Leica TL vs Olympus E-3

The Leica TL and the Olympus E-3 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in November 2016 and October 2007. The TL is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the E-3 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on an APS-C (TL) and a Four Thirds (E-3) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 16.1 megapixels, whereas the Olympus provides 10 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Leica TL		Olympus E-3
Mirrorless system camera		Digital single lens reflex
Leica T mount lenses		Four Thirds lenses
16.1 MP – APS-C sensor		10 MP – Four Thirds sensor
1080/30p Video		no Video
ISO 100-12,500		ISO 100-3,200
Viewfinder optional		Optical viewfinder
3.7" LCD – 1230k dots		2.5" LCD – 230k dots
Fixed touchscreen		Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)
5 shutter flaps per second		5 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization only		In-body stabilization
not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
400 shots per battery charge		750 shots per battery charge
134 x 69 x 33 mm, 384 g		142 x 116 x 75 mm, 876 g

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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica TL and the Olympus E-3? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Leica TL and the Olympus E-3. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The TL can be obtained in three different colors (black, silver, titanium), while the E-3 is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus E-3 is considerably larger (78 percent) than the Leica TL. Moreover, the E-3 is substantially heavier (128 percent) than the TL. It is noteworthy in this context that the E-3 is splash and dust-proof, while the TL does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the TL gets 400 shots out of its Leica BP-DC13 battery, while the E-3 can take 750 images on a single charge of its Olympus BLM-1 power pack. The power pack in the TL can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Leica TL	134 mm	69 mm	33 mm	384 g	400	n	Nov 2016	EUR 1 649	ebay.com
2.		Olympus E-3	142 mm	116 mm	75 mm	876 g	750	Y	Oct 2007	EUR 1 749	ebay.com
3.		Fujifilm X-E2S	129 mm	75 mm	37 mm	350 g	350	n	Jan 2016	EUR 699	ebay.com
4.		Fujifilm X-Pro1	140 mm	82 mm	43 mm	450 g	300	n	Jan 2012	EUR 1 599	ebay.com
5.		Fujifilm X-T10	118 mm	83 mm	41 mm	381 g	350	n	May 2015	EUR 699	ebay.com
6.		Fujifilm X70	113 mm	64 mm	44 mm	340 g	330	n	Jan 2016	EUR 699	ebay.com
7.		Leica CL	131 mm	78 mm	45 mm	403 g	220	n	Nov 2017	EUR 2 490	ebay.com
8.		Leica D-LUX 8	130 mm	69 mm	62 mm	397 g	300	n	Jul 2024	EUR 1 599	amazon.com
9.		Leica T	134 mm	69 mm	33 mm	384 g	400	n	Apr 2014	EUR 1 499	ebay.com
10.		Leica TL2	134 mm	69 mm	33 mm	399 g	250	n	Jul 2017	EUR 1 949	ebay.com
11.		Leica X2	124 mm	69 mm	52 mm	345 g	450	n	May 2012	EUR 1 749	ebay.com
12.		Olympus E-1	141 mm	104 mm	81 mm	738 g	750	Y	Jun 2003	EUR 1 999	ebay.com
13.		Olympus E-5	142 mm	117 mm	75 mm	873 g	750	Y	Sep 2010	EUR 1 499	ebay.com
14.		Olympus E-30	142 mm	108 mm	75 mm	701 g	750	n	Nov 2008	EUR 1 099	ebay.com
15.		Olympus E-510	136 mm	92 mm	68 mm	538 g	750	n	Mar 2007	EUR 799	ebay.com
16.		Olympus E-520	136 mm	92 mm	68 mm	535 g	750	n	May 2008	EUR 599	ebay.com
17.		Panasonic G7	125 mm	86 mm	77 mm	410 g	350	n	May 2015	EUR 699	ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica TL features an APS-C sensor and the Olympus E-3 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the E-3 is 39 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 2.0. The sensor in the TL has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the E-3 offers a 4:3 aspect.

With 16.1MP, the TL offers a higher resolution than the E-3 (10MP), but the TL nevertheless has marginally larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.80μm versus 4.74μm for the E-3) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the TL is a much more recent model (by 9 years) than the E-3, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the TL has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Leica TL implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the TL for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 24.6 x 16.3 inches or 62.6 x 41.5 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 19.7 x 13.1 inches or 50.1 x 33.2 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.7 x 27.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Olympus E-3 are 18.2 x 13.7 inches or 46.3 x 34.7 cm for good quality, 14.6 x 10.9 inches or 37.1 x 27.8 cm for very good quality, and 12.2 x 9.1 inches or 30.9 x 23.2 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Leica TL has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12500. The corresponding ISO settings for the Olympus E-3 are ISO 100 to ISO 3200 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Leica TL	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.9	13.2	1690	81
2.		Olympus E-3	Four Thirds	10.0	3648	2736	none	21.6	10.5	571	56
3.		Fujifilm X-E2S	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	23.7	13.0	1608	80
4.		Fujifilm X-Pro1	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/24p	23.1	12.3	1238	74
5.		Fujifilm X-T10	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	23.7	12.9	1546	79
6.		Fujifilm X70	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	23.7	13.0	1608	80
7.		Leica CL	APS-C	24.1	6014	4014	4K/30p	24.0	13.3	1788	82
8.		Leica D-LUX 8	Four Thirds	16.8	4736	3552	4K/30p	23.1	13.4	1557	75
9.		Leica T	APS-C	16.2	4944	3278	1080/30p	23.0	12.7	1082	75
10.		Leica TL2	APS-C	24.1	6014	4014	4K/30p	23.9	13.3	1753	82
11.		Leica X2	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	none	23.2	12.4	1275	74
12.		Olympus E-1	Four Thirds	4.9	2560	1920	none	20.0	9.7	-145	44
13.		Olympus E-5	Four Thirds	12.2	4032	3024	720/30p	21.6	10.5	519	56
14.		Olympus E-30	Four Thirds	12.2	4032	3024	none	21.3	10.4	530	55
15.		Olympus E-510	Four Thirds	10.0	3648	2736	none	21.2	10.0	442	52
16.		Olympus E-520	Four Thirds	10.0	3648	2736	none	21.4	10.4	548	55
17.		Panasonic G7	Four Thirds	15.8	4592	3448	4K/30p	22.8	12.4	904	71
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The TL indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the E-3 does not. The highest resolution format that the TL can use is 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the E-3 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the TL relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the TL can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the Visoflex (Typ 020). The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Leica TL, the Olympus E-3, and comparable cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Max Shutter Speed *	Max Shutter Flaps *	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Leica TL	optional	n	3.7 / 1230	fixed	Y	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
2.		Olympus E-3	optical	Y	2.5 / 230	swivel	n	1/8000s	5.0/s	Y	Y
3.		Fujifilm X-E2S	2360	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	n	1/4000s	7.0/s	Y	n
4.		Fujifilm X-Pro1	1440	n	3.0 / 1230	fixed	n	1/4000s	6.0/s	n	n
5.		Fujifilm X-T10	2360	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	n	1/4000s	8.0/s	Y	n
6.		Fujifilm X70	optional	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	8.0/s	Y	n
7.		Leica CL	2360	Y	3.0 / 1040	fixed	Y	1/8000s	10.0/s	n	n
8.		Leica D-LUX 8	2360	n	3.0 / 1860	fixed	Y	1/4000s	11.0/s	n	Y
9.		Leica T	optional	n	3.7 / 1230	fixed	Y	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
10.		Leica TL2	optional	n	3.7 / 1230	fixed	Y	1/4000s	7.0/s	n	n
11.		Leica X2	optional	n	2.7 / 230	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	n
12.		Olympus E-1	optical	Y	1.8 / 134	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	n	n
13.		Olympus E-5	optical	Y	3.0 / 920	swivel	n	1/8000s	5.0/s	Y	Y
14.		Olympus E-30	optical	Y	2.7 / 230	swivel	n	1/8000s	5.0/s	Y	Y
15.		Olympus E-510	optical	n	2.5 / 215	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	Y
16.		Olympus E-520	optical	n	2.7 / 215	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.5/s	Y	Y
17.		Panasonic G7	2360	n	3.0 / 1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	7.0/s	Y	n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The TL has a touchscreen, while the E-3 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The TL writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the E-3 uses Compact Flash or xD Picture cards. The E-3 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the TL only has one slot.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Leica TL and Olympus E-3 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Mic / Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Leica TL	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
2.		Olympus E-3	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
3.		Fujifilm X-E2S	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
4.		Fujifilm X-Pro1	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
5.		Fujifilm X-T10	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
6.		Fujifilm X70	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
7.		Leica CL	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	-	-	Y	-	-
8.		Leica D-LUX 8	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	3.0	Y	-	Y
9.		Leica T	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	-	2.0	Y	-	-
10.		Leica TL2	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	3.0	Y	-	-
11.		Leica X2	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Olympus E-1	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Olympus E-5	Y	stereo / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Olympus E-30	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
15.		Olympus E-510	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Olympus E-520	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
17.		Panasonic G7	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-

It is notable that the TL offers wifi support, while the E-3 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Olympus E-3 (unlike the TL) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the TL and the E-3 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The E-3 was replaced by the Olympus E-5, while the TL was followed by the Leica TL2. Further information on the features and operation of the TL and E-3 can be found, respectively, in the Leica TL Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus E-3 Manual.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Leica TL and the Olympus E-3? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Arguments in favor of the Leica TL:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (16.1 vs 10MP) with a 30% higher linear resolution.
• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/30p movies.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.7" vs 2.5") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1230k vs 230k dots).
• Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
• More compact: Is smaller (134x69mm vs 142x116mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 492g or 56 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
• More modern: Reflects 9 years of technical progress since the E-3 launch.

Reasons to prefer the Olympus E-3:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (750 versus 400) out of a single battery charge.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
• Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in October 2007).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the TL is the clear winner of the match-up (17 : 12 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Leica TL and the Olympus E-3 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the TL or the E-3. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DCW   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Leica TL	..	..	..	..	..	4/5	Nov 2016	EUR 1 649	ebay.com
2.		Olympus E-3	..	88/100	..	+ +	o	4/5	Oct 2007	EUR 1 749	ebay.com
3.		Fujifilm X-E2S	4.5/5	..	..	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2016	EUR 699	ebay.com
4.		Fujifilm X-Pro1	5/5	+ +	..	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2012	EUR 1 599	ebay.com
5.		Fujifilm X-T10	4.5/5	+ +	..	80/100	5/5	5/5	May 2015	EUR 699	ebay.com
6.		Fujifilm X70	4.5/5	..	..	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2016	EUR 699	ebay.com
7.		Leica CL	..	..	4.2/5	..	..	4/5	Nov 2017	EUR 2 490	ebay.com
8.		Leica D-LUX 8	..	..	..	..	..	..	Jul 2024	EUR 1 599	amazon.com
9.		Leica T	3/5	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Apr 2014	EUR 1 499	ebay.com
10.		Leica TL2	3.5/5	..	3/5	..	4/5	4/5	Jul 2017	EUR 1 949	ebay.com
11.		Leica X2	3/5	..	..	..	3/5	4/5	May 2012	EUR 1 749	ebay.com
12.		Olympus E-1	..	..	..	+	o	..	Jun 2003	EUR 1 999	ebay.com
13.		Olympus E-5	4/5	..	..	75/100	4/5	4.5/5	Sep 2010	EUR 1 499	ebay.com
14.		Olympus E-30	..	..	..	71/100	4.5/5	4/5	Nov 2008	EUR 1 099	ebay.com
15.		Olympus E-510	..	89/100	..	+ +	3.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2007	EUR 799	ebay.com
16.		Olympus E-520	..	87/100	..	+ +	4.5/5	4.5/5	May 2008	EUR 599	ebay.com
17.		Panasonic G7	4/5	+ +	3.5/5	80/100	5/5	4.5/5	May 2015	EUR 699	ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

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