits well in the hand, handles quickly otherwise, and I love the articulating LCD.
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Comments about Olympus E-3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
The E-3 is my most serious Olympus body. Of the 6 Olympus models, I own and use, this camera performs predictably and offers exceptional control of features I use. It is the camera I rely on for stopping the action of my pets and capturing the landscapes that I visit. For my larger hands, it is ergonomically perfect, both with the HLD-4 grip or without. (I thought my E-1 was the "one", but the E-3 fits and works better!) It balances well with the larger tele lenses, compared to my E-410's. Also, the image stabilization really helps add to my collection of keepers! I have no reservation in taking this camera out in the weather, be it cold or rainy. I do wish it performed better in low light conditions, but generally it focuses acceptably.
Comments about Olympus E-3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I use this camera for home and wedding photo shoot
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Comments about Olympus E-3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
dont waste money buying lesser models. this is the camera you want. get it the first time.
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Comments about Olympus E-3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
incredible
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Comments about Olympus E-3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
After three years of surviving the jungles of the Tropics, my E-510 was looking a little tired. So I decided to upgrade to the stronger, faster, and more rugged E-3. This body is so much more impressive than the old E-510, I'm disappointed that I didn't upgrade earlier!
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Comments about Olympus E-3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I have always used Olympus cameras so I cannot make comparisons with Canon or Nikon. I take many photos of plants, flowers (macro photography) and nature for my work and I am very pleased with this camera. It is a large step over my older E-500 (also a nice camera). Image quality is very good with the 12-60 lens, but exceptional in macro photography with the Macro 50mm f/2.0. Learning most functions was easy for me and I can have full control over the camera and its resources. Body construction is very solid, but a bit bulky. Very comfortable to handle. Since the great majority of my photos are taken in daylight, I did not experience noise at high ISO that some photographers and reviews talk about. Great camera for the value.
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Comments about Olympus E-3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
This camera is amazing. It probably has one of the best shutter speed I've ever seen! It is relatively easy to use, seems to be of good quality, it works very well and is reasonably priced. I am extremely pleased with this product.
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Comments about Olympus E-3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I have only had the e-3 for a couple of weeks but I find the learning curve not that steep as has been suggested by some reviewers. The upgrades from the e-1: large viewing screen, Image stablization and higher resolution are only some of the immediately recognized ones.
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Comments about Olympus E-3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
Just came back from 6 month travelling through Southeast Asia, shooting under all kind of conditions... The E 3 never fails.
In my opinion, the image quality is brilliant, I used the E 3 for editorial and advertising work.
I really hope, that Olympus goes on with the E system, in spite of the more successful competition of other brands!
Shure, the E 3 has some weak points, but I never used a camera which was 100% perfect.
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Comments about Olympus E-3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I have always wanted one and finally could afford it. It thandles great in the field and takes great shots. I use this for vacations, landscape work, wild life, car club events, family events. Could not be happier. I think it is easy to use since I have been using Olympus gear since my first E-20.
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Comments about Olympus E-3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
It's made solid like a tank. The controls are well placed. It is well balanced with all my SWD lenses. The quality of the photos and the accuracy of the colors is very impressive. The focusing speed is unbelievable. I've owned other brands over the years .... but I think the Olympus 4/3 system is the best. The 4/3 system offers lenses equal to other lenses with a much smaller size. Certainly easier to get into the backwoods to take pics. I can't wait to see what the successor to the E3 will be!
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Comments about Olympus E-3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
This is a nice camera but is it the right one for you? I use Olympus for the excellent telephoto lenses and the compact size. The e-3 was too large for my liking, being larger than a Canon 40D. The articulating screen was occasionally useful, but has a large hinge adding bulk, and is only 2.5". I'd prefer a fixed 3" screen like a 40D. My main gripe is the buttons - they dont give a definite click - this is a real pain on the shutter button - its difficult to feel the difference between focus and release.
Great viewfinder and build, but I have since gone back to my e-520 which is so much nicer to handle, and is just as good for everything except fast stuff like sports and birds.
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Comments about Olympus E-3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I have been using Olympus for years and now I'm the proud owner of this Masterpiece...Thanks Olympus.
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Comments about Olympus E-3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
Solid and Dependable! 10MP is more than enough for large prints up to 16x20. Perfect camera with the 12-60 SWD lens. When it rains I keep shooting with no problems. Excellent 800 iso shots. Fit and finish is 1st rate. Flip out screen is perfect for low angle work and Macro photography. Built in Stabilizer works well up to 3 stops. Best serious camera for me, and for the price its Fantastic!
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Comments about Olympus E-3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
Solid well made camera. Fast operation -works wonderfully with the 12-60mm SWD zoom. 10mp is more than enough for 16x20 prints or bigger. ISO performance is quite good up to 800. I am a outdoor/travel photographer and I recently switched from Canon to Olympus mostly because Olympus makes weather proof cameras and lenses at good prices. Also the flip out screen is great for creative macro or low angle work.
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Comments about Olympus E-3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
This camera fits my hands perfectly. I loved my Olympus E-410, but this camera is the camera I should have bought in the first place. It takes great pictures, is built like a tank, and I love Olympuses menu system and the layout of the controls. If I had a complaint at all, it might be the weight, but any good Digital SLR is usually heavy.
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Comments about Olympus E-3 SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):
I use my product for my proffessional photography business and so far it's awesome. It is quick and has great image stabilization feature which works for me since i do sport shoots. I am yet to discover a not so great thing about my Olympus E-3 equipment.
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