Which One: Olympus EP-3, EPL-3 or Pen Mini?

EP-3 in white, silver and black

With today’s announcement of the Olympus EP-3, EPL-3 and Pen Mini, many of you may be trying to figure out which one is right for you. Also, you may not even totally understand what’s new about these cameras and what the differences are from the predecessors. Here’s your guide to getting through all the data.

What’s New?

Pen Mini

- New Olympus developed 12MP sensor for better dynamic range, color depth and high ISO noise control.

- New FAST AF system, which works with the lenses, new TruPICVI processor (dual core) and the sensor to create a super fast autofocusing system.

touchscreen on the EP-3

- Touchscreens on all the cameras (correction, it is only on the EP3)

- Pop-up flashes (was on the EPL-2 and EPL-1 before, but is now in the flagship series as well.)

- You can add different effects to the art filters like a white border, pinhole effect, starlight effect and more.

- Smaller size with the EPL-3 and Pen Mini

- New touchscreen interface and info layout

- New ways to take the photos besides pressing the shutter button.

- The EP-3 has more buttons, the EPL-3 has slightly less and the Pen Mini has almost none. Olympus is targeting the Pen Mini at the Sony NEX system; or at least that’s what it seems like.

The new menu system

- New menu system. It’s a bit more complicated and jam packed but I like it. If you’re wondering what each function does, all you need to do is press the info button for a description.

- The EPL-3 and Pen mini have tilting LCD screens.

- The EPL-3 and Pen mini are made of plastic, while the EP-3 has an aluminum body.

- Newly updated kit lenses that are now MSC: and will work with the new FAST AF system. The new lenses have some cool cosmetic additions like the front area that can unscrew to accept a lens hood or filter.

- The EP-3 has interchangeable grips.

- To get the units so tiny, the EPL-3 and Pen mini have new shutter units.

- The new pop-up flash comes out a bit further for better image quality. On the left of the above image is the EPL-2. On the right is the EP-3.

So Which One is Right for Me?

- The EP-3 is targeted more towards high end enthusiasts and professionals that want a smaller camera. Those that appreciate some extra heft will like the EP-3. Street photographers, professionals that need a smaller camera for certain projects, students, and those looking for a sexy retro-styled body will digg the EP-3.

- The EPL-3 is more targeted towards the class of people that want to learn more about photography but don’t want an SLR style body.

- The Pen Mini is for those like the soccer mom that want interchangeable lens cameras with more power but are afraid of lots of buttons and a complicated interface. Everything is made very simple with this camera.

Tagged as: autofocus, ep-3, epl-3, features, micro four thirds, olympus, pen mini, tilting screen

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Isaacimages

Whichever one has less shutter lag and lowest noise@ higher ISO…..that is what I need in a compact camera. Olympus lenses are superb, so no question there.
Isaacimages

Whichever one has less shutter lag and lowest noise@ higher ISO…..that is what I need in a compact camera. Olympus lenses are superb, so no question there.
- Anonymous
  
  That would be the EP-3 for you then.
  - Astrid Keijser
    
    Does it really differ between the three? The shutter lag and the noise at high ISO?
    - Anonymous
      
      Not really at all.
      
      *-Chris Gampat*
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http://twitter.com/rds Richard

Are you sure all three have touch screens? From what I’ve read, it seems only the E-P3 has this functionality.
- Chris Gampat
  
  Corrected. Thanks for that catch.
Allmyjunkymail

http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/imageR.asp?rim_id=4861

where can i find the square/rectangular lens hoods?
- Anonymous
  
  It may come bundled with the lens when it ships, it didn’t for me though.
  You may have to purchase it. Try B&H or Amazon (please click our links first
  to help support us)
  
  -Chris Gampat
  Editor in Chief, ThePhoBlographer.com
  Twitter.com/ChrisGampat
  - Allmyjunkymail
    
    found it – http://www.olympus-europa.com/consumer/21693_22700.htm
    
    they make 3 different ones but not available in US though.
    - Anonymous
      
      Thanks.
      
      Damn, too bad. They’re really nice looking too.
      
      -Chris Gampat
      Editor in Chief, ThePhoBlographer.com
      Twitter.com/ChrisGampat
St3v4nt

I really like to see the video of how new EPL-3 touch base operation work especially when changing the exposure, and speed, is it comfortable enough and can replace the dial button if yes I prefer EPL3 to EP3 due to the higher price…
bill

The EPL2 was released in Jan. 2011. The EPL3 will be released 7 months later. There is a trend including the EPL1 (less than a year) that continues to decrease the time between launches. This is kind of disturbing because the EPL4 could conceivably be released in 4 months. Olympus had the technology years ago, they just wanted to slowly disperse it for more profit. EPL3: No more in-camera flash, no grip, and making it even smaller is a mistake IMO. Yeah, it’s faster if you have the new Olympus lenses available in silver only but check back 4 months later when they will be available in black, the preferred color. And if the faster AF is checking focus 126 times per second as claimed then your battery is going to wear down fast. I am keeping my EPL2, Lumix lenses, and Oly 50 f2 Macro for good. I can easily capture images just as fast using the menu options on the camera. ….. oh, and why Olympus continues to release cameras with more of the same lenses you already own instead of “body only” is another money grab.
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Molly

What about the soccer mom that is a photographer and not afraid of the buttons? I would love something I can out in my purse and get great shots. And why is it a woman that has to be afraid of the buttons? I see plenty of dads/men with expensive professional cameras with no idea what the heck they are doing. please set aside your biases in your reviews.
- Anonymous
  
  No one wanted to offend you Molly. The target audience is described by the companies themselves.
  
  If you want the buttons, then go for the EPL3.
  
  Further if you’re a soccer mom that is a photographer, you wouldn’t be considering these because you have equipment already. The Pen Mini is specifically designed for those that know nothing about photography.
  
  Chris Gampat,
  Editor in Chief
  The Phoblographer
Shannon

I looked at all 3 yesterday and instantly eliminated the mini–it just seemed freakishly small.
But I’m dithering between the EP-3 and the ELP-3 Contrary to your conclusion, it seems to me that the ELP3 might actually be the better choice for street photography, so I am eager to hear other opinions.

Here are the real differences between the EP-3 and the EPL-3:
1. Screen: EP-3 has touchscreen, EPL-3 does not.
EPL-3 has swivel viewscreen; EP-3′s is fixed.
Conclusion: Here it seems like a draw. The swivel viewscreen seems very handy for shooting from the hip, but if you like touch screens you will want the EP-3.

2. Flash: EP-3′s is built-in; EPL-3′s is included but you have to use the hotshoe, which means you could not use the flash and the optional viewfinder at the same time, since the viewfinder also uses the hotshoe.
Conclusion: I almost never use flash so for me the EP-3 has no advantage here.

3. Burst mode: EP-3′s is 3, EPL-3′s is 5. Conclusion: I don’t use burst mode so no advantage to the EPL-3.

4. Grip: EP-3 comes with a detachable grip; EPL-3 has no grip option. Advantage EP-3 if you care about grips.

5. Body/build: EP-3 is all-metal and slightly heavier than the EPL-3. It feels nice in the hand, though arguably the lighter EPL-3 would be equally useful for street photography. I am torn on this one and it would be great to hear from others how well the plastic bodies hold up over time, especially in the white finish.

So unless I’m missing something, it’s really not that the EP-3 is a promateur camera whereas the EPL-3 is amateur–they’re just different.

Of course, what this means is that in four months Olympus will come out with a model that has built-in flash, optional grip, AND the swivel viewscreen, all in an all-metal body that’s the same weight as the L model is now
Mats at the popmodule

I’m an artist who make a lot of lens based work- and I just recently chose the the pl3 simply because it was cheaper, and smaller. I have access to a medium format camera that i also use, but I wanted something light and discreet, that I can throw in my pocket or a bag and just have with me. I’m currently waiting for the Panasonic 14mm pancake lens to arrive in my mailbox which will make it even smaller. The P3 though definitely a more solid feeling camera I found still too chunky and heavy.
liam

The Lite and Mini have tilt screens?!

Also, all 3 are made from metal, the epl3 and epm1 are plasticised in certain colours.
http://www.candidsky.com Tom Lambert

The E-PL5 is coming out soon! It looks mint!

Here’s what to do – buy the EPL3, wait for EPL5 to come out, then sell it. Buy the EPL5, wait for the EP5 to come out, sell it. Do that. Go on do it. Do it! GO ON!
- qamera
  
  Well I bought the E-PL5 and two primes to try the system out, and I find I’m leaving my (gorgeous) D800 at home all the time. Very interested to see what the E-P5 has to offer and I think focus peaking is the one thing I was really missing, so…
Jo5

The EPL-3 and Pen mini are made of plastic, while the EP-3 has an aluminum body.

Never had a PEN Mini in hands… PEN Mini has no plastic! E-PM1 is fully metal!

Regard
Jo