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Olympus PEN E-P3 Mirrorless Camera

The Olympus E-P3 is a 12MP Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera — with 1080p video and in-body stabilization. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Olympus PEN E-P3 Mirrorless Camera

Olympus PEN E-P3 Mirrorless Camera

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Camera Overview — Olympus E-P3

The Olympus PEN E-P3 is a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera built around a 12MP sensor powered by the TruePic VI image processor. It covers an ISO range of 200 to 12800, giving shooters flexibility across a range of lighting conditions. Autofocus is handled by a hybrid system combining phase detection and contrast detection, with a 324-zone multi-pattern TTL configuration that helps the camera lock focus accurately across the frame.

Burst shooting is supported at up to 3 frames per second, and five color profiles — Standard, Vivid, Muted, Portrait, and Monochrome — give photographers meaningful creative control straight out of the camera. On the video side, the E-P3 shoots up to 1080i at 60fps, with 720p also available. In-body image stabilization uses a sensor-shift mechanism, helping to counteract camera shake without relying on stabilized lenses.

The rear display is a 3.0-inch OLED touchscreen with 610,000 dots of resolution, offering a sharp and responsive interface. The body is constructed from metal, measures 122 x 69 x 34 mm, and weighs 490g. Storage is handled via SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, and the battery is rated for 330 shots per charge.

There is no built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. A camera well-suited to enthusiasts who prioritize tactile build quality and a compact, capable shooting experience.

Key Features — Olympus E-P3

12MP Micro Four Thirds Sensor: Pairs with any Micro Four Thirds lens at a 2x crop factor, giving access to a broad ecosystem of compact, interchangeable optics.

TruePic VI Processor: Olympus's image processor handles noise reduction, color rendering, and in-camera JPEG processing for responsive shooting.

Hybrid Autofocus System: Combines phase detection and contrast detection for accurate, fast focus across the frame.

Sensor-Shift Stabilization: In-body image stabilization works with any attached Micro Four Thirds lens, not just optically stabilized ones.

3.0-Inch OLED Touchscreen: 610,000-dot OLED panel delivers sharp, high-contrast image review with touch-responsive operation for focus and menu control.

1080i Video Recording: Records full HD video at 1080i with 720p also available as an alternative option.

Camera Specifications — Olympus E-P3

Olympus E-P3 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesTravel
TypeMirrorless
SensorMicro Four Thirds (MFT)
Resolution12MP
ProcessorTruePic VI
ISO Range200 – 12800
AF SystemHybrid (Phase + Contrast)
AF Points324-zone multi-pattern TTL
Max Photo Resolution4032x3024
Burst Rate3 fps
Max Video Resolution1080p
Max Frame RateOther

Description — Olympus E-P3

The Olympus PEN E-P3 is a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera with a 12MP sensor and the TruePic VI image processor at its core. The ISO range runs from 200 to 12800, and autofocus combines phase detection and contrast detection in a 324-zone multi-pattern TTL system. For stills, the camera outputs images at up to 4032 x 3024 pixels across five color profiles: Standard, Vivid, Muted, Portrait, and Monochrome.

Burst shooting reaches 3 frames per second. Video tops out at 1080i 60fps, with 720p also on offer. The sensor-shift IBIS system provides in-body stabilization for any mounted lens.

The rear panel features a 3.0-inch OLED touchscreen at 610,000 dots, making it both easy to review shots and responsive to touch-based autofocus. The metal body measures 122 x 69 x 34 mm and weighs 490g, keeping the package compact and well-built. Storage is via SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards, and the Lithium-Ion battery is rated for 330 shots per charge.

Note that there is no built-in viewfinder, no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and no weather sealing.

Pros — Olympus E-P3

  • ✓Hybrid autofocus system with both phase detection and contrast detection across a 324-zone multi-pattern TTL configuration
  • ✓In-body sensor-shift image stabilization works with any compatible Micro Four Thirds lens
  • ✓3.0-inch OLED touchscreen with 610,000 dots provides a sharp and touch-responsive rear display

Cons — Olympus E-P3

  • ✗No built-in viewfinder — the viewfinder fields are all null in the spec data
  • ✗No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity for wireless image transfer or remote control
  • ✗Burst mode is limited to 3 frames per second, which may not suit fast-action shooting

Videos — Olympus E-P3

Olympus PEN E-P3 Hands-on Review — DigitalRev TV

Resources & Downloads — Olympus E-P3

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Olympus E-P3

Does the Olympus PEN E-P3 have a built-in viewfinder?+
No. The specifications list all viewfinder fields as null, meaning there is no built-in electronic or optical viewfinder. Composition is done entirely through the rear 3.0-inch OLED touchscreen.
What memory cards does the E-P3 accept?+
The E-P3 is compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. These are the only storage formats listed in the specifications.
Can I shoot video with the E-P3, and at what resolution?+
Yes. The E-P3 records video up to 1080i at 60fps, with 720p also available. Three color profiles — Standard, Vivid, and Muted — can be applied to video as well.
Does the E-P3 have image stabilization?+
Yes. It features in-body image stabilization using a sensor-shift mechanism. Digital IS is not available on this camera.
Is the E-P3 weather sealed?+
No. The body design specifications explicitly list weather sealing as 'None,' so the camera should be kept away from rain, dust, and moisture.
What is the maximum stills resolution of the E-P3?+
The camera shoots at a maximum resolution of 4032 x 3024 pixels, corresponding to its 12MP sensor rating.

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