• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 18.4 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 12,800
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Nikon V3 advantages over Olympus PEN-F

  • Slower slow-motion
    1200 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.0 fps vs 10.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    60.0 fps vs 10.5 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode

Olympus PEN-F advantages over Nikon V3

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Less expensive
    $999 vs $1197
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.36 vs 2.52 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Better color depth
    23.1 vs 20.8 bits
    Capture richer, more accurate colors
  • Higher effective ISO
    894 vs 384 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    12.4 vs 10.7 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • 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
  • 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

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus PEN-F

Review Excerpt

  • Very compact for an interchangeable-lens camera; Generous kit includes lens, high-res electronic viewfinder and accessory grip; Good image quality for the sensor size; Amazing burst performance; Lightning-fast autofocus; Intuitive touch-screen makes focusing a snap

  • Smaller sensor than most rivals limits possibilities for available-light shooting; Program mode opts for wide-open aperture most of the time; Limited dynamic range; Noisy shadows; Below-average battery life; Pricey when considering its image quality

  • Highest resolution Olympus 4/3" camera yet; Excellent image quality for its class; Very good dynamic range; Fast autofocus; Fast burst speeds; Lots of fun creative filter options; Built-in EVF, Wi-Fi.

  • Expensive; No weather sealing; Mediocre battery life; No 4K video; No mic or headphone jacks.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon J3

Nikon V3
Nikon J3
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Touchscreen
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
Olympus PEN-F
Nikon J3
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $617
  • 1 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Nikon AW1

Nikon V3
Nikon AW1
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Touchscreen
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
Olympus PEN-F
Nikon AW1
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $797
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof

Compared to Nikon J5

Nikon V3
Nikon J5
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
Olympus PEN-F
Nikon J5
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Nikon V3
Panasonic GX85
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
Olympus PEN-F
Panasonic GX85
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video

Compared to Olympus E-PL8

Nikon V3
Olympus E-PL8
  • $1197
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
Olympus PEN-F
Olympus E-PL8
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
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