• 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Olympus PEN-F advantages over Ricoh GR III

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 330 vs 200 shots
    Capture more photos
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.4 fps vs 4.3 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    10.5 fps vs 4.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    39 vs 9 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Ricoh GR III advantages over Olympus PEN-F

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.92 vs 3.36 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.70 vs 1.8 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Newer
    6 years vs 9 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    257g vs 434g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 20.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs None
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré
  • Longer exposure
    1200 vs 60 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 43 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

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
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • 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

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus PEN-F

Review Excerpt

  • 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 Olympus E-PL7

Olympus PEN-F
Olympus E-PL7
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
Ricoh GR III
Olympus E-PL7
  • $1221
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Olympus E-M5 II

Olympus PEN-F
Olympus E-M5 II
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More pixels
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • External Mic Jack
Ricoh GR III
Olympus E-M5 II
  • $1221
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Olympus PEN-F
Panasonic GX85
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
Ricoh GR III
Panasonic GX85
  • $1221
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive

Compared to Olympus E-PL8

Olympus PEN-F
Olympus E-PL8
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
Ricoh GR III
Olympus E-PL8
  • $1221
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Olympus E-PL9

Olympus PEN-F
Olympus E-PL9
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Built-in Bluetooth
Ricoh GR III
Olympus E-PL9
  • $1221
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
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