• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  •  
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  •  

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Differences

Panasonic GF2 advantages over Olympus E-PL3

  • Fast startup
    ~1.00 vs 2.1 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 9 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Olympus E-PL3 advantages over Panasonic GF2

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • More telephoto lens reach
    84 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.3 fps vs 2.6 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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

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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic GF3

Panasonic GF2
Panasonic GF3
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Fast startup
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Olympus E-PL3
Panasonic GF3
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Internal flash

Compared to Olympus E-P3

Panasonic GF2
Olympus E-P3
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
Olympus E-PL3
Olympus E-P3
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Internal flash

Compared to Olympus E-PM1

Panasonic GF2
Olympus E-PM1
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Fast startup
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus E-PL3
Olympus E-PM1
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive

Compared to Panasonic GF3X

Panasonic GF2
Panasonic GF3X
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • More telephoto lens reach
Olympus E-PL3
Panasonic GF3X
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Internal flash

Compared to Panasonic GF5

Panasonic GF2
Panasonic GF5
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Fast startup
  • $430
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Higher effective ISO
Olympus E-PL3
Panasonic GF5
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $430
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup
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