• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 10.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  •  

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Differences

Pentax K2000 advantages over Olympus E-PL3

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.12 vs 4.29 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Olympus E-PL3 advantages over Pentax K2000

  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Thinner
    37 mm vs 69 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    460k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    12.3 vs 10.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • 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
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.3 fps vs 3.2 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    9 vs 4 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon XSi

Pentax K2000
Canon XSi
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • More pixels
  • More AF points

Compare Pentax K2000 vs Canon XSi

Olympus E-PL3
Canon XSi
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PL3 vs Canon XSi

Compared to Nikon D60

Pentax K2000
Nikon D60
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Pentax K2000 vs Nikon D60

Olympus E-PL3
Nikon D60
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PL3 vs Nikon D60

Compared to Sony DSLR-A300

Pentax K2000
Sony DSLR-A300
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Pentax K2000 vs Sony DSLR-A300

Olympus E-PL3
Sony DSLR-A300
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Thinner
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PL3 vs Sony DSLR-A300

Compared to Olympus E-PM1

Pentax K2000
Olympus E-PM1
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $500
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compare Pentax K2000 vs 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

Compared to Panasonic GF5

Pentax K2000
Panasonic GF5
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $450
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Thinner

Compare Pentax K2000 vs 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

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