• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  •  
  • 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.4 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 80.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Olympus E-PL3 advantages over Samsung EX2F

  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/1.7 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.29 vs 1.90 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Higher effective ISO
    499 vs 209 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Less shutter lag
    0.24 vs 0.38 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
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Samsung EX2F advantages over Olympus E-PL3

  • 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
  • More dynamic range
    11.5 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
  • More dots on screen
    614k 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
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.1 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Good (modern, not retro!) looks and solid build; f/1.4 Schneider-Kreuznach lens starting at a wide 24mm equivalent with excellent low-light capabilities; Advanced photographic controls and RAW capture; 3-inch, articulated AMOLED monitor.

  • Limited telephoto reach; Inconsistent and disappointing JPEG images; Some corner blurring at both wide and tele; Noise suppression too strong at ISO 800 and above, robbing detail.

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
Samsung EX2F
Olympus E-P3
  • $479
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $561
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Olympus E-PM1

Olympus E-PL3
Olympus E-PM1
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
Samsung EX2F
Olympus E-PM1
  • $479
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic GF5

Olympus E-PL3
Panasonic GF5
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup
Samsung EX2F
Panasonic GF5
  • $479
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic LX7

Olympus E-PL3
Panasonic LX7
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $297
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More dynamic range
Samsung EX2F
Panasonic LX7
  • $479
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $297
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More dots on screen

Compared to Panasonic LX10

Olympus E-PL3
Panasonic LX10
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $548
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
Samsung EX2F
Panasonic LX10
  • $479
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Fast startup
  • $548
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
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