• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  •  
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 6400

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Differences

Olympus E-PL3 advantages over Panasonic GF5

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.3 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    9 vs 5 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Panasonic GF5 advantages over Olympus E-PL3

  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Fast startup
    ~1.40 vs 2.1 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    618 vs 499 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    11.6 vs 10.2 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Higher-res screen
    307k vs 153k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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

User reviews

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Buy the Panasonic GF5

Review Excerpt

  • Small body pairs nicely with compact, retractable Power Zoom lens. Extremely fast autofocus. Worthwhile improvements in image quality. Touchscreen overlays can now be hidden.

  • LCD panel is prone to fingerprint smudges. Weak flash, and no hot shoe. Modest burst performance, and very limited buffer for raw shooting. Noise levels and dynamic range still lag competition.

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic GF2

Olympus E-PL3
Panasonic GF2
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Internal flash
Panasonic GF5
Panasonic GF2
  • $430
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Fast startup

Compared to Panasonic GF3

Olympus E-PL3
Panasonic GF3
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Internal flash
Panasonic GF5
Panasonic GF3
  • $430
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compared to Olympus E-P3

Olympus E-PL3
Olympus E-P3
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Internal flash
Panasonic GF5
Olympus E-P3
  • $430
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup

Compared to Olympus E-PM1

Olympus E-PL3
Olympus E-PM1
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
Panasonic GF5
Olympus E-PM1
  • $430
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Hot shoe

Compared to Panasonic GF3X

Olympus E-PL3
Panasonic GF3X
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Internal flash
Panasonic GF5
Panasonic GF3X
  • $430
  • 4/3
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More dynamic range
  • $750
  • 4/3
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