Olympus E-PL3 User manual

Basic guide
Quick task index
Table of Contents
1. Basic photography/frequently-
used options
2. Other shooting options
3. Flash shooting
4. Shooting and viewing movies
5. Playback options
6. Sending and receiving images
7. Using OLYMPUS Viewer 2/[ib]
8. Printing pictures
9. Camera setup
10. Customizing camera settings
11. Information
12. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
System chart
Index
Thank you for purchasing an Olympus digital camera. Before you start to use your new
camera, please read these instructions carefully to enjoy optimum performance and a longer
service life. Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.
We recommend that you take test shots to get accustomed to your camera before taking
important photographs.
The screen and camera illustrations shown in this manual were produced during the
development stages and may differ from the actual product.
The contents in this manual are based on firmware version 1.0 for this camera. If there
are additions and/or modifications of functions due to firmware update for the camera, the
contents will differ. For the latest information, please visit the Olympus website.
Instruction Manual
DIGITAL CAMERA

2 EN
■This notice concerns the supplied flash unit and is chiefly directed to users in
North America.
Information for Your Safety
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
When using your photographic equipment, basic safety precautions should always be
followed, including the following:
Read and understand all instructions before using.
Close supervision is necessary when any flash is used by or near children. Do not leave
flash unattended while in use.
Care must be taken as burns can occur from touching hot parts.
Do not operate if the flash has been dropped or damaged - until it has been examined by
qualified service personnel.
Let flash cool completely before putting away.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not immerse this flash in water or other liquids.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not disassemble this flash, but take it to qualified
service personnel when service or repair work is required. Incorrect reassembly can
cause electric shock when the flash is used subsequently.
The use of an accessory attachment not recommended by the manufacturer may cause a
risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
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Indications used in this manual
The following symbols are used throughout this manual.
#Cautions
Important information on factors which may lead to a malfunction
or operational problems. Also warns of operations that should be
absolutely avoided.
$Notes Points to note when using the camera.
%Tips Useful information and hints that will help you get the most out of
your camera.
gReference pages describing details or related information.

3 EN
Unpack the box contents
The following items are included with the camera.
If anything is missing or damaged, contact the dealer from whom you purchased the
camera.
Camera
Flash case
Computer software
CD-ROM
Instruction manual
Warranty card
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Body cap Strap USB cable
CB-USB6
AV cable
(Monaural)
CB-AVC3
Flash
FL-LM1
Lithium ion
battery
PS-BLS1 (BLS-1)
or BLS-5
Lithium ion
charger
PS-BCS1 (BCS-1)
or BCS-5
Attaching the strap
1
Thread the strap in the direction of
the arrows.
2
Lastly, pull the strap tight making
sure that it is fastened securely.
1
23
Attach the other end of the strap to the other eyelet in the same way.•

4 EN
Basic guide Preparations for shooting
1
Charging the battery.
Charging indicator
BCS-1 BCS-5
Charging in
progress Lights orange
Charging
complete
Lights
blue Off
Charging error Blinks orange
(Charging time: Up to approximately
3 hours 30 minutes)
1
2
3
AC wall outlet
AC cable
Lithium ion
charger
Lithium ion battery
SDirection indicating
mark
Charging indicator
#Cautions
Unplug the charger when charging is complete.
Use only compatible battery chargers to charge rechargeable batteries. BLS-1
batteries must be charged using the BCS-1, BLS-5 batteries using the BCS-5.
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2
Loading the battery.
2
1
3
Battery/card
compartment lock
Battery/card
compartment cover
Direction
indicating
mark
Removing the battery
Turn off the camera before opening or closing the
battery/card compartment cover.
To remove the battery, first push the battery lock knob
in the direction of the arrow and then remove.
#Cautions
Contact an authorized distributor or service center if you are unable to remove the
battery. Do not use force.
•
$Notes
It is recommended to set aside a backup battery for prolonged shooting in case the
battery in use drains.
•
Charging and inserting the battery

5 EN
Preparations for shooting
Basic guide
1
Loading the card.
Insert the SD/SDHC/SDXC/Eye-Fi card
(referred to as “card” in these instructions)
until it locks in place.
g“Card basics” (P. 99)
#Cautions
Turn off the camera before loading or
removing the card.
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Removing the card
Press the inserted card lightly and it will be ejected.
Pull out the card.
#Cautions
Do not remove the battery or card while the card
write indicator (P. 24) is displayed.
•
2
Closing the battery/card compartment cover.
Close the cover and slide the battery/card
compartment lock in the direction shown
by the arrow.
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2
1
#Cautions
Close the battery/card compartment cover when using the camera.•
Inserting and removing cards

6 EN
Basic guide Preparations for shooting
Attaching a lens to the camera
1
Remove the body cap from the camera and the rear cap from the lens.
1
2
1
2
2
Attach a lens to the camera.
#Cautions
Make sure the camera is turned off.
Do not press the lens release button.
Do not touch internal portions of the
camera.
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Alignment
mark
Lens
attachment
mark
Align the lens attachment mark (red) on the camera
with the alignment mark (red) on the lens, then
insert the lens into the camera’s body.
Rotate the lens in the direction indicated by the
arrow until you hear it click.
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3
Remove the lens cap.
2
1
1
Removing the lens from the camera
While pressing the lens release button, rotate the lens in
the direction of the arrow.
g “Interchangeable lenses” (P. 100) 2
1
Lens release button

7 EN
Preparations for shooting
Basic guide
Attaching the flash unit
1
Remove the terminal cover from the flash unit and attach the flash to the
camera.
Slide the flash unit all the way in, stopping when it contacts the back of the shoe and
is securely in place.
2
1
UNLOCK switch
2
To use the flash, raise the flash head.
Lower the flash head when the flash is not in use.
Removing the Flash Unit
Press the UNLOCK switch while removing the
flash unit. 2
1
UNLOCK switch
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8 EN
Basic guide Preparations for shooting
1
Press the ON/OFF button to turn on the camera.
When the camera is turned on, the (blue) power lamp will light and the monitor will
turn on.
When the camera is turned on, dust reduction will be performed to remove dust from
the surface of the image sensor filter.
To turn off the power, press the ON/OFF button again.
2
Set the mode dial to A.
■Mode dial
■ON/OFF button
250250 F5.6
01:02:0301:02:03
3838
L
N
ISO-A
200
HD
■Monitor
Battery level
7(green): Camera ready to shoot.
Displayed for about 10 seconds
after the camera is turned on.
8(green): Low battery
9(blinks red): Charge the battery
Number of storable still pictures
Available recording time
Using the Monitor
2
1
You can adjust the angle of the monitor.
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Power on

9 EN
Preparations for shooting
Basic guide
Setting the date/time
Date and time information is recorded on the card together with the images. The file
name is also included with the date and time information. Be sure to set the correct
date and time before using the camera.
1
Display the menus.
Press the MENU button to display the menus.
MENU button
4:3
j
D
2
1
Shooting Menu 1
Card Setup
Reset/Myset
Picture Mode
Image Aspect
Back Set
2
Select [X] in the [d] (setup) tab.
Use FG to select [d] and press I.
Select [X] and press I.
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X
j
±0 k ±0
W
2
1
--.--.-- --:--
Setup Menu
English
5sec
c / # Menu Display
Firmware
Rec View
Back Set
[d] tab
3
Set the date and time.
Use HI to select items.
Use FG to change the selected item.
Use FG to select the date format.
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X
YMD Time
2011 Y/ M/D
Cancel
The time is displayed
using a 24-hour clock.
4
Save settings and exit.
Press Qto set the camera clock and exit to the main menu.
Press the MENU button to exit the menus.
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10 EN
Basic guide Names of parts and functions
Camera
1
2
3
4
5
6a
0
9
8
7
4
e
b
c
d
f
g
1Mode dial ....................................P. 8, 12
2Shutter button ...............P. 13, 14, 36, 92
3ON/OFF button................................P. 8
4Strap eyelet.......................................P. 3
5Lens attachment mark ......................P. 6
6Mount (Remove the body cap before
attaching the lens.)
7Hot shoe cover
8Stereo microphone ...................P. 62, 68
9Self-timer lamp/AF illuminator
...............................................P. 49/P. 82
0Lens release button ..........................P. 6
aLens lock pin
bTripod socket
cBattery/card compartment cover.......P. 4
dBattery/card compartment lock.........P. 4
eConnector cover
fMulti-connector ...................P. 69, 73, 77
gHDMI micro connector (type D) ......P. 69
Names of parts

11 EN
Names of parts and functions
Basic guide
1
3
2
4
78
a
6
0
9
5
b
F(Up) / F(Exposure compensation)
button (P. 40)
I(Right) /#(Flash)
button (P. 59)
G(Down) / jY
(Sequential shooting/Self-timer)
button (P. 49)
H(Left) / P(AF
target) button (P. 37)
Qbutton
(P. 22, 23)
Control dial* (j)
(P. 16, 50 –53)
Rotate to choose an
option.
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1D(Erase) button ......................P. 17, 63
2q(Playback) button................P. 16, 63
3Accessory port....................P. 71, 81, 90
4Monitor............................................P. 24
5Speaker
6Hot shoe .........................................P. 60
7Fn/Gbutton ...................P. 89/P. 63, 64
8Ubutton.......................P. 33, 38, 63, 64
9R(Movie) button....P. 13, 15, 61, 65, 89
0INFO (Information display) button
.....................................P. 24, 25, 32 – 34
aMENU button.................................P. 23
bArrow pad
Control dial* (j) ..............P. 16, 50 – 53
In this manual, the jicon represent operations performed using the control dial.*

12 EN
Basic guide Names of parts and functions
Camera controls
Mode dial
Use the mode dial to select the shooting mode. After choosing the shooting mode, use
the shutter button to take photographs and the Rbutton to shoot movies.
■Movie mode
nMovie (P. 61)
Mode iconIndicator ■Advanced shooting modes
PProgram shooting (P. 50)
AAperture priority shooting
(P. 51)
SShutter priority shooting
(P. 52)
MManual shooting (P. 53)
For more advanced shooting and
greater creative control, you can
set the aperture value and shutter
speed.
The settings made in the advanced
shooting modes are retained even if
the camera is turned off.
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Photo zone
Movie zone
■Easy shooting modes
AiAUTO (P. 20) If Ais selected, the camera automatically
optimizes settings to suit the subject.
Select ART or SCN options according to your
subject or creative intent. The camera optimizes
settings automatically.
When rotating the mode dial or turning off the
power in the easy shooting modes, functions with
changes made to their settings are restored to the
factory default settings.
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ART Art filter (P. 18)
SCN Scene (P. 19)
%Tips
Resetting camera settings: g “Restoring default or custom settings” (P. 35)•

13 EN
Names of parts and functions
Basic guide
Shutter button Rbutton
Mode Photos: shutter button Movies: Rbutton
P
Aperture and shutter speed are
automatically adjusted for optimal
results.
The camera automatically adjusts
settings and records a movie.
AYou control aperture.
SYou control shutter speed.
MYou control aperture and shutter
speed.
A
A full auto mode in which the camera
automatically optimizes settings for
the current scene.
ART Select an art filter.
SCN Select a scene.
nPhotographs are recorded at the
settings selected in [nMode].
Adjust shutter speed or aperture for
different effects while shooting movies.
■Taking photographs during movie recording
To take a photograph during movie recording, press the shutter button. Press the R
button to end recording. Three files will be recorded to the memory card: the movie
footage preceding the photograph, the photograph itself, and the movie footage following
the photograph.
Only one photograph can be taken at a time during movie recording; the self-timer and
flash can not be used.
#Cautions
Image size and quality for photographs are independent of movie frame size.
The autofocus and metering used in movie mode may differ from that used to take
photographs.
The Rbutton can not be used to record movies in the following instances:
shutter button pressed halfway/BULB/Sequential shooting/PANORAMA/3D/
multiple exposure, etc. (still photography also ends)
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14 EN
Basic guide Basic operations
1
Frame the shot.
Be sure your fingers, the
strap, or other objects do
not obstruct the lens.
•
Horizontal grip Vertical grip
Using lenses with an UNLOCK switch
Retractable lenses with an UNLOCK switch can not
be used while retracted.
Turn the zoom ring in the direction of arrow (1) to
extend the lens (2).
To store, turn the zoom ring in the direction of arrow
(4) while sliding the UNLOCK switch (3).
4
1
2
3
2
Adjust the focus.
Lightly press the shutter button down to the first position (press the shutter button
halfway).
Press the shutter
button halfway.
250250 F5.6
01:02:0301:02:03
3838
L
N
ISO-A
200
HD
Shutter speed Aperture value
AF confirmation markAF target
The AF confirmation mark ((or n) will be displayed and focus will lock.
(Lenses that supports Hi-Speed Imager AF*
nLenses with other Four Thirds mounts
Visit our website for more information.*
The shutter speed and aperture value that have been set automatically by the
camera are displayed.
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Taking photographs/shooting movies

15 EN
Basic operations
Basic guide
Pressing the shutter button halfway and all the way down
The shutter button has two positions. The act of lightly pressing the shutter button to the
first position and holding it there is called “pressing the shutter button halfway,” that of
pressing it all the way down to the second position “pressing the shutter button all (or the
rest of) the way down.”
Press halfway
Press the rest of
the way down
3
Release the shutter.
Taking photographs
Press the shutter button all the way (fully).
The shutter sounds and the picture is
taken.
•
Press halfway
Press the rest of
the way down
Recording movies
Release the shutter button and press the Rbutton to begin recording.
Press the Rbutton again to end recording.
Rbutton
00:02:18
n
%Tips
If no operations are performed for a minute, the camera enters “sleep” (stand-by) mode
to turn off the monitor and to cancel all actions. The camera activates again when you
touch any button (the shutter button, qbutton, etc.). [Sleep]: g“Customizing camera
settings” (P. 81)
#Cautions
If the camera is used for extended periods, the temperature of the image pickup
device will rise and noise and colored fog may appear in images recorded at high ISO
sensitivities. Choose a lower ISO sensitivity or turn the camera off for a short period.
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16 EN
Basic guide Basic operations
Playback/Erasing
Viewing Images
Single-frame playback
Press the qbutton to display your most recent photograph
or movie.
•
2011.05.01 12:30 20
100-0020
L
N
Still image
2011.05.01 12:30 4
100-0004
WB
AUTO
WBWBWB
AUTOAUTOAUTO
P
HD
Movie
q button
Arrow pad/Control dial
Displays the
previous
frame
Displays the
next frame
Close-up playback
In single-frame playback, press Uto zoom in up to 14×;
press Gto return to single-frame playback.
•
2 x
Index display/Calendar display
To view multiple frames, press Gduring single-frame playback. To start calendar
playback, press the Gbutton repeatedly.
Press the Ubutton to view the currently selected picture full frame.
2011.05.01 12:30 21
Index display
2011.5
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
25 26 27 28 29 30 1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31 1 2 3
25 26 27 28 29 30 1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
910 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31 1 2 3
Calendar display
Movie playback
Select a movie and press Qto display the playback
menu. Select [Movie Play] and press Qto begin playback.
To interrupt movie playback, press MENU.•
Movie
Movie Play
Erase
m
Back Set
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17 EN
Basic operations
Basic guide
Volume
Volume can be adjusted by pressing For Gduring
single-frame and movie playback.
00:00:02/00:00:14
Erasing images
Display an image you want to delete and press D. Select [Yes] and press Q.
You can also select multiple images for deletion. g“Selecting images” (P. 65)
Dbutton
Erase
Yes
No
Back Set
Protecting images
Protect images from accidental deletion. Display an image
you wish to protect and press Qto display the playback
menu. Select [0] and press Q, and then press Fto
protect the image. Protected images are shown by a 0
(protect) icon. Press Gto remove protection.
You can also protect multiple selected images. g
“Selecting images” (P. 65)
2011.05.01 12:30 20
100-0020
L
N
4:3
0(protect) icon
#Cautions
Formatting the card erases all images even if they have been protected.•

18 EN
Basic guide Basic operations
1
Rotate the mode dial to ART.
A menu of art filters will be displayed. Select a filter using FG.
Pop ArtART 1
Exit Set
1
Q
L
N
01:02:0301:02:03
10231023
250250 F5.6 0.00.0
ISO
400
HD
Press Qor press the shutter button halfway to display the view through the lens in
the monitor. Press Qto return to the art filter menu.
Types of art filters
jPop Art mPin Hole
kSoft Focus nDiorama
lGrainy Film oDramatic Tone
2
Shoot.
To choose a different setting, press Qto display the art filter menu.
Art effects
Art filters can be modified and effects can be added. Pressing Iin the art filter menu
displays additional options.
Modifying filters
Option I is the original filter, while options II and on add effects that modify the original
filter.
Adding effects*
Soft focus, pin-hole, frames, white edges, starlight
The effects available vary with the selected filter.*
#Cautions
If [RAW] is currently selected for image quality, image quality will automatically be set to
[YN+RAW]. The art filter will be applied to the JPEG copy only.
Depending on the subject, tone transitions may be ragged, the effect may be less
noticeable, or the image may become more “grainy.”
Some effects may not be visible in live view or during movie recording.
Playback may differ according to the filters, effects, or movie quality settings applied.
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Using art filters

19 EN
Basic operations
Basic guide
1
Rotate the mode dial to SCN.
A menu of scene menu will be displayed. Select a scene using FG.
SCN 1 Portrait
Exit Set
Q
L
N
01:02:0301:02:03
10231023
250250 F5.6
ISO
400
HD
Press Qor press the shutter button halfway to display the view through the lens in
the monitor. Press Qto return to the scene menu.
Types of scene modes
OPortrait rNature Macro
Pe-Portrait QCandle
LLandscape RSunset
KLandscape+Portrait TDocuments
J Sport sPanorama (P. 54)
GNight Scene
( Fireworks
UNight+Portrait gBeach & Snow
G Children fnFisheye Effect
H High Key wnWide-angle
I Low Key mnMacro
qDIS Mode T3D Photo
J Macro
2
Shoot.
To choose a different setting, press Qto display the scene menu.
#Cautions
In [e-Portrait] mode, two images are recorded: an unmodified image and a second image
to which [e-Portrait] effects have been applied. The unmodified image is recorded using
the option currently selected for image quality, the modified copy at an image quality of
JPEG (X-quality (2560 × 1920)).
[nFisheye Effect], [nWide-angle], and [nMacro] are for use with optional converter
lenses.
Movies can not be recorded in [e-Portrait], [Panorama], or [3D Photo] mode.
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Shooting in scene mode

20 EN
Basic guide Basic operations
Using live guides
Live guides are available in iAUTO (A) mode. While iAUTO is a full auto mode, live
guides make it easy to access a variety of advanced photographic techniques.
Change Color Saturation
Cancel
Guide item
Q
0
Clear & Vivid
Flat & Muted
Set
Cancel
Level bar/selection
Guide item Level bar/selection Affects
Change Color Saturation Clear & Vivid Flat & Muted Saturation, contrast,
gradation, etc.
Change Color Image Warm Cool Color temperature,
gradation, etc.
Change Brightness Bright Dark Exposure compensation,
gradation, etc.
Blur Background Blur Sharp Aperture, live preview,
etc.
Express Motions Blurred
Motion* Stop Motion
Shutter speed
(1/2 s – fastest speed),
frame rate, etc.
Shooting Tips
Tips For Child Photo
Tips For Pet Photo
Tips For Flower Photo
Tips For Cuisine Photo
Tips For Framing
Tips With Accessory
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—
Monitor frame rate slows.*