Olympus launches the new generation of the compact PEN cameras that offer SLR creativity, simple, no-nonsense controls. The new Olympus PEN E-PL3 (Lite) offers state-of-the-art technology in an easy-to-use package. Like the top-of-the range Olympus PEN E-P3, the PEN E-PL3 is packed with some of the very best imaging innovations around. For example, Fast AF, world’s fastest autofocus system for interchangeable cameras and in-body Image Stabilisation. The Olympus E-PL3 is equipped with a 3" tiltable display making it easy to capture stand-out images in awkward situations. The tiltable LCD screen is just one of the user-friendly features that puts the Olympus PEN E-PL3 Lite ahead of any other camera of comparable size.
Olympus PEN E-PL3: Design & Build
For a system camera with interchangeable lenses that delivers SLR quality, the Olympus PEN E-PL3 is remarkably small and chic, with a premium, brushed aluminium finish. Stunning pictures from a cool camera that’s as easy to use as a point-and-shoot? Absolutely. That’s what the Olympus E-PL3 is all about.
Olympus PEN E-PL3: Performance & AF System
The Olympus E-PL3 is powered by the new TruePic VI image engine. Olympus TruePic VI makes the camera faster and more responsive all-round, but the speed of the autofocus is amazing. An AF of this speed gives you every chance of capturing even the most spontaneous, fast moving shots. And with 35 separate focus points spread over nearly the whole sensor, it’s even possible to focus on objects tucked away in the corners of the display.
Olympus PEN E-PL3: Image & Video
The supercharged Olympus TruePic VI processor makes it possible to record Full HD 1080i videos and capture pristine images in 12.3 Megapixel resolution, even in low light. With a 60Hz frame rate, Full HD resolution and a stereo soundtrack, movie picture quality and realism has to be seen to be believed. What’s more, the Olympus PEN E-PL3 offers a choice of video formats. For TV playback, users can choose AVCHD, which generates a smaller file size. If they want to edit their movies on a PC first, 720p HD Motion JPEG is ideal. Whether you’re shooting movies or still pictures, the Olympus E-PL3 is especially designed to deliver consistently high performance.
Olympus PEN E-PL3: Photo Settings
To make the most of excellent optics and to get the very best shots, camera settings need to be spot on. For an amateur, that’s often a challenge that ends in frustration. Not with the Olympus PEN E-PL3 Lite. Olympus Live Guide lets you easily master the settings that make all the difference; motion and background blur, colour intensity, lighting mood and brightness. In a typical shooting situation, the Live Guide helps blur out the background to make a shot more dramatic and show off the foreground to the best effect. You just press a dial to move a bar up and down until you see the shot you want on the LCD. The Olympus PEN E-PL3 chooses the right settings automatically. Adjusting more permanent settings in the menu is simpler too, now that each menu choice has a popup window with a description of how it works.
Olympus PEN E-PL3: Art Filters
Among the most advanced automatic aids on the Olympus PEN E-PL3 are the creative Art Filters and new Art Filter Bracketing. All 6 Art filters can be applied on camera to both HD movies and still images and some filters can even be combined to startling effect. Using Art Filter Bracketing, you can experiment with different looks by simultaneously applying different filters to one and the same shot.
Olympus PEN E-PL3: Lenses
The Olympus PEN E-PL3 is compatible with a growing family of high-grade Olympus lenses and accessories. The Olympus E-PL3 comes supplied with the re-sculpted Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm (28-84mm) 1:3.5-5.6 II R, just one of 20 dedicated Micro Four Thirds lenses available for PEN cameras. The supplied Olympus kit lens is specially designed for near-silent operation so you can shoot HD movies in stereo without the annoying background whir.
Conclusion:
The Olympus Pen E-PL3 is another strong refinement of the lightweight entry to the Pen range. It's packed with all the features and versatility of a dSLR with the simplicity an size of a smaller camera, and there are plenty if Micro Four Thirds lenses to choose from. The fold-out screen is handy for shooting at new and interesting angles.
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