Which Olympus Mirco 4/3 Popular Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera should you select?

Introduction

Olympus and Panasonic are the first two manufacturers announced the Mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (MILC) standard in 2008 and then follow by Sony.  Olympus and Panasonic called its standard  micro four third system (MFT). MFT shares the original image sensor size and specification with the Four Thirds system, designed for DSLRs.  Sony introduced its own MILC in May 2010.  The objectives of this blog is to introduce and identify the related information from the web of the recent  MILC models made by Olympus, Panasonic and Sony.  Here are the information I collect for your decision:

Olympus (Micro 4/3)

The current Olympus micro 4/3 camera includes:

1. OM-D E-M5
2. E-P3
3. E-PL3
4. E-MP1

OM-D E-M5 (My blog has already a post about  E-PM1, please click here for details) is the newest model which was announced at start of 2012. The OM–D's mirrorless design has a compact and lightweight body with dust-proof and splash-proof technology. Photographyblog reviewed the OM-D digital camera and gives a good rating of "Essential" (Click here to see the review)
     

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Digital Camera

   

E-P3  (My blog has already a post about E-PM1, please click here for details) mirrorless interchangeable lens camera  is the most expensive PEN micro 4/3 camera, which has OLED touch screen for setting. The new FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology) AF System is able to focus fast with 35 separate focus points. The AF Tracking function can locks your subject into focus and continuously adjusts focus and brightness even if the subject disappears from view momentarily. The new 12.3MP LIVE MOS SENSOR sensors improve the sensitivity and read-out speed ensuring ISO 12,800 shooting and Full HD movie recording possible. Dust Reduction System assures spot-free images, even after changing lenses. The built in stabilization device assures the reduction of horizontal and vertical shaking.  Built in flash is in place.  Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Color, Light Tone, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama, Cross Process, Gentle Sepia and Dramatic Tone are the art filters for creativity of photography.

Olympus E-P3 Digital Camera

E-PL3 (My blog has already a post of  E-PM1, please click here for details)  mirrorless interchangeable lens camera is like E-P3 but it comes with a tilt LCD screen and has no touch screen.  It is much cheaper than E-P3.

Olympus E-PL3 Digital Camera

  E-PL3 and E-P3 Comparison

Photographyblog rated E-P3 as "Recommended" (Click here to read the review)


E-PM1 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (My blog has already a post about E-PM1, please click here for detail) is the cheapest micro 4/3 camera offered, which is worth to consider for its price and multiple functions.

Olympus E-PM1

Photographyblog rated this camera as " Highly Recommended" (Click here to see the review).  See the hands on review below:

It is nice to own small sensor/large aperture compact camera like Panasonic LX5 or LX7 or Sony RX100, but for myself I would own the E-PM1. E-PM1 has larger sensor than the compact camera and can change  lens. Beside the Panasonic LX5/LX7 and Sony RX100 costs more than E-PM1 with a small sensor.  Getting a E-PM1 with the kit lens plus a Panasonic 20mm F1.7 pancake lens may be the same price of getting the Sony RX100 and Panasonic LX7/LX5 when E-PM1 is on sale.  By the way, E-PM1 is on sale most of the time.

 

In short:  

Among the four Olympus micro 4/3 camera, I would buy the E-PM1 if on tied budget.  I would definitely go for the OM-D E-M5 if money is not a challenge without consideration of E-PL3 or E-P3. The price difference of buying OM-D comparing to E-P3 and E-PL3 is about a few hundred Canadian dollars.  It is worthy to pay more to buy the OM-D E-M5 for its extra capabilities especially the electronic view finder.

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Which PEN for your pocket? EP3 vs. EPL3 vs. EPM1