---
product_id: 71806331
title: "OM SYSTEM Olympus Pen E-P3 12.3 MP Live MOS Mirrorless Digital Camera with 14-42mm Zoom Lens (Black) (Old Model)"
brand: "om system"
price: "R515"
currency: ZAR
in_stock: false
reviews_count: 8
url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/71806331-om-system-olympus-pen-e-p3-12-3-mp-live
store_origin: ZA
region: South Africa
---

# 3" OLED touchscreen 1080p HD video 12.3 MP sensor OM SYSTEM Olympus Pen E-P3 12.3 MP Live MOS Mirrorless Digital Camera with 14-42mm Zoom Lens (Black) (Old Model)

**Brand:** om system
**Price:** R515
**Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock

## Summary

> 📷 Snap, Share, Shine! Capture life in stunning detail.

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** OM SYSTEM Olympus Pen E-P3 12.3 MP Live MOS Mirrorless Digital Camera with 14-42mm Zoom Lens (Black) (Old Model) by om system
- **How much does it cost?** R515 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Currently out of stock
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/71806331-om-system-olympus-pen-e-p3-12-3-mp-live)

## Best For

- om system enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted om system brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Touch and Go:** Navigate effortlessly with a responsive 3-inch OLED touchscreen.
- • **Video Like a Pro:** Record breathtaking 1080p HD videos at 60 frames per second.
- • **Low-Light Wizardry:** Shoot stunning images even in dim conditions with ISO up to 12,800.
- • **Capture Every Moment:** With a 12.3 MP Live MOS sensor, your memories are crystal clear.
- • **Speed Meets Precision:** Experience rapid autofocus tracking with the new TruePic VI image processor.

## Overview

The Olympus PEN E-P3 is a compact mirrorless digital camera featuring a 12.3 MP Live MOS sensor, a 3-inch OLED touchscreen, and advanced TruePic VI image processing. It excels in low-light conditions and offers full HD video recording capabilities, making it a versatile choice for both photography and videography enthusiasts.

## Description

From the Manufacturer CLASSIC STYLE. INCREDIBLE POWER. ARE YOU PEN READY? Designed for photographers who want total control over their creative vision, the powerful PEN E-P3 delivers professional image quality, blazing FAST AF speed and an array of built-in creative features in a classic, ultra-portable design. Its large, 12.3-megapixal Live MOS sensor delivers superb images. A new TruePic VI Image Processing Engine improves color and speed. Three modes of image stabilization ensure that every image is crisp and clear. And the press of a button is all it takes to shoot full 1080 60i HD video in either ACVHD or AVI formats. Plus, the E-P3 is complemented by a system of lenses, strobes and accessories usually found only with traditional DSLRs. 12.3 MP Live MOS SensorUtilizing new Fine Detail Processing Technology for greater detail in the photograph, the sensor is optimized to maximize the performance of all M. Zuiko digital lenses in all shooting conditions. World’s Fastest AF System*To meet the demand for focusing speed, Olympus has introduced the new FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology) AF system. The FAST AF system features 35 focus points as well as new Tracking AF to ensure fast & accurate focus each and every time! 3-Inch Touch Screen OLED 614K DotsFeaturing a newly-designed touch interface that gives you the ability to choose AF points, release the shutter, and navigate menus. The VGA equivalent display lets you see richer detail and smoother images with higher contrast and richer blacks. New TruePic VI with Fine Detail Processing The TruePic VI Image processor delivers excellent dynamic range, newly expanded color accuracy and fidelity plus reduced noise, all the way up to 12800 ISO. “Fine Detail Processing” technology captures more details in every nuance. Full 1080 60i HD MovieA simple, one-touch button allows you to record movies with ease and simplicity. Choose between AVCHD or AVI for amazing clarity right from your camera.Ten In-Camera Art Filters and New Art Filter Effects and VariationsTen in-camera Art Filters (Pop Art, Soft Focus, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama, Pale & Light Color, Light Tone, Gentle Sepia, Cross Process and Dramatic Tone) are enhanced by new filter variations and art effects such as color variations and image effects. You can explore your artistic side while taking both still shots and HD video right from your camera.Fully Expandable SystemA range of interchangeable lenses, accessories and strobes that are compatible with the E-P3 and are available to support all different types of photography needs. Product Description Olympus EP3 Black with 14-42mm Lens Black

Review: Very capable for the going price - I purchased the E-P3 for $379 about the time the E-P5 was announced. Not because the E-P5 isn't a better camera, but because the price for what was the premium Pen in the line is amazingly low for what it offers. It offers fast AF, a nice touch screen, availability of a nice range of lenses, a much larger sensor than point and shoot cameras, great JPG engine, in-body IS, hot shoe and accessory port, good dual dial control interface, decent add on grip, and great IQ up to ISO1600 for the kind of money that doesn't make the wallet or wife/husband shreak in horror. What it doesn't offer is 1/8000 shutter max shutter speed, newest Sony sensor, 5-axis IS, or focus peaking. Of course you can get those feature now on the E-P5 for $700 more than the cost of this camera. But for what it is, this camera takes great pictures and video and offers step up features for a diminutive price. Currently, along with the GX1 is the best value around for a mirrorless sans electronic viewfinder. It would make a great first "serious" camera and is a great side kick for a larger DSLR system. It's a great time to be photographing!
Review: Great Little Camera - I tried the other two PENs E-P1 and E-P2 and returned them but the E-P3 is a keeper. It is quick, intuitive, lightweight, a beauty, good quality and most importantly, is capable of great photos. The jpegs straight out of the camera are really impressive. The dynamic range seems very good and the histogram seems accurate in helping to avoid blown out highlights. I confess that I also bought the new 12m lens and find it pro quality when coupled with this camera body. The E-P3's touch screen is surprisingly helpful and the VF-2 also enhances the shooting experience, especially for long telephoto shots, video, bright sunlight and macro. I am amazed at all the potential settings for the camera; It seems that amateurs as well as pros are offered what they need to make good photos and to go beyond just regular shots to ones made more interesting by a wide array of available filters. I tried the body with the OM 35m macro and adapter and it works very well as does the Panasonic 45-200m. The 14-42m II is a mixed bag; its size and weight is amazingly small and light. Maybe its just my copy but its very good at the wide end and not so good at the long end. Overall, this camera and system is great for someone looking for a lightweight alternative to a DSLR system. Compared to my Nikon equipment, this system is miniaturized. It's a lot of fun to discover the potential and features of the camera. The included documentation is less than helpful so it really is a process of discovery; I'm hoping someone will put out a book on the camera's features and that Olympus will continue to support this format.

## Features

- 12.3-megapixel Live MOS sensor
- 3-inch OLED touchscreen
- New TruePic VI image processor with Fine Detail Processing; fast AF tracking system
- Capture full 1080 60i HD video
- Low-light performance; AF Illuminator; built-in flash; ISO to 12,800

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B0058PL9SO |
| Aperture modes | F2.8-F5.6 |
| Are Batteries Included | Yes |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3 |
| Auto Focus Technology | Continuous, Contrast Detection, Face Detection, Live View, Multi-area, Selective single-point, Single, Touch, Tracking |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Autofocus Points | 35 |
| Battery Weight | 25 Grams |
| Best Sellers Rank | #595,185 in Electronics ( See Top 100 in Electronics ) #2,196 in Mirrorless Cameras |
| Bit Depth | 14 Bit |
| Brand | OM SYSTEM |
| Built-In Media | Camera Body & Lens |
| Camera Flash | Built-In |
| Camera Lens | Standard Zoom Lens for Micro Four Thirds |
| Color | Black |
| Compatible Devices | Micro Four Thirds cameras |
| Compatible Mountings | Micro Four Thirds |
| Connectivity Technology | HDMI, USB |
| Continuous Shooting | 3 |
| Crop Mode | 4:3 |
| Customer Reviews | 4.1 out of 5 stars 65 Reviews |
| Digital Scene Transition | zoom |
| Digital Zoom | 5 x |
| Digital-Still | No |
| Display Fixture Type | Fixed |
| Display Resolution Maximum | 614,000 |
| Display Type | OLED |
| Dots Per Screen | 614000 |
| Effective Still Resolution | 12.3 |
| Expanded ISO Maximum | 12800 |
| Expanded ISO Minimum | 3200 |
| Exposure Control | Manual |
| File Format | AVCHD, AVI |
| Flash Memory Bus Interface Type | SD |
| Flash Memory Type | SD;SDHD |
| Flash Memory Video Speed Class | 6 |
| Flash Modes | Auto, On, Off, Slow Synch |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/180_sec |
| Focus Features | Contrast Detection |
| Focus Mode | Continuous-Servo AF (AF-C) |
| Focus Type | Automatic with Manual |
| Form Factor | Mirrorless |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00050332179462 |
| HDMI Type | Type C Mini HDMI |
| Hardware Interface | PictBridge |
| Has Color Screen | Yes |
| Image Capture Type | Video |
| Image Stabilization | Sensor-shift |
| Image stabilization | Sensor-shift |
| Item Weight | 2 Pounds |
| JPEG Quality Level | Fine |
| Lens Construction | [10 elements, 9 groups] |
| Lens Type | Micro Four Thirds |
| Manufacturer | Olympus |
| Manufacturer Part Number | V204031BU000 |
| Maximum Focal Length | 42 Millimeters |
| Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000 Seconds |
| Metering Methods | Multi, Center-weighted, Spot |
| Minimum Focal Length | 14 Millimeters |
| Minimum Shutter Speed | 60 seconds |
| Model Name | Olympus PEN E-P3 |
| Model Number | V204031BU000 |
| Model Series | PEN |
| Movie Mode | Yes |
| Optical Zoom | 42 x |
| Photo Sensor Resolution | 12.3 MP |
| Photo Sensor Size | Four Thirds |
| Photo Sensor Technology | MOS |
| Real Angle Of View | 75 Degrees |
| Recording Capacity | 31 Minutes |
| Remote Included | No |
| Screen Size | 3 Inches |
| Sensor Type | MOS |
| Series Number | 204 |
| Shooting Modes | Movie |
| Skill Level | Professional |
| Special Feature | Art Filters |
| Supported File Format | AVCHD, AVI |
| Supported Image Format | JPEG |
| Total Still Resolution | 12.3 MP |
| Total USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
| Total USB Ports | 1 |
| Total Video Out Ports | 1 |
| Touch Screen Type | Yes |
| UPC | 050332179462 |
| Video Capture Format | avchd;avi |
| Video Output | HDMI |
| Video Resolution | 1080p |
| Viewfinder | Electronic |
| White Balance Settings | Auto |
| Wireless Technology | Yes |
| Write Speed | 3 fps |
| Zoom | Optical Zoom |

## Images

![OM SYSTEM Olympus Pen E-P3 12.3 MP Live MOS Mirrorless Digital Camera with 14-42mm Zoom Lens (Black) (Old Model) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81VKJ1xG8DL.jpg)
![OM SYSTEM Olympus Pen E-P3 12.3 MP Live MOS Mirrorless Digital Camera with 14-42mm Zoom Lens (Black) (Old Model) - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81k8fbncbCL.jpg)
![OM SYSTEM Olympus Pen E-P3 12.3 MP Live MOS Mirrorless Digital Camera with 14-42mm Zoom Lens (Black) (Old Model) - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81pgmNLKbEL.jpg)
![OM SYSTEM Olympus Pen E-P3 12.3 MP Live MOS Mirrorless Digital Camera with 14-42mm Zoom Lens (Black) (Old Model) - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81QTb0dy5AL.jpg)
![OM SYSTEM Olympus Pen E-P3 12.3 MP Live MOS Mirrorless Digital Camera with 14-42mm Zoom Lens (Black) (Old Model) - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81f20uhrwNL.jpg)

## Available Options

This product comes in different **Color** options.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very capable for the going price
*by S***S on June 7, 2013*

I purchased the E-P3 for $379 about the time the E-P5 was announced. Not because the E-P5 isn't a better camera, but because the price for what was the premium Pen in the line is amazingly low for what it offers. It offers fast AF, a nice touch screen, availability of a nice range of lenses, a much larger sensor than point and shoot cameras, great JPG engine, in-body IS, hot shoe and accessory port, good dual dial control interface, decent add on grip, and great IQ up to ISO1600 for the kind of money that doesn't make the wallet or wife/husband shreak in horror. What it doesn't offer is 1/8000 shutter max shutter speed, newest Sony sensor, 5-axis IS, or focus peaking. Of course you can get those feature now on the E-P5 for $700 more than the cost of this camera. But for what it is, this camera takes great pictures and video and offers step up features for a diminutive price. Currently, along with the GX1 is the best value around for a mirrorless sans electronic viewfinder. It would make a great first "serious" camera and is a great side kick for a larger DSLR system. It's a great time to be photographing!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great Little Camera
*by S***R on January 1, 2012*

I tried the other two PENs E-P1 and E-P2 and returned them but the E-P3 is a keeper. It is quick, intuitive, lightweight, a beauty, good quality and most importantly, is capable of great photos. The jpegs straight out of the camera are really impressive. The dynamic range seems very good and the histogram seems accurate in helping to avoid blown out highlights. I confess that I also bought the new 12m lens and find it pro quality when coupled with this camera body. The E-P3's touch screen is surprisingly helpful and the VF-2 also enhances the shooting experience, especially for long telephoto shots, video, bright sunlight and macro. I am amazed at all the potential settings for the camera; It seems that amateurs as well as pros are offered what they need to make good photos and to go beyond just regular shots to ones made more interesting by a wide array of available filters. I tried the body with the OM 35m macro and adapter and it works very well as does the Panasonic 45-200m. The 14-42m II is a mixed bag; its size and weight is amazingly small and light. Maybe its just my copy but its very good at the wide end and not so good at the long end. Overall, this camera and system is great for someone looking for a lightweight alternative to a DSLR system. Compared to my Nikon equipment, this system is miniaturized. It's a lot of fun to discover the potential and features of the camera. The included documentation is less than helpful so it really is a process of discovery; I'm hoping someone will put out a book on the camera's features and that Olympus will continue to support this format.

### ⭐⭐⭐ Great Camera; Poor Customer Service
*by L***J on September 27, 2012*

I'll start out by saying that I've had this camera for almost a year now, and I love it. I was a novice photographer and I've learned so much by using the PEN's accessible yet advanced system and have collected an amazing gallery of pro-looking photos. I have a several different lenses which have all been fantastic, and many people have commented on the quality of my photos. That being said, I really wish that Olympus was more customer-oriented. I was given this camera by my husband as a gift and he was so proud that he spent weeks and weeks researching which of the interchangeable lens cameras was the best. It was really one of the most expensive and thoughtful gifts I have ever received. Unfortunately, about five days after using the PEN, the mode dial just popped right off! For having paid $900 for this camera, it felt like a slap in the face to my husband who had been so proud of his "quality" decision. It also felt like such an expensive machine should not have such a flimsy construction for a pretty important part. I contacted Olympus shortly after and explained that I was disappointed in what had happened and asked them what they could do. I received a very dismissive email back from them implying that I should just deal with it as they can't control the quality of each machine and the tone was basically "s*** happens." They also said that if I wanted to send the camera in to get fixed, it would take three weeks plus shipping time for them to get it back to me. When I called I was told that no, I could not just glue the dial on myself because it would void the warranty. So my options were to part with my camera for a month to get a piece glued back on, or fix it myself and void the warranty. Wow. I was a little disappointed that they did not try to something more for us, like at least give us a discount on accessories or something - really, a little bit of compensation goes a long way. All this being said, I do love the camera but I really feel Olympus should do a better job keeping their clients happy and loyal because with all the competition, a pretty good product can only go so far, and you only realize how important it can be when something goes wrong. So keep this in mind when deciding to drop a large sum of money on an Olympus.

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*Product available on Desertcart South Africa*
*Store origin: ZA*
*Last updated: 2026-05-08*