• APS-C 323.4mm2
  • 12.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  •  

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Differences

Canon T3 advantages over Olympus E-PM1

  • 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
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.15 vs 4.29 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.30 vs 1.8 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    755 vs 499 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 700 vs 330 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    17 vs 9 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Olympus E-PM1 advantages over Canon T3

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $600 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Thinner
    34 mm vs 77 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    382g vs 702g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    460k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.3 fps vs 2.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

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
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Review Excerpt

  • Well-considered ergonomics and control layout; Solid build; Good image quality; Great battery life; High-def movie capture.

  • Frame rate and burst depth not the best, especially for raw; Weak flash for an SLR; No sensor cleaning function; No spot metering.

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSLR-A230

Canon T3
Sony DSLR-A230
  • $199
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus E-PM1
Sony DSLR-A230
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Thinner
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Nikon D3100

Canon T3
Nikon D3100
  • $199
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Higher effective ISO
Olympus E-PM1
Nikon D3100
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Olympus E-PL3

Canon T3
Olympus E-PL3
  • $199
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
Olympus E-PM1
Olympus E-PL3
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Panasonic GF3X

Canon T3
Panasonic GF3X
  • $199
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Thinner
Olympus E-PM1
Panasonic GF3X
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Internal flash

Compared to Sony A37

Canon T3
Sony A37
  • $199
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Olympus E-PM1
Sony A37
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
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