Olympus PEN E-PL3 - The LITE Sibling
The Olympus PEN E-PL3 is a good alternative for those who prefer a smaller and more handy version of the E-P3. Under the hood, it shares the same 12-megapixel sensor and dual-core TruePic VI processing engine as its more expensive sibling. We show you what this minute snapper can do.
Shooting Lite
The E-PL series has always been positioned as the more affordable and simplified alternatives to their flagship E-P cameras. Add in some slight shuffling and the latest E-PL3 camera (now dubbed the PEN Lite) now stands in between its higher-end cousin (E-P3) and a simpler, smaller series, the E-PM1 or otherwise known as PEN Mini. The mid-range E-PL3, replacing the half-year old E-PL2, still offers a combination of functionality and performance traits within a smaller package.
Classy is its middle name. Meet the Olympus PEN E-PL3, a classic looking version of the high profile E-P3 cousin.
Design & Handling
Off the bat, the E-PL3 takes a slight detour from its predecessor’s retro look; instead it takes on the understated and minimalist design that’s reminiscent of the Olympus XZ-1. The overall result is classy, sleek and pleasing to the eye. Like the XZ-1, the E-PL3’s front is flat and made out of lacquered metal. To streamline the size and thickness of the camera, there’s no hand grip or built-in flash on the camera. Instead, for the latter, you get a clip-on unit that utilizes both the hot shoe and accessory port. The lack of a hand grip keeps the camera small – and in some cases, too small and flat in fact for comfortable handling while shooting.
The selling point for the E-PL3 is noticeably its sturdily-built 3.0-inch tilt screen, a handy addition for a EVF-less camera; take note though, it is not a touchscreen like the one on the E-P3. Overall, the E-PL3 is a solidly-constructed looker with accessible and well-made controls that are further enhanced by a straightforward user interface. There might be a steep learning curve for those who have never encountered an Olympus camera in their lives, but the interface is generally easy to use once you get the hang of it.
The E-PL3’s front is flat and made out of lacquered metal. A lack of a handgrip makes it slightly cumbersome for those looking to shoot for an extended period of time.
The lack of a flash makes the top less cluttered. Nonetheless, all essential buttons are still located on the top within easy reach - mode dial, shutter and power buttons.
Like its E-P3 cousin, the E-PL3 comes with a reworked and more modern user interface.
While the tilting LCD screen is a little stiff when it comes to adjusting the necessary viewing angle that you desire, it feels solidly-built and resistant to wear-and-tear.
The E-PL3 is shipped with a compact flash accessory that uses both the hot shot and accessory port. It is easy to attach on and comes with a secure locking mechanism; the downside is that you cannot use the optional EVF accessory with it on.
Image Performance
The EP-3 and the E-PL3 might differ in terms of aesthetics but they share the same sensor and internals – both come with a 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, the latest TruePic VI image processing engine and a 35-point AF system (full specs listing). Needless to say, they are identical in terms of performance.
Compared to its E-PL2 predecessor, the E-PL3 sports a better processor, better AF system and higher ISO capabilities over its predecessor but retains useful traits like an in-camera raw conversion and art filters.
Like the E-P3, the E-PL3 scores a decent resolution score of 1800 x 1600 LPH (vertical and horizontal) on our charts with images that are detailed and defined. However, its ISO performance takes a slight beating – things are fine and clean till ISO800, with smudging of details and noise making an appearance from ISO1600 onwards. We don’t recommend shooting above that as the image quality starts to take a huge dip right after – at ISO12800, images are barely usable. Otherwise, there are plenty of positive things to like: color production is brilliant, and auto-focusing is speedy and accurate.
100% crop of our resolution test.
100% crop of our resolution test.
ISO200, 100% crop of our test scene.
ISO320, 100% crop of our test scene.
ISO800, 100% crop of our test scene.
ISO1250, 100% crop of our test scene.
ISO1600, 100% crop of our test scene.
ISO2000, 100% crop of our test scene.
ISO2500, 100% crop of our test scene.
ISO5000, 100% crop of our test scene.
ISO8000, 100% crop of our test scene.
ISO12800, 100% crop of our test scene.
Sample Photos
These are sample photographs shot with Olympus PEN E-PL3. The photos have not been post-processed and are copyright to SPH Magazines. They are provided for your reference only and we ask that you do not reproduce them elsewhere. Click for the full-resolution images.
f/4.5 at 24mm (35mm equivalent), 1/200 sec, ISO200.
f/13 at 23mm (35mm equivalent), 1/100 sec, ISO800.
f/3.9 at 18mm (35mm equivalent), 1/10 sec, IS1600.
f/3.8 at 17mm (35mm equivalent), 1/5 sec, IS1600.
f/5.6 at 17mm (35mm equivalent), 1/30 sec, ISO6400.
f/4.2 at 22mm (35mm equivalent), 1/80 sec, IS12800.
Conclusion
The Olympus E-PL3 is an affordable option that appeals to the camera enthusiasts looking to transit from compacts. It offers the same level of performance as its higher-end sibling, the E-P3, but in a smaller body that comes with a tilting LCD screen. No doubt it still has its flaws – lack of a hand grip or built-in flash –, but if you are willing to overlook them, you will have in your hands a very capable and classy-looking camera.
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