Olympus PEN E-PL3 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC GF1 — Which Is Better?

The Olympus PEN E-PL3 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC GF1 are both compact mirrorless cameras for the Micro Four Thirds system, so they share one native lens catalog. The E-PL3 arrived in 2011, two years after the GF1, and weighs 313 g against 385 g.

The E-PL3 is the smaller camera, measuring 110 x 64 x 37 mm against the GF1's 119 x 71 x 36 mm, so it takes up less room in a bag.

The E-PL3 is the stronger choice for handheld shots in dim rooms and brief bursts of motion. Its in-body stabilisation steadies any mounted lens, a capability the GF1 lacks. It also shoots at 5.5 frames per second against 3 fps, useful for a child running toward the camera.

Autofocus coverage favours the E-PL3 for off-centre subjects, with 35 AF points against 23. Its maximum ISO setting reaches 12800, while the GF1 tops out at 3200, giving more flexibility when light falls. Resolution is effectively matched at 12.3 MP versus 12.1 MP. Both use CMOS sensors of the same format and share a 1/4000 second maximum shutter speed.

The E-PL3 is the better pick for clips that hold up on a modern screen. It records Full HD video, while the GF1 tops out at Standard HD, so its footage looks softer on a television. Both capture up to 60 frames per second, keeping motion smooth.

Recording formats differ. The E-PL3 writes AVCHD, while the GF1 also offers QuickTime Motion JPEG, handy for simple frame-by-frame editing. Neither has built-in timelapse recording, so interval work means manual shutter firing.

The GF1's built-in flash is a practical advantage for fill light on faces at a dim dinner table, something the E-PL3 cannot match without an external unit. Both support external flash for more power when needed.

For composing, the two screens offer the same 3-inch size, 460000 dots and a tilt for waist-level or overhead framing. Neither has touch control, GPS, wireless connectivity or weather sealing, so neither suits remote transfer or rough conditions.

The GF1 has the longer battery rating, at 380 shots on its DMW-BLB13 pack against 300 shots for the E-PL3's BLS-5. Each uses its own battery type, so spares do not transfer.

The E-PL3 accepts SD, SDHC and SDXC cards, so it can use high-capacity media for lengthy video recording. The GF1 takes SD, SDHC and MMC. Each has a single card slot and neither charges over USB.