Olympus E-3 vs Panasonic FP1

On this page, we are contrasting the Olympus E-3 and Panasonic FP1, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-3 (10MP) and the FP1 (12MP) is very close but the E-3 (Four Thirds) and FP1 (1/2.3") provide different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-3 was revealed 22 months prior to the FP1 making them a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the E-3 grades against the FP1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-3 Gallery and Panasonic FP1 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-3 provides physical measurements of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") with a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FP1 has specifications of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") along with a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-3 and Panasonic FP1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose at that moment. The following is a front view size comparison of the E-3 versus the FP1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-3 and FP1 is 56 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to picture the difference in sensor measurements purely by researching technical specs. The graphic underneath will give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-3 and FP1.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-3 with its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic FP1 will render greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos more aggressively. The older E-3 will be behind in sensor innovation.