Olympus PEN E-PL3 Mirrorless Camera
The Olympus E-PL3 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-PL3 Mirrorless Camera
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Camera Overview — Olympus E-PL3
Key Features — Olympus E-PL3
12MP Micro Four Thirds Sensor: Delivers capable image quality with a 2x crop factor, offering broad compatibility with the extensive Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem.
Sensor-Shift Stabilization: In-body image stabilization compensates for camera shake with any compatible lens, not just optically stabilized ones.
35-Point Contrast-Detection AF: Provides broad frame coverage for everyday shooting scenarios, though best suited to stationary or slow-moving subjects.
Tilting 3.0-Inch LCD: Articulating screen allows for comfortable shooting at low or overhead angles without needing to contort around the viewfinder.
Compact 265g Body: At just 265g and 109.5 x 63.7 x 37.3 mm, the camera fits easily in a coat pocket or small bag for genuine everyday portability.
1080p Video Recording: Captures Full HD footage at 30fps, covering the basics for casual and documentary-style video work.
Camera Specifications — Olympus E-PL3
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Travel |
| Type | Mirrorless |
| Sensor | Micro Four Thirds (MFT) |
| Resolution | 12MP |
| ISO Range | 200 – 12800 |
| AF System | Contrast Detection |
| AF Points | 35-point |
| Max Photo Resolution | 4032x3024 |
| Burst Rate | 5.5 fps |
| Max Video Resolution | 1080p |
| Max Frame Rate | 30fps |
| Image Stabilization | Sensor-Shift (IBIS) |
Description — Olympus E-PL3
The Olympus PEN E-PL3 is a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera offering a 12MP sensor in a body that measures just 109.5 x 63.7 x 37.3 mm and weighs 265g. It features sensor-shift in-body image stabilization, making it possible to benefit from shake reduction regardless of which compatible lens you mount. The autofocus system uses contrast detection with 35 focus points, giving you solid coverage across the frame for everyday photography.
The 3.0-inch tilting LCD at 460,000 dots allows flexible framing from low or high angles, a useful feature for a camera without any viewfinder. Video capture tops out at 1080p at 30fps, covering the fundamentals for casual clips. The ISO range spans 200 to 12800, and the camera stores files on SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards.
Connectivity includes USB and HDMI output, and a clip-on flash is included in the box. Battery life is rated at approximately 330 shots per charge on the included Lithium-Ion pack.
Pros — Olympus E-PL3
- ✓Compact and lightweight body at just 265g and 109.5 x 63.7 x 37.3 mm
- ✓Sensor-shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS) works with any compatible lens
- ✓35-point contrast-detection autofocus system provides broad frame coverage
Cons — Olympus E-PL3
- ✗No viewfinder of any kind, relying entirely on the LCD for composition
- ✗No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity for wireless image transfer
- ✗ISO minimum is 200, which limits base exposure flexibility in bright conditions
Reviews — Olympus E-PL3
Videos — Olympus E-PL3
The Olympus E-PL3 Pen Lite Review — David Thorpe