Olympus take the lead!

The geteste here camera PEN E-PL3 is sort of a smaller version of the test winner.

About the meaning and purpose of system cameras has been discussed a lot. For what kind of use and which photographers, these cameras are? From the size rather a compact camera - the image quality and the lenses but a quality similar to an SLR ... ultimately it probably remains a decision of the buyer.

Who wants to buy a compact system camera, but should definitely keep an eye on the Olympus PEN E-PL3.

The build quality is excellent. The housing is made of metal and has compared to some more expensive SLR camera high quality and durable plastic.
When unpacking it is striking that has been dispensed with a built-in flash with respect to small dimensions of the housing. An attachable Flash, however, lies in the delivery.

A lens with 14-42mm is also included. This corresponds to a 3-fold zoom.

The 12.3 megapixel enough fully and provide ample reserves even for large image prints.

The 3-inch 16: 9 display stands out with excellent image quality and is additionally pivotable (upwards and can be folded down).

For the first time the annoying Objektivveriegelung falls on. You get used to it though to unlock in each operation, the lock manually, but you could certainly solve this even easier.

Now it is time for a photo shoot ausgiebieges. The autofocus is extremely fast and extremely reliable. According to advertising is the fastest autofocus in the world.

Contrary to other reviews I find the feel of the camera succeeded. Camera is already at the first recordings my feeling good in your hand. And since they should also be compact, it is nonsense, the camera with larger competitors (which are equipped with a broad housing with additional handholds) to compare.

In short, despite its small size it is still well in hand.

The program is a degree including the -type- function. Purists have such programs safely hairs stand on end - but who likes to experiment a little, can bring great photos here to pass. You have a choice between: Pop Art / Soft Focus / monochrome film / Pinhole / Diorama / Dramatic effect. The results provide astonished viewer.

The picture quality is top notch. Brilliant colors and finest resolution leave nothing to be desired. In terms of image quality, the Olympus makes the compact cameras behind and is based definitively in SLR range.

Even when shooting in low light prosper in the very good lens still flawless images. Should then but a flash is required, the flash must be plugged only folded up. The flash is optimally positioned and closely coordinated with the camera. The results speak for themselves. The recordings with switched-flash convince with optimum illumination.

The Viedoaufnahmen liked right away. Whether 1080i Full-HD or 720p - although the recording quality does not quite to the competition (eg Sony DSC-HX7VB) approach - but can certainly be used for occasional filming. One has to consider that the zoom while filming (as well as when photographing) manually via the lens is possible. And you just notice it later when viewing the recording. I film therefore just about to turn in case of need, without the lens.

My Conclusion:

Among the small handy system cameras are currently hardly find a better camera. The image quality is based on reflex cameras the same price range. Equipment and finish are excellent.

Anyone looking for a handy, small system camera and the image quality of an SLR camera could not live without, not get away from the Olympus PEN E-PL3.

My absolute buy recommendation!

++ Image quality
++ Processing
++ Features
++ Swiveling display
++ Very fast autofocus
++ Battery
++ Fast lens
++ Quality of flash photography

- - Locking the lens used to