Testseek.co.uk have collected 92 expert reviews of the Olympus Pen Lite E-PL3 and the average rating is 78%. Scroll down and see all reviews for Olympus Pen Lite E-PL3.
September 2011
(78%)
92 Reviews
Average score from experts who have reviewed this product.
Users
(86%)
94 Reviews
Average score from owners of the product.
78010092
The editors liked
Attractive retro styling
Solid most metal (aluminium) build quality and sophisticated design
Packed full of fun features such as Art Filter effects
Full HD video with stereo sound and near silent performance from bundled standard zoom
Solid feel
Metal build
Retro styling
Tilting wide LCD
Creen display
Dedicated video record button
Funky Art Filter effects
In use lens swap
Very fast AF
Simple control layout
Art filters
1080p HD movies
Live Guide
Mechanical stabilisation (works in photo mode and with all lenses)
Picture quality up to 1600 ISO
Decentquality tilt LCD
Very fast autofocus in good light
1080i HD video mode with stereo sound
Good starter option
Tilting LCD screen aids visibility
Art Filter effects are fun and effective
Warm
Bold colours
Easy to use
Super-fast AF performance
Good image quality
Tiltable LCD monitor
The editors didn't like
Omits the built-in flash and handgrip given to its predecessors in order to deliver a more svelte form factor
Takes a bit of hunting around to locate key functions
Lack of built in flash
Plastic-y flashgun clip
Plastic-y clip lens
Lacks proper handgrip
Mic a little sensitive
No built-in flash
No integral EVF
No built-in front grip
No grip handle
Smooth body makes it hard to keep hold of!
No builtin flash (external flash accessory supplied as standard)
Autofocus slows down in low light / Noisy shutter
Dynamic range is more limited than in some competitor models / Still no automatic image rotation!
Digital stabilisation can give videos a 'jellylike' wobble
Integral flash and handgrip have been removed
Plastic clip-on flash and kit lens
Olympus faces regulatory probes that may not bode well for the company
Attractive retro styling, solid most metal (aluminium) build quality and sophisticated design, packed full of fun features such as Art Filter effects, Full HD video with stereo sound and near silent performance from bundled standard zoom
Omits the built-in flash and handgrip given to its predecessors in order to deliver a more svelte form factor, takes a bit of hunting around to locate key functions
The very cool looking the E-PL3 is fun to use for anyone upgrading from a point-and-shoot camera. We’re left pondering the wisdom of Olympus junking its predecessor’s integral flash and handgrip just to reduce the camera size...
Published: 2012-04-09, Author: Philip , review by: popphoto.com
If you don't mind its lack of a grip, the PL3 will likely appeal to you. While you can't expect the same level of AF tracking or burst speed that a pro-level DSLR would give you, for everyday shooting this camera will provide image quality and AF speed si...
Abstract: The current Olympus system camera assortment is made up of three PEN cameras. The Olympus PEN Lite (E-PL3) is the only PEN camera with a tilting display, so that you can shoot from the most awkward angles. The Olympus PEN Lite has an aluminum b...
Abstract: The Olympus PEN Lite E-PL3 is smaller and lighter than the E-P3 and sits in the middle of the new Olympus PEN compact system camera range. The E-PL3 shares the same sensor and TruePic VI image processor and boasts the new Olympus fast autofocus system, as...
Abstract: The Olympus E-PL3 scores high marks with lightning fast AF, very good image quality, a tiltable LCD and manual modes. It’s an interchangeable lens camera that, once you’ve taken the time to set it up the way you like to work, will delight the beg...
Built-in stabilisation works with any lens, Excellent all-round image quality, Highly customisable, Good range of movie exposure modes, Fast startup and AF response.
16:9 screen not ideal for still photos, Poorly positioned control wheel, Lacks composite HDR and low light mode.
The Olympus Pen E-PL3 sits in the middle of the Olympus Pen range between the flagship E-P3 and the Pen Mini E-PM1. This makes it a good choice both for compact upgraders looking for more control than the entry-level Pen Mini can offer and enthusiasts...
Published: 2011-10-08, Author: Lori , review by: cnet.com
With a broad feature set aimed at enthusiasts, tilting LCD, nicely implemented filters, good performance, and excellent raw photo quality, plus a price that's less burdensome than the E-P3's, there's a lot to appreciate about the Olympus PEN E-PL3
The PEN E-PL3's video disappoints, and the camera's lack of a grip may prove annoying for some shooters
While it's not the best in any particular aspect, and you probably don't want to use it for video, the Olympus PEN E-PL3 offers an excellent balance of size, features, performance, and photo quality for the money.
Very good photo quality (though see issues below), Relatively compact body, with mostly solid construction; comes in four colors, Sensorshift image stabilization, Articulating 3inch LCD display with 460,000 pixels, good outdoor/low light visibility, Very fast AF performance when lighting is good, Full manual controls, with lots of white balance options, five kinds of bracketing, and tons of custo
Noise reduction smudges details and mottles the sky at times, even at base ISO, Some highlight clipping, Low light focusing could be better, No sensorshift IS in movie mode; AF system slow to react to moving subjects, Lacks a builtin flash; included external flash is slow to charge and has redeye issues, Buttons on the small side; AFassist lamp is easy to block with your fingers, Can't access mem
Conclusion The Olympus E-PL3 (also known as the Pen Lite) is a compact interchangeable lens camera that uses the Micro Four Thirds standard. The camera body, available in four different colors, is made mostly of metal, and feels solid in your hands. W...
Quality: very sharp pictures and excellent colour rendition.Why you'd buy the PEN: compact camera; good price; access to full range of Micro Four Thirds lenses and accessories.Why you wouldn't: nothing to report!The E-PL3 is available in four colours: bla...
