Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus E-PL5
88 Imaging
48 Features
52 Overall
49
![Olympus PEN E-PL3 front Olympus PEN E-PL3 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/w300/fronton/Olympus-PEN-E-PL3.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-PL3 vs Olympus E-PL5 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - Four Thirds Sensor
- 3" Tilting Display
- ISO 200 - 12800
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Micro Four Thirds Mount
- 313g - 110 x 64 x 37mm
- Released September 2011
- Older Model is Olympus E-PL2
(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
- Released September 2012
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus E-PL5 Overview
Here, we are contrasting the Olympus E-PL3 and Olympus E-PL5, both Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras and they are both manufactured by Olympus. There exists a noticeable gap among the resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and E-PL5 (16MP) but both cameras have the identical sensor dimensions (Four Thirds).
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
The E-PL3 was brought out 12 months earlier than the E-PL5 which means that they are of a similar age. Both cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).
Before delving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief summation of how the E-PL3 matches up vs the E-PL5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus E-PL5 Gallery
Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Olympus PEN E-PL5. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Olympus E-PL5 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Olympus E-PL3 over the Olympus E-PL5
E-PL3 | E-PL5 |
---|
Reasons to pick Olympus E-PL5 over the Olympus E-PL3
E-PL5 | E-PL3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | September 2012 | ![]() | September 2011 | Newer by 12 months |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Take selfies | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | Easily navigate |
Common features in the Olympus E-PL3 and Olympus E-PL5
E-PL3 | E-PL5 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Very exact focusing | ||
Display type | Tilting | ![]() | Tilting | Tilting display |
Display size | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Same display sizing |
Display resolution | 460k | ![]() | 460k | Same display resolution |
Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus E-PL5 Physical Comparison
In case you're planning to travel with your camera frequently, you should factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL3 provides external measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) while the Olympus E-PL5 has measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs).
Compare the Olympus E-PL3 and Olympus E-PL5 in our brand new 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)
Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Here is a front view scale comparison of the E-PL3 versus the E-PL5.
![Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus E-PL5 size comparison Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus E-PL5 size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-PEN-E-PL3-vs-Olympus-PEN-E-PL5-size-comparison.jpg)
Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL3 and E-PL5 is 88 and 88 respectively.
![Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus E-PL5 top view buttons comparison Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus E-PL5 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-PEN-E-PL3-vs-Olympus-PEN-E-PL5-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus E-PL5 Sensor Comparison
Normally, it can be tough to picture the gap in sensor dimensions just by checking out a spec sheet. The pic underneath might give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and E-PL5.
As you can see, both cameras feature the identical sensor size but different MP. You can expect to see the Olympus E-PL5 to produce extra detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images way more aggressively. The more aged E-PL3 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.
![Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus E-PL5 sensor size comparison Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus E-PL5 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Olympus-PEN-E-PL3-vs-Olympus-PEN-E-PL5-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus E-PL5 Screen and ViewFinder
![Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus E-PL5 Screen and Viewfinder comparison Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus E-PL5 Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Olympus-PEN-E-PL3-vs-Olympus-PEN-E-PL5-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus E-PL5 Specifications
Olympus PEN E-PL3 | Olympus PEN E-PL5 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Olympus | Olympus |
Model type | Olympus PEN E-PL3 | Olympus PEN E-PL5 |
Type | Entry-Level Mirrorless | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Released | 2011-09-20 | 2012-09-17 |
Body design | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Truepic VI | - |
Sensor type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size | Four Thirds | Four Thirds |
Sensor dimensions | 17.3 x 13mm | 17.3 x 13mm |
Sensor area | 224.9mm² | 224.9mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixel | 16 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 | 4:3 |
Highest Possible resolution | 4032 x 3024 | 4608 x 3456 |
Maximum native ISO | 12800 | 25600 |
Min native ISO | 200 | 200 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Total focus points | 35 | 35 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
Total lenses | 107 | 107 |
Focal length multiplier | 2.1 | 2.1 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Tilting | Tilting |
Display size | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Resolution of display | 460k dot | 460k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Display technology | HyperCrystal LCD AR(Anti-Reflective) coating | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Electronic (optional) | Electronic (optional) |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 60s | 60s |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/4000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shutter speed | 6.0 frames/s | 8.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | no built-in flash | 7.00 m (bundled FL-LM1) |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync, Manual (3 levels) | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Slow Sync, Manual (3 levels) |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Fastest flash sync | 1/160s | 1/250s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
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 format | AVCHD, Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, H.264, Motion JPEG |
Mic 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 | 313 grams (0.69 lb) | 325 grams (0.72 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 110 x 64 x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") | 111 x 64 x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | 52 | 72 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 20.9 | 22.8 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 10.3 | 12.3 |
DXO Low light rating | 499 | 889 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 300 photos | 360 photos |
Type 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 | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage slots | One | One |
Pricing at release | $399 | $400 |