Pen E-P3: Back in the Olympus future

My first MFT camera was a Olympus E-520 camera. When I bought the camera, was the first Pen E-P1 on the market. I was very excited about the design and how compact the camera. However, the camera was firstly very eur and secondly, very very slowly, which the AF speed betriff (~ 1 s). That's why I've decided to wait. The second generation was a bit faster and the third E-P3 was at the level of my E-520: 0.2s !!! if is bright and ~ 0.4s when is dark. With the image quality I've always been happy with my E-520, because the Olympus lenses also very very good. Here, everyone should understand that the larger APS-C sensors can not bring much to the image quality when you have a bad lens (it is known that the Olympus lenses are good) and when the camera has a bad image processor ( the image processor in the E-P3 is also good). And moreover, the weight of which is to always drag in the DSLR with APS-C sensors here.

The image quality of the E-P3 due to better sensor (compared to E-520) and better image processor should be better than the E-520. And indeed it is better, since I have already made over 4000 photos in various situations. In particular, the E-P3 scores in the range low-light photography (please APS-C Hobbyfotagrafen not smile because). Clearly it is only possible with the M.Zuiko 1.8 / 45 mm (the objective I have). The Sigma 2.8 / 19 and 2.8 / 45 are also good for the available light photography. The use and processing of the camera is also very good. I do not understand some people, when writing about confusing menu. I looked at myself and Sony NEX and Panasonic DMC cameras. The cameras are also on the menu and her condition not better. At Olympus, you can always activate the SCP (Super Control Pannel). And then you have all the parameters and all the functions that you want to change forever when you press the OK button. This SCP is unfortunately a bit hidden at the Pen series. In the E-520 this SCP was set as the default.

What I like at the Pen E-P3:

+ Rapid autofocus speed,
+ Light weight and compactness,
+ Metal housing and stylish design
+ OLED touchscreen
+ Image stabilizer (which is a point why I stayed faithful Olympus)
+ Built-in flash,
+ Good and realistic color reproduction,
+ AF illuminator, Panorama function and many kind-filter,
+ Many Eistellmöglichkeiten,
+ Useful video function,
+ Wasserwage,
+ Very good image quality up to ISO 800 and still get good image quality from ISO 800 bis 1600th

Bad points:

-no built viewfinder
-the price,
-from ISO 1600 loss of detail in the image.

Yes, unfortunately, the viewfinder will be system sold. And this is not cheap viewfinder. I'm just used to take pictures using the viewfinder, because it brings stability to the position. However, everyone should decide for themselves whether they want to take pictures with the viewfinder or without viewfinder. And I find this concept well. With the camera you can take pictures and touch screen. Very interesting because you can always select a focus point with the finger. The camera still has a spirit level (the function should be activated). I think that's great.

And not forget: for the camera, there are variety of MFT lenses, so that the disadvantage with higher noise from ISO> 1600 can get under control very well.

Last but not least: yes, the E-P3 camera is unable to maintain the level of APS-C sensors from ISO 1600. Good news: everyone should ask themselves seriously when I need ISO higher than 1600? If I need it, I'll buy then M.Zuiko 1.8 / 45 mm or Panasonic 1.7 / 20 mm or the GIMP applying. Or I buy a OM-D E-M5 or E-PL5. The neure pen Olympus can even keep up the level of the APS-C sensors and the images look good up to ISO 6400 of (s. The Internet various tests). I definitely will eventually buy a OM-D E-M5. However, I still have many enjoying my E-P3.

Conclusion:
As an amateur photographer, I can say: the E-P3 is a very good camera always with you. The camera is very light and provides good to very good image quality (up to ISO 1600). The camera offers a lot of adjustment and control options (more than in the E-PL3 or E-PL5), so that the camera can possibly be photographer as a second camera for APS-C. Unfortunately, the price is currently at the level of the Pen E-PL5. If I did not get my e-P3 for half the current price, I would have bought either a OM-D E-M5 or E-PL5. Nevertheless, the E-P3 is a successful camera from Olympus. From me a strong buy recommendation.

PS the title of the article: the camera remembers the successful Olympus cameras, which were produced from 1959 to 1980. So to carry on the Olympus. And the supplied lens: small, sharp and well.