Olympus PEN E-PL3From real comments

Verdict distilled from 30 mentions across 13 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment69%
PROS 69%
CONS 31%

Rank based on 30 mentions across 13 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a cheap, compact metal-bodied MFT camera for travel or learning photography
  • You value color/contrast rendering straight out of camera over dev software tweaking
  • You're fine using an add-on EVF or shooting mostly outdoors

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need reliable autofocus indoors in moderate lighting
  • You want a built-in viewfinder and touchscreen
  • You need dual control dials for quick manual exposure adjustments

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choiceBest value
1Budget
Outstanding ValueStrong Autofocus PerformanceExcellent Image Quality and ColorRising Price Compared to Original Z5Video Compression Artifacts and Rolling ShutterAutofocus Tracking Inconsistencies
Outstanding Value
Strong Autofocus Performance
Excellent Image Quality and Color
Rising Price Compared to Original Z5
Video Compression Artifacts and Rolling Shutter
Autofocus Tracking Inconsistencies
2Mid
Distinctive color rendering / X-Trans II sensorExcellent with vintage and manual-focus lensesTactile dial-based controlsSingle SD card slotDimmer EVF than newer bodiesLower megapixel count limits cropping flexibility
Distinctive color rendering / X-Trans II sensor
Excellent with vintage and manual-focus lenses
Tactile dial-based controls
Single SD card slot
Dimmer EVF than newer bodies
Lower megapixel count limits cropping flexibility
3Mid
Autofocus performanceFun and emotional shooting experienceImage quality and low-light performanceErgonomics require an added gripHeavier than expectedLimited retro-styled lens lineup
Autofocus performance
Fun and emotional shooting experience
Image quality and low-light performance
Ergonomics require an added grip
Heavier than expected
Limited retro-styled lens lineup
4Premium
Exceptional 61MP Resolution
Exceptional 61MP Resolution
5Mid
Excellent Z-mount lensesImage quality & color scienceImproved autofocus performanceAwkward Auto ISO and menu workflowIncremental upgrade over original Z6No flip-out/articulating screen
Excellent Z-mount lenses
Image quality & color science
Improved autofocus performance
Awkward Auto ISO and menu workflow
Incremental upgrade over original Z6
No flip-out/articulating screen
6Mid
Autofocus improvements for videoBuilt-in live streamingStrong value at discounted pricingAutofocus still lags competitorsUSB power bank compatibility issuesMenu system requires adjustment
Autofocus improvements for video
Built-in live streaming
Strong value at discounted pricing
Autofocus still lags competitors
USB power bank compatibility issues
Menu system requires adjustment
7Budget
Distinctive color rendering
Distinctive color rendering
8Budget
Compact, travel-friendly systemFun, characterful shooting experienceOutstanding image stabilizationLimited autofocus for actionOlympus pricing and company uncertaintyNo weather sealing
Compact, travel-friendly system
Fun, characterful shooting experience
Outstanding image stabilization
Limited autofocus for action
Olympus pricing and company uncertainty
No weather sealing
9Premium
Versatile tilt/flip screenImproved autofocus and trackingImproved IBIS and low-light performanceSensor readout largely unchangedBattery grip fitment issuesNot ideal for fast-action/wildlife shooters
Versatile tilt/flip screen
Improved autofocus and tracking
Improved IBIS and low-light performance
Sensor readout largely unchanged
Battery grip fitment issues
Not ideal for fast-action/wildlife shooters
10Premium
Strong, adaptive autofocus for wildlife/sportsRugged build and comfortable ergonomicsExceptional battery lifeAutofocus struggles in specific scenariosLarge size and weightEVF resolution criticized by some
Strong, adaptive autofocus for wildlife/sports
Rugged build and comfortable ergonomics
Exceptional battery life
Autofocus struggles in specific scenarios
Large size and weight
EVF resolution criticized by some
You are here
31Budget
Olympus PEN E-PL3
Great value / cheap secondhand pricingGood learning/beginner cameraImage quality and colorFiddly single control wheel16:9-oriented screen for a 4:3 stills cameraAge-related hardware issues
Olympus PEN E-PL3
Great value / cheap secondhand pricing
Good learning/beginner camera
Image quality and color
Fiddly single control wheel
16:9-oriented screen for a 4:3 stills camera
Age-related hardware issues

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Owners consistently praise the E-PL3's image quality and color for the price. Multiple commenters highlight that the camera produces great colors and contrast straight out of camera, with one saying they never feel the need to adjust images in editing software. Another calls the old sensor 'magic' and says new cameras aren't strictly needed. Several buyers picked up units cheaply (from $79 to $230) and were pleasantly surprised by the results, including one describing black and white shots that look like film.

The single rear control wheel and lack of a viewfinder are recurring ergonomic complaints. Several users found the back wheel fiddly, with one saying they can't use it in normal shooting until they find the 'wheel lock' setting in the dial menu. Another commenter says they can't imagine buying a camera at this price without a built-in viewfinder, calling the clip-on EVF add-on 'dorky.' A different reviewer notes their older EPL2 needs a similar workaround for wheel presses. The optional EVF and grip accessories are appreciated once installed, though not built-in.

Autofocus performance splits opinion between fast-in-daylight and struggling indoors. One commenter calls the AF 'vastly overrated,' saying it struggles and often misses focus in moderate indoor lighting compared to a Panasonic GF2, leading them to return the camera. Conversely another user defends the EPL3's AF speed, citing 5.5fps versus a rival's 3.8fps and calling it among the fastest autofocus on Four Thirds at the time. This suggests results vary heavily by lighting conditions and lens used.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?