Olympus E-3 vs Panasonic FP2

In this article, we are contrasting the Olympus E-3 versus Panasonic FP2, one is a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Ultracompact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the E-3 (10MP) and FP2 (14MP) and the E-3 (Four Thirds) and FP2 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-3 was brought out 22 months prior to the FP2 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic FP2 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go in to a more detailed comparison, below is a quick summation of how the E-3 matches up against the FP2 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-3 Gallery and Panasonic FP2 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-3 features outside dimensions of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) while the Panasonic FP2 has proportions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") having a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-3 versus Panasonic FP2 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have at the time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the E-3 compared to the FP2.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-3 and FP2 is 56 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to see the difference in sensor sizes only by viewing technical specs. The pic underneath will offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-3 and FP2.

As you have seen, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-3 due to its larger sensor will make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic FP2 will provide you with more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged E-3 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.