Olympus PEN Lite / E-PL3 Review

Review based on a production E-PL3, Firmware version 1.0

The Olympus PEN Lite/E-PL3 is identical in terms of output to the recently reviewed Olympus E-P3. We have tested to verify image quality (and of course include these tests in the review). Where appropriate, you will find our comments and judgements identical to those expressed in our in-depth review of the Olympus E-P3. Much of the original content in this article then is devoted to assessing features and functionality unique to the E-PL3. 

From the beginning, Olympus has placed its E-PL choice as a easy, lower-cost substitute to its higher-end E-Px electronic cameras. The discharge of the third growth Olympus PEN E-PL3 (dubbed PEN Lite) goes on this personalized while wearing much of the performance and nearly all of the performance income of its big sibling, the Olympus E-P3. One distinction now around, however, is the several overall look of the E-PM1/PEN Little, which now becomes the entry-level design in the PEN choice. The PEN En aning locations between the PEN Little and Olympus' significant E-P3, providing an broad variety of exterior management factors and compact-camera-like handling that may entice those who want awesome picture in a little program, and are ready to move beyond an 'auto everything' experience.

The PEN En aning provides handling and efficient changes from its forerunner, the Olympus PEN E-PL2. Among the most apparent of these are the deficiency of a hand-grip along the top factor aspect dish, the addition of a dropping 16:9 structure LCD display and a clip-on display program that needs in the hot shoes and returning gadgets slot (in assessment to the E-PL2's built-in flash). While it stocks a sign and picture handling web page with the higher-priced E-P3, the PEN En aning has more unique design and better function distinction from the awesome end design than we've formerly seen. As such, the E-PL3 is a very different looking picture electronic picture photographic electronic camera than its forerunner, the E-PL2. Actually, the design identifiable and decreased statistic the E-PL3 factor more efficiently to that of the Olympus XZ-1 lightweight camera; a none-too-subtle sign perhaps at Olympus' designed potential viewers.

Make no error, however, the E-PL3 does not be cost-effective on functions. Outside management factors, a function change, hot shoes and gadgets slot all bring over from the E-PL2. And, as we've come to determine from a PEN sequence design, the E-PL3 provides an improved stage of personalization over picture electronic picture photographic electronic camera function along with a number of art liver body organ and results that can be used to JPEG picture details. We're also satisfied to get apparent that, like the E-P3, the PEN En aning has an AF illuminator to help low-light concentrate buy.

Having consistently managed as a trailblazer (Olympus was an beginning exponent of DSLR remain perspective, in-camera picture support and art filters), and therefore viewing other producers agree to similar functions, the E-PL3 chooses Olympus getting to be able to get access to concepts for a change. There's something amazingly NEX-like about the E-PL3's sticking out relationships set up and dropping LCD display, moreover to its individual clip-on display.

Curiously, the PEN Lite's flip-out display is in the 16:9 factor quantity - appropriate for getting HD movie but much less so when taking pictures in the electrical powered managed power electronic camera's local 4:3 structure. This structure mismatch results in dark cafes down both factors of the display, locations which are then definitely dedicated to showing picture electronic picture photographic electronic camera alternatives.

Olympus PEN Lite key specifications:

• Updated 12MP Live MOS sensor
• 120 Hz 'Fast AF' focus system with 35-point area AF
• Clip-on flash (included)
• Built-in autofocus illuminator light
• 460,000 dot tilting LCD screen (16:9 aspect ratio)
• Dual-core TruePic VI processor
• 1080i60 movies in AVCHD format
• Shadow tone adjustment control
• Revised and expanded Art Filter mode (with quick preview option)

Compared to the Olympus PEN E-P3

The E-PL3 has undergone a makeover - slimming down by swapping its built-in flash for a clip-on unit and adopting a flattering, NEX-like extended lens mount. The result is a svelte and elegant appearance. However, when placed next to the solid-looking E-P3 the PEN Lite reveals itself to actually be slightly deeper due to the added dimension of the protruding lens mount and tilt/flip LCD screen.
From the front, the most obvious distinction between the PEN Lite and its big brother, the E-P3, is the lack of a hand-grip. The PEN Lite is significantly less wide and a few millimeters shorter, yet does manage to include an AF-assist illuminator (a welcome addition for both PEN models).
The PEN Lite sports a tilt/flip 16:9 format LCD. The added width of the LCD has necessitated repositioning the Record, Magnify, Fn, Playback and Delete buttons along the top edge of the rear plate above the screen. Sadly, the PEN Lite's LCD is not touch-sensitive.

Differences between the PEN Lite E-PL3 and PEN E-P3

• Faster continuous shooting: up to 5.5fps vs. 3fps
• Tilt/flip LCD display vs. fixed OLED screen
• Lower resolution screen (460,000 vs. 614,000 dots) in 16:9 vs. 3:2 aspect ratio
• No thumb dial
• No orientation sensor
• Slower flash sync speed of 1/160th vs. 1/180th of a second
• Four fewer Art Filters (Loses Pale Light & Color, Light Tone, Gentle Sepia and Cross-Process)
• No built-in flash (clip-in unit included)
• No level gauge

Source:www.dpreview.com

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