Olympus E-3 vs Panasonic FP7

Here is a extended overview of the Olympus E-3 vs Panasonic FP7, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Ultracompact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizable gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-3 (10MP) and FP7 (16MP) and the E-3 (Four Thirds) and FP7 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-3 was announced 3 years prior to the FP7 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic FP7 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go through a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick summation of how the E-3 grades vs the FP7 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP7. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-3 Gallery & Panasonic FP7 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera, you're going to have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-3 features external dimensions of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") and a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) and the Panasonic FP7 has measurements of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 147 grams (0.32 lbs).

See the Olympus E-3 vs Panasonic FP7 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the E-3 against the FP7.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-3 and FP7 is 56 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to envision the gap in sensor sizing merely by looking through technical specs. The graphic underneath may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-3 and FP7.

As you have seen, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-3 using its bigger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field simpler and the Panasonic FP7 will render extra detail with its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots far more aggressively. The older E-3 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.