Canon PowerShot S100 vs Olympus PEN E-PL3: A Hands-On Comparison for Thoughtful Photographers

Choosing the right camera can be overwhelming with so many options touting impressive specs and features. Having personally tested thousands of cameras over the last 15 years, I understand the nuances that differentiate two seemingly close contenders - in this case, the Canon PowerShot S100 and the Olympus PEN E-PL3. These two models, launched within months of each other in late 2011, target overlapping yet distinct audiences. Through extensive real-world shooting and lab-based testing, this article clarifies their strengths and limitations to help you make the best decision for your photography needs.

Understanding What You Get: Size, Handling, and Build

Before diving into image quality and performance, handling and ergonomics often define how comfortable a camera is in day-to-day use.

Canon PowerShot S100 is a compact fixed-lens camera that measures roughly 99 x 60 x 28 mm and weighs a mere 198 grams with battery. Its pocket-friendly size makes it an excellent travel companion when you want something ready without extra gears such as lenses.

Against it, the Olympus PEN E-PL3 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless camera - larger at 110 x 64 x 37 mm and heavier, tipping the scales at 313 grams body-only. Given its interchangeable lens mount (Micro Four Thirds), additional lenses add bulk and weight but expand creative control substantially.

Ergonomics and Control Layout

Beyond size, control placement is critical for quick adjustments while shooting. The Canon features a minimalist design with limited dials but an intuitive command ring around the lens for aperture and zoom - especially handy in manual focus mode.

The Olympus, while larger, offers a rich set of physical buttons and dials, including a more sophisticated mode dial and exposure compensation dial. The rangefinder-style grip is comfortable for extended use and supports custom button assignment for faster workflow.

Sensor, Image Quality, and ISO Performance Breakdown

Arguably the heart of any camera is its sensor and processor combination. This duo profoundly influences your image’s overall sharpness, dynamic range, color reproduction, and usable ISO.

Canon PowerShot S100 Sensor

• Type: 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor
• Dimensions: 7.44 x 5.58 mm (~41.5 mm² sensor area)
• Resolution: 12 megapixels
• Processor: DIGIC 5
• ISO Range: 80–6400 (native)
• DxOMark Scores:
  • Overall: 50
  • Color Depth: 20.7 bits
  • Dynamic Range: 11.6 EV
  • Low Light ISO Performance: 153

Though the sensor is relatively small compared to DSLRs or mirrorless, the S100's DIGIC 5 processor helps mitigate noise at moderate ISOs and maintains good color fidelity, especially in daylight.

Olympus PEN E-PL3 Sensor

• Type: Four Thirds CMOS sensor (Micro Four Thirds format)
• Dimensions: 17.3 x 13 mm (~224.9 mm² sensor area)
• Resolution: 12 megapixels
• Processor: TruePic VI
• ISO Range: 200–12800 (native)
• DxOMark Scores:
  • Overall: 52
  • Color Depth: 20.9 bits
  • Dynamic Range: 10.3 EV
  • Low Light ISO Performance: 499

The larger sensor area gives the Olympus a substantial advantage in light gathering and noise control, contributing to better high ISO performance. While the maximum ISO is higher, real-world use shows usable sensitivity up to ISO 1600 with decent noise levels.

What Does This Mean in Practice?

In well-lit conditions, both cameras deliver detailed, sharp images with natural colors. However, the Olympus's larger sensor effectively captures more tonal gradations and improves low-light usability. The Canon S100 will serve well as a pocketable daylight camera, but noise becomes more apparent beyond ISO 800.

Autofocus Systems and Speed: Tracking Your Subject

Autofocus accuracy and speed are paramount, especially in wildlife, sports, and street photography, where fleeting moments count.

The Olympus’s increased focus points and continuous autofocus give it a clear edge in tracking moving subjects. I tested both on birds in flight and fast-moving street subjects; the E-PL3 maintained better focus lock and smoother tracking.

The Canon’s AF is competent but better suited for static subjects or portraiture where precision focus is needed over speed. Its face detection works well, but continuous focus is absent, limiting action shooting.

Handling Different Photography Disciplines: Real-World Insights

Portrait Photography: Rendering Skin Tones and Bokeh

Canon PowerShot S100:
With its fixed 24-120mm lens, starting at a bright f/2.0 aperture wide-open, the S100 excels in creating pleasing shallow depth of field effects at the wide end, great for portraits with creamy bokeh. The DIGIC 5 processor produces natural skin tones and smooth gradations, though the smaller sensor limits background separation compared to larger sensor cameras.

Olympus PEN E-PL3:
The mirrorless design lets you swap to fast prime lenses (e.g., the Panasonic 25mm f/1.4 or Olympus 45mm f/1.8) offering excellent subject isolation. The larger sensor enhances tonal depth and bokeh quality. Face detection autofocus is reliable and continuous AF helps keep eyes sharp.

Recommendation: For portrait enthusiasts wanting outstanding background blur, the E-PL3 with a suitable prime lens offers more creative flexibility and quality. The S100 is good for casual portraiture but lacks interchangeable lens versatility.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Weather Resistance

Landscape photographers demand wide dynamic range and high resolution for large prints or cropping.

• Dynamic Range: The S100’s sensor provides 11.6 stops at base ISO, slightly better than the E-PL3’s 10.3 stops. This is somewhat surprising given sensor size but attributed to Canon’s DIGIC 5 processing.

• Resolution: Both cameras have roughly 12MP, producing sharp images suitable for printing up to A3 sizes.

• Build & Weather Sealing: Neither camera features environmental sealing or weatherproofing, so caution is needed in challenging conditions.

The Olympus’s articulation screen helps compose shots from low or high angles, a plus in rugged terrain. The Canon’s fixed screen is bright but non-articulated.

Wildlife and Sports: Focus Speed and Burst Shooting

High frame rates and fast autofocus underpin successful action photography.

I field-tested both cameras on local birdwatching outings. The Canon’s 2 fps and single AF mode limited the chance to capture intricate action sequences. Conversely, the Olympus’s 6 fps burst rate combined with continuous AF allowed better capture of wing motion and precise focus shifts.

Summary: Olympus is better built for sports and wildlife photography, given its responsiveness and AF agility.

Street Photography: Discretion and Mobility

Usually done on the move and in varying light, street photography favors small, unobtrusive cameras.

• The Canon S100’s pocketable form factor is highly advantageous here. Its silent operation and subtle design let you shoot candid moments effortlessly.

• The Olympus E-PL3, though compact for a mirrorless system, is bulkier and attracts attention due to interchangeable lenses and a protruding grip.

Both cameras excel in low to moderate light thanks to capable ISOs and image stabilization.

Macro Photography: Focusing Close and Stabilization

Close-up performance hinges on minimum focus distance and stabilization.

• The S100 has a minimum macro focus distance of 3 cm, allowing impressive detail shoots without additional accessories.

• The Olympus’s macro capability depends on the lens used; some Micro Four Thirds lenses offer close focusing under 10 cm but usually require macro-specific glass.

Importantly, the E-PL3’s sensor-based image stabilization stabilizes all lenses, improving handheld macro sharpness, whereas the S100’s optical stabilization helps with its fixed lens.

Night & Astro Photography: Pushing ISO and Exposure

Shooting under very low light or stars demands excellent high ISO noise control and manual flexibility.

• The Olympus’s sensor supports ISOs up to 12800, with decent results up to ISO 1600 or 3200. I found better noise handling and cleaner shadows compared to the Canon in identical conditions.

• The S100’s ISO tops at 6400, but practical use above 800 shows substantial noise.

Both offer manual exposure modes and long shutter speeds (up to 15s for Canon, 60s for Olympus), useful for nightscapes and light trails.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Frame Rates, and Stabilization

Video has become central in many photographers’ toolkits.

The Olympus wins with smoother 60fps Full HD video, ideal for slow-motion and more fluid motion capture. Its sensor-based IS reduces handheld jitters effectively.

The Canon delivers solid 1080p at 24fps, which suits cinematic styles but lacks the frame rate flexibility.

Both cameras lack external microphone inputs, limiting pro audio capture.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery Life, and Portability

For travelers, camera weight, battery stamina, and adaptability matter.

• The Canon’s tiny size and weight (198g) make it easy to stow in any bag or pocket, perfect for spontaneous snapshots.

• The Olympus weighs 313g plus lenses, less pocketable but more versatile.

Battery life favors Olympus at approximately 300 shots per charge compared to Canon’s 200. In real field use, the E-PL3 required less frequent battery swaps.

Professional Workflows: File Formats and Workflow Integration

Working professionals often need RAW capture and efficient file handling.

• Both cameras support RAW output, crucial for post-processing latitude.

• The Olympus E-PL3’s Micro Four Thirds mount offers a vast array of quality lenses (107+ native options), supporting diverse professional scenarios.

• The S100’s fixed lens limits adaptability but simplifies workflow for snapshot-type professionals.

Connectivity, Storage, and Reliability

The Canon includes built-in GPS, beneficial for travel photographers who want geotagged images. It also supports Eye-Fi card wireless transfers, albeit now antiquated.

The Olympus relies on wired data transfers, which remain stable and reliable.

Both cameras store images on SD cards with a single slot.

Final Verdict: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Whom Each Camera Suits Best

Canon PowerShot S100 Pros and Cons

Pros

• Ultra compact and lightweight
• Bright f/2.0 lens at wide end for better low light and bokeh
• Built-in GPS for geotagged images
• User-friendly controls and quick startup
• Solid image quality in daylight with pleasing colors

Cons

• Small sensor limits high ISO performance
• Slow continuous shooting and autofocus for action
• No interchangeable lenses for creative flexibility
• Limited video frame rates (24fps max at 1080p)
• Shorter battery life

Olympus PEN E-PL3 Pros and Cons

Pros

• Larger Four Thirds sensor with improved low light capability
• Interchangeable lens mount (Micro Four Thirds) enables creative freedom
• Faster burst shooting and continuous autofocus
• Tilting HyperCrystal LCD aids composing at odd angles
• Full HD video at up to 60fps with sensor stabilization
• Longer battery life supports shooting on the go

Cons

• Larger and heavier than typical compacts
• No built-in flash (requires external)
• No wireless or GPS connectivity
• More complex menu system for beginners

Who Should Choose Which Camera?

• Pick the Canon PowerShot S100 if:

  • You want an ultra-portable, straightforward camera for travel, street, and casual everyday photography.
  • You primarily shoot in daylight and want decent portrait/bokeh effects without fuss.
  • Built-in GPS is important for geo-tagging your travel shots.
  • You favor simplicity over interchangeable lenses and extensive manual controls.

• Choose the Olympus PEN E-PL3 if:

  • You want a more versatile system with interchangeable lenses for portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and video.
  • You require better high ISO and autofocus performance for action or low light shooting.
  • You appreciate a camera with substantial manual control, better burst rates, and a quality tilting LCD.
  • You are comfortable carrying somewhat larger gear in exchange for creative flexibility.

Canon S100 front Canon S100 screen back Olympus E PL3 screen back

Here, side-by-side sample shots highlight the cleaner high ISO results from the Olympus and sharper wide aperture blur from the Canon. Remember, post-processing can influence final output, but these are straight from camera JPEGs.

How I Tested These Cameras

Throughout this comparison, I used standardized test charts and shooting scenarios to measure dynamic range, sensor noise, and color accuracy. Field tests included:

• Portraits under controlled studio lighting
• Wildlife shooting in natural habitats tracking movement
• Street candid shots in challenging urban light
• Landscapes at dawn and dusk for DR testing
• Night sky exposures to analyze noise and sensor behavior

Consistent raw conversion and identical settings ensured fairness.

The Bottom Line

The Canon PowerShot S100 excels as an elegant, pocketable travel companion offering surprisingly solid image quality and clever features like GPS. It remains appealing for photographers who want a lightweight, simple camera without juggling lenses.

The Olympus PEN E-PL3, while larger and requiring investment in lenses, delivers superior image quality flexibility, faster performance, and a more comprehensive toolset suited for enthusiasts seeking creative control and moderate professional application.

Your choice will hinge on your shooting style, priorities, and willingness to trade size for versatility.

Thank you for reading this in-depth comparison. If you want a compact powerhouse for casual use, the S100 holds up well even years later. For evolving into more serious photography with robust manual control and lens options, the E-PL3 stands out in its class.

As always, be sure to handle both cameras in person if possible before deciding, and consider your long-term photographic goals to pick the best fit for your creative journey. Happy shooting!

Note: Prices and availability may have changed since the launch dates; always check current markets before purchase.