• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  •  
  • 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 20.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Olympus E-PL3 advantages over Canon 6D

  • 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
  • Thinner
    37 mm vs 71 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    428g vs 1448g
    Lighter weight
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.3 fps vs 4.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Canon 6D advantages over Olympus E-PL3

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.54 vs 4.29 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.50 vs 2.1 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Better color depth
    23.8 vs 20.9 bits
    Capture richer, more accurate colors
  • Higher effective ISO
    2,340 vs 499 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    12.1 vs 10.2 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1090 vs 300 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More telephoto lens reach
    105 mm vs 84 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Higher-res screen
    348k 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
  • More pixels
    20.2 vs 12.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    1250 vs 9 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • 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
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality on par to more expensive full-frame DSLRs (including the 5D Mark III); Responsive all-around performer; Superior HD video-shooting chops; Built-in Wi-Fi with remote control and sharing features, Built-in GPS and geotagging.

  • Lacks a built-in, pop-up flash; No external headphone jack; Rather basic 11-point autofocus system; Mediocre burst speed.

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Olympus E-PL3
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $2139
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Canon 6D
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $2139
  • 35mm
  • More cross-type AF points
  • Less shutter lag

Compared to Nikon D610

Olympus E-PL3
Nikon D610
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $1271
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Canon 6D
Nikon D610
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in GPS
  • $1271
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO

Compared to Canon 7D Mark II

Olympus E-PL3
Canon 7D Mark II
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $1647
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Canon 6D
Canon 7D Mark II
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1647
  • APS-C
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • More telephoto lens reach

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
Canon 6D
Olympus E-P3
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Internal flash

Compared to Olympus E-PM1

Olympus E-PL3
Olympus E-PM1
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
Canon 6D
Olympus E-PM1
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner
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