• APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 18.0 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  •  

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Differences

Canon T2i advantages over Olympus E-PL3

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Fast startup
    ~0.40 vs 2.1 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    784 vs 499 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    11.5 vs 10.2 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 440 vs 300 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    1040k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    18.0 vs 12.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Olympus E-PL3 advantages over Canon T2i

  • Less expensive
    $700 vs $900 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Thinner
    37 mm vs 76 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    428g vs 736g
    Lighter weight
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.3 fps vs 3.6 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Pentax K-7

Canon T2i
Pentax K-7
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus E-PL3
Pentax K-7
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sony A55

Canon T2i
Sony A55
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus E-PL3
Sony A55
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Nikon D5100

Canon T2i
Nikon D5100
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Shoots 60p video
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
Olympus E-PL3
Nikon D5100
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Thinner
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Olympus E-PM1

Canon T2i
Olympus E-PM1
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus E-PL3
Olympus E-PM1
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive

Compared to Panasonic GF5

Canon T2i
Panasonic GF5
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Thinner
Olympus E-PL3
Panasonic GF5
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup
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