Introduction

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To read our in-depth, hands-on review of the Olympus PEN E-P3, click here.
To read our in-depth, hands-on review of the Panasonic GX1, click here.

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Performance

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Both the E-P3 and the GX1 are built around 4/3-inch sensors, but the 16-megapixel chip in the GX1 is the better bit of hardware. The E-P3 can reproduces color a bit more faithfully, but the GX1 is slightly cleaner throughout the ISO range, captures more of the dynamic range, and has a more accurate white-balance system, both in auto and especially custom modes.

In many real-world situations, both cameras will appear to perform equally well. But in dim, indoor lighting or in situations with a dramatic dynamic range, the GX1 will have a slight edge over the E-P3.

Winner: Panasonic GX1 by a hair

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Design and Handling

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The E-P3 and GX1 are both cut from a rangefinder-styled cloth. The GX1 has a superior interface for hands-on users—more direct access buttons and customizable function keys. The E-P3 has a sleeker design built from higher-end components; the 3-inch touch OLED display is incredibly vibrant and responsive. The removable grip offers an extra layer of customization that few system cameras can match. And with a pancake lens attached, it's even more pocket-ready than the chunkier GX1 (though the Panasonic X Power Zoom included with the GX1 is great).

Since control schemes and comfort are really a matter of personal taste, we've giving the E-P3 the edge here because the design is a little bit classier and more customizable.

Winner: Olympus E-P3

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Conclusion

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We can find plenty of reasons to justify buying either camera. The GX1 takes slightly better photos, while the E-P3 has a better design. We're calling this one an effective draw, with a slight nod toward the E-P3, only because it has a higher overall score than the GX1 (thanks to its higher movie-mode scores, though honestly, neither camera is a great option for shooting video).

Winner: Draw, with a nod toward the Olympus E-P3

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