DSLR Power in a Compact!
Posted by Justin Case — 9 Sep 2011
Olympus has put together another run at the mirrorless interchangeable camera and in this, the third iteration, seems to have found a groove that makes this effort a distinct beast from its brethren.
Key Features
- Updated 12MP Live MOS sensor
- 120 Hz 'Fast AF' focus system
- Clip-on flash (included)
- Built-in autofocus illuminator light
- 460,000 dot tilting LCD screen (16:9 aspect ratio)
- Dual-core TruePic VI processor
- 1080i60 movies in AVCHD format
- Shadow tone adjustment control
- Revised and expanded Art Filter mode (with quick preview option)
John Biggs, over at TechCrunch has put together a solid capsule review. His bottom line?
The Pros (according to Biggs):
- Small
- Amazingly Small
- Light
- Fast Shutter
The Cons (again, Biggs' list, not mine):
- Pricey
- Lenses are pricier
- No flash
Biggs found the E-PL3 a dream to carry on vacation and a solid second camera for the home (light and easy to use), but found it slightly lacking and, at $700, hard to justify versus a Canon rebel. Perhaps, he mused, that this would be the ideal carry-camera for the street photographer.
Richard Bulter at DPReview did a great overview of the camera that is definitely worth the read. Butler points out that this update offers faster shooting (5.5 fps vs 3 fps) and a tilting LCD but sacrifices built-in flash and other, more granular controls for the slimmed-down body.
Photography Blog also turned in a great, and very detailed, review of this new Olympus. Their overall call: 4 out of 5 stars.
Although their detailed ratings ding the camera for being pricey and for limited features (giving both categories only 3.5 out of 5 stars).
In the end, it would seem that the entry(ish) DSLR offerings from Nikon and Canon are the better bet for the trade-up lenser stepping up from the point-and-shoot. While the E-PL3 makes sense on paper (as a trade-up), it seems like a better trade-down for experienced shooters than the intended upgrade for former point-and-shoot hobbyists.
What do you think?
