Olympus E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Silver)
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Blending the classic feel of an all metal body with the highly popular Micro Four Thirds trend in photography, Olympus presents their E-P3 PEN Digital Camera. This version of the E-P3 includes an ED m14-42mm II R f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens as well, to get you out shooting from day one. Highly desired for many reasons, Micro Four Thirds cameras provide an easily transportable body (this one with the look and feel that only a metal body can bring to hand) along with numerous lens options and the features and functions of a full-sized DSLR camera.
The E-P3 has a 12.3Mp Live MOS Sensor and the TruePic VI Image Processor which work together to produce stunningly detailed images at fast speeds. In addition, the camera also has Olympus' FAST AF Tracking System. FAST AF provides 35 focus points along with Tracking AF for fast and accurate focusing on each shot. Other performance considerations include the 12,800 ISO capabilities, an AF Illuminator, and a built-in flash, not to mention blazing shutter speeds with a response time of less than 60 milliseconds.
Still images can be taken using RAW, JPEG, or a combination of the two. And, 3D still images can even be captured as well in the MPO format. Of course, more than a still camera, the E-P3 also captures HD video. You can take up to 29 minutes of 1080/60i video in either AVCHD or AVI formats. No matter, video or still, all files can be stored to external flash memory, including SD, SDHC, SDXC, and UHS-1 cards. Olympus recommends Eye-Fi Class 6 cards for video recording.
The E-P3 has a bountiful set of on-camera controls and menu options, all of which are displayed on the beautiful 3.0" touch screen OLED display. As is one of the hallmarks of the Micro Four Thirds genre, small in size though it may be, the E-P3 is not short on options. Aside from a bevy of metering and exposures modes, the camera also hosts numerous picture modes, art filters, Live Guides, and white balance modes, among others. Your pictures will be truly your own, utilizing the full range of choices presented by the E-P3; you can even choose to shoot in panorama mode. Other highlights worth mentioning include 3 modes of image stabilization, noise reduction, and basic in-camera image editing.
- 12.3Mp Live MOS Sensor
- Utilizing Fine Detail Processing Technology for greater detail in the photograph, the sensor is optimized to maximize the performance of all M. Zuiko digital lenses in all shooting conditions
- TruePic VI Image Processor
- The TruePic VI Image processor delivers excellent dynamic range, expanded color accuracy and fidelity, plus reduced noise, all the way up to 12,800 ISO."Fine Detail Processing" technology captures more details in every nuance
- Lenses for Every Shooting Challenge
- The Olympus PEN MICRO Four Thirds family features eight fully-compatible MICRO Four Thirds lenses. The legendary Olympus Zuiko Digital Four Thirds range of 27 high-quality lenses, OM-series and other manufacturers' lenses can be attached to Olympus PEN cameras with optional adapters. The Olympus PEN E-P3 comes packaged with the movie and still compatible (MSC) ED m14-42mm II R f3.5/5.6 zoom lens (28mm-84mm equivalent)
- Fast AF
- To meet the demand for focusing speed, Olympus has introduced the FAST AF Tracking System. The FAST AF Tracking System features 35 focus points as well as Tracking AF to ensure fast and accurate focus each and every time
- Low Light Performance
- The E-P3 provides stellar low light performance with a combination of the AF illuminator, a built-in flash, and ISO up to 12,800
- Fast Shutter Response
- Never miss a shot again with fast shutter response time of less than 60 milliseconds
- HD Movie Capture
- A simple, one-touch button allows you to record movies with ease and simplicity, for up to 29 minutes of 1080i HD video. Choose between AVCHD or AVI for amazing clarity right from your camera
- 3.0" Touch Screen OLED (614K dots)
- The 3.0" display is a touch interface that gives you the ability to choose AF points, release the shutter, and navigate menus. The VGA equivalent display lets you see richer detail and smoother images with higher contrast and richer blacks
- Classic. Compact. All Metal.
- A classic, compact, all metal body offers maximum portability for capturing stunning photos and videos anywhere you care to take it
- Superior Image Quality
- A large 12.3Mp Live MOS Image Sensor delivers the highest quality images. Take great photos in low-light environments thanks to the camera's built-in flash, AF illuminator and ISO up to 12,800. To improve color and speed, the Olympus PEN E-P3 features the TruePic VI Image Processing Engine. Photos and HD videos taken with the PEN E-P3 will be crisp and clear thanks to three modes of in-body image stabilization. Image stabilization built into the camera's body enables photographers to take advantage of this feature with every lens. The camera's award-winning Supersonic Wave Filter patented Dust Reduction System vibrates to remove dust and other particles from the front of the image sensor, capturing it on an adhesive membrane every time the camera is turned on
- Blazing Speed
- The Olympus PEN E-P3 uses a variety of features to achieve speed rivaling that of the professional Olympus E-5 DSLR. Focus and shoot faster with the camera's 12.3Mp Live MOS Image Sensor, TruePic VI Image Processor and FAST AF Tracking System. The Olympus PEN E-P3 offers 35 separate focus points spread over nearly the entire sensor, enabling the camera to pin-point focus accuracy on small subjects wherever they appear in the frame. Selectable 3x3 groups within the 35-point area are especially effective when shooting active subjects. The camera's fast shutter response time ensures that you will never miss the shot, even in the toughest shooting environments
- Creative Freedom
-
Olympus PEN series cameras put you in the director's chair, offering even more freedom to the creative shooting experience and enabling instant experimentation, feedback and gratification. For the first time, the Olympus PEN E-P3 features full 1080 60i HD Video. Push the direct HD video button to instantly start filming your HD video with a choice between ACVHD and AVI formats with uncompressed CD-quality 16 bit/44.1KHz Linear PCM stereo recording or AC3 Dolby Digital Audio
In-camera features such as Art Filters, Multiple Exposure and In-Camera Editing enable photographers to capture the world as they see it. The Olympus PEN E-P3 features 10 Art Filters: Diorama, Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Color, Light Tone, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Cross Process, Gentle Sepia and Dramatic Tone. The camera also features nine Art Filter variations and enhancements, including Pale and Light Color II, and five Art Filter Effects, including new Star Light and White Edge. The Art Filter Bracketing function helps you develop multiple pictures utilizing different Art Filters with a single shot, making it possible to experiment with several different photographic effects at the same time. Photographers can use Art Filters in all shooting modes: shutter priority, aperture priority, manual and program auto modes for expanded control. All Art Filters can be applied to both still shots and Standard Definition or HD movies. Art Filters set the Olympus PEN E-P3's images and videos apart from the pack. Since they're built into the camera, Art Filters can help you achieve dramatic results on the go without the need for a computer or editing software
The Olympus PEN E-P3 shoots dynamic 3D photos in any situation from macro to landscape. Recreate a sense of depth like that of the original scene. Simply select the 3D Photo Mode, release the shutter, and slowly pan until the camera automatically takes a second image from a slightly different perspective. The 3D data is processed in-camera resulting in an .MPO file, the universal industry 3D format for easy display on 3D televisions or laptops
- Expanded Control Combined with Ease of Use
-
Controlling the Olympus PEN E-P3 is simple with its next-generation, three-inch, touch-sensitive 614,000 pixel OLED display. Consuming much less energy than the traditional LCD, this display has a wide 176 degree angle of view and is bright enough to compose images even in harsh midday light. With the camera's intuitive graphic user interface and touch screen, it is easy to capture a picture, change camera settings or navigate the Live Guide controls by simply touching the screen. Going through a day's photos is easy by scrolling through and enlarging photos with the tap of a finger
The Olympus PEN E-P3's built-in, pop-up flash makes it easy to illuminate low-light subjects, reduce red-eye and fill in dark areas. The camera is compatible with SDHC, SDXC and UHS-1 memory cards for greater speed and capacity and can be utilized with the Olympus PENPAL or various Eye-Fi cards for instant wireless uploads to your favorite social or photo sharing websites
Olympus has added a rotational dial, sub-dial and two function buttons to the back of the PEN E-P3 so photographers can make rapid changes to menu settings and maximize the camera's performance. With a thumb, photographers can adjust aperture and exposure time in an instant without switching between menu selections. Hands-on shooters will appreciate the two customizable buttons they can assign to favorite functions. Photographers will appreciate how the camera's mode dial enables access to basic settings
The Level Gauge in the Olympus PEN E-P3 is a tremendous benefit for architectural photographers who must ensure that images of buildings are as centered and true as the walls of the buildings themselves. This feature detects the camera's pitch and roll during Live View operation so photographers can make sure subjects appear where they should in the frame
Go To
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Camera Format | Micro Four Thirds (2x Crop Factor) |
| Resolution |
Effective Pixels: 12.3 Megapixels |
| Sensor Type / Size | MOS, 17.3 x 13.0 mm |
| File Formats |
Still Images: JPEG, MPO, RAW Movies: MPEG-4 AVCHD Audio: IMA-ADPCM (Stereo) |
| Memory Card Type |
SD SDXC |
| Image Stabilization | Mechanical |
| AV Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | Yes |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 |
| Audio Recording | With Video, Stereo |
| Focus Control | |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | Auto |
| Focus Mode | Single-servo AF (S), Continuous-servo AF (C), Manual Focus (M) |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Screen Coverage | 100% |
| Live View | Yes |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| ISO Sensitivity | 100-12800 |
| Shutter | 60 - 1/4000 sec |
| Metering Method | Spot metering, Center-weighted average metering |
| Exposure Modes | Modes: Aperture Priority, Manual, Shutter Priority |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, Cloudy, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent, Shade |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | HDMI C (Mini), USB 2.0 |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery | 1x BLS-1 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 4.8 x 2.7 x 1.4" / 12.19 x 6.86 x 3.56 cm |
| Weight | 11.32 oz / 321 g Body only |
| Kit Lens | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length |
14 - 42 mm Comparable Four Thirds and Micro 4/3 Focal Length: 28 - 84 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/3.5 Minimum: f/22 |
| Angle of View | 75° - 29° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 9.8" (24.89 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.19x |
| Groups/Elements | 7/8 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Filter Thread | Front: 37 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.2 x 1.9" (5.59 x 4.83 cm) |
| Weight | 4.0 oz (113 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 7 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Compact (6)
- Easy to use (5)
- Large clear LCD (5)
- Fast shutter speed (3)
- Good battery life (3)
Cons
- No viewfinder (4)
Best Uses
- Travel (5)
- Family photos (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (6)
Reviewed by 7 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-7
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Small / Compact
Cons
- No Viewfinder
Best Uses
- Travel
Comments about Olympus E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Silver):
I was using a compact digital camera and love snap shots. I wanted to try a little bit more professional tryle and bought this EP3 camera.
The manufacturor is fcing trouble now but this camera is fantastic. This looks very classical but its functions are great. The quality of pics are just like DSLRs but much lighter. And, easy to use.
- Ease of Operation:
- 9
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Battery Life
- Good in Low Light
- Great Resolution
- Large Clear LCD
- Small / Compact
Cons
- Limited Zoom
- No Viewfinder
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Silver):
So far I am thrilled with this four thirds camera. Clear and crisp images; wonderful aesthetics of looks and feel; superb color recreation; works great in low light; exciting art lens and scene mode options. I use it to capture art images and document my bookart works, as well as everyday images of life. My daughter, who will major in photography, wants the exact same camera (since her Canon Rebel was stolen), for both the quality and the size/carrying accessibility.
The only slowish point I have noticed is for the camera to come back to picture taking mode after viewing an image, but that's quite minor. I also do miss a built in live-image option, but the lens that can be purchased is on my wish list, and the fact this viewing lens can be adjusted to an angle should be just what I need to photograph art inside a light box tent, so I imagine it will be even better than a fixed built in view finder in the long run. I have yet to really learn how to take advantage of all that this camera can do, but what's great is I could just pick it up and start taking pictures without having to learn all the tricks available. I can learn and experiment along the way, which totally works for me!
- Ease of Operation:
- 9
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Battery Life
- Good in Low Light
- Great Resolution
- Great Zoom
- Large Clear LCD
- Small / Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
- Travel
- Video
Comments about Olympus E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Silver):
I have played with my new camera for a couple weeks now, and am continually impressed by the quality. The camera itself is built sturdy, has good weight, and looks amazing. The features on the camera have made it extremely easy to take beautiful shots while I re-learn how to take manual photos slowly. A few friends are professional photographers and have all been impressed with the camera. I haven't had a chance to do any night photography, but the pictures taken in low light look good so far. Overall, VERY HAPPY! Only downfall right now is that I now want MORE lenses!!!!!
- Ease of Operation:
- 10
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Comments about Olympus E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Silver):
Easy transition from point & shoot.
Pros
- Beautifully made
- Fast autofocus
- Full-featured
- Good in Low Light
- Large Clear LCD
- Small / Compact
- Versatile
Cons
- No Viewfinder
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
- Photography
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Olympus E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Silver):
The E-P3 is the M4/3 camera I've been waiting for. I grew tired of lugging around a huge DSLR with 24-70/2.8 three years ago and went back to my OM-1's - two of them with a prime on each and a third in the bag.
I missed the convenience and the immediate feedback from digital, but it felt good to go back to film and there just weren't any digital cameras out there that I was willing to live with any more. Though the M4/3 format seemed to have some promise, I felt like it had a way to go yet before I was willing to switch.
The E-P3 looks like it has lived up to that promise, fully realizing the potential of the M4/3 format. The AF is very fast, the image quality is very good up to 1600 ISO and sometimes further, and the out of camera JPEG's are almost always excellent. Olympus has always done an excellent job rendering color digitally and the E-P3 continues that tradition. The AF and metering are very, very good.
The ergonomics are quite good as well. Buttons are well placed, though it will take some practice to become proficient with them, which is only natural. The size is just right for me - small and light enough to carry around easily, and unobtrusive, yet not so small that it's difficult to manipulate. The build quality is top notch and the heft speaks of its quality. Most of those I've shown it to have mentioned that it's heavier than it looks.
One feature that I wasn't that interested in that I've come to appreciate - actually love! - is the ability to set it up so that one can tap the screen to almost instantaneously focus and shoot. It's incredibly fast and I've successfully captured good images of fleeting subjects with a much higher success rate than I have in the past.
In my opinion, the only thing lacking in the E-P3 is a built in view finder! Okay, maybe the size and ergonomics would be comprised if that were built in, but I'm still old school enough to miss it. Only time will tell if I'm able to acclimate myself to its absence or spring for the optional EVF. So far, I'm living with it and have to admit, may actually be adapting to it.
Another thing that should be mentioned is the flexibility and complexity of this camera. It's extremely versatile and customizable. I've owned four DSLR's and several point and shoot cameras and thought I'd reached the point where I didn't need to give the manual more than a cursory glance. Wrong!
Sure, you can turn the mode dial to iAuto and get wonderful shots - actually this isn't a bad strategy for street shooting and event photography with the touch, AF, shoot feature enabled - but in order to get the most out of the camera and set it up to your way of shooting, please be prepared to spend some serious time with the manual. Take my word for it, the effort is well worth it.
Olympus has done an excellent job with this camera, addressing the weak points of previous models and refining the strong points. This is a full featured, versatile system camera that produces wonderful images and 60 fps HD video with built-in sensor cleaning, shake reduction, a pop up flash that works well for fill plus the ability to control three groups of off camera strobes TTL wirelessly!
Oh, and I forgot to mention that it's absolutely gorgeous! The E-P3 continues the legacy of the original Pen and the OM-1 - aesthetically pleasing, well made, and innovative. It's a real classic. Maitani-san would be proud!
- Ease of Operation:
- 6
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Build quality
- Easy to Use
- Good Battery Life
- Great manual controls
- Large Clear LCD
- New lens selection
- Small / Compact
Cons
- EXPENSIVE
- Needs sensor update
- No Viewfinder
Best Uses
- Art shots
- Street shots
- Travel
Comments about Olympus E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Silver):
I had the E-P1 and waited for this for my next mFT. They really did a great job addressing the complaints of the first one, it does have lightening fast AF and great interface. Best thing about this camera is the build quality and the physical controls-- by the far the best on a small body.
I ended up returning it for now, its expensive especially when you add in the the viewfinder, and I wish they'd iterated the sensor a bit.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Great Resolution
- Large Clear LCD
- Small / Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Travel
Comments about Olympus E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 14-42mm Lens (Silver):
when my 1dmIII is to big to carry around, this camera is a perfect match for the quality of photographs I am used to.I use this camera a lot more then I thought I would.
- Ease of Operation:
- 8
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-7
Memory Cards
Required item: Memory is not included so be sure to have enough storage capacity.
- Price: $13.95
Lenses
Get a wide-angle, zoom, or other effect for various photography applications.
- Price: $299.00
Batteries & Power
Always keep a spare battery handy so you won't get caught without power.
- Price: $38.87
-
- Original: $19.95
- Save: $1.99
- Price: $17.96
Filters
Protect your lens or produce a desired visual effect.
- Price: $8.90
- Price: $35.95
Flash & Accessories
Get a flash to add light to your picture.
- Price: $169.00
Bags & Cases
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.
- Price: $17.00
Viewfinder Accessories
Adapt your camera for viewing through different angles.
- Price: $249.00
What's in the Box
- ED 14-42mm II R f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens (28-84mm Equivalent)
- Li-ion battery BLS-1
- Li-ion Battery Charger BCS-1
- USB/Video Multi Cable
- Shoulder Strap
- OLYMPUS Viewer 2/ib CD-ROM
- User's Manual
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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