Help picking a 4/3 Oly P3 VS PL5

[cameracrack]

<p>Hello! For my Birthday present, my husband wants to get me a 4/3's camera. I have been having a difficult time choosing one. It's been two weeks and I still can't decide between the E-P3 and the E-PL5. I know the E-PL5.. They both seem to have similar features except that the PL5 has the same sensor as the OM D and a flip screen. I would love the OM D but it is out of my price range. <br /> I guess the REAL question is, is the PL5 so much better than the P3 that it's worth the extra money?<br /> Other than that, my only other question is which is better 14-42mm II or the 17mm?<br /> I can't wait to own a PEN. I have an old Olympus OM10 and a nice set of lens that is everything to me. I'm excited to own one of their digital cameras.<br /> Thanks in advanced for your help!</p>

[leslie_cheung]

<p>epl5 and the zoom. </p>

[bruce_rubenstein]

<p>The flip screen on the E-PL5 only shows a 2.5" image when shooting in the native 4:3 aspect ratio, and the colors aren't accurate. In general the E-PL5 is <a href="http://camerasize.com/compare/#382,155">small</a>. In all image quality respects, the E-PL5 is a significant improvement on the EP3. I have an E-PL2 (same sensor as the EP3) and the E-PL5 and the straight out of camera JPGs are much more color accurate from the 5, wider dynamic range and the high ISO (better sensor and better JPG processing) is good for another 2 stops. ISO 3200 looks surprisingly good.</p>

[Greg M]

<p>Liana, which 17mm lens are you talking about, the older 17mm f2.8 or the newer 17mm f1.8?</p>

<p>Between the older 17mm f2.8 and the 14-42 there's not much optically different. The newer 17mm f1.8 is an improvement optically over both the old 17 and the 14-42 and it is just over one stop faster compared to the old 17mm f2.8 model.</p>

<p>The E-PL5 is not ergonomically as nice as the E-P3. I love the E-P3's size and controls, but it has that old sensor that really does limit it compared to the new sensor in the E-M5 that is now in the E-PL5. I took my E-P3 to Paris that past year before buying the E-M5, but I also took only fast primes with it (12mm f2, 25mm f1.4 and 45mm f1.8) which helped because it meant I never had to go faster than ISO 800, even down in the Catacombes...</p>

<p><img src="http://gmchappell.smugmug.com/Travel/Paris-2012/i-D7NKNBH/0/X2/P5318929-X2.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>There are rumors Olympus will be introducing a replacement for the E-P3, but who knows, that could be 6 months or more down the road, if ever. Based on what's available now, if you cannot go the E-M5 I would see whether the E-PL5 or E-PM2 (both have the newest sensor) works best for you and go that route.</p>

[cameracrack]

<p>Hi<br /> I was talking about the kit 17mm which I believe is the 2.8. I guess if that is the case, I'll get the zoom and buy a prime later. <br /> Greg, the E-P3 seems to have served you well! That photo is great. I have also heard the rumors about the E-P5, but you are right. I don't know when that will be released. It was rumored that it was to be released this month and I don't think anyone has heard anything.<br /> I guess.. I'll go PL5.<br>

Thank you!</p>

[dogbert]

<p>If you are ok with the ergonomics of the EPL5 then that is the one to go with. IQ from the new 16 MP sensor straight out of the can is significantly better than any of the Pens with the old 12 MP sensor.</p>