Which One: Olympus EP-3 vs Olympus EP-2

by Chris Gampat on 07/05/2011

As a proud owner of the Olympus EP-2 (E-P2, or EP2) and after having the Olympus EP-3 (also called the Olympus Pen, EP3, and E-P3) in my hands for a while, one wonders if it’s worth the upgrade. Sure, the Olympus EP-3 does much to make it stand out from its predecessor. However, some features may not be notable enough to current EP-2 owners. So is it really worth the upgrade?

Differences

The upgrades in the EP-3 from the EP-2 are as follows:

- Touchscreen and new interface/menu

- ISO range up to 12,800

- Interchangeable grips

- Pop-up flash with wireless flash control

- Top dial moved to a more compromising location

- FN1 and FN2 buttons

- Magnify button

- Direct record video button

- New art filter tweaks (pin hole effect is just one of them)

- Eye-fi Compatible

- New accessory port that can take all the new gadgets that Olympus has previously announced

- New FAST AF system that works with the MSC lenses, sensor and processor to deliver quicker AF performance with more accuracy.

- Dual core TruPIC IV engine

Ergonomics

The Olympus EP-3 feels lighter than the EP-2. As far as how they feel in the hand, they’re both very good. However, my EP-2 feels like it can take more of a beating than the EP-3 can. In fact, it feels more like the original Pen film camera. That’s not to say that the EP-3 feels dainty though.

I much prefer the original mode dial on the EP-2 for security reasons when you’re shooting in rough conditions.

Both the EP-2 and EP-3 are very simple in their back layout. The EP-3 has a larger screen though to take advantage of the touch functionality.

Autofocusing

This one is a no brainer: the new FAST AF system of the EP-3 blows the old system away by far. Even with a non-MSC lens like the 17mm F/2.8, the camera is still much faster.

However, the center focusing area on the EP-2 is still quite good: and photographers that like to focus and recompose their images will appreciate that more.

Metering

Both the Olympus EP-3 and the EP2 units have impeccable metering modes. They seem to work just the way they did in the film days to get the exposures as accurate as one can. If I ever do have to make an adjustment, it’s often very little. The details are all recoverable in post-production as well.

For more on this, you can check out the section of the full review on image quality and metering.

Image Quality (with the 12mm F/2 and 17mm F/2.8)

Olympus ep2 17mm F2.8 1.0 sec at F/2.8 at ISO 200

Olympus ep2 12mm F2 .6 sec at F/2 at ISO 200

Olympus ep3 17mm F2.8 .8 sec at F/2.8 at ISO 200

Judging by these photos above I can tell a couple of things:

- The EP3 delivers sharper files no matter what the lens. In a separate test, my boss at work also found the same findings.

- The 12mm F/2 is much sharper than the 17mm F/2.8.

All of these photos were shot on the Vanguard Nivelo tripod specifically designed for mirrorless cameras. They are also out of camera JPEGs. A RAW test will be done when it is supported in Lightroom 3.

Update: the Olympus EP3 Raw File test has been added.

High ISOs

All exposure settings were done according to the camera’s metering: they were set to be perfectly balanced.

17mm F/2.8

Olympus ep2 17mm F2.8 1/30 sec at F/2.8 at ISO 6400

Olympus ep3 17mm F2.8 1/40 sec at F/2.8 at ISO 6400

12mm F/2

Olympus ep2 12mm F2 1/50 sec at F/2 at ISO 6400

Olympus ep3 12mm F2 1/60 sec at F/2 at ISO 6400

As stated in the full review of this camera, the EP3 has a significant advantage in high ISO settings over the Olympus EP2.

Battery Life

Both the EP3 and EP2 use the same battery type. However, the EP2′s battery consumption is far less because:

- The camera isn’t Eye-Fi enabled

- The touchscreen; touchscreens by default use more battery life.

- The new focusing system drives the dual core processor, sensor and new MSC lenses with new motors to be faster.

- The dual core processor lets one core write an image while the other one is getting ready to take another one. This was told to me during my meeting with the Olympus reps. And it leads me to believe that the processor could also handle a faster frame rate as well.

- The Autofocus aid lamp

Bells and Whistles

For the same reasons listed above, the EP3 has lots more to offer a photographer than the EP2 does. In fact, the EP2 is very plain vanilla and for the photographer that loves to shoot with ambient light—think Leica-like. The EP-3 allows the user to have a bit more versatility with the pop-up flash, super fast focusing, and more.

Practicality in Use

Focusing:

- EP2 is best done with focusing and recomposing

- EP3 lets you tap the area on the screen, snap the photo and move on quickly

Menus:

- EP2 is simpler

- EP3 is sleeker

Important Settings Access:

- I miss the AEL/AFL lock on the EP2 that is gone in the EP3

- Exposure comp is now on the EP3′s back dial

- ISO is on the EP2′s back dial (I prefer this)

- The EP3′s one touch magnification button is a godsend for manual focus users.

 

Overall, the EP3 actually wins out; but I wish it had the feeling of the EP2′s rugged body.

Conclusions

As an owner of the EP2, will I be upgrading to the EP3? No; and these are the reasons.

- I don’t really need a pop-up flash. Instead, I’m happy going Bruce Gilden style and using a TTL cord and flash.

- Build quality of the EP2 seems much more rugged.

- The AFL/AEL buttons are a godsend.

- The autofocus is very good as it is.

However, there are very good reasons to upgrade:

-  The new FAST AF focusing system

- Fun and intuitive interface.

- Stellar image quality

- Creativity being taken further with the new art filter tweaks.

- Pop-up flash is very good

- Interchangeable grips

- Eye-Fi enabled

As a current investor into the system, I can’t say that I’m exactly happy about the need to upgrade my EP-2 in order to take full advantage of the new MSC lenses due to the new focusing system. However, I do accept it and understand that this is important to the company in order to keep up the with changing market.

If you’re planning to go full on into this system though, then I’d actually suggest getting the Olympus EP3. It’s perhaps the best still camera one can get their hands on in the mirrorless interchangeable lens camera market. Sure the Sony NEX series has better image quality and the Panasonic GH2/G3 have better video quality, but think of it this way:

Canon (Strong in video) / Nikon (Strong in stills)

Panasonic  (Strong in video) / Olympus (Strong in stills)

See where I’m going with this? I’m a Canon 5D Mk II and 7D owner, I don’t need better video and I get spectacular still images out of those cameras as it is. What’s important to me is a small camera body that is versatile and can snap great photos. The difference is how you make the camera do so.

If you’re interested in pulling the trigger on that purchase, you can help support the site by clicking these links and making said purchase:

Olympus EP3

12mm F/2

Olympus EP2 with 17mm F/2.8

Zeiss Biotar 58mm F/2

Olympus Premium Pen Case

Vanguard Nivelo Tripod

Pinwide

Gary Fong Puffer

Think Tank Pixel Pocket Rocket Card Wallet

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Tagged as: 12mm, 17mm, autofocusing, ep-2, ep-3, ep2, ep3, ergonomics, high ISOs, image quality, olympus, review

  • Oliver

    Hi Chris,

    in regards to Eye-Fi compatibility: even my E-P1 with firmware 1.4 runs perfectly fine with my Eye-Fi connect X2 card. No clue why the the E-P2 should have problems…

    Regards,
    Oliver

    • Anonymous

      Being EyeFi enabled and working with the camera are two different things.
      New menus come up for the camera when it is EyeFi enabled and so do new
      icons.

      Chris Gampat,
      Editor in Chief
      The Phoblographer

      • Zorg

        Very nice to have that.
        New menus and icons don’t use battery life, so that shouldn’t make a difference with E-P2 + EyeFi.

  • Jonathan

    A tripod designed specifically for mirrorless cameras? wow. I stopped reading there.

    • Anonymous

      I don’t understand why. Especially if you’re using the pinwide adapter for
      pinhole images which means long exposures.

      Plus the GH series of cameras.

      Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

      Chris Gampat,
      Editor in Chief
      The Phoblographer

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  • Steve McCullough

    Good article – may help people with their buying decisions. I do though wonder about this statement:

    “It’s perhaps the best still camera one can get their hands on in the mirrorless interchangeable lens camera market. ”I wonder how you can say this so boldly – as far as I am aware, you have not tested the G3. Just because it, and the GH2, do video very well seems a weak reason to label the E-P3 as a better stills camera. In addition, RAW comparisons are not yet available in the most commonly used software so output can only be judged in a limited way.From jpegs I have seen, the G3 at least equals the e-P3, and in my pinion betters it in some – though not to an extent that is likely to be relevant for most users.The G3 offers a built-in EVF, articulated screen, fast focus, touch screen, programmable controls etc. A very versatile camera.One or the other may be better for some users, but to be absolute in stating that the E-P3 is the best interchangeable mirror-less camera seems overstated.Very nice, very good camera, but best? 

    • Anonymous

      Hi Steve,

      I’ve learned that with at least for street photography, an LCD screen can be
      better. It is less intimidating than using an EVF and that’s why I haven’t
      bought the VF2 yet.

      I’ve got a lot of faith in my statement though. The sensor was developed
      internally and I trust it more than I would Panasonic’s. I’ve never been a
      fan of their colors. A good friend of mine owns the GH2 and the colors drive
      me nuts.

      But this is a larger subject though (and thank you for bringing it up). Take
      Sony’s NEX system, the menu and interface would drive anyone looking for
      manual settings insane.

      EP3 has programmable controls and a great touch screen as well. Plus the
      focusing is super fast, the body is built better (aluminum) and one can go
      gripless or have grips.

      With versatility like that, I personally can’t argue with it. When it comes
      to image quality, I’m the one that makes the images, not the camera. We can
      sit here and talk about sensors all day for sure. But metering and the like
      also play a big role in this.

      Chris Gampat,
      Editor in Chief
      The Phoblographer

      • Steve

        Hi Chris
        Thanks for taking the time to reply. I appreciate it.

        I don’t disagree with many of your positive points of praise around the EP3. I had an E-P2 and have handled a G3. My take is that either will work equally well, and that it is important for each person to assess the way they shoot and what they shoot.

        I just don’t see how the E-P3 is in any way better than the G3, unless it is over a matter of specific need.

        There is probably general agreement over Oly jpegs being ‘better’, although many praise the changes to the G3 engine. It doesn’t influence me because I shoot RAW.

        Having carefully considered the specs of each, and images available to date, it really comes down to some personal preferences. The G3 reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. One small point – if the E-P3 is anyway close to the E-P2 in feel, then it has a sense of solidity that the G3 will lack: but note that the G3 body is also aluminium.

        My sense is that if a camera is going to be labelled best, the label should be applied with clear reasoning around why it is really better than it’s competitors, or specifically why it is best for a particular use. 

        I mean this with all respect: it is your site, (a site I enjoy very much) and the review is yours, but you could leave credibility open to question when you label a camera best without a valid comparison and details. Best is a very, very strong statement in a field with several other highly regarded cameras.

        • Zorg

          “Having carefully considered the specs of each, and images available to date, it really comes down to some personal preferences.”
          Ergonomics anyone? To me, and probably to many, it’s extremely important. And for that, E-P3 has the edge over G3 in a large extent thanks to its many programmable buttons (Fn1, Fn2, dials, right- and down- buttons, maybe the video button too, etc.).

          • Steve

            Ergonomics are very personal, but I will say I think you are underestimating the G3 controls. It has a multi-use control wheel, 2 programmable Fn buttons and direct access for commonly used controls, and of course a direct video button. I have owned an E-P2, and am familiar with the changes to the -3, and have handled a G3. I consider them equally useable and configurable for any shooter’s needs.  For my personal preferences I prefer the Panasonic controls, but as I say, that’s a personal choice.

            But I do not see the E-P3 as superior at all. 

  • im10er

    How did you get the  EP-3 already!! And where’d you get  the leather camera strap?

    • Anonymous

      I had the EP3 for at least two weeks because Olympus sent it to me.

      That strap is from the Olympus Pen Premium case. See our review of it and
      then if you’d like to purchase it, please use our links and banners.

      Chris Gampat,
      Editor in Chief
      The Phoblographer

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  • Zorg

    Hi Chris, and thanks for the review!
    One technical remark:
    In the Conclusions section is mentioned that the AFL/AEL button play in favor of the E-P2. I think it’s worth mentioning that AFL/AEL can be assigned to either Fn1 or Video buttons.

    • Chris Gampat

      I could’ve sworn I’ve done that earlier or in another posting, but you’ve got a point.

  • Gastón

    Just a question:

    You put Eye-Fi as a reason to upgrade but I think EP2 is also Eye-Fi enabled. Can you tell me if this is true? I want to buy an EP2 after the price goes down but I need to know if I can use Eye-Fi with it. Thanks

    • Chris Gampat

      The camera isn’t eye-fi enabled. The card will work, but it won’t keep working when the camera is off and it may have a bit of a harder time. Plus the EP3 shows notifications of it working.

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  • voyager

    Thanks for this great review…someone posted it on my Micro Four Thirds forum, I love to see reviews like this one that focus on the more important issues. Here’s a link to my forum if you’d like to visit (or you can remove it if you think it’s too spammy) http://e-p1.net

    • Chris Gampat

      I saw that. Thanks for stopping by.

  • cosinaphile

    linked thru ep1, net
    thanks for an informative and well thought review , im the currentowner of 2 gf1s and 2 ep1s and im seriously considering the ep3 should no pro ish gfx announcement be made in the coming weeks

    the iso tests are reallyappreciated , but the less robust build has me concerned , does it feel plasticy in any way,

    the ep1 density and impression of solidity was a feature that i really enjoyed;

    • Anonymous

      It doesn’t feel as dense as my EP2, but the ruggedness is still there to a
      certain point.

      Chris Gampat,
      Editor in Chief
      The Phoblographer

      • Liam

        A little late to the discussion, but I have to disagree with your subjective assessment that the ep3 feels less “rugged” than the ep2.
        I am sitting here playing with a black ep2 and a silver ep3. They weigh the same and roughly have the same dimensions. To me, they feel equally solid and rugged. If anything, the ep3 feels better when shooting because of the increased ridge on the grip.
        You put a lot of weight in your ruggedness assessment, but I think your only conclusion should have been that everyone should try the cameras and judge for themselves.

    • Anonymous

      It doesn’t feel as dense as my EP2, but the ruggedness is still there to a
      certain point.

      Chris Gampat,
      Editor in Chief
      The Phoblographer

  • Yiani_id

    EP3 is an EPL2 with a touch screen and slightly faster AF.. i’m quite happy with my EPL2
     - now if they had made it a 16m pixel sensor there would have been an upgrade in the works.

    Where did you buy that Leather camera bag though!! i want one!!!!

    • Anonymous

      Hey,

      They’re totally different cameras. New processing engine for one. The EPL2
      (which I’ve reviewed) isn’t the same camera at all.

      That bag is the Olympus Premium Camera Case:
      http://www.thephoblographer.com/2011/05/31/review-olympus-pen-premium-case/

      If you want one, please use our links and banners before you purchase. It
      helps to support the site.

      -Chris Gampat
      Editor in Chief, ThePhoBlographer.com
      Twitter.com/ChrisGampat

  • Tome

    Hi Chris, I recently purchased th ep3 with the 14-42mm lens. At that time, it was the only kit available. I would like to know if the 17 mm on the ep3 is the same as the one on previous PEN series (ep,epl). Do you think I should purchase a 17mm or 12mm?

  • Tome

    Hi Chris, I recently purchased th ep3 with the 14-42mm lens. At that time, it was the only kit available. I would like to know if the 17 mm on the ep3 is the same as the one on previous PEN series (ep,epl). Do you think I should purchase a 17mm or 12mm?

    • Anonymous

      Hi Tom,

      Thanks for stopping by.

      Just so that I can explain it all clearly, the new 14-42 has ultra fast focusing due to the new MSC motor. The 17mm does not. The 12mm does though.
      If you want faster focusing go with the 12mm. If you want something more affordable and slower, go 17mm. Plus, they’re both different focal lengths. I like both to be honest, but I love the 12mm F2.

      Hope this helps, if you make a purchase please use our links and banners to support the site. Thanks.

      Chris Gampat,
      Editor in Chief
      The Phoblographer

  • Alfath

    Hi Chris, thank you for the review.. i still have one thing that i want to know.. when using manual lens, how can you magnify with ep2? can we assign a button to work as the magnify button as in the ep3? if yes, is it still practical?

    Regards,
    Alfath

    • Anonymous

      You sure can. You just enable the manual focus assist.

      And sure it’s practical, but works best with Micro Four Thirds lenses. For absolute best results, get the VF-2.

      -Chris Gampat
      Editor in Chief, ThePhoBlographer.com
      Twitter.com/ChrisGampat

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  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1018795649 Leanne McTasty

    hi chris,
    i am thinking of purchasing the ep-2, as the price is now very low and i believe it to be a very worthwhile camera to have while on the go etc. however, i am not too keen on the lack of optical viewfinder. what kind of external optical view finder is that in the picture? and where could i purchase one?

    • Anonymous

      There are no viewfinders in the photos…but you can take a look at the EVFs instead. The VF3 is quite nice but the VF2 is even nicer.

      Chris Gampat,
      Editor in Chief
      The Phoblographer

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  • Gabriele Lopez

    thanks for the review…can you tell me which situation have you adopted for an external flash for the pen, with cord? I haven’t found a compatible one, at least here in Italy…thanks in advance!

    • Anonymous

      Sure, street photography like Bruce Gilden. Additionally portraits and events.

      Let me know if you have any other questions please.

      -Chris Gampat
      Editor in Chief
      The Phoblographer

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