• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  •  
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Olympus E-PL3 advantages over Olympus E-P7

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.29 vs 3.36 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)

Olympus E-P7 advantages over Olympus E-PL3

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Higher-res screen
    346k 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
    20.3 vs 12.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.7 fps vs 5.3 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 9 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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

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Review Excerpt

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
Olympus E-P7
Panasonic GF2
  • $0
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Bigger pixels

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
Olympus E-P7
Olympus E-P3
  • $0
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Olympus E-PM1

Olympus E-PL3
Olympus E-PM1
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
Olympus E-P7
Olympus E-PM1
  • $0
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic GF3X

Olympus E-PL3
Panasonic GF3X
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Internal flash
Olympus E-P7
Panasonic GF3X
  • $0
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic GF5

Olympus E-PL3
Panasonic GF5
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $430
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup
Olympus E-P7
Panasonic GF5
  • $0
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $430
  • 4/3
  • Bigger pixels
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