Olympus E-P3 micro four-thirds system camera

The Olympus E-P3 is the sort of camera we had assumed wasn't being made any more.

It's built to last, with a lovely retro design and metal construction. Although it resembles a compact camera, the lens on the front can be swapped, as on a larger SLR models.

This, combined with a better electronics than on most compact models, ensures better quality pictures and high-definition video recordings in the highest resolution – 1080p.

The most noticeable improvement over the prior E-P2 is a pop-up flash that sinks into the top plate when not in use. The grip is now removable, though we preferred to keep it on, and the screen is now touch-sensitive, although enough buttons have been retained that we were largely able to avoid using it and stick to the physical buttons.

Our test unit included a 14-42mm Olympus lens (equivalent to 28-84mm on an old film camera) and this was quieter than the previous model, which had been criticised for its noise. It can use ‘micro four-thirds' lenses from any manufacturer.

More expensive cameras can be complex but this one was quite user-friendly. For instance, in the Intelligent Auto mode a ‘Live Guide' is included, allowing otherwise complicated adjustments such as blurring a background while keeping a subject sharp. We simply dragged the on-screen slider until the picture looked how we wanted.

The one surprise is that the 12.3-megapixel resolution is the same as it was in Olympus's 2009 range, whereas recent rivals from Panasonic and Sony have gone up to 16 megapixels. Having said that, the E-P3 offered plenty of detail in its results.

Among the features we used the most were the ‘Art Filters' digital effects, including a fun mode that made everything look miniature, or like pop art. These come from the E-P2, but now there are 10 options rather than eight.

Though it looks like a blast from the past the E-P3 was fast and responsive. With sharp and clear images, the only stumbling block is the price, but we think it's worth paying given the camera's superb quality and convenience.