Value & Verdict

Olympus PEN E-P3 review – Value

Since its launch the PEN range hasn’t been targeted at the ‘budget’ end. The E-P3’s RRP is £799 with the 14-42mm kit lens which makes it among the more expensive of Compact System Cameras. It is, however, a good £120 less than the E-P2 was upon its launch, so at least that’s a step in the right direction.

Main competitors include the Panasonic Lumix G3 for around £620, the Sony NEX-5 for £510 and the Samsung NX11 for £420.

Olympus PEN E-P3 review – Verdict

The E-P3 is an impressive Micro Four Thirds camera. It’s well built, looks the part and takes great pictures to high ISO settings too. The inclusion of a new built-in flash and AF illuminator finally lays to rest the complaints of previous models. Furthermore the FAST AF system is truly superfast, though the tracking modes aren’t up to scratch for action shots. Although there’s no built-in viewfinder and £800 isn’t cheap in this market, the inclusion of a touchscreen OLED and manual movie mode are further justification for the cost. This is certainly the best PEN yet, and is among the best Compact System Cameras on the market.