• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.4 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 80.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Olympus E-P3 advantages over Samsung EX2F

  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/1.7 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.29 vs 1.90 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.90 vs 1.7 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    536 vs 209 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 330 vs 260 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Less shutter lag
    0.22 vs 0.38 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    19 vs 9 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Samsung EX2F advantages over Olympus E-P3

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $900 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More dynamic range
    11.5 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
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.1 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

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

Buy From

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.

  • Good (modern, not retro!) looks and solid build; f/1.4 Schneider-Kreuznach lens starting at a wide 24mm equivalent with excellent low-light capabilities; Advanced photographic controls and RAW capture; 3-inch, articulated AMOLED monitor.

  • Limited telephoto reach; Inconsistent and disappointing JPEG images; Some corner blurring at both wide and tele; Noise suppression too strong at ISO 800 and above, robbing detail.

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
Samsung EX2F
Olympus E-P2
  • $479
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $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
Samsung EX2F
Olympus E-PL2
  • $479
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $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
Samsung EX2F
Olympus E-PL3
  • $479
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic LX7

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

Compared to Panasonic LX10

Olympus E-P3
Panasonic LX10
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $548
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
Samsung EX2F
Panasonic LX10
  • $479
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Fast startup
  • $548
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
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