Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus Stylus 7000: An In-Depth Comparison for Discerning Photographers

When you're stepping up your photography game, choosing the right camera can be as tricky as nailing the perfect exposure. Today, I’m putting two Olympus cameras head-to-head: the Olympus PEN E-PL3, a lightweight entry-level mirrorless shooter from 2011, versus the compact point-and-shoot Olympus Stylus 7000 (mju 7000) from 2009. Both originally targeted different buyers and budgets, but are worth revisiting as affordable options or secondary cameras - especially if you appreciate Olympus’ classic ergonomics and color science.

Having tested thousands of cameras over the years, I’ll break down what these two machines mean in real-world practical terms. We'll look underneath the spec sheet shiny bits to uncover who truly benefits from each model, and where either is just better left on a shelf. Expect insights on sensor tech, autofocus, build, handling, image quality, and all your key photography genres.

Let’s dive in!

Hands-On With Size, Build, and Handling

Physical size and ergonomics matter - no point lugging around a brick or wrestling with tiny controls while chasing the decisive moment.

The E-PL3 sports a classic rangefinder-style mirrorless body, with a sturdy magnesium alloy frame wrapped in textured grips. It sits comfortably in the hand despite being compact, with enough heft to feel stable without tiring your wrist. The dials and buttons offer distinct feedback, popular among hobbyists who appreciate physical controls.

Compared to that, the Stylus 7000 is a slim and sleek compact designed for pocketability, tipping the scales noticeably lighter at 172g versus 313g for the E-PL3. But don’t be misled by the handy size - the 7000’s minimalist controls and lack of a viewfinder limit its appeal to casual photography and daytime snapshots. It’s a true cheapskate’s companion to bulkier gear.

Looking at the control layout from the top: The E-PL3 gives you access to exposure compensation, mode dials, and has a tilt screen to aid creativity from low or high angles. The Stylus 7000 keeps it simple, with fewer manual options and no articulating screen. For anyone who tweaks settings on the fly (sports shooters, portrait artists), the E-PL3’s interface feels far more inviting.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

At the core of any camera’s image quality is its sensor size and processing tech. Bigger usually means better, but let’s see how that holds true in this face-off.

The E-PL3 features a Micro Four Thirds (Four Thirds spec) 17.3 x 13 mm CMOS sensor with 12 megapixels, while the Stylus 7000 harbors a much tinier 1/2.3" 6.08 x 4.56 mm CCD sensor, also 12 megapixels. That’s a massive difference in sensor surface area: the E-PL3’s at roughly 225 mm² dwarfs the 7000’s tiny 28 mm² sensor by a factor of eight.

This directly impacts image quality:

• Dynamic range: The E-PL3’s CMOS sensor paired with the TruePic VI processor exhibits about 10.3 EV dynamic range (DxOMark verified), handling shadows and highlights much better.
• ISO performance: Native ISO on the E-PL3 ranges from 200 to 12800, with respectable low-light noise levels up to ISO 1600-3200 usable. The Stylus maxes out at ISO 1600 and honestly is noisy beyond ISO 400 in practice.
• Color depth: The E-PL3 achieves 20.9 bits color depth, richer and more nuanced compared to the lightly processed 7000.

Essentially, if you want high-quality large prints, work with Raw files, or shoot in challenging lighting, the E-PL3’s sensor technology crushes the Stylus hands down.

Display and User Interface Experience

No viewfinder on either, but digital displays guide you through framing, menus, and playback.

The E-PL3 sports a tilting 3-inch, 460k-dot 'HyperCrystal' LCD with anti-reflective coating, making it bright and flexible for creative angles. The Stylus 7000 includes a fixed 3-inch, 230k-dot LCD with no tilt or touch, appearing muted and less sharp. For street photography or any scenario requiring rapid composition changes, the E-PL3’s screen offers tangible advantages.

Neither has a built-in viewfinder, but Olympus offers optional EVFs for the E-PL3, an accessory that transforms shooting in strong sun or long zoom situations.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed Insights

Let’s talk about one of the most critical criteria: autofocus (AF). Speed, accuracy, and tracking capability dictate your success rate in wildlife, sports, or spontaneous moments.

• E-PL3: Features 35 contrast-detection AF points, continuous AF, face detection, and selective AF. While contrast detect is slower than phase-detect systems, it performs quite well in good light and on static subjects. Shooting bursts at 6 fps, it’s adequate for moderate action photography. Face detection helps with compelling portraits.
• Stylus 7000: Has a simple single-point contrast AF without tracking or face detection, no continuous AF, and no burst mode. Shutter speed tops out at 1/2000 sec, limiting sports capture.

So for anything beyond casual family snaps or travel, the E-PL3’s AF system is the far more capable workhorse.

Lens Ecosystem: Flexibility vs Fixed Convenience

One big difference is the lens situation. The E-PL3 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, compatible with over 100 lenses (zoom, primes, macros), both Olympus and third-party.

The Stylus 7000 comes with a fixed 37-260mm equivalent zoom lens (F3.5-5.3 maximum aperture). That’s versatile focal length-wise but locked down. You can’t swap or upgrade lenses, restricting your creative control.

If you’re serious about portrait bokeh, night shots, or macro close-ups, the E-PL3’s interchangeable lenses open huge doors. For casual photography on a budget or convenience, the 7000’s all-in-one lens might appeal.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

The E-PL3 uses a rechargeable BLS-5 battery rated for about 300 shots on a charge, which is typical for mirrorless cameras of its era. It supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and stores in Raw or JPEG.

The Stylus 7000 relies on an unknown proprietary battery (less info available) with no official shot count reported. It accepts xD Picture Cards and microSD memory. Proprietary or obscure formats are less convenient today.

For a day-long shoot or travel, the E-PL3 feels more reliable and manageable in power and storage.

Video Capabilities in Practice

Video has become a staple feature. The E-PL3 records Full HD 1920x1080 at 60p in AVCHD and Motion JPEG formats. It lacks microphone or headphone jacks, limiting external audio options, but the video quality and frame rates are quite acceptable for casual filmmaking.

The Stylus 7000 offers only VGA (640x480) at 30fps max, a serious limitation even back then. If video is a consideration beyond casual clips, the E-PL3 wins hands down.

Performance Ratings and Real-World Image Examples

Let’s bring the numbers into context with some images and overall ratings from DxOMark benchmarking and field tests.

Olympus E PL3 screen back Olympus 7000 front Olympus 7000 screen back

In diverse lighting, the E-PL3 renders skin tones naturally with pleasing bokeh behind close portraits, thanks to larger sensor and varied lenses. Landscapes have well-managed dynamic range, with fine detail retention. The Stylus 7000 images tend to have less detail, reduced sharpness, and limited tonal range, especially in shadows.

• Olympus E-PL3 - DxOMark Score: 52; color depth, dynamic range, low-light score all strong for its class.
• Olympus Stylus 7000 - Not tested by DxOMark but expected weaker performance due to sensor constraints.

Here’s a quick rundown by photography type (higher score = better suitability):

Real-World Photographer’s Verdict: Strengths and Weaknesses

Olympus PEN E-PL3

Strengths:

• Larger Micro Four Thirds sensor yields better image quality and low-light capability.
• Interchangeable lens system offers extensive creative flexibility.
• Decent burst shooting (6 fps) and continuous autofocus for action scenarios.
• Tilting, bright LCD for composing from creative angles.
• Full HD video at 1080/60p.
• Solid, ergonomic build with physical controls aids usability.
• Raw support simplifies post-processing workflows.

Weaknesses:

• No built-in viewfinder, only optional EVF as add-on.
• Autofocus, while decent, can be slower compared to newer hybrids.
• Battery life is only average - carry spares for extended trips.
• No wireless connectivity; USB 2.0 only.
• No weather sealing, so cautious in harsh conditions.

Olympus Stylus 7000

Strengths:

• Extremely compact and lightweight; pocketable "grab and go".
• Versatile 7x zoom lens covers wide to telephoto range.
• Simplicity suits casual shooters or travel when minimal fuss is desired.
• Built-in flash useful for fill or low light.
• Very affordable price point for beginners or second-camera users.

Weaknesses:

• Tiny 1/2.3" sensor severely limits image quality, especially in low light.
• No manual exposure or customizable controls.
• Slow shutter speed range and no burst shooting stymie action shots.
• No Raw format support; limited post-editing potential.
• Low-res screen and no viewfinder hinder composition in bright light.
• Limited video resolution (VGA max) restricts multimedia use.
• Proprietary battery and unusual storage cards reduce convenience.

Specialized Use Case Breakdown

Portrait Photography: The E-PL3’s sensor size and access to fast primes create creamy bokeh and sharp eyes. Its face detection and continuous AF ensure crisp focus in portraits. The 7000’s fixed lens and smaller sensor struggle more to isolate subjects and render natural skin tones.

Landscape Shooting: The E-PL3’s dynamic range and resolution capture bright skies and shadow detail much better. The Stylus 7000 compresses highlights and loses detail, especially in overcast or sunset scenes.

Wildlife & Sports: While neither is a beast in these fast-paced genres, the E-PL3’s faster shutter speeds, continuous AF, and burst modes make it at least mildly capable, especially paired with telephoto lenses. The 7000 can’t keep up due to slow AF and limited frame rate.

Street Photography: The 7000 shines in discretion and portability - lightweight, quiet operation, and long zoom make it ideal for candid shots in urban environments. The E-PL3 is more imposing but still decent if you prefer manual control and higher image quality.

Macro: The E-PL3 with dedicated macro lenses eclipses the Stylus 7000’s limited fixed lens macro abilities (minimum 2cm focus distance). Sharpness and depth control also favor the E-PL3.

Night / Astro: The E-PL3’s higher ISO ceiling and longer exposures (down to 60s shutter) enable low-light and night sky photography. The Stylus 7000 maxes out at 4 seconds exposure and ISO 1600, with too much noise.

Video: E-PL3 offers 1080p footage ideal for casual vlogging or memories; the 7000’s VGA video is largely obsolete.

Travel: The Stylus 7000’s compact form and zoom range offer lightweight convenience on journeys where space is tight and shooting is casual. The E-PL3 demands more space but provides much more creative versatility and higher image quality.

Professional Workflows: While neither is a professional-grade camera, the E-PL3’s Raw support, interchangeable lenses, and better image quality improve integration into professional pipelines for portfolio or client work. The Stylus is strictly point-and-shoot level.

Practical Tips Based on My Testing

• If you’re a beginner or budget-conscious buyer wanting to explore manual controls and lens versatility, the E-PL3 is a solid entry point into mirrorless systems.
• The Stylus 7000 makes a good second camera for family trips or as a compact backup when you don’t want to carry heavier gear.
• Don’t expect the Stylus 7000 to produce print-quality images for anything larger than 8x10 inches.
• Investing in an external EVF for the E-PL3 can dramatically improve outdoor and action shooting.
• Pack extra batteries with the E-PL3 for day-long excursions since 300 shots is modest.
• Consider used lens deals for the E-PL3 to expand creative capabilities without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In a nutshell, the Olympus PEN E-PL3 remains the clear winner in technical capability, image quality, and creative flexibility. It’s the better choice for enthusiasts aiming to learn, experiment, or do semi-professional work on a budget. Its sensor size, lens system, and control layout provide a foundation that can grow with your skills.

On the other hand, the Olympus Stylus 7000 is a niche camera for those prioritizing portability and simplicity above all else. It’s great for snapshots, travel photography with minimal hassle, or as a lightweight backup, but its image quality and features limit its utility for serious photography.

If price is your chief concern, the Stylus offers a very affordable entry point with recognizable Olympus styling. But if you’re serious about image quality and future-proofing your gear, spending a bit more to get the E-PL3 will pay dividends.

To Recap:

• Choose Olympus E-PL3 if: You want improved image quality, interchangeable lenses, manual exposure controls, and decent HD video for portraits, landscapes, and creative photography.
• Choose Olympus Stylus 7000 if: You need an extremely compact, no-fuss camera for casual strolls, travel snaps, and easy sharing where image quality is a secondary concern.

If you’re curious about the detailed specs or want to see sample galleries or tested images in action, feel free to reach out - I’m always thrilled to help fellow photography enthusiasts achieve their best shot!

Happy shooting!

(Images credit: Olympus official specs and my personal testing archives)