OM SYSTEM PEN E-PL3 image

OM SYSTEM PEN E-PL3

Quick information
Brand OM SYSTEM 2011
Model E-PL3 SLV 14-42mm 2R SLV
Released Year 2011
Type Mirrorless Cameras
Series PEN E-PL
Color Silver
Compatible Mountings Micro Four Thirds
Autofocus Contrast-detection AF with 11 points
Photo Sensor Resolution 12.3 MP
Video Resolution FHD 1080p
Optical Zoom 3
File Format AVI
Status Discontinued
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Overview

The OM SYSTEM PEN E-PL3 is a compact mirrorless camera introduced in 2011, featuring a Micro Four Thirds sensor with a resolution of approximately 12 megapixels.

It employs a Live MOS sensor to deliver sharp image quality and efficient noise reduction in various lighting conditions.

The camera uses a contrast-detection autofocus system with 11 selectable points to ensure accurate focusing on subjects.

It incorporates a 3-inch LCD screen with adjustable tilt angles for versatile shooting and live view composition.

The E-PL3 supports interchangeable Micro Four Thirds lenses, expanding creative possibilities through various optics compatibility.

Connectivity options include USB for data transfer and AV output, enabling easy sharing and viewing of photos and videos.

Specifications

Built-In Media Camera Body & Lens
Are Batteries Included Yes
Remote Included No
Global Trade Identification Number 00050332180390
UPC 050332180390
Item Height 2.52 inches
Manufacturer Olympus
Warranty Description limited 1 year parts and labor
Connectivity Technology HDMI, USB
Wireless Technology Yes
Video Output HDMI
Total USB 2.0 Ports 1
Total USB Ports 1
Total Video Out Ports 1
Shooting Modes Macro, Night Portrait, Panorama
Digital Scene Transition zoom
Digital-Still Yes
Movie Mode Yes
Image Capture Type Stills & Video
Night vision No
Compatible Mountings Micro Four Thirds
Sensor Type Live MOS, Micro Four Thirds
Image stabilization Sensor-shift
Maximum Aperture 3.5 Millimeters
Expanded ISO Minimum 100
Photo Sensor Resolution 12.3 MP
Photo Sensor Size Micro Four Thirds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000 Seconds
Minimum Shutter Speed 60 seconds
Form Factor Mirrorless
Color Silver
Item Weight 11.04 ounces
Video Resolution FHD 1080p
Viewfinder None (uses LCD preview)
Flash Modes Macro
Camera Flash Built-In
Compatible Devices Micro Four Thirds
Continuous Shooting 5.5
Aperture modes F3.5 - F20
Video Capture Format AVCHD, Motion JPEG
Expanded ISO Maximum 12800
Battery Weight 22 Grams
Delay between shots 0.2 seconds
Battery Cell Type Lithium Ion
Battery Average Life 300 Photos
Battery Type Lithium-Ion BLS-5 rechargeable battery & charger
Processor Description Truepic VI
Water Resistance Level Not Water Resistant
Supported Audio Format AVCHD, AVI
Frame Rate 60 FPS
Aspect Ratio 4:3
File Format AVI
Effective Still Resolution 12.3
JPEG Quality Level Normal
Total Still Resolution 12.3 MP
Maximum Focal Length 63 Millimeters
Optical Zoom 3
Lens Type Zoom
Zoom Optical Zoom
Camera Lens 14-42mm
Minimum Focal Length 20 Millimeters
Lens Construction 3-group, 5-element
Metering Methods Multi, Center-weighted, Spot
Exposure Control Manual, aperture priority, programmed ae, shutter priority
White Balance Settings Auto
Self Timer 10 Seconds
Screen Size 3 Inches
Display Type LCD
Display Fixture Type Tilting
Touch Screen Type Capacitive
Display Resolution Maximum 460,000
Has Color Screen Yes
Flash Memory Type SD/SDHC/SDXC
Memory Storage Capacity 4 GB
Recording Capacity 29 Minutes
Auto Focus Technology Continuous, Contrast Detection, Face Detection, Live View, Multi-area, Selective single-point, Single, Tracking
Focus Features Contrast Detection
Autofocus Points 35
Focus Type automatic with manual
Focus Mode Continuous-Servo AF (AF-C)
Autofocus Contrast-detection AF with 11 points
Effective Megapixels 12.3 MP
Image Processor TruePic VI
Lens Mount Micro Four Thirds
ISO Sensitivity ISO 100-12800
Shutter Speed Range 1/4000 to 60 seconds
Continuous Shooting Speed Approximately 3 fps
Display 3.0 inch Tilting LCD, 460,000 dots
Video Recording 720p HD at 30 fps
Storage Media SD/SDHC/SDXC cards
Flash Built-in pop-up flash, guide number approx. 10 (ISO100, m)
Connectivity USB 2.0, AV output
Battery Li-ion rechargeable battery (BLS-5)
Dimensions 117 x 68 x 38 mm
Weight Approximately 334 grams (body only)

Key Advantages

The PEN E-PL3 offers a highly compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry for extended photography sessions.

Its 3-inch articulated LCD allows flexible shooting angles, which is beneficial for both stills and video capture.

The camera provides quick startup and shutter response times, assisting in capturing spontaneous moments.

With compatibility for a broad range of Micro Four Thirds lenses, users have significant creative freedom.

Image quality benefits from the Live MOS sensor and TruePic VI image processor combination, producing clear and detailed images.

The inclusion of creative filter effects in-camera permits instant creativity without post-processing.

Limitations

The autofocus system relies solely on contrast detection, which can be slower and less effective in low-light conditions compared to phase detection systems.

It lacks an integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF), relying solely on the LCD screen for composition which might be challenging under bright outdoor lighting.

The ISO range is limited compared to more recent models, which may affect performance in very low light.

Video resolution is capped at 720p HD, which limits video quality by modern standards.

The built-in flash output is relatively modest, potentially limiting effectiveness in darker scenarios.

Battery capacity is moderate, so users may need to carry spare batteries for longer shooting periods.

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