• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  •  
  • 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 200.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Olympus E-PL3 advantages over Nikon P7100

  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/1.7 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.29 vs 2.08 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Higher effective ISO
    499 vs 165 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More pixels
    12.3 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.3 fps vs 1.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Nikon P7100 advantages over Olympus E-PL3

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $700 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 9 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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

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
  • 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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Buy the Olympus E-PL3

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon P7100

Review Excerpt

  • Faster overall; Very good image quality; Generous 7.1x zoom range; Good controls; Tilting VGA LCD; RAW support.

  • Video limited to 720p24; Other cameras are still faster in some areas; LCD tilts only up or down, not side-to-side; Sub-command dial turns too easily.

  • Read our Nikon P7100 Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon G11

Olympus E-PL3
Canon G11
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $577
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PL3 vs Canon G11

Nikon P7100
Canon G11
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Fast startup
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $577
  • 1/1.7 inch

Compare Nikon P7100 vs Canon G11

Compared to Nikon P7000

Olympus E-PL3
Nikon P7000
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $400
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PL3 vs Nikon P7000

Nikon P7100
Nikon P7000
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Fast startup
  • $400
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compare Nikon P7100 vs Nikon P7000

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

Nikon P7100
Olympus E-P3
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon P7100 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

Nikon P7100
Olympus E-PM1
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon P7100 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

Nikon P7100
Panasonic GF5
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon P7100 vs Panasonic GF5

Compare Other Cameras?