Olympus E-3 Reviews, Samples and References

First published on: Tuesday, 9 December 2008

Last update (Jun 15, 2009): Initial impressions by Steve aka Tekmar.

This post is a compilation of annotated links to Olympus Evolt E-3 digital SLR professional and user reviews, tests, ratings, conclusions, sample photos, image galleries and other references.

The Olympus E3 is a Four Thirds 10.1 MP digital SLR and was announced on 16-October-2007 — read the press release and get the full specs.

Olympus Evolt E-3 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with Mechanical Image Stabilization

The official website for the E3 is at OlympusAmerica.com.

Professional Reviews and User Opinions

Initial impressions of the E-3 by Steve aka Tekmar

Steve’s forum post is pretty detailed, 14 points in total covering the pros and cons of the E3.

Olympus E-3 review at DPReview.com

The E-3 received a Highly Recommended (Just) rating in the conclusion:

<blockquote>Ultimately though, despite its foibles, we liked the E-3; it feels great in the hand (even if it demands a longer than average learning curve), produces pleasing output most of the time, and has some really useful features. It sits at the heart of a system that is slowly maturing into a serious competitor for the dominant players, with some superb lenses, particularly the fast zooms.</blockquote>

Olympus E-3 Sample Photos

E-3 Review Gallery at DPReview.com

There are 42 images in this review gallery. I’ve provided a short description of each photo and the lens used. Clicking on the photo’s image number opens up the full-sized, original JPEG image.


  • Image 1: Fallen tree trunk, Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 100.

  • Image 2: Dead tree in mist. Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 100.

  • Image 3: Ice-covered fern leaf. Olympus 50mm f/2 Macro lens, ISO 100.

  • Image 4: Rocky landscape. Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 100.

  • Image 5: Castle remains. Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 100.

  • Image 6: Misty landscape. Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 100.

  • Image 7: Solitary tree. Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 100.

  • Image 8: Dew drops on grass. Olympus 50mm f/2.0 macro, ISO 100.

  • Image 9: Gnarled tree trunk. Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 100.

  • Image 10: Young boy looking at his archery set. Olympus 50mm f/2.0 macro, ISO 1600.

  • Image 11: Boats. Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 100.

  • Image 12: The Angel, a cobbled road, blue sky and clouds. Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 100.

  • Image 13: Railway Avenue SE16 sign and building. Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 100.

  • Image 14: Apartment block and street lights. Olympus 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 lens, ISO 100.

  • Image 15: A street light. Olympus 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 lens, ISO 100.

  • Image 16: Broken window bathed in golden light. Olympus 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 lens, ISO 100.

  • Image 17: Two glasses. Olympus 50mm f/2.0 macro, ISO 100.

  • Image 18: Snapshot portrait of a young child. Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 100.

  • Image 19: Colorful roller shutter doors. Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 100.

  • Image 20: Statue on log. Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 100.

  • Image 21: Building construction at 36mm (72mm equivalent). Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 100.

  • Image 22: Building construction at 12mm (24mm equivalent). Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 100.

  • Image 23, image 24, image 25, image 26, image 27 and image 28: Buildings. Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 100.

  • Image 29: Flags at The Star. Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 100.

  • Image 30: Solitary tree and great weather. Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 100.

  • Image 31: Shoot into the sun. Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 100.

  • Image 32: Ducks at a small lake. Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 100.

  • Image 33: Dry grass close-up. Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 100.

  • Image 34: Natural light portrait of a young child. Olympus 50mm f/2.0 macro, ISO 400.

  • Image 35: Close-up of leaves. Olympus 50mm f/2.0 macro, ISO 100.

  • Image 36: Outside, at dusk. Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 1600.

  • Image 37: Ernst & Young building, at night. Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 1600.

  • Image 38: Pedestrian bridge, at night. Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 1600.

  • Image 39: View camera. Olympus 50mm f/2.0 macro, ISO 100.

  • Image 40: Display shelf. Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 3200.

  • Image 41: Statue of Mother Mary. Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 800.

  • Image 42: Building. Olympus 12-60mm lens, ISO 100.

Australian Birds

Richard Pavek shared six photos of an Australasian Gannet, Yellow-nosed Albatrosses, juvenile Shy Albatross and Grey-headed Albatross in this forum post. All the images were shot with an Olympus Zuiko 90-250mm f/2.8 lens.

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