• APS-C 372.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  • 35.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  •  

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Differences

Fujifilm X100 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
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.50 vs 4.29 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,001 vs 499 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    12.4 vs 10.2 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel

Olympus E-PL3 advantages over Fujifilm X100

  • Less expensive
    $700 vs $1200 (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
  • Fast startup
    ~2.10 vs 3.2 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Thinner
    37 mm vs 53 mm
    Thinner
  • Less shutter lag
    0.24 vs 0.40 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • 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 4.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

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Review Excerpt

  • Superb image quality; Dazzling Hybrid Viewfinder; Traditional mechanical controls; Mostly excellent optical performance.

  • Quirky interface; Manual dials turn easily; Manual focus is too difficult to use; Dramatic lens flare, especially at night.

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E-PM1

Fujifilm X100
Olympus E-PM1
  • $1200
  • 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

Fujifilm X100
Panasonic GF5
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
Olympus E-PL3
Panasonic GF5
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup

Compared to Fujifilm X100S

Fujifilm X100
Fujifilm X100S
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
Olympus E-PL3
Fujifilm X100S
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1099
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Fujifilm X100T

Fujifilm X100
Fujifilm X100T
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
Olympus E-PL3
Fujifilm X100T
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Fujifilm X100F

Fujifilm X100
Fujifilm X100F
  • $1200
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
Olympus E-PL3
Fujifilm X100F
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
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