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Is the E-PL3 antiquated these days?

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BobT

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I'm looking into some m4/3rds gear, but trying to spend as little as possible, yet for the best I can afford. This E-PL3 was offered (red one, no less), and 2 lenses 14-42, and 40-150mm, for $250. Is this still considered a good camera IQ-wise? Or is the technology too old by today's standards, and I should pass on this one?

Thanks
 
BobT said:
I'm looking into some m4/3rds gear, but trying to spend as little as possible, yet for the best I can afford. This E-PL3 was offered (red one, no less), and 2 lenses 14-42, and 40-150mm, for $250.
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Don't buy it.

Even if the price is very cheap, the Olympus E-PL3 is a first-generation (12 Mp) camera. These cameras were great when they were new. But their sensor was limited de facto to ISO 800.

Second-generation (16 Mp) m4/3 cameras are so much better (limited de facto to ISO 6400). The earliest second-generation models (like the Olympus E-PL5) should be available for a few dollars more. The pictures taken with these models are almost as good as with the latest OM-Ds.

Even if I've loved the first-generation m4/3 cameras that I had (a Panasonic GH1 and GF1), there is no way that I would buy a camera like these today.
 
BobT said:
I'm looking into some m4/3rds gear, but trying to spend as little as possible, yet for the best I can afford. This E-PL3 was offered (red one, no less), and 2 lenses 14-42, and 40-150mm, for $250. Is this still considered a good camera IQ-wise? Or is the technology too old by today's standards, and I should pass on this one?

Thanks
Click to expand...
I have an E-P3 (of a similar generation, body features are a bit different) and an E-M10. I use both and like both. The newer camera is more sophisticated in it's features, better image stabilization, and a bit cleaner in low light situations but the older PEN still takes superb pictures.
 
I own the EM5 and an EPL3, of which the latter I had bought first. Although it might be a bit dated, I would still consider it to be a capable camera. Just bear in mind that it is aimed at consumers - all the settings are quite menu-heavy. And of course low light is not a strength of the EPL3, but with good light it is alrigth :)
 
You might want to consider the E-PL6, which Olympus is finally selling in the US for $299 with the 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R lens. Compared to the E-PL3 it has a superior sensor, adds touchscreen support (very useful for tap to focus) and nicer ergonomics due to the grip.
 
As much as I love my E-PL3, if i were shopping now, i would as others have advised look toward the PL5 or PL6. Better sensor to be sure. And prices are good on those two models now. Your savings on the PL3 will not amount to much--likely not enough to compensate for the better performing models.

mark
 
There are those who prefer the "rendering" of the 12mp sensor but I'm not one of them. The increased megapixels are OK, but high ISO, dynamic range and AF are where the 16mp cameras shine. If you shoot with plenty of light and deep DoF you will love that camera (as my BiL, who isn't scared of direct flash, loves my old E30). But if that envelope is too narrow for you, you will be upgrading quickly.

But even if you do the lenses and a spare body are worth the asking price.
 
JeanPierre Martel said:
BobT said:
I'm looking into some m4/3rds gear, but trying to spend as little as possible, yet for the best I can afford. This E-PL3 was offered (red one, no less), and 2 lenses 14-42, and 40-150mm, for $250.
Click to expand...
Don't buy it.

Even if the price is very cheap, the Olympus E-PL3 is a first-generation (12 Mp) camera. These cameras were great when they were new. But their sensor was limited de facto to ISO 800.

Second-generation (16 Mp) m4/3 cameras are so much better (limited de facto to ISO 6400). The earliest second-generation models (like the Olympus E-PL5) should be available for a few dollars more. The pictures taken with these models are almost as good as with the latest OM-Ds.

Even if I've loved the first-generation m4/3 cameras that I had (a Panasonic GH1 and GF1), there is no way that I would buy a camera like these today.
Click to expand...
Fully concur here

I'd spend on a EPL5 (or EP5) which has the newer sensor (get second hand)

It doesn't cost much more

Best is the EPL7 which you can get refurbished from Olympus for little dough

Cheers,
 
The EPL3 was antiquated when it was released in 2011, as it had the same 12MP sensor as my EPL1 from 2009. It does have a tilt screen and a better user interface.

At $250, the 40-150 zoom is worth $100 of that price, leaving you with a $150 for the EPL3 and kit zoom. That's about the market price, not really a deal.
 
BobT said:
I'm looking into some m4/3rds gear, but trying to spend as little as possible, yet for the best I can afford. This E-PL3 was offered (red one, no less), and 2 lenses 14-42, and 40-150mm, for $250. Is this still considered a good camera IQ-wise? Or is the technology too old by today's standards, and I should pass on this one?

Thanks
Click to expand...
The PL-5 is great camera, takes great pictures. Not so good at sports or movies/video. I use mine for some portraits but mostly landscapes. I also use the VF-2 viewer, setting up the menu takes a little time. Good lenses makes a big difference.

Gary

Pueblo, CO
 
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