Olympus E-30 vs Panasonic FP3

Its time to look more closely at the Olympus E-30 vs Panasonic FP3, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-30 (12MP) and the FP3 (14MP) is relatively similar but the E-30 (Four Thirds) and FP3 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor size.

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The E-30 was launched 9 months before the FP3 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting straight into a thorough comparison, below is a short summation of how the E-30 scores vs the FP3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-30 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-30 Gallery & Panasonic FP3 Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-30 features exterior dimensions of 142mm x 108mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.3" x 3.0") having a weight of 695 grams (1.53 lbs) and the Panasonic FP3 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-30 vs Panasonic FP3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have attached at that time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the E-30 against the FP3.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-30 and FP3 is 60 and 95 respectively.

Often, it is hard to envision the difference between sensor measurements simply by reviewing technical specs. The visual underneath should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-30 and FP3.

As you have seen, both the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-30 featuring a bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic FP3 will offer more detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older E-30 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.