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Olympus E3
46
SCORE
Olympus · DSLR · 10.1 MP · Micro Four Thirds

Olympus E3

General 46Optics 46Features and Benefits 43Storage and Battery 63
From $1,000.50 — 1 offer
KEY FACTS
BrandOlympus
ModelE3
Released2007
Announcement date16/10/2007
Camera typeDSLR

General 46

Brand
Olympus
Model
E3
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2007
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
16/10/2007
Camera type
DSLR
Camera size
142 x 116 x 75 mm
Camera weight
890 g

Optics 46

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
10.1 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
3648 x 2736
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
Live MOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
13 x 17
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Micro Four Thirds
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
5 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Micro 4/3
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
TruePic III
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
4:3
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
10030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
32003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
10030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
32003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
6044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
800080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
110300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

The Olympus E3 earns a score of 46/100 for its general specifications. Launched in 2007 with a price of $1300, this DSLR camera measures 142 x 116 x 75mm and weighs 890g (1.96lbs). While these specs were competitive at the time, they may not hold up well in today’s market, considering the advancements in camera technology over the years. Despite this, the Olympus E3 remains a reliable choice for those seeking a solid DSLR camera from that era.

Olympus E3 Overview and Optics

The Olympus E3 receives an optics score of 46/100. With a 10.1-megapixel resolution, the camera captures images at a shooting speed of 5 frames per second. Its Live MOS sensor, combined with the TruePic III processor, achieves a DXOMARK score of 56. The camera utilizes a Micro Four Thirds sensor size and a Micro 4/3 lens mount, providing compatibility with various lenses.

In today’s market, the Olympus E3’s specifications may not be the most impressive, as newer cameras offer higher resolutions and faster shooting speeds. However, the E3 includes image stabilization and a 4:3 aspect ratio, which are still valuable features for photographers.

Despite its age, the Olympus E3 maintains some desirable features, but it falls short when compared to newer models. It remains a reliable choice for those seeking a straightforward camera with essential capabilities.

Olympus E3 Video Performance

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
No
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
N/A
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
N/A
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
N/A
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
No
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
N/A
Read our notes on olympus e3 video performance

The Olympus E3 lacks video capabilities. Unlike most cameras, it does not have any options for recording video. This camera focuses solely on photography.

Olympus E3 Features and Benefits 43

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
Yes
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes
Screen type
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
2.5"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
2300001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Yes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
No
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No
Read our notes on olympus e3 features and benefits

The Olympus E3 receives a feature score of 43 out of 100, which may seem low when compared to modern cameras. The screen size is a modest 2.5 inches with a resolution of 230,000 dots, lacking a touchscreen. However, it does have a flip screen, which can be useful for different shooting angles.

In today’s market, the Olympus E3 falls short in terms of connectivity. It does not have GPS, WIFI, or Bluetooth capabilities. These features are now common in most cameras and allow for easy sharing of photos and geotagging.

Taking all the specifications into account, the Olympus E3 is a camera that has some useful features, such as the flip screen, but lacks many of the modern conveniences that photographers have come to expect. It may not be the ideal choice for those looking for a camera with the latest technology and high-quality connectivity options.

Olympus E3 Storage and Battery 63

Memory card
Compact Flash (Type I or II), xD Picture Card
Dual memory card slots
Yes
Battery type
BLM-1
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
610 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on olympus e3 storage and battery

The Olympus E3 scores a 63/100 in storage and battery. This camera has two memory card slots, accepting Compact Flash (Type I or II) and xD Picture Cards. The battery life allows for 610 shots, powered by a BLM-1 battery. However, the E3 does not support USB charging.

In today’s market, the Olympus E3’s storage and battery capabilities are decent but not outstanding. Many modern cameras offer longer battery life, USB charging, and compatibility with more memory card types. Despite these shortcomings, the E3 remains a reliable choice for those who prioritize other features and functionality.