Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus E-PL5
86 Imaging
48 Features
60 Overall
52
![Olympus PEN E-P3 front Olympus PEN E-P3 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Olympus-PEN-E-P3/Olympus-E-P3-front.jpg)
![Olympus PEN E-PL5 front Olympus PEN E-PL5 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Olympus-PEN-E-PL5/Olympus-E-PL5-front.jpg)
88 Imaging
52 Features
72 Overall
60
Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus E-PL5 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 12800
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 369g - 122 x 69 x 34mm
- Launched August 2011
- Replaced the Olympus E-P2
- Replacement is Olympus E-P5
(Full Review)
- 16MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 3" Tilting Display
- ISO 200 - 25600
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 325g - 111 x 64 x 38mm
- Introduced September 2012
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus E-PL5 Overview
In this write-up, we are contrasting the Olympus E-P3 versus Olympus E-PL5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless digital cameras and both of them are built by Olympus. There is a large difference between the resolutions of the E-P3 (12MP) and E-PL5 (16MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor dimensions (Four Thirds).
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
The E-P3 was launched 13 months earlier than the E-PL5 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before we go straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the E-P3 matches up vs the E-PL5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus E-PL5 Gallery
Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P3 & Olympus PEN E-PL5. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-P3 Gallery & Olympus E-PL5 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Olympus E-P3 over the Olympus E-PL5
E-P3 | E-PL5 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display resolution | 614k | ![]() | 460k | Clearer display (+154k dot) |
Reasons to pick Olympus E-PL5 over the Olympus E-P3
E-PL5 | E-P3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | September 2012 | ![]() | August 2011 | More modern by 13 months |
Display type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting display |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Easy selfies |
Common features in the Olympus E-P3 and Olympus E-PL5
E-P3 | E-PL5 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Dial accurate focusing | ||
Display sizing | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equivalent display sizing |
Touch display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus E-PL5 Physical Comparison
In case you're planning to carry around your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-P3 offers exterior dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") along with a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-PL5 has dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs).
Analyze the Olympus E-P3 versus Olympus E-PL5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.![Camera Size Comparison with Lenses Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose during that time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the E-P3 compared to the E-PL5.
![Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus E-PL5 size comparison Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus E-PL5 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-PEN-E-P3-vs-Olympus-PEN-E-PL5-size-comparison.jpg)
Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P3 and E-PL5 is 86 and 88 respectively.
![Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus E-PL5 top view buttons comparison Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus E-PL5 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-PEN-E-P3-vs-Olympus-PEN-E-PL5-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus E-PL5 Sensor Comparison
Usually, it is tough to picture the gap between sensor sizes only by going over specifications. The picture underneath might offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P3 and E-PL5.
Plainly, both of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different megapixels. You can expect to see the Olympus E-PL5 to offer greater detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The more aged E-P3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.
![Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus E-PL5 sensor size comparison Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus E-PL5 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Olympus-PEN-E-P3-vs-Olympus-PEN-E-PL5-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus E-PL5 Screen and ViewFinder
![Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus E-PL5 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus E-PL5 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-PEN-E-P3-vs-Olympus-PEN-E-PL5-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus E-PL5 Specifications
Olympus PEN E-P3 | Olympus PEN E-PL5 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Olympus | Olympus |
Model type | Olympus PEN E-P3 | Olympus PEN E-PL5 |
Type | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Launched | 2011-08-17 | 2012-09-17 |
Body design | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | TruePic VI | - |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | Four Thirds | Four Thirds |
Sensor measurements | 17.3 x 13mm | 17.3 x 13mm |
Sensor surface area | 224.9mm² | 224.9mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12MP | 16MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 | 4:3 |
Maximum resolution | 4032 x 3024 | 4608 x 3456 |
Maximum native ISO | 12800 | 25600 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 200 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
Continuous AF | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
AF selectice | ||
AF center weighted | ||
AF multi area | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Total focus points | 35 | 35 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
Number of lenses | 107 | 107 |
Focal length multiplier | 2.1 | 2.1 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Display size | 3" | 3" |
Resolution of display | 614 thousand dot | 460 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Display tech | 3:2 OLED with Anti-Fingerprint Coating | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Electronic (optional) | Electronic (optional) |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 60 secs | 60 secs |
Highest shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Continuous shooting speed | 3.0 frames/s | 8.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | 10.00 m (@ ISO 200) | 7.00 m (bundled FL-LM1) |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync, Wireless, Manual (3 levels) | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync, Manual (3 levels) |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Highest flash sync | 1/180 secs | 1/250 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
Video file format | AVCHD, Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, H.264, Motion JPEG |
Microphone input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 369 grams (0.81 lb) | 325 grams (0.72 lb) |
Dimensions | 122 x 69 x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") | 111 x 64 x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | 51 | 72 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 20.8 | 22.8 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 10.1 | 12.3 |
DXO Low light rating | 536 | 889 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 330 pictures | 360 pictures |
Style of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | BLS-5 | BLS-5 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC card | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Retail pricing | $0 | $400 |