• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  •  
  • 2/3 inch 58.1mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 100.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Olympus E-PL3 advantages over Fujifilm XQ1

  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 2/3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.29 vs 2.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 300 vs 240 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Fujifilm XQ1 advantages over Olympus E-PL3

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $700 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • More dots on screen
    920k 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
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    12.0 fps vs 5.3 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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

Common Weaknesses

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • 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
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • 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

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E-P3

Olympus E-PL3
Olympus E-P3
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Internal flash

Compare Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus E-P3

Fujifilm XQ1
Olympus E-P3
  • $699
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Fujifilm XQ1 vs Olympus E-P3

Compared to Olympus E-PM1

Olympus E-PL3
Olympus E-PM1
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive

Compare Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus E-PM1

Fujifilm XQ1
Olympus E-PM1
  • $699
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Fujifilm XQ1 vs Olympus E-PM1

Compared to Panasonic GF5

Olympus E-PL3
Panasonic GF5
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup

Compare Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic GF5

Fujifilm XQ1
Panasonic GF5
  • $699
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Fujifilm XQ1 vs Panasonic GF5

Compared to Fujifilm XF1

Olympus E-PL3
Fujifilm XF1
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $460
  • 2/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Olympus E-PL3 vs Fujifilm XF1

Fujifilm XQ1
Fujifilm XF1
  • $699
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $460
  • 2/3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Fujifilm XQ1 vs Fujifilm XF1

Compared to Canon S120

Olympus E-PL3
Canon S120
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $449
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Olympus E-PL3 vs Canon S120

Fujifilm XQ1
Canon S120
  • $699
  • 2/3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger sensor
  • $449
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Fujifilm XQ1 vs Canon S120

Compare Other Cameras?