Author Topic: 'First Complete E-P3 Review' (Read 4493 times)

I'm really impressed with the datasheet,new features and looks. I was really excited.

But when it turns out that there is too much noise at lower ISOs (<3200) and IQ is not much better than E-P1 then I will wait for the E-P4 (or buy a camera with a larger sensor).

I'm not drawing any conclusions yet... I wait for more reviews.

peterb666 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 30, 2011, 02:53:08 AM »

Noise looks reasonable up to ISO1600 but there is a loss of detail from fairly early on. I would suspect it is quite OK for portraiture.

At first I was wondering "no ISO100" but note that it is available as a lower setting via the menu (hopefully you don't have to dive into the menu each time but it is just a lower level threshold). While I don't normally shoot at ISO100, it is sometimes necessary when using studio lights.

My E-P1 is pretty battered and ISO1600 looks terrible other than under ideal conditions and perfect exposure, in which case you can generally get a small print or image suitable for posting on the net out of it. Any improvement would be welcome.

I am quite interested in the 12mm f/2. I love the MF and the depth of field markings. The 45mm f/1.8 would make an excellent portrait lens. I currently use an OM 50mm f/1.4 and Schneider 40mm f/1.9 for that sort of work but neither is ideal. The availability of AF in a portrait lens would be welcome.

I may start by buying the 12mm f/2 but if the street pricing of the E-P3 is acceptable, would do well enough for my needs.

Panther · « **Reply #11 on:** June 30, 2011, 03:00:07 AM »

As an XZ-1 owner, I must say that it appears like Olympus has used the over-aggressive noise reduction routine in the E-P3....

If this is true, then shooting in RAW is a must at ISO 400 and higher....just like you would with the XZ-1

Panther · « **Reply #12 on:** June 30, 2011, 03:02:53 AM »

For comparison, here's an ISO 6400 shot from my NEX-3

'Bexar County Courthouse Fountain Statue' - Sony α NEX-3 @ ISO 6400 by RedTail_Panther, on Flickr

cosinaphile · « **Reply #13 on:** June 30, 2011, 03:53:12 AM »

iim dissapiintedf to read

"
" This is one of the noisier compact system cameras we’ve seen this year, though noise reduction mitigated that somewhat."

running will look at sample myself to see

i really need to refresh my ep1 and wanted theis to be the camera

Panther · « **Reply #14 on:** June 30, 2011, 04:17:13 AM »

If you don't need fast autofocus, GH2/G3 are still the best....Go Panasonic!

Agent00soul · « **Reply #15 on:** June 30, 2011, 11:15:06 PM »

Quote from: Panther on June 30, 2011, 03:02:53 AM

For comparison, here's an ISO 6400 shot from my NEX-3

'Bexar County Courthouse Fountain Statue' - Sony α NEX-3 @ ISO 6400 by RedTail_Panther, on Flickr

Why would you have to shoot that at 6400 iso? Images like that are usually possible to shoot at 400 iso (and f/2 or below). I know, because I do this kind of photography a lot during my trips to Italy.

lisandra · « **Reply #16 on:** June 30, 2011, 11:22:46 PM »

Quote from: Panther on June 30, 2011, 03:02:53 AM

For comparison, here's an ISO 6400 shot from my NEX-3

'Bexar County Courthouse Fountain Statue' - Sony α NEX-3 @ ISO 6400 by RedTail_Panther, on Flickr

yup, thats clean, I expected more from the new pen. They told us "the best 4/3s sensor to date". Something is wrong there

adash · « **Reply #17 on:** July 01, 2011, 12:45:41 AM »

I think even high ISO is pretty good. It is better than what K-r does with the famous Sony APS-C sensor at the same resolution.
Anyway, comparing cameras makes less sense than actually using them. Go out and shoot! Now!

Panther · « **Reply #18 on:** July 01, 2011, 03:35:36 AM »

Quote from: Agent00soul

Why would you have to shoot that at 6400 iso? Images like that are usually possible to shoot at 400 iso (and f/2 or below). I know, because I do this kind of photography a lot during my trips to Italy.

Because not everyone carries a tripod with them....

Panther · « **Reply #19 on:** July 01, 2011, 04:23:10 AM »

Quote from: lisandra on June 30, 2011, 11:22:46 PM

They told us "the best 4/3s sensor to date".

Anyone who says this about a tweaked 2 year old sensor should be given a random drug test....
It may be the best Olympus one...but it certainly doesn't beat the new Panasonic sensors...

Agent00soul · « **Reply #20 on:** July 01, 2011, 05:43:25 AM »

Quote from: Panther on July 01, 2011, 03:35:36 AM

Quote from: Agent00soul

Why would you have to shoot that at 6400 iso? Images like that are usually possible to shoot at 400 iso (and f/2 or below). I know, because I do this kind of photography a lot during my trips to Italy.

Because not everyone carries a tripod with them....

You don't need a tripod for shooting that at iso 400. Believe me, I never carry a tripod. Actually, I don't even bring a tripod with me to Italy, when I go there.

This was taken with the E-P1 and a Nokton 40/1.4 at 400 iso and 1/15 s (handheld).

traveler_101 · « **Reply #21 on:** July 01, 2011, 08:20:03 AM »

Nice shot! And your point about the utility of shooting a limited range ISO stands.

cosinaphile · « **Reply #22 on:** July 01, 2011, 08:32:33 AM »

i reallly want a better sensor than my gf1 and ep1 in that form factor with proper dials and buttons

clean iso 3200 ....really clean 1600...useable 6400
......why the hell dont they make one?

traveler_101 · « **Reply #23 on:** July 01, 2011, 09:27:27 AM »

Quote from: cosinaphile on July 01, 2011, 08:32:33 AM

i reallly want a better sensor than my gf1 and ep1 in that form factor with proper dials and buttons

clean iso 3200 ....really clean 1600...useable 6400
......why the hell dont they make one?

check out this thread: http://e-p1.net/olympus-e-p3-e-pl3-and-e-pm1/e-p3-image-quality-improvement/

Is it possible that we are rushing to judgment on the E-P3?

Panther · « **Reply #24 on:** July 01, 2011, 02:10:46 PM »

Quote from: Agent00soul on July 01, 2011, 05:43:25 AM

This was taken with the E-P1 and a Nokton 40/1.4 at 400 iso and 1/15 s (handheld).

Excellent shot!

Nevertheless I still maintain my stance that some individuals will need ISO 1600. To think you can shoot everything at ISO 400 or less nowadays is simply not realistic.

Note the keywords "some individuals:

The other option is that you're right and I'm wrong....

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