43 Rumors

Without a grip that’s going to be tough to hold for longer periods of time, especially with any heavier lens.

I’m quite disappointed by this range of grips: they’re all the same shape and it’s just fashion. I was hoping for some more substantial grips for use with heavier lenses. Then it would be possible to change the nature of the camera: standard grip for compactness, dslr grip + evf for heavier lenses.

Looking at the pictures of the EP3 and EPL3 which are attractive I find some reasons for possible concern:

First Pany with its small grips on the GF1, GF2, GF3, and G3 have been critized by many on this forum for having too small a grip and being slippery and now we have none at all unless you buy an add on one? The problem with this is the thin body dictates using only a very small battery size capacity while a built in grip provides much more room for a larger battery very important if one is to use for extensive video use. If Panys rumored GFPRO is anything like their patent rendition it will have a substantial grip for larger battery.

A second concern I have is the tiny or very thin top control wheel for style points rather than practicality. Pany is roasted for omitting a top control wheel for GF2 and GF3 but at least retained thicker sized one on the G3. I think the very thin top dial will be very difficult to grip and change positions quickly?

I also see very little comment regarding the “new” sensor used in both the EP3 and EPL3 but there have been plenty of pictures posted to indicate some concerns of possibly a step backward in JPEG IMQ compared to previous models and this in light of almost universal praise in all reviews of the new G3 sensor and its better high ISO performance both JPEGs and RAW? At least the resolution figures indicate the G3 several hundred lines sharper detail than the EP3 (and even other APS-C 16mp sensor camera models) and even better at higher ISOs at least according to PP recently published figures in their review. The difference can also be seen in DPR conparisons at least to my eyes but maybe not yours. Even the new GF3 with 12 mp sensor but new processing now producing possibly better JPEGS and color? I personally would have liked to have seen the EP3 with the latest G3 sensor instead.

At least theae models now have state of the art fast AF performance and represent probably the greatest improvement for Oly. However I find the claims a little strange claiming to be the fastest with 0.3 sec when Pany Gh2 and G3 claim only 0.1 to 0.2 sec with 14-140 lens or do I have my figures wrong? Certainly both camera systems are plenty fast for most operations and good enough for me.

I’m not that keen on the screen on the E-Pl3. It’s the wrong shape and nothing like so nice to look at as the E-P3′s. I’ve played with them both. Much better value though, given that the image quality is the same. Will be curious to play with the E-PM1 when it hits the shops. That’ll be a super bargain after a few months.