EP3 or EP-5?

<p>@Eric, The E-P3 has no problem at low ISO. It's IQ is great in that respect. I've never used an RX100 so can't really comment. I have just got back to the hotel after walking the streets of Bydgoszcz, Poland with my E-PL5 and Panny 20mm f/1.7. I got lots of lovely night shots, something that would have been impossible with the E-P3.</p>

<p>My bottom line...</p>

<p>Satisfied with just 1 lens? = Fuji X100</p>

<p>Need more than 1 lens? = Olympus E-PL5</p>

<p>Eric asks me what is the "long haul", meaning my definition<em> of it. </em>When I buy into a camera system, I buy into the whole thing, not just bodies. I'm not going to get into an argument that tries to decide what system is best, that's an individual choice, Nikon, Canon, yada, yada, yada. </p>

<p>Everyone here is free to buy whatever they like, a well stocked system, part of a system, or items that don't relate to any system. It's your money, you don't owe me any explanation as to how you spend it. My choice is to try to keep it all as interchangeable as possible. I'm into Nikon, so that's where my interest is, and where my photo dollars would go. You may look at it differently. Fine. I'm not trying to limit what you buy, after all, it's not coming out of my pocket. </p>

<p>For all of you telling what Minolta did after I got rid my Minolta gear, great, your hindsight is 20/20! But back when I had my Minolta gear, none of that digital stuff was around from Minolta, and it was around from Canon and Nikon. Minolta was going down, and I wasn't going to invest anymore in Minolta gear, save that I kept my Minolta scanner until a couple of years ago. There was absolutely nothing to suggest that I should hold on to my Minolta stuff in hopes of a comeback. I have no regrets, my Nikon gear has been fine, but you can bet your sweet bippy that I'm not going to spend a red cent with any company that is on the edge, or even looks like they might get close. I don't need to do that because my Nikon gear has taken care of my needs. YMMV</p>

<p>The pace of Technological development has been immense. Just look at the pro digital cameras from 8 years ago- their price, resolution etc. Now we routinely talk about compact cameras' ability to use ISOs of 1,600 and more, comparing full frame and APS-C bodies at 6,400 and seeing, if we're honest, only minor differences. We have become spoilt, expecting to be able to zoom in to 100% and get crystal clear images with bang-on focus almost every time from bodies which cost less than a month's salary. IQ is<em> really</em> not an issue with any serious camera released in the last 2 or 3 years, so in order to justify our purchase we become market analysts? No need.</p>

<p><em>" is the EPL-5's 16m sensor worth the extra $200 over the rock-bottom prices on the E-P3?"</em><br>

<em> </em><br>

Given your photographic experience, I would say yes. In fact, I would go one step further - I suggest you consider finding a great deal on a OMD EM5. Size and weight wise it is only marginally larger/heavier. But I believe the camera experience will be a much better one for you. I have an E-PL1 which I have enjoyed but used lightly over the years because it was missing things that I wanted in a camera that I would use more frequently (all not related to IQ). The OMD is a body I think you will enjoy using much more, and use more often than you would expect once you have an opportunity to explore its capabilities. So in effect, because you would use it more, it will be more cost effective for you. (FWIW, IQ between the OMD EM5 and the E-P5 is basically the same - my suggestion is based solely on ergonomics and functionality which are totally subjective.)<br>

<br>

Regardless of which body you select, I know you will be extremely happy with the image quality.</p><div></div>

<p>thanks for this, elliot. the DXO mark scores seem to confirm the DPReview findings, that the EP3 is an otherwise good camera with a (slightly) subpar/outdated sensor. i'm sure you are right that i would enjoy the E-5 (or the E-P5), but if i was going to spend that much, i'm not so sure i wouldnt get an XE-1, which has a better kit lens. i've pretty much ruled out the PL5 due to the ergonomics.</p>

<p>I own an E P-5 whose excellent sensor is let down by shutter shock, quite severely degrading images in the 1/60- 1/200 sec range.<br>

This renders in particular the 75mm lens rather useless you set 1/300 or thereabouts in "S" mode.<br>

I never saw this effect with my former E P-3. Thus I have just bought another one as an interim solution until I can find a better body or the E M-1 comes down in price.</p>

<p>and forget about the 1/8 sec shutter delay mode, that is unless you want to miss important shots- a child can move a fair number of inches during that time.. :-)</p>

<p>yikes. well, good to know. FWIW, i went with the Fuji X-E1.</p>