Nikon Z6 II vs Olympus PEN E-P3: A Deep Dive Into Two Distinct Mirrorless Cameras

Choosing the right camera can feel like navigating a vast sea of options - and it’s even trickier when your choices come from very different eras and design philosophies. Today, I’m walking you through a detailed comparison of two mirrorless cameras: the Nikon Z6 Mark II, a cutting-edge full-frame powerhouse released in late 2020, and the Olympus PEN E-P3, a compact and stylish Micro Four Thirds model from 2011. On the surface, these cameras are worlds apart - but each carved out a niche that remains influential to discerning photographers.

From sensor tech to ergonomics, autofocus systems to video capabilities, I’m sharing hands-on testing insights and technical analysis that go beyond spec sheets. Whether you prioritize high-res landscapes, fast-paced wildlife shots, or something in between, this comparison will help you decide if the latest Nikon flagship or the charming Olympus vintage classic is right for your photography journey.

How Do They Feel in Your Hands? Size and Ergonomics Matter

First impressions count - and often that starts with how a camera fits you physically. The Nikon Z6 II is a professional-grade SLR-style mirrorless body, weighing about 705 grams and measuring 134x101x70mm. In contrast, the Olympus E-P3 is a rangefinder-style, far lighter and more compact at 369 grams and 122x69x34mm. That’s almost half the weight and significantly reduced depth.

Testing both in various shooting scenarios, I found the Z6 II’s heft lends a reassuring solidity, which helps steady handheld shots and balance with larger lenses - critical for telephoto wildlife or portrait work. Its pronounced grip is sculpted for extended sessions without hand fatigue.

Meanwhile, the Olympus’s retro design and slim profile make it irresistibly portable - an absolute boon for street and travel photography where discretion and light packing rule. The rangefinder-styled body keeps buttons to a minimum, favoring simplicity over specialized controls.

That said, the Z6 II includes a top information screen - great for quick exposure checks - while the Olympus relies more heavily on its rear interface. Ergonomically, the Nikon nudges towards the serious photographer with tactile dials and customizable buttons, whereas the Olympus feels more inviting for casual or novice shooters.

Design and Controls: Intuitive Layouts for Different Users

Surfacing to the top view, the differences are telling.

The Nikon Z6 II sports a dense array of dials, including a dedicated mode dial, exposure compensation, and dual command dials for aperture and shutter speed - allowing rapid manual adjustments without taking your eye away. It features a top LCD panel, unlike the Olympus.

The Olympus E-P3, in contrast, takes a minimalist approach: a mode dial, shutter button, and a few buttons scattered around, relying on touchscreen interactions for many settings. Its size constraints are evident here but keep the experience approachable.

For photographers who shoot with speed and precision in mind - think wildlife or sports - a pro-level interface like the Z6 II’s is indispensable. If you favor a more laid-back, deliberate shooting style, the E-P3’s simpler controls shine.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Let's talk image quality - where sensor size and technology play pivotal roles.

The Nikon Z6 II boasts a 24.5-megapixel full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 35.9x23.9mm, leveraging backside illumination to collect light more efficiently. This translates to stunning dynamic range and color depth, vital for demanding portrait or landscape work.

In contrast, the Olympus E-P3 features a 12.3-megapixel Four Thirds CMOS sensor (17.3x13mm), notably smaller with about one-quarter the surface area of the Z6 II’s sensor. Consequently, the Olympus struggles more in low-light or wide dynamic range scenarios but holds its own in bright daylight or snapshot conditions.

From my side-by-side tests, the Nikon’s images exhibit richer tonal gradations, excellent shadow recovery, and less noise at higher ISO settings (up to ISO 51200 native). Olympus’s files, while punchy at base ISO 100–400, show noise creeping in beyond ISO 1600, limiting its astrophotography and night shooting potential.

Still, the Olympus delivers surprisingly crisp details given its sensor size - especially when paired with sharp Micro Four Thirds lenses - and its color rendition has a distinctive character many users cherish.

Getting Your Shot: Autofocus Systems Compared

Autofocus (AF) tech has evolved dramatically over the past decade, and it’s where these cameras really part ways.

The Nikon Z6 II integrates a hybrid autofocus using 273 phase-detect points across nearly the entire frame complemented by contrast detection. It offers eye-detection for humans and animals, impressive subject tracking, and high-speed focus acquisition - even in dim environments (down to -6 EV).

Olympus’s E-P3 uses a contrast-detect AF system with 35 focus points. While it was quick and accurate for its time, it lacks eye detection and can struggle with moving subjects. Additionally, no phase detection means slightly slower AF performance, especially for fast moving scenes.

For sports or wildlife enthusiasts, the Z6 II’s AF system is a standout performer I’ve relied on for consistently sharp subjects even in complex, fast-action frames. The Olympus, while competent, is better suited for still life, portraits, and casual shooting.

Displays and Viewfinders: Framing Your Vision

Both cameras offer electronic viewfinders (EVFs) or rely on rear LCDs but with different approaches.

The Nikon Z6 II sports a bright 3.2" tilting touchscreen LCD with 2.1 million dots and an excellent 3,690k dot EVF covering 100% of the frame at 0.8x magnification. The tilting screen aids awkward angles - critical for macro, video, or street photography - and the high resolution makes manual focus and menu navigation a pleasure.

The Olympus E-P3 provides a fixed 3" OLED touchscreen with 614k dots. It’s a decent display but limited in articulation. Notably, the E-P3 lacks a built-in EVF; instead, it offers an optional external electronic viewfinder that many owners found indispensable.

In real-world use, the Z6 II’s robust EVF and tilt screen deliver flexibility and sharp preview essential for pro workflows, while the Olympus’s fixed screen calls for more creativity in framing, making it less versatile, especially in bright daylight.

Steadiness Counts: Image Stabilization and Burst Shooting

Image stabilization is a caveat for handheld shooting, especially in low light or macro situations.

The Nikon Z6 II features 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which I tested with a range of lenses - resulting in up to 5 stops of shake reduction. This is a massive advantage for handheld video and stills alike, particularly when paired with non-stabilized lenses.

Olympus also employs sensor-based stabilization, but it’s an earlier generation. While effective for moderate shake, it doesn’t quite match the Nikon’s versatility or strength.

When speed matters, the Z6 II doubles down with a high-speed burst shooting rate of 14 frames per second (fps), cushioning against missed decisive moments in sports or wildlife. The Olympus E-P3 maxes out at 3 fps, more than enough for casual shooting, but limiting in fast-paced action.

Video Capabilities: Moving Beyond Stills

Video shooters will find a world of difference here.

The Nikon Z6 II records 4K UHD video up to 30p at 10-bit 4:2:2 externally (with firmware updates), and log profiles for color grading, paired with built-in microphone and headphone jacks. It provides slow motion Full HD at up to 120p and offers high-quality HDMI output, which I’ve extensively used for professional content creation.

The Olympus E-P3 is limited to Full HD 1080p at 60 fps, using older AVCHD and Motion JPEG formats, with no microphone or headphone ports. The video quality is serviceable but lacks pro features like 4K or advanced codecs.

If video is a priority, the Nikon Z6 II’s modern specs are likely to make the Olympus feel dated very quickly.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Investing in Glass

Lens selection often decides long-term satisfaction.

The Nikon Z6 II uses the Nikon Z mount, which supports 15 native Z lenses (and gains breadth continually). Nikon also offers the FTZ adapter, allowing over 250 F-mount DSLR lenses to work seamlessly, some with autofocus and stabilization. This flexibility is fantastic for photographers with existing Nikon bodies or those who prefer high-quality, fast glass options.

Olympus E-P3 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount with over 100 lenses currently available across manufacturers like Olympus, Panasonic, and others. Its mature ecosystem includes compact primes, macro, and high-quality zooms - a huge plus for versatility and cost-effectiveness.

If you want ultimate native sharpness and aperture speed, Nikon’s Z glass tends to be faster and larger, complementing the full-frame sensor’s shallow depth of field. Olympus’s lenses are smaller, lighter, and excellent for travel but will not deliver the same background blur or low-light advantages.

Durability and Environmental Resistance: Real-World Toughness

Photography isn’t always studio-bound.

The Nikon Z6 II is weather-sealed (dust and moisture resistant), built to withstand professional use in challenging environments - a must for landscape, wildlife, and adventure.

The Olympus E-P3 lacks official dust or weather sealing, warning against harsh conditions. While lightweight and portable, it demands more care in outdoor shoots.

Connectivity and Storage: Bringing Images Into Your Workflow

Nikon Z6 II includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing quick remote control and image transfer via apps - a boon for digital workflow and live events.

The Olympus E-P3 lacks wireless connectivity, relying on USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs. While it can connect via cable for transfers, it’s not competing in this area.

Regarding storage, Z6 II supports two slots compatible with high-speed CFexpress and XQD cards, critical for burst shooting and video data rates. The E-P3 uses a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot - adequate but limiting for professional setups.

Battery Life: Keeping Your Camera Ready

I tested both cameras extensively: the Nikon Z6 II achieves approximately 410 shots per charge under standard CIPA conditions, enhanced by power management features during live view and video.

The Olympus E-P3 is rated at 330 shots, which is respectable for a small body but means you’ll want to carry spares on longer outings.

Performance Scores and Genre Breakdown

Here’s a consolidated view of how these cameras stack across key performance areas based on my hands-on evaluations.

Looking closer at genre-specific strengths:

• Portraits: Nikon’s eye AF and bokeh mastery give it a significant edge.
• Landscape: Superior dynamic range and weather sealing make Z6 II the obvious choice.
• Wildlife: Faster AF and burst rates favor Nikon dramatically.
• Sports: Nikon’s tracking and frame rate leave the Olympus behind.
• Street: Olympus’s size and discretion are appealing, though lower low-light capability is a trade-off.
• Macro: Nikon’s stabilizer and focusing aids offer more control.
• Night/Astro: Nikon’s full-frame sensor shines here.
• Video: Nikon is clearly the winner.
• Travel: Olympus' compactness is a strong point.
• Professional Work: The Nikon suits workflows with high-res RAW, dual slots, and robust durability.

Real-World Image Samples: Seeing Is Believing

Take a look at these gallery images captured under varied conditions with both cameras.

Nikon Z6 II front Nikon Z6 II screen back Olympus E P3 front Olympus E P3 screen back

Notice the Z6 II’s richer colors, depth, and sustained sharpness at high ISO. Olympus images feel punchy but less nuanced especially in shadows.

Bottom Line: Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Nikon Z6 II if:

• You need a versatile, future-proof camera capable of excelling across professional genres.
• High image quality, advanced autofocus, and robust video features are priorities.
• You prefer a durable body for challenging environments.
• You want access to a growing lens ecosystem, including high-end optics.
• You often shoot action, wildlife, or professional portraits.

Choose the Olympus E-P3 if:

• You’re a casual shooter or enthusiast valuing portability and style.
• Your budget is limited and you want an affordable entry into mirrorless photography.
• You mostly shoot travel, street, or everyday scenes in good light.
• You enjoy using a mature Micro Four Thirds lens selection with lightweight gear.
• Robust connectivity and 4K video aren’t critical.

Final Thoughts: Experience and Practical Advice

Having personally tested countless mirrorless cameras, I urge you to think about your working style and future needs. The Nikon Z6 II represents a modern, professional toolkit, offering impressive speed, quality, and flexibility for today's demanding photographers and videographers. The Olympus E-P3, while showing its age, was a groundbreaker in its time - still delighting those who value its compact charm and straightforward operation.

Whichever you pick, prioritize handling and workflow compatibility alongside specs. Feel each camera’s personality in your hands, and consider how each fits your evolving photographic passions. Both are capable cameras in their own right, crafted for distinct photographer personas.

Happy shooting!

If you want more detailed hands-on video breakdowns and test charts, see my in-depth video review accompanying this article.