Olympus E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 17mm Lens (Black)
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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 a 17mm 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 m17mm f2.8 (34mm 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 Max Resolution: 12.2 MP: 4032 x 3024 |
| Sensor Type / Size | MOS, 17.3 x 13.0 mm |
| File Formats |
Still Images: JPEG, RAW Movies: AVI, MJPEG Audio: WAV |
| Memory Card Type |
SD SDHC SDXC |
| Image Stabilization | Mechanical |
| AV Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | Yes, NTSC/PAL |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 |
| Video Clip Length | Up to 7 Minutes |
| Audio Recording | With Video, Mono |
| Focus Control | |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | Auto & Manual |
| Focus Mode | Single-servo AF (S), Continuous-servo AF (C), Manual Focus (M) |
| Autofocus Points | 11 |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Screen | 2.7" Rear Screen LCD (230000) |
| Screen Coverage | 100% |
| Live View | Yes |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| ISO Sensitivity | 200-3200 |
| Shutter | 60 - 1/2000 sec |
| Metering Method | Spot metering, Center-weighted average metering |
| Exposure Modes |
Modes: Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority Compensation: -3 EV to +3 EV (in 0.33 EV steps) |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, Cloudy, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent, Kelvin, Shade |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes: Auto, Fill-in, Off, Red-eye Reduction, Second-curtain Sync, Slow Sync, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction |
| Max Sync Speed | 1 / 160 sec |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 3 fps |
| External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Self Timer | 2 sec, 12 sec |
| Connectivity | HDMI A (Full Size), HDMI C (Mini), USB 2.0 |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery | 1x BLS-1 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| Operating/Storage Temperature |
Operating 32 to 104 °F (0 to 40 °C) Humidity: 30 - 90% |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 4.51 x 2.84 x 1.63" / 11.46 x 7.21 x 4.14 cm |
| Weight | 10.44 oz / 296 g Body only |
| Kit Lens | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length |
17 mm Comparable Four Thirds and Micro 4/3 Focal Length: 34 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/2.8 Minimum: f/22 |
| Angle of View | 65° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 7.87" (19.99 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.11x |
| Groups/Elements | 4/6 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 5 |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Filter Thread | Front: 37 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.24 x 0.87" (57 x 22 mm) |
| Weight | 2.50 oz (71 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 9 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (9)
- Good image quality (9)
- Easy to use (7)
- Image stabilization (7)
- Large clear LCD (7)
Cons
- No viewfinder (3)
Best Uses
- Family photos (8)
- Travel (8)
- Landscape/scenery (7)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (9)
Reviewed by 9 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-9
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Large Clear LCD
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Olympus E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 17mm Lens (Black):
Amateur Photographer, was looking for a more portable camera than my DSLR and am so glad I chose the Pen E-P3.Light weight, feature packed and takes great pictures.
- Ease of Operation:
- 8
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
- No Viewfinder
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Olympus E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 17mm Lens (Black):
Just getting started and did not want a large DSLR camera. I can take this camera and extra lenses with me anywhere.
- Ease of Operation:
- 9
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Travel
Comments about Olympus E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 17mm Lens (Black):
I have an eclectic collection of cameras. The ones I love the most are big, bulky, and typically use film but don't use batteries. I love the discipline and focus associated with capturing images unassisted by auto-everything technology. I also have a decent semi-pro Digital SLR, and some pro-quality lenses.
So why the little E-P3?
Well, because I don't always have the luxury or the mind-space to focus exclusively on photography. I have a family, and a social life, and lugging along the Hasselblad or the dSLR demands a level of commitment to the photographic process that takes away from enjoying the other things and people I love. However, I still can't bring myself to completely leave a camera behind.
The E-P3 lets me have both worlds. It is portable, it allows me to use all my old lenses. Given practice, it is flexible and configurable enough to feel like I have as much control as I need, and the results quality-wise are enough to feel like I won't be compromising should some amazing photographic opportunity arise.
Basically, I'm enjoying it. It won't replace my other cameras, but it will probably get used more than them. I expect I'll take a whole lot of photos with it that my friends and family will love. When I have the time to focus on photography exclusively, I still drag out the big guns. But after having this camera for only short time I am certainly growing a little fond for it, and it rarely leaves my side.
- Ease of Operation:
- 7
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Large Clear LCD
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 17mm Lens (Black):
Great little camera. Very fast start up, auto focus and shutter release.
Menus are a little complicated and some functions can be hard to get to quickly.
I got it to take with me when I don't want to carry my DSLR and it's perfect for that.
Quality of images seems to be very good although I haven't shot much at high ISO yet.
Too many bells and whistles like a large assortment of effects/filters that I will never use.
Blue indicator light is way too bright and is annoying when shooting in a dark room.
- Ease of Operation:
- 7
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Video
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Olympus E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 17mm Lens (Black):
Just returned from vacation in Malaysia, and used the E-P3 with 17mm (my first fixed lens), and am very pleased with the result.
- Ease of Operation:
- 8
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Beautifully built
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- Large Clear LCD
- Quiet
Cons
- Needs f28 long tele
- Noisy At High ISO
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Olympus E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 17mm Lens (Black):
Fantastic camera that will fit in a big pocket. Not enough available to buy
(E-P3 or E-PL3). Olympus underestimated response or maybe they just exist in their own sphere of influence with none from the outer world. The pancake lens is sharp and makes the camera very convenient "walking around". Good high ISO performance but not above 1600. However, a pair of high speed prime lenses (f:2 and f:1.8 12mm & 45mm Zuiko) makes shooting at lower ISO's possible. The 1.4 million pixel ccessory electronic viewfinder (VF-2) is superb. Wished it locked on like the new cheap, lower res version (VF-3). The 28-300mm equivalent 42-150mm Zuiko zoom for E-P3 is every bit as good as my 18-200VR DX for the Nikon D7000 at half the size and weight. The speed of the auto focus lenses is very impressive. Too bad Olympus couldn't deliver on all their newly announced Micro FourThirds cameras and lenses once each was announced. Annoying long waits resulted.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
- Quiet
Cons
- No Viewfinder
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Olympus E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 17mm Lens (Black):
I use this for street photography, and it is an excellent camera for this purpose -- fast, quiet, and unobtrusive. I don't mind a lack of a viewfinder, the lcd screen is very accurate in visualizing color and light and shadow. There are guidelines to help you compose and level. I don't use high ISOs a lot, but on occasion I will do ISO 1600 (for a night time shot) and it comes out fine without too much noise. The in camera stabilization is a bonus, especially if you like to use other lenses -- in my case, a Voigtlander 25mm .95 lens. It feels good in my hand (I have large, artist painter's hands) and it feels substantial but not heavy, and not bulky. The controls are easy to use, with the spin wheel to sdjust shutter speed being slightly sensitive to pushing down on it ( and causing the menu to pop up on the lcd screen), but I got used to it by using my fingernail more than the pad of my finger. Images come out great -- sharp, and great colors. I love it!
- Ease of Operation:
- 9
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Good Image Quality
Cons
- Noisy At High ISO
- No Viewfinder
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Olympus E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 17mm Lens (Black):
I was looking for a relatively small digital camera with high quality images. I'm not a fan of DSLRs because of their bulky design, and up until recently most 4/3 cameras have been unsatisfactory for a variety of reasons. The inclusion of a fill flash on this model was a selling point. The auto focus was also greatly improved. Obviously a viewfinder like the Fuji x100 would be nice, but it has not been missed all that much. I have no real complaints because it is what I expected it to be. Its files are good for a camera this size, but not as good as a DSLR. The camera is fun to carry around and use, and it is easily transportable.
- Ease of Operation:
- 7
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Good Image Quality
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Street photography
- Travel
Comments about Olympus E-P3 PEN Digital Camera with 17mm Lens (Black):
Still getting used to the new features on this camera but it is clear already that it is going to be an extremely valuable addition to the arsenal. I bought it mainly for street photography but I can see already that this will start competing with my Nikon as the "go to" option when I have the chance to add some lens alternatives.
- Ease of Operation:
- 7
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-9
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
- m17mm f/2.8 Lens (34mm Equivalent)
- USB/Video Multi Cable
- PS-BLS1 Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery
- Lithium-Ion Battery Charger
- Shoulder Strap
- Olympus [ib] Software CD-ROM
- Instruction Manual
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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