Olympus E-3 Expert Reviews

alaTest has collected and analyzed 423 reviews from magazines and websites. Reviewers really like the screen. The lcd also impresses, but many are less positive about the resolution.

Screen, Lcd, Image

Resolution, Price, Design

Experts rate this product 84/100 and users 94/100. We analyzed these ratings, the product age and more factors. Compared to other Digital SLR Cameras, the Olympus E-3 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 82/100 = Very Godd quality.

The Olympus E-3 is certainly the most capable 4/3 DSLR to date. It has plenty of pro-features: a viewfinder with 100% coverage, built-in image stabilization, a weather-proof body and 5 FPS continuous drive. It is certainly as good as several

Built-in stabilization works for all lenses, 100% Coverage Viewfinder, Mostly accurate image colors, Effective dust-reduction system, Fast and responsive, Excellent build quality

Tendency to under-expose, Below average high-ISO performance, Poor automatic white-balance indoors, Heavy noise reduction at slow shutter-speeds, Slow focusing in low light, Poor ergonomics

There's no point denying the stronghold that Nikon and Canon currently have over the high-end enthusiast and professional digital SLR market, but that's not to say it will stay that way forever - especially when Olympus can produce a competitive unit ...

Marketed as having "the world's fastest autofocus" (when using the Olympus Zuiko Digital 12-60mm SWD lens) the E-3 boasts an 11-point AF sensor along with all of the sophisticated and customisable functions expected of a higher-end DSLR: optional ...

The Olympus E-3 is the flagship DSLR of the Four Thirds standard. Officially announced in October 2007, it comes four and a half years after its predecessor, the E-1. The original E-1 was the camera which launched the Four Thirds standard back in mid ...

Tough build quality, dust and splash-proof., Effective built-in anti-shake and anti-dust., Live View with fully-articulated screen., Quick handling and broad customisation., Tough build quality, dust and splash-proof., Effective built-in anti ...

Higher noise above 800 ISO than rivals., AF system fast but often searched., Some controls illogically placed., Very tough rival in the Nikon D300., Higher noise above 800 ISO than rivals., AF system fast but often searched., Some controls ...

If you're an existing Four Thirds owner looking for a top-end body, the E-3 is a fantastic choice, especially if you're coming from the original E-1 - it's a significant upgrade in every respect. It'll also appeal to owners of other E-series cameras ...

Olympus's Four Thirds sensor limits your lens choices, but the E-3 takes excellent pictures. The Olympus E-3 is a beefy, 10-megapixel, semipro DSLR aching to beat up on the competition. But at $1,700 for its magnesium-muscled body and another $900 ...

Solidly built, weatherproof, excellent picture quality, Live View with articulating LCD screen

JPEG images a bit noisy above ISO 800 ; requires expensive Supersonic Wave Drive lenses for maximum focusing speed

It's big and brawny, and Olympus's new DSLR can handle the elements. It's high-ISO performance isn't as good as Nikon's D300 or Canon's EOS 40D, but the E-3's overall image quality is very good.

Very good image quality ; full environmental seals ; tilt/shift LCD screen with live view ; fast auto-focus

Not as good as the competition at high ISO ; control layout is a little cumbersome ; lacks customizability ; menus are too complex

Weighing almost two pounds, the E-3 isn't light, but it's comfortable to hold

Olympus has been the avant-garde of a few notable DSLR trends like dust removal, live view and the articulating LCD. Initially poo pooed, the first two are now seen on nearly all the usual suspects these days. And in those three areas the big "O" ...

: The comfiest eyepiece. One-touch menu access to nearly 20 functions. The quickest focusing. Articulating LCD makes Live View a real asset, instead of an afterthought.

: The back of the camera is a jumble. The 2.5-inch LCD is smallish compared with competitors. Employs Olympus's XD memory card format, instead of SD, as the second memory card slot. Presently only two super-fast focusing lenses in the quiver.

Updated 12/23/08: The 10.1-megapixel E3, the top dog in Olympus's line of digital single-lens-reflex (DSLR) cameras, is an attractive package for both pros and serious amateurs. You have to be serious about your photography--and have plenty of arm ...

Rotating, swiveling LCD with live view Very quick autofocusing

Very heavy

Overall, I enjoyed using the E3. It feels comfortable in the hand, its magnesium body looks and feels durable--ready for extensive time in the field--and operating the controls is quick and efficient. And unlike my experience with many cameras, I ...