Olympus E-PL3 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera with 14-42mm II f/3.5-5.6 Lens (Silver)

BH #RBOEPL31442S • MFR #V205031SU00B
Olympus
Key Features
  • Refurbished Products Have a 90-Day B&H Refurbished Warranty
  • 12.3MP Live MOS Sensor
  • TruePic VI Image Processor
  • Micro Four Thirds System
The Olympus E-PL3 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera with 14-42mm II f/3.5-5.6 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.
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Olympus E-PL3 Overview

  • 1Description
  • 2View the World From a Different Angle
  • 312.3Mp
  • 4Stabilization Technology in the Body, Not In the Lenses
  • 5Improved Color Reproduction
  • 6Face Detection with Eye Detect
  • 7Blazing Speed
  • 85 FPS Sequential Shooting
  • 9Advanced Continuous AF and Tracking
  • 10Improved Lens Technology
  • 11Full 1080 HD Video
  • 12In-Camera Advanced Arts Filters
  • 133D Still Shooting
  • 14In-Camera Slideshow with Sound
  • 153.0" Tilting Widescreen LCD
  • 16Excellent Shots - Effortlessly
  • 17Updated Screen Design and Live Guide
  • 18Get Wireless
  • 19AF Illuminator
  • 20Increased ISO Sensitivity
  • 21Attachable Flash Included
  • 22Expandable System
  • 23Fast Shutter Response
  • 24Accessory Port
  • 25Professional Audio Sound Capture
  • 26Easy Photo and Video Playback On Your HDTV
  • 27Multiple Exposure Shooting
  • 28Additional Aspect Ratios
  • 29Proven Dust Reduction System
  • 30ePortrait Mode
  • 31Advanced Shadow Adjustment Technology
  • 32Live View Magnification
  • 33Tele-Converter Effect
  • 34Super Control Panel
  • 35Live Control
  • 36Live Guide
  • 37Reset and Custom Setting
  • 38Image Overlay
  • 39Print Function

The Olympus E-PL3 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera with 14-42mm II f/3.5-5.6 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 M.Zuiko MSC Digital ED m14-42mm II f/3.5-5.6 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)

Olympus E-PL3 Specs

Imaging
Sensor Resolution
Effective: 12.3 Megapixel
Effective Pixels
12.3Mp
Metering Method
Multi-Zone, Spot
Screen Size
3.0" (16:9) LCD, AR (anti-reflection) coating, tilt function
0.7 x 0.5" / 17.3 x 13.0mm
460,000 pixels
Playback field of view: 100%
Brightness control: +7 levels and -7 levels
Color temperature: +7 levels and -7 levels

Live View
Type: Image Sensor (High Speed Live MOS) type
Field of view: 100%
Display mode: Normal mode; Grid Line mode (4 types); Histogram mode; Magnified View mode; Comparable View mode; Off mode
Magnification ratio: x5, x7, x10 (default), x14
Monitor information: Aperture value, shutter speed, auto bracket, AE lock, AF mode, IS, shooting mode, battery check, myset, internal temperature warning, face/eye detection, histogram, number of storable still pictures, record mode, ISO, sequential shooting, self-timer, white balance, metering mode, AF confirmation mark, exposure compensation value, spot metering area, flash mode, flash status, flash intensity control, super FP, touch panel condition, focusing length, tone control, Eye-Fi condition
Face detection: Max 8 frames
AF: High speed imager AF

Aspect Ratio
4:3, 16:9
Aspect Ratio
4:3(Default), 3:2, 16:9, 6:6, 3:4
Process: RAW: Aspect ratio is recorded as Exif data; JPEG: JPEG image is produced based on the aspect ratio
Focus Mode
Single-Servo AF, Continuous-Servo AF, Manual Focus
Flash
External Flash Connection
Shoe Mount
File Size
Video: AVCHD: 4GB max; Motion-JPEG: 2GB max
Battery Type
1 x BLS-1 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
Audio
Mic/speaker: stereo/mono
Angle of View
75° to 29°
Image Stabilizer
System: Built-in (imager shift image stabilizer)
Mode: 3 modes (IS1:2 dimensional activation, IS2:1 dimensional activation in landscape frame to vertical direction moving, IS3:1 dimensional activation in portrait frame to vertical direction moving ), OFF
Manual function: Input focal length 8, 10, 12, 16, 18, 24, 28, 30, 35, 40, 48, 50, 55, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 100, 105, 120, 135, 150, 180, 200, 210, 250, 300, 350, 400, 500, 600, 800, 1000
Shutter speed range: 2 - 1/4000 seconds (Not available in bulb)
IS for movie: Shifting electronic image (Digital IS, IS1 modes)
Minimum Focus Distance
9.8" / 24.89 cm
Optical Design
8 Elements in 7 Groups
Focusing
AF system: Imager Contrast Detection AF system (With AF compatible lens)
Focus mode: Single AF (S-AF); Continuous AF (C-AF); Manual Focus (MF); S-AF + MF; AF tracking (C-AF + TR); C-AF and AF tracking are not available with non-Micro Four Thirds lenses
Advance AF: Available
Focusing point: 35-are multiple AF with the contrast detection system (Auto, selectable in option)
Focusing point selection: Auto from 35-areas; 9 Group Target areas; Auto when face detection is on; Free selection when Magnified View Mode is selected
Illuminator: Available
AF lock: Locked at first position of shutter button in Single AF mode
Focus tracking: Available
Magnified Spot AF: Available
Face priority AF/Eye Detect AF: Available; Eye Detect AF: Off; Near side eye priority mode; Right side eye priority mode; Left side eye priority mode
Manual focus assist: When rotation of focus ring is detected under S-AF+MF or MF mode, LV is magnified automatically
Diaphragm Blades
7
Exposure Control
Movie: Exposure mode: (1) P: Program AE; (2) A: Aperture priority AE; (3) S: Shutter speed priority AE; (4) M:Manual; (5) Art Filter
Dimensions (ø x L)
2.2 x 1.9" / 5.59 x 4.83 cm
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.15 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
6.8 x 5.5 x 4.2"

Olympus E-PL3 Reviews

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