Camera Reviews: Olympus Pen E-PL3 & E-PM1 With Interchangeable Len

The Olympus E-PL3 and Olympus E-PM1 have a lot in common, sharing the same 12-Megapixel sensor, Full HD video capabilities and pretty much all the rest of their tech specs. However, the controls, interfaces and overall design of these two cameras have been tailored to suit different kinds of users.

The Olympus Pen E-PL3 is basically a simpler version of the E-P3, designed to be less intimidating for general consumers. It has a more compact design, loses the built-in flash and has switched the touchscreen for a vertical-tilt display. However, it still offers direct access to plenty of advanced settings.

The Olympus Pen E-PM1, on the other hand, has been simplified even further, losing the mode-selection dial, a handful of buttons and the tilt screen. This camera is slightly more compact than the E-PL3 and is aimed at novice photographers who aren't likely to be interested in PSAM modes and other advanced settings (although PSAM modes are still available in the menus).

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