• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  •  
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800

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Differences

Olympus E-PL1 advantages over Olympus E-P3

  • Less expensive
    $600 vs $900 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories

Olympus E-P3 advantages over Olympus E-PL1

  • Fast startup
    ~0.90 vs 2.2 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    536 vs 487 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dots on screen
    614k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Less shutter lag
    0.22 vs 0.95 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

  • Extremely fast autofocus; Pop-up flash and AF-assist lamp; Full HD recording; wisely limited focus for touchscreen; excellent print quality results; removable grip.

  • Larger than some competitors (see E-PL3 if you prefer a smaller camera); strong noise suppression; touchscreen easily activated by mistake; list of options is overwhelming; shoulder strap D-rings are noisy.

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic G1

Olympus E-PL1
Panasonic G1
  • $392
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $800
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Tiltable Screen
Olympus E-P3
Panasonic G1
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $800
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Olympus E-P2

Olympus E-PL1
Olympus E-P2
  • $392
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $1100
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Faster shutter
Olympus E-P3
Olympus E-P2
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $1100
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Olympus E-PL2

Olympus E-PL1
Olympus E-PL2
  • $392
  • 4/3
  • $600
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
Olympus E-P3
Olympus E-PL2
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • More dots on screen
  • $600
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive

Compared to Olympus E-PL3

Olympus E-PL1
Olympus E-PL3
  • $392
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • More dots on screen
Olympus E-P3
Olympus E-PL3
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Internal flash
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Panasonic GX1

Olympus E-PL1
Panasonic GX1
  • $392
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $950
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Fast startup
Olympus E-P3
Panasonic GX1
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup
  • $950
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Higher effective ISO
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