• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 90.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Olympus E-P3 advantages over Panasonic LX7

  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/1.7 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.29 vs 1.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.90 vs 3.7 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    536 vs 147 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Thinner
    34 mm vs 45 mm
    Thinner
  • More pixels
    12.3 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    19 vs 12 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Panasonic LX7 advantages over Olympus E-P3

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $900 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • More dynamic range
    11.7 vs 10.1 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • More dots on screen
    920k 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
  • Longer exposure
    250 vs 60 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.1 fps vs 3.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • 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

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

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.

  • Fast lens; Sharp lens; Rock-solid image stabilization; Fast autofocus and shutter lag; Level gauge.

  • Sluggish startup; Battery life lower; Switches can change accidentally; Slow buffer clearing.

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
Panasonic LX7
Olympus E-P2
  • $297
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More dynamic range
  • $1100
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

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
Panasonic LX7
Olympus E-PL2
  • $297
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More dynamic range
  • $600
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • 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
Panasonic LX7
Olympus E-PL3
  • $297
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More dynamic range
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Samsung EX2F

Olympus E-P3
Samsung EX2F
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $479
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Panasonic LX7
Samsung EX2F
  • $297
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More dots on screen
  • $479
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Panasonic LX10

Olympus E-P3
Panasonic LX10
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $548
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
Panasonic LX7
Panasonic LX10
  • $297
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $548
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
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