Olympus E-3 vs Panasonic FH8

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-3 vs Panasonic FH8, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the E-3 (10MP) and FH8 (16MP) and the E-3 (Four Thirds) and FH8 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-3 was unveiled 4 years before the FH8 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic FH8 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the E-3 matches up vs the FH8 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-3 Gallery and Panasonic FH8 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-3 has exterior dimensions of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") along with a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FH8 has sizing of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 123 grams (0.27 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-3 vs Panasonic FH8 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have during that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the E-3 against the FH8.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-3 and FH8 is 56 and 96 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to envision the gap between sensor sizing only by looking at specifications. The visual below will offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-3 and FH8.

Plainly, the 2 cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-3 using its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field simpler and the Panasonic FH8 will give greater detail having an extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older E-3 is going to be behind in sensor tech.