Olympus E-3
The E-3 is the long-awaited update to 2003’s E-1. With strong, budget-priced DSLRs like the E-420 and E-520 among its offerings, how does the top-of-the-line Olympus distinguish itself at triple the cost?
The E-3’s biggest selling point is one of the fastest autofocus systems available, especially when handling off-center subjects. Its rock-solid body easily surpasses the E-520. The Olympus E-3 also shows up on Camera of the Year lists because of the high-quality lens available for it.
The E-3 is a four-thirds camera. This means that its viewfinder and the resulting photos are more square, like a traditional television screen, than the aspect ratio seen in 35mm and most digital photography. It accepts lenses from a number of manufacturers, including Olympus and Leica.
Despite some interface quirks and a slightly awkward design, the Olympus E3 fares quite well against its midrange DSLR competition
Finalist, 2007 Camera of the Year. “This new Olympus flagship DSLR proves that the Four Thirds system has a bona fide place in the pro and advanced amateur photographer’s kit.” (
Billed as a pure pro camera, the Olympus E-3 is more comparable to the cameras that we’ve been categorizing as semi-pro. Whatever you call it though, there’s no question that the new E-3 represents a sizable leap forward in technology and sophistication for the Olympus SLR line.
It’s a solid built model that handles well, menus are complex, but I’m sure anyone who’s already a regular Olympus digital User will soon get to grips and those who arent may just need some help from the manual for a few weeks.
This is the camera that will decide for once and for all whether Olympus has what it takes to crack the Nikon/Canon stronghold, or is to remain forever a niche player in the professional market.
The Olympus E-3 is the new flagship of the Four Thirds Standard-based Olympus E-System. This long-awaited replacement for the original E-1 model offers a plethora of advanced features to tempt the professional photographer away from the competition.
There is no denying that the E-3 is a hefty camera. Coupled to the new Zuiko Digital f/2.8-4 12-60mm lens (24-120mm eq.) it weighs in at just over 1.5 kilos, which is quite a bit heavier than the old E-1
Eagerly anticipated by the Olympus faithful, I was given an opportunity by Olympus Canada to try out the E3 over the Christmas Holidays and although this is a traditionally slow time of year for assignments, it is rich in family and holiday moments that provide personal photo opportunities.
Since the E-3 doesn’t come with a lens, you’ll need to buy one (unless you have some already, of course). The E-3 supports all FourThirds lenses, and there are more than twenty to choose from.
Olympus recognised this and certainly hasn’t been shy about talking-up a successor, with prototypes shown as long ago as Photokina 2006.