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Olympus E-PL3 Digital Camera with 14-42mm II Lens (Black)

  • Price: $599.99
  • B&H # OLEPL31442B
  • Mfr# V205031BU000

Product Highlights

  • 12.3MP
  • Micro 4/3 Camera
  • High Speed Live MOS Sensor
  • TruePic VI Image Processor
  • 3.0" Tilt LCD with AR Coating
  • M.Zuiko MSC Digital ED 14-42mm II Zoom
  • SD Memory Card Slot
  • 1080/60i HD Video Capture
  • 3D Photo Mode
  • TTL Metering

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Remember the Essentials

A memory card is required but not included with this item. Please be sure to purchase a memory card that suits your needs.

The Olympus E-PL3 Digital Camera with 14-42mm II Lens puts the power to do more with your photos in the palm of your hand. Not only that, but the E-PL3 promises to do so, without weighing you down. Perhaps you're a die-hard Micro Four Thirds fan or you're simply looking for more versatility than a point-and-shoot can provide but without the weight of a DSLR rig. Olympus has heard the call and thus, has expanded their PEN line of cameras.

This E-PL3 comes with an mZuiko MSC Digital ED m14-42mm II f3.5/5.6 zoom lens. You can start shooting from day one with everything you need to make great photos. This versatile zoom gives you the coverage to shoot most subject matter, making it a great first lens. Using the Micro Four Thirds Mount, however, you can add any of the compatible lenses to the E-PL3 to customize the camera for the shooting you plan to do. In addition to the included lens, the camera also comes with an external flash for low light photography and a host of other essential accessories.

Along with capturing RAW and JPEG images, the E-PL3 also takes 3D photos in the MPO format. And, as is one of the hallmarks of the Micro Four Thirds genre, the camera also records 1080/60i HD video in AVCHD or AVI Motion-JPEG formats. Up to 29 minutes of video can be recorded using the camera. Features like Live View and a generous 3.0", tiltable LCD screen help to capture even more dynamic footage with ease.

Driving all this picture taking and movie making would be the 12.3Mp High speed Live MOS Sensor and the TruePic VI image processor. These two work in tandem to not only record remarkably detailed and bright images, but to do so quickly and efficiently, writing them to compatible SD/SDHC/SDXC, or UHS-I cards. Another helpful feature aiding in the image making process would be the in-camera image stabilization, which promises a cleaner image than image stabilization in the lens alone. Olympus' FAST AF System also does its part to help capture stunning images with its 35-point focus area; making it especially useful for shooting active subjects.

Of course, art filters and other modes help add creativity to your memories, in camera. Additional in-camera editing features include the ability to make slideshows with sound, and the ability to preview effects as you adjust them. The E-PL3 also provides you the option to wireless transmit your photos or videos to email with optional, compatible cards, for computer-free transfer. What else you ask? Well, how about improved color reproduction, face detection with eye detect, 5 fps sequential shooting, and much more. Olympus wants you to enjoy picture taking without feeling weighed down or locked into point-and-shoot. With their E-PL3, you can do just that.

View the World From a Different Angle
You love preserving memories, but you're ready for more creativity. More control. More options for capturing unforgettable images. The E-PL3 inspires innovation and is perfect for those who require a versatile, portable camera filled with advanced yet easy-to-use creative technologies. Its high-resolution 3" articulating LCD features an interface that makes it easy to access the effects you want from any angle
12.3Mp
The 12.3Mp Live MOS sensor is optimized to maximize the performance of all m.Zuiko digital lenses in any shooting condition. Improvements to the sensitivity and read-out speed of the existing sensor makes ISO 12,800 shooting and Full HD movie recording possible
Stabilization Technology in the Body, Not In the Lenses
Say goodbye to blurry images. Olympus' in-body image stabilization technology makes it possible to use any Micro Four Thirds lenses (or Four Thirds lens), from wide-angle to telephoto, for perfectly clear, crisp photos no matter what the shooting situation, even in low light
Improved Color Reproduction
The TruePic VI Image Processor, designed specifically for the Olympus PEN, features Real Color Technology for improved color reproduction (especially colors such as emerald green, yellow, and gold) and color gradation. The faster processor also allows for a shorter recovery time between shots
Face Detection with Eye Detect
Nail the focus for every portrait photo, every time. The face detection AF employs an "Eye Detect AF" that adjusts focus automatically on the subject's eyes during portrait shooting and can even be adjusted to focus on the right, left or near-side eye. The Face Detection function captures up to eight faces, reducing the chance of blurred subjects when shooting several people at once
Blazing Speed
The FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology) AF System is able to focus at an incredible speed and offers 35 separate focus points that are spread over nearly the entire sensor, which makes it possible for pin-point accurate focusing on small subjects wherever they appear in the frame. Selectable 3x3 groups within the 35-point area are especially effective when shooting active subjects
5 FPS Sequential Shooting
With the E-PL3 you can take up to five photos a second, allowing you to easily capture that perfect shot, especially when your subject is moving
Advanced Continuous AF and Tracking
With the improved AF system, the AF Tracking function locks your subject into focus and continuously adjusts focus and brightness even if the subject disappears from view momentarily
Improved Lens Technology
High-precision engineering and an improved internal focusing mechanism have allowed the Olympus MSC (Movie+Still Compatible) lenses to auto focus quickly, smoothly and silently, perfect for stills and movies
Full 1080 HD Video
Shoot up to 29 minutes of 1080/60i HD video and stereo sound in either AVCHD or AVI formats. A Direct HD Movie Button switches you from still to movie mode with just the press of a button
In-Camera Advanced Arts Filters
Six in-camera Art Filters (Pop Art, Soft Focus, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama and Dramatic Tone) are enhanced by filter variations, art effects, and bracketing. Photographers can use Art Filters in all shooting modes as well as filming HD movies
3D Still Shooting
Add a different dimension to your photographs in any mode from macro to landscape with Olympus' 3D technology. By simply selecting the 3D Photo Mode, releasing the shutter, and slowly panning, the camera will automatically take 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
In-Camera Slideshow with Sound
Slideshows have never been easier or more fun to create. The E-PL3's enhanced playback functions allow you to employ effective fade-in/fade-out techniques, control the movie/still mix and speed, add captivating musical soundtracks, and much more
3.0" Tilting Widescreen LCD
This bright, 460k dot high-resolution screen tilts up and down (from 80 degrees up to 45 degrees) to capture moments from a variety of angles. This tilting LCD can empower you to get flexible with your photography; to rise above the crowd to capture graduations, stoop to eye-level as babies take their first steps, and even lower to the ground to get an adorable shot of the family pet
Excellent Shots - Effortlessly
iAuto automatically identifies the scene you're shooting - portrait, landscape, night portrait, macro, or sport - and adjusts the settings to optimize results. The E-PL3 is also equipped with 23 Scene-Select modes for effortless picture taking, including Fireworks, Sunset, Children, Macro and Panorama, to name a few. There are even three scene modes that are specific to shooting with Olympus' conversion lenses to optimize the performance of those lenses
Updated Screen Design and Live Guide
The E-PL3's Live Guide system allows you to preview effects as you adjust them - before the image is even captured. Simply select Live Guide and turn the wheel on the back of the camera to slide through numerous photographic effects, such as brightness, color saturation, tone, etc.

Operating the camera is more intuitive with the newly designed user interface. The on-screen graphics have also been updated with a sleeker font design and an automatic pop-up guide in the menu screen

Get Wireless
No need for cables or even a computer. Upload or email images directly from your camera with an optional PP-1 PENPAL or Eye-Fi card. The E-PL3 is also capable of recording stills and video to SD, SDHC, SDXC and UHS-I media cards
AF Illuminator
The addition of this super luminosity LED beam allows the camera to focus faster in low light up to almost 10 feet
Increased ISO Sensitivity
Stunning low light photos are a click away with an increased ISO sensitivity to 12,800
Attachable Flash Included
This camera provides the flexibility to attach a flash to your camera via the accessory port, or leave it at home for maximum portability
Expandable System
A range of interchangeable lenses, accessories and strobes are compatible with the E-PL3 to support all different types of photography needs
Fast Shutter Response
Never miss a shot again with the E-PL3's fast shutter response time of less than 60 milliseconds (60 - 1/40000 sec.). The TruePic VI feature allows for reduced shot-to-shot time by shortening the black-out time between shots
Accessory Port
The E-PL3 incorporates a port for connecting accessories including flashes, PENPAL, MAL-1 Macro Light, EMA-1 Microphone adapter and the VF-2 viewfinder
Professional Audio Sound Capture
Take videos that are able to capture uncompressed CD-quality 16bit/44.1kHz Linear PCM stereo recording or AC3 Dolby Digital audio
Easy Photo and Video Playback On Your HDTV
The E-PL3 makes sharing your content easy. Using the HDMI output, just connect the E-PL3 to your HDTV with an HDMI cable (not included) and navigate the camera's menus from the comfort of your couch. This is perfect for sharing your pictures and movies with an audience
Multiple Exposure Shooting
The Multiple Exposure function enables you to be creative right in the camera. Multiple images can be captured and combined to create one unique image. The creative possibilities are endless
Additional Aspect Ratios
The E-PL3 lets you select one of five aspect ratios (4:3 / 3:2 / 16:9 / 6:6 / 3:4) that frame your images to whatever proportions you'd like, for everything from conventional enlargements to viewing on widescreen monitors
Proven Dust Reduction System
Olympus' Dust Reduction System assures spot-free images, even after changing lenses. Every time you turn on the camera, the patented Supersonic Wave Filter silently vibrates, flinging and collecting dust so that it doesn't interfere with the picture imaging at any time
ePortrait Mode
Capturing beautiful portraits is easy with the ePortrait Mode that enables you to soften shadows and smooth your subject's complexion either before image capture or during post-capture edits
Advanced Shadow Adjustment Technology
You no longer need to worry about the extreme contrast between dark and bright areas in your images. The E-PL3's Shadow Adjustment Technology corrects for extreme light variations with high-tech efficiency either before image capture or during post-capture edits
Live View Magnification
For accurate manual focusing, MF Assist can be enabled during S-AF + MF operation. With it you can zoom in on the central part of the image by up to five times by turning the focus ring
Tele-Converter Effect
x2
Super Control Panel
Shooting information
Battery information, Shooting mode, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure compensation value, ISO sensitivity
Exposure compensation indicator, Exposure indicator, Flash intensity compensation indicator, Date, Auto BKT setting
NR setting, WB, WB compensation value, Record mode, Flash Status, Record mode, Image size
Drive mode, Flash intensity compensation value, Metering mode, Recordable still image number, Focusing mode
AF frame, Color space, Sharpness, Contrast, Saturation, Internal Temperature Warning
Gradation, IS activating mode, Face detection, My Mode, Multi Exposure, Aspect Ratio, Super FP
Live Control
Shooting information
Battery information, Shooting mode, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure compensation value, ISO sensitivity
Exposure compensation indicator, Exposure indicator, Flash intensity compensation indicator, Date, Auto BKT setting
NR setting, WB, Record mode, Flash Status, Image size
Drive mode, Flash intensity compensation value, Metering mode, Recordable still image number, Focusing mode
AF frame, Internal Temperature Warning, IS activating mode, Face detection, My Mode, Multi Exposure, Aspect Ratio
Live Guide
Setting menu
Color saturation, Color image, Brightness, Blur Background, Express Motion, Shooting Tips
Reset and Custom Setting
My mode: 4 setting recordable
Image Overlay
Up to 3 RAW images
Print Function
Print reservation (DPOF), Direct print (PictBridge compatible)
Imaging
Lens Mount Micro Four Thirds
Camera Format Micro Four Thirds (2x Crop Factor)
Resolution Effective Pixels: 12.3 Megapixels
Max Resolution: 12.3 MP: 4032 x 3024
Sensor Type / Size CMOS, 17.3 x 13.0 mm
File Formats Still Images: JPEG, RAW
Movies: AVI, MJPEG, MPEG-4 AVCHD
Memory Card Type SD
SDHC
SDXC
Image Stabilization Mechanical
AV Recording
Video Recording Yes
Aspect Ratio 4:3, 16:9
Video Clip Length Up to 29 Minutes
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
Display Screen 3" Rear Screen Tilting  LCD (460000)
Screen Coverage 100%
Live View Yes
Exposure Control
ISO Sensitivity 200-12800
Shutter 60 - 1/4000 sec
Metering Method Spot metering, Multi-zone metering
Exposure Modes Modes: Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority
Compensation: -3 EV to +3 EV (in 0.33 EV steps)
White Balance Modes Auto, Cloudy, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent, Shade, Underwater
Flash
Continuous Shooting Up to 5.5 fps
External Flash Connection Hot Shoe
Performance
Self Timer 2 sec, 12 sec
Connectivity 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) 4.31 x 2.5 x 1.5" / 10.95 x 6.35 x 3.81 cm
Weight 9.34 oz / 265  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 - 5.6
Minimum: f/22 - 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
Image Stabilization No
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
OlympusE-PL3 Digital Camera with 14-42mm II Lens (Black)
 
4.8

(based on 10 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (8)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Easy to use (9)
  • Compact (6)
  • Fast shutter speed (6)
  • Large clear LCD (6)
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (4)

Cons

  • No viewfinder (3)

Best Uses

  • Travel (8)
  • Family photos (6)
  • Macro photography (4)
  • Low light (3)
  • Weddings (3)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (6)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (9)

Reviewed by 10 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-10

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4.0

Beauty and beast

By goba

from New York

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Easy To Use
  • Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
  • Fast Shutter Speed
  • Good Image Quality
  • High ISO Performance
  • Large Clear LCD
  • Quiet
  • Tilt /Swivel LCD

Cons

  • Short Battery Life

Best Uses

  • Family Photos
  • Landscape/Scenery
  • Travel

Comments about Olympus E-PL3 Digital Camera with 14-42mm II Lens (Black):

Very good dinamic range,color match to original,clear picture,fast focus.Flash is working great.Vaiting for adapter to try my nikon lenses for fun.B&H is good place to shop!

  • Ease of Operation:
  • 7

Share this review

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

Amazing quality at a fantastic value

By Matt

from Massachusetts

About Me Casual Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Easy To Use
  • Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
  • Good Image Quality
  • Solid Build

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Family Photos
    • Travel
    • Weddings/Events

    Comments about Olympus E-PL3 Digital Camera with 14-42mm II Lens (Black):

    As an avid hiker, I was looking for a solidly built camera with SLR quality and control, with point and shoot size. The E-PL3 is perfect! The camera has a very high quality feel to it. The lens control is very smooth. Other micro 4/3 lenses i've played with felt cheap. The control functions for manual settings are a breeze. After playing with my new camera for only a few days, I was switching over to manual mode and taking beautiful photographs. The iAuto mode is very nice for someone who just wants to turn the camera on and start clicking away.

    • Ease of Operation:
    • 9
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

    (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    My first Micro 4/3 Camera

    By Newb

    from Georgia

    About Me Photo Enthusiast

    Pros

    • Easy To Use
    • Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
    • Fast Shutter Speed
    • Good Image Quality
    • Good Image Stabilization
    • Large Clear LCD
    • Quiet
    • Tilt /Swivel LCD

    Cons

    • No Viewfinder
    • Poor In Low Light

    Best Uses

    • Family Photos
    • Landscape/Scenery
    • Travel
    • Video
    • Wildlife photos

    Comments about Olympus E-PL3 Digital Camera with 14-42mm II Lens (Black):

    This camera is amazing for such a small size. The build quality is outstanding! It feels great in your hand. I like how much you can customize the camera. Coming from a EOS 50D I was tired of carrying around all the weight, also I as worried it would not hold up to the 50D's image quality but I was wrong it is almost as good. The tilt screen is a must have for me now and I would not buy another camera without one.

    • Ease of Operation:
    • 9
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    My second EPL3

    By Athoskat

    from Sparks, NV

    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easy To Use
    • Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
    • Good Image Quality
    • Good Image Stabilization
    • Large Clear LCD
    • Quiet

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Street Shooting
      • Travel

      Comments about Olympus E-PL3 Digital Camera with 14-42mm II Lens (Black):

      This is my second EPL#, the first one was defeactive(Hot Shoe Defective),I have sent it back to B & H. The second worked as it should and for me is a wonderful street camera with its small size and speed of operation. I would recommend this to anyone interested in a street camera.

      • Ease of Operation:
      • 10
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

      (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Truly great

      By kanasgowatom

      from Brevard N.C.

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Easy to Use
      • Large Clear LCD
      • Small / Compact

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Macro Photography
        • Wildlife photos

        Comments about Olympus E-PL3 Digital Camera with 14-42mm II Lens (Black):

        This camera replaces my Nikon D200. So far so good. Without getting involved with the physics of photography this PEN PL3 has brought excitement back to my photography. It is small and light to carry very unobtrusive. I feel like a kid again with my first Nikkormat. I am excited by the expanding array of lenses and other optics.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

        (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Small, light,great results

        By Kanasgowatom

        from Brevard NC

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Pros

        • Easy to Use
        • Fast Shutter Speed
        • Good in Low Light
        • Small / Compact

        Cons

        • No Viewfinder

        Best Uses

        • Cityscapes
        • Indoors/Low Light
        • Landscapes
        • Macro Photography
        • Nature

        Comments about Olympus E-PL3 Digital Camera with 14-42mm II Lens (Black):

        I have been waiting a long time for a small camera that can do all the things my DSLR can do. The E-PL3 is the answer!! I can only see a very long and rewarding relationship between myself and the Olympus Family. The results are stunning, low light situations are not a problem. Just an amazing product. And of course, as usual, dealing with B&H is not ever a problem.

        Tom Franzson Brevard NC

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

        (7 of 8 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        gf1 replacement

        By rafael

        from colombia

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy to Use
        • Fast Shutter Speed
        • Great Resolution
        • Small / Compact

        Cons

        • Poor in Low Light

        Best Uses

        • Family Photos
        • Travel
        • Video

        Comments about Olympus E-PL3 Digital Camera with 14-42mm II Lens (Black):

        I'm not saying you should replace your gf1 with the e-pl3 but I had no choice as my gf1 was stolen. I am happy after more than a week. I had always been attracted by the pen line but found the autofocus too slow and size too big. This size is almost perfect although a grip would make it more comfortable. The e-pm1 was just too simple for me and not much smaller and with a tilt screen and a few more buttons this was a better choice for me. I use a viewfinder but tilt screen has been great when using my small zipshot tripod. E-p3 is too big. I appreciate the ibis, jpgs and art filters that come with the pens. Fun. Easy. I am using it with the vf-3 which is better than the one on my previous gf1 and my main way of composing ( hence gf3 was not an option, also due to batt life). Also actually looks good on the e-pl3 in my opinion. Haven't needed the clip on flash but it is small and unobtrusive. Don't really use the kit lens as i have better lenses, but i can say it is fasr and quiet to focus. Don't miss the touchscreen. I am not seeing an improvement in picture quality but it is a little better in low light than the gf1. Love the shutter and overall look. Taking everywhere.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        4.0

        Olympus E-PL3/14-42mm II Lens

        By rowandesign

        from Oakland, CA

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Fast Shutter Speed
        • Good in Low Light
        • Great Resolution
        • Great Zoom
        • Large Clear LCD
        • Small / Compact

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Family Photos
          • Indoors/Low Light
          • Macro Photography
          • Sports/Action
          • Travel
          • Weddings/Events
          • Wildlife photos

          Comments about Olympus E-PL3 Digital Camera with 14-42mm II Lens (Black):

          So far I am very pleased with the camera. I will need time to gain the skills necessary to use properly. I particularly like that it gives many features of a DSLR, yet in a compact package. It will come in handy in the field. And it will allow me to reconnect with manual skills.
          I can't wait to get some extra lenses.

          • Ease of Operation:
          • 8
          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

          (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Best 4/3 camera for me

          By dennisk

          from California

          About Me Casual Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Articulated screen
          • Easy to Use
          • Fast Auto Focus
          • Good in Low Light
          • Small / Compact

          Cons

          • No Viewfinder

          Best Uses

          • Indoors/Low Light
          • Travel

          Comments about Olympus E-PL3 Digital Camera with 14-42mm II Lens (Black):

          Moving up from a point and shoot camera. I didn't want to carry around the large DSLR camera and all of it's gear on my travels. This camera is exactly what I was hoping for and more. It's even smaller than I imagined though it's bigger than my P&S. The images are so sharp and taking nice usable pictures in low light i.e indoors or sunset are now possible. The camera feels solid and well built. The shutter feels/sounds like my old film SLR camera from 20 years ago which is something I forgot about. I use two hands to shoot so I don't find the need to add a 3rd party grips on the front yet. It took me a while to learn all the buttons and controls and I'm still learning but once you do, it's pretty easy to change the settings. I don't even want to imagine how long it would have taken me to learn all the buttons on a full sized DSLR! The best feature of the camera... the tilt screen!

          • Ease of Operation:
          • 8
          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

          (24 of 24 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Nice, very nice!

          By Dmstraton

          from Closter, NZj

          About Me Semi-Pro Photographer

          Verified Reviewer

          Pros

          • Auto focus FAST
          • Build quality excellent
          • Color rendition
          • Easy to Use
          • Fast Shutter Speed
          • Large Clear LCD
          • Small / Compact

          Cons

          • Short Battery Life

          Best Uses

          • Family Photos
          • Macro Photography
          • Travel
          • Weddings/Events

          Comments about Olympus E-PL3 Digital Camera with 14-42mm II Lens (Black):

          This is an exceptionally well built little camera, with fantastic AF, no shutter lag, good looks and very good ergonomics. I have a 5D II as my "serious" camera and wanted something smaller. I originally purchased a Panasonic GH2, a nice camera with good ergonomics and incredible features, but bigger than I wanted. I was never quite convinced by the color rendition which tended towards blue-green either, more post than I wanted to deal with. Read up on the new Olympus line up and it sounded interesting. I didn't find the tiny Panasonics my cup of tea - too much plastic.

          The build is great - solid, with some heft and a nice thumb grip - no cheap plastics for any key controls. Not a fully articulated screen but good enough and the image quality is very good, with nice accurate colors. The AF is astounding, really, incredibly accurate and crazy fast...blows my 5D away...with easy access to 35 focus points. Continuous tracking AF works very well. Continuous shooting surprisingly very good, and 5fps works as advertised - doesn't seem jam up the buffer as much as my GH2.

          Image quality I think is very good. Tried the kit lens and my 20 1.7 Panny. The kit was not too bad, certainly good enough and incredibly small and light, but the 20 is very good performer and better built. I have converted unaltered RAWs to TIFF and run these through my typical workflow. So far so good. The color rendition OOC is incredibly good. WB consistently excellent, exposure excellent. JPEGS look really good. I can't compare this new sensor to previous Pens, but I can to the GH2. I like the colour rendition better, and the DR seems very good, maybe a little better rendering of highlights. 12 MP is enough for what I wanted.

          No, I won't be comparing image quality to APS-C or my Full Frame, what's the point? You know the answer. But that is not why I got this camera. I wanted a small good image quality camera, with good performance in AF. With the 20 1.7 on this camera , I have what I want. Highly recommend.

          • Ease of Operation:
          • 8
          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

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          Memory Cards

          Required item: Memory is not included so be sure to have enough storage capacity.

          SanDisk -  8GB SDHC Memory Card Extreme Class 10
          • Price: $13.95
           

          Lenses

          Get a wide-angle, zoom, or other effect for various photography applications.

          Olympus -  M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 R Lens (Black)
          • Price: $299.00
           

          Batteries & Power

          Always keep a spare battery handy so you won't get caught without power.

          Olympus -  PS-BLS1 Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery
          • Price: $38.87
           
          Pearstone -  PS-BLS1 Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (7.2V, 1100mAh)
            • Original: $19.95
            • Save: $1.99
          • Price: $17.96
           

          Filters

          Protect your lens or produce a desired visual effect.

          Tiffen -  37mm UV Protector Filter
          • Price: $8.90
           
          Tiffen -  37mm Circular Polarizing Filter
          • Price: $35.95
           

          Flash & Accessories

          Get a flash to add light to your picture.

          Olympus -  FL-300R Wireless Flash for PEN Cameras
          • Price: $169.00
           

          Bags & Cases

          Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.

          Olympus -  Pen Casual Case for EP-1, EP2 or EPL-1 Pen Digital Cameras
          • Price: $8.99
           

          Viewfinder Accessories

          Adapt your camera for viewing through different angles.

          Olympus -  VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder (Black)
          • Price: $249.00
           
          View all Accessories
          HDSLR Audio & Video Related Accessories

          What's in the Box

          Olympus E-PL3 Digital Camera with 14-42mm II Lens (Black)
           
           
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