• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Olympus E-P3 advantages over OM System OM-1

  • Less expensive
    $900 vs $2200 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.29 vs 3.36 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    34 mm vs 72 mm
    Thinner
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

OM System OM-1 advantages over Olympus E-P3

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (DCI) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    3 years vs 13 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    1620k vs 614k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    20.4 vs 12.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    120.0 fps vs 3.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    92 vs 19 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 12800 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
  • 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

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • 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 Olympus E-P2

Olympus E-P3
Olympus E-P2
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $1100
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
OM System OM-1
Olympus E-P2
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1100
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Olympus E-PL2

Olympus E-P3
Olympus E-PL2
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • More dots on screen
  • $600
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
OM System OM-1
Olympus E-PL2
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $600
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Olympus E-PL3

Olympus E-P3
Olympus E-PL3
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Internal flash
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
OM System OM-1
Olympus E-PL3
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic G95

Olympus E-P3
Panasonic G95
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Bigger pixels
  • Thinner
  • $748
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
OM System OM-1
Panasonic G95
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $748
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Bluetooth

Compared to Olympus E-M1 Mark III

Olympus E-P3
Olympus E-M1 Mark III
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Bigger pixels
  • Internal flash
  • $1649
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
OM System OM-1
Olympus E-M1 Mark III
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Newer
  • Higher-res screen
  • $1649
  • 4/3
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