Olympus Pen E-P3 review
August 13, 2011
Overall Rating:
Olympus Pen E-P3
- LCD viewfinder:
- Dynamic Range:
- Build/Handling:
- Autofocus:
- Noise/resolution:
- Metering:
- Features:
- AWB Colour:
Manufacturer:
Manufacturer: OlympusPrice as Reviewed:
£799.00The latest Olympus Pen models are claimed to have the fastest AF of any interchangeable-lens camera. We find out how the new E-P3 handles and if it lives up to this bold statement
Sponsored by CameraWorld
Looking to upgrade? Our Trade-In and Purchase Service is one of the best in the industry. We buy all sorts of equipment and make that upgrade much easier than you may think. Visit www.cameraworld.co.uk/trade-in for a quote.
Metering
The 324-zone multi-pattern metering features Olympus’s digital ESP evaluative system, which does a decent job at maintaining an accurate exposure. To maintain even midtones, however, the highlights are often clipped, so shooting at 1⁄3 or even 2⁄3 of a stop under is recommended to retain the most detail.
A slightly underexposed image provides more opportunity for correction, particularly in the case of raw files. For more selective metering there is a choice of centreweighted and spot options, and also highlight and shadow priority, which come in useful when the dynamic range is limited.
Image: The metering system produces decent results, only clipping highlights slightly when the tonal range exceeds that of the sensor
- Video: 1080 HD 60i, AVCHD, 720P Motion JPEG
- External mic: Yes (accessory port only)
- White Balance: Auto, 6 presets, manual, 2 custom modes
- Dioptre Adjustment: N/A
- Built-in Flash: Yes, GN 7m @ ISO 100
- Shutter Type: Focal-plane shutter
- Memory Card: SD/SDHC/SDXC
- Viewfinder Type: N/A
- Output Size: 4032x3024 pixels
- LCD: 3in, 610,000-dot touchscreen OLED
- Field of View: 100% (live view)
- White Balance Bracket: Yes
- AF Points: 35-point system, touch focus, face and eye detection
- Sensor: 12.3-million-effective-pixel Live MOS
- Max Flash Sync: 1/180sec/1/4000sec (Super FP mode)
- Exposure Modes: PASM, iAuto, 23 scene modes, 10 art filters
- Weight: 321g (without battery)
- File Format: JPEG, ORF (raw), AVCHD/motion JPEG
- Power: Rechargeable Li-Ion (330 shots)
- Shutter Speeds: 60-1/4000sec + bulb
- Drive Mode: 3fps
- Colour Space: Adobe RGB, sRGB
- Compression: 2-stage JPEG
- Exposure Comp: ±3EV
- RRP: £699 (body only)
- Lens Mount: Micro four thirds
- ISO: 200-12800
- Focusing Modes: Single, continuous, manual, tracking
- DoF Preview: No (via test picture)
- Dimensions: 122x69.1x34.3mm
- Metering System: 324-zone multi-pattern TTL digital ESP, spot, centreweighted, highlight, shadow
- Connectivity / Interface: USB, HDMI