E-P3 is a good upgrade from an E-PL1

Humansvillian wrote:

bluevellet wrote:

speaking stricltly as a EPL1 and an EP3 owner (still own them both, but i no longer use them), the EP3 offers better single AF performance, better controls, better build quality and an actual touch screen. You gain little or nothing in IQ and speed. EP3 is essentially a refined EPL1 with a (then) higher price tag

The successive 16mp generation offers more significant upgrades in all areas, save for build quality (not the EP5) and built in flash (not the EP5).

I have another question about image quality.

To simplify, I understand that the IQ of the 12mp sensor was great, and the IQ of the 16mp sensor was fantastic, and the IQ of the 20mp sensor should just be super fantastic.

But so far in my progression in the photography hobby, my use of digital images has been taking JPEGs and lightly editing them on simple free programs such as OLY 3, then posting them on Facebook or sending them by IM or email to friends, and occasionally printing one on my $100 bubble jet Pixma 922 printer.

I know that the new sensors have more dynamic range, more pixels, and are just all around better.

But for my uses, how much difference in usable IQ would there be between my PL1 and an OMD-M10II and the latest Pen F or OMD-M1II?

I'm all for better toys to play with, but where is the point of diminishing returns?

I gave my daughter an 8mp Canon EOS-350D with a kit lens last May and she's actually making money with the thing taking photos for clients, who never complain about the IQ of the pictures.

Is there a point where gains in sensor technology start to diminish in "real world" use for non professionals? If so, where is it?

If the 12mp output suits your needs, and you don't crop your photos much, I wouldn't be in a hurry to move to another sensor based solely on that point.

When looking at upgrading bodies, I think it's best to consider the entire package. In my case, jumping from E-PL1 to E-M1 was due to several improvements: controls, stabilization, weather sealing, general ergonomics, etc. While I was happy to get a better sensor, that wasn't as high on my list of desired improvements.