Olympus E-3 - Expert Reviews

Review summary: There's a lot to like about the Olympus E-3.

Review summary: 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 <a href="g

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

Cons: 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

Review summary: It comes as no surprise to learn the Olympus E-3 is by far the most powerful Four Thirds DSLR to date, and one that's more than a worthy successor to the original E-1. After all, Olympus had four and a half years between the launch of the E-1 and its long

Pros: 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.,

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

Verdict: 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 looki

Review summary: Olympus launched its Four Thirds camera DSLR system four years ago with the E-1. So it has taken a while for something as revolutionary to come along and replace it, but finally we have it in the range-topping E-3. It sports a 10-megapixel Live Mos chip a

Pros: Live View functionality and LCD screen for multitude of creative shooting angles, fastest auto focus system in the world

Cons: Big and heavy, busy scenes occasionally confuse the AF, white balance also confused by (non white) dominant colours

Verdict: To be picky, the E-3's auto white balance performance is variable, something the manual itself acknowledges. Still, there are sufficient manual settings to correct it, and since this isn't a camera for the point-and-shoot brigade, those who enjoy customis