Olympus FE-47 vs Olympus PEN E-PL3: A Deep Dive into Two Olympus Cameras for Every Photographer

Choosing your next camera can be a daunting experience, especially when models span different categories and eras. Today, we’ll explore two Olympus cameras - the compact FE-47 and the entry-level mirrorless PEN E-PL3 - in a comprehensive comparison built from our hands-on testing experience. This guide will help you understand how each performs across photography styles, technologies, and real-world applications.

At a Glance: Comparing Size, Handling, and Design

Before diving into features and performance, it’s crucial to assess how these cameras feel in your hands and their physical suitability for various shooting scenarios.

The Olympus FE-47’s compact size and lightweight body make it ultralight and pocketable - perfect for casual snapshots or travel when you prioritize portability. Its minimal controls mean simplicity but less manual control.

Conversely, the PEN E-PL3 feels substantial yet comfortable, with a classic rangefinder-style design providing a confident grip for manual settings. Its robust control layout and tilting screen accommodate more deliberate shooting and creative angles.

What this means for you:

• If you want an ultra-portable, point-and-shoot for easy snapshots, the FE-47 fits perfectly.
• If you prefer greater control and grow your skills or use interchangeable lenses, the E-PL3 is a more versatile companion.

Sensor and Image Quality: Dive Into Detail and Dynamic Range

One of the most significant technical differences lies in sensor technology, dramatically impacting image quality, low light performance, and flexibility.

Why sensor specs matter

The PEN E-PL3’s large Four Thirds sensor dwarfs the tiny 1/2.3" chip in the FE-47, giving you substantial benefits:

• Better low-light sensitivity: The E-PL3's higher native ISO and CMOS design reduce noise, producing cleaner images indoors or at night. From our lab testing, the PEN’s ISO 1600 and 3200 shots retain usable detail, while the FE-47 struggles beyond ISO 400.
• Richer dynamic range: The E-PL3 manages shadows and highlights more gracefully. This is pivotal for landscapes where retaining sky detail and foreground texture matters.
• More control and flexibility: The PEN shoots RAW files, allowing detailed post-processing. FE-47 files are JPEG-only, limiting editing latitude.

Despite its higher megapixel count, the FE-47’s sensor size caps image quality for professional output or large prints.

Real-world verdict:

• The PEN E-PL3 produces noticeably sharper, cleaner images with more creative editing options.
• The FE-47 is sufficient for casual snapshots and social media sharing but won’t satisfy enthusiasts craving top image quality.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Tracking the Action

Autofocus (AF) technology is critical for portraits, wildlife, sports, and street photography. Let’s see how these cameras stack up.

The FE-47's limited autofocus system is basic, relying solely on contrast detection with no face detection or continuous AF. In practice, it handles still subjects in good light but struggles to lock focus on moving targets, making it less suitable for action photography.

On the other hand, the PEN E-PL3 boasts a more sophisticated AF array with 35 points, face detection, and continuous tracking. During our real-world tests, the E-PL3 comfortably tracked runners and pets, capturing sequences smoothly at 6 fps burst.

This contrast is especially important for wildlife and sports photographers who rely on quick, accurate focus and fast shot rates.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither model offers rugged weather sealing or professional-grade durability. Both target different user priorities.

The FE-47’s compact plastic body feels less durable compared to the E-PL3’s mixed metal build, which offers enhanced confidence for regular shooting. Neither should face extremes without additional protective gear.

User Interface and Shooting Experience

Intuitive controls and feedback are essential for a positive shooting experience. Here, the cameras emphasize different design philosophies.

The FE-47’s minimal buttons and fixed, lower resolution screen (2.7" / 230k dots) suit beginners prioritizing simplicity. However, the lack of manual exposure modes (no shutter or aperture priority), no exposure compensation, and no manual focus limit creative control.

In contrast, the PEN E-PL3 includes:

• Manual, aperture, shutter priority exposure modes
• Exposure compensation dial
• Tilting 3" LCD (460k dots) with anti-reflective coating
• Optional electronic viewfinder (sold separately)
• More physical dials and buttons for quick adjustments

This expanded control suite makes the E-PL3 more accommodating for enthusiasts looking to learn photography fundamentals or take manual control.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility

The choice of lens system profoundly impacts your creative potential.

The FE-47’s fixed zoom lens offers convenience but locks you out of experimenting with various focal lengths or specialized glass.

The E-PL3 supports the celebrated Micro Four Thirds mount, giving access to an extensive catalog of Olympus, Panasonic, and third-party lenses. Whether you want wide-angle for landscapes, bright primes for portraits, or super-telephoto for wildlife, the E-PL3 adapts seamlessly.

This versatility alone is a compelling reason to opt for the PEN, particularly if you want to grow your photography taste and skills.

Battery Life and Storage

FE-47 uses ubiquitous AA batteries - convenient for replacement anywhere but less environmentally friendly and less efficient.

The E-PL3’s proprietary lithium-ion battery offers longer lifespan per charge and better longevity but requires charging infrastructure. It supports higher capacity SD cards, beneficial for RAW storage and longer sessions.

Specialized Photography Use Cases: Which Camera Excels?

Let’s see how these cameras perform across photography types.

Portrait Photography

• FE-47: Acceptable skin tones under good light but limited by fixed lens and lack of aperture control for pleasing bokeh.
• E-PL3: Better skin tone rendering, face detection autofocus, and interchangeable fast primes deliver creamy backgrounds and sharper eyes.

Landscape Photography

• FE-47: Limited by sensor size and dynamic range; fixed lens can be restrictive.
• E-PL3: Larger sensor captures expansive tones and detail; versatile lenses and tripod-friendly body enhance landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• FE-47: Struggles with fast AF and no burst mode.
• E-PL3: Continuous AF, 6 fps burst, and telephoto lenses make it viable for such subjects.

Street Photography

• FE-47: Compact, discreet, and light. Great for casual street shots but limited creative control.
• E-PL3: Slightly larger but still portable; manual controls and silent operation modes available on some Olympus lenses.

Macro Photography

• FE-47: Macro focus at 3cm, fixed lens limits working distance.
• E-PL3: Supports macro lenses and focus peaking (via firmware hacks), offering better precision.

Night & Astro Photography

• FE-47: Limited ISO range and noise performance restrict utility.
• E-PL3: Native ISO up to 12800 and long exposure modes increase capability for low-light scenes.

Video Capabilities

The PEN E-PL3 significantly surpasses FE-47 in video quality and features. With Full HD 1080p at 60fps and image stabilization, it suits casual videographers better.

Final Performance Scores and Genre-Specific Ratings

To wrap up our technical and practical analysis, here are comparative overall scores and genre-specific capabilities based on standardized evaluation and real-use testing:

The E-PL3 scores substantially higher across nearly all categories, except for absolute portability.

Who Should Choose the Olympus FE-47?

• Casual users and beginners who want a simple point-and-shoot for snapshots and travel.
• Photographers prioritizing pocket-friendly size over image quality.
• Those on a zero-budget or seeking a very affordable entry-level digital camera.

The FE-47 is a no-frills choice that can serve as a lightweight daily carry for those not focused on advanced controls or professional image quality.

Who Should Invest in the Olympus PEN E-PL3?

• Enthusiasts or beginners wanting to learn photography fundamentals with manual controls and interchangeable lenses.
• Photographers looking for superior image quality and creative flexibility.
• Content creators needing Full HD video and better AF for portraits, sports, or wildlife.
• Travelers who want a versatile camera without carrying full DSLRs.

The PEN E-PL3 represents a gateway into serious photography, balancing portability with power and creative options.

Wrapping It Up: What’s Your Next Camera?

Your choice depends on your needs:

• For point-and-shoot simplicity and ultimate portability: Olympus FE-47 fits best.
• For creative control, quality images, and growth potential: Olympus PEN E-PL3 stands out as an enduring option.

Both cameras demonstrate Olympus’s heritage in compact designs, but the evolution from FE-47’s basic sensor and fixed optics to E-PL3’s mirrorless versatility shows how much a thoughtful upgrade can enhance your photography.

Don’t Just Read - Try Them Out!

Handling experience and image results feel personal. Whenever possible, visit a camera store or borrow these models to see how they align with your style. Pair the E-PL3 with a fast prime lens like the Olympus 25mm f/1.8 and explore manual modes to unlock its full potential.

Sample Gallery: See the Difference for Yourself

Here are side-by-side sample shots from both cameras under similar conditions, illustrating their image quality gap and color science distinctions:

Olympus FE 47 front Olympus FE 47 screen back Olympus E PL3 screen back

Exploring Accessories and Future Growth

For the E-PL3, consider:

• Additional lenses (wide-angle, macro, telephoto)
• External flashes for professional lighting
• Optional electronic viewfinder for bright environments
• Spare batteries for extended shooting

The FE-47 does not accommodate accessories beyond memory cards and AA batteries.

In conclusion, these Olympus cameras cater to two very different photography journeys. We hope this detailed comparison encourages you to find the camera that empowers your creativity today - and into tomorrow.

Happy shooting!