Olympus E-3 vs Panasonic FX48

On this page, we are reviewing the Olympus E-3 and Panasonic FX48, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-3 (10MP) and the FX48 (12MP) is fairly similar but the E-3 (Four Thirds) and FX48 (1/2.3") posses different sensor measurements.

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The E-3 was brought out 11 months earlier than the FX48 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic FX48 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise summary of how the E-3 grades against the FX48 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-3 Gallery and Panasonic FX48 Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-3 has 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) while the Panasonic FX48 has proportions of 95mm x 53mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.9") with a weight of 150 grams (0.33 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-3 and Panasonic FX48 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the E-3 versus the FX48.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-3 and FX48 is 56 and 95 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to picture the gap between sensor measurements only by going over a spec sheet. The graphic below will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-3 and FX48.

As you can see, each of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-3 featuring a larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic FX48 will offer greater detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images more aggressively. The older E-3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.