Olympus E-5 vs Panasonic FP1

On this page, we are reviewing the Olympus E-5 and Panasonic FP1, former being a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Ultracompact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-5 (12MP) and the FP1 (12MP) is fairly close but the E-5 (Four Thirds) and FP1 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-5 was brought out 14 months later than the FP1 making them a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the E-5 matches up against the FP1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-5 Gallery & Panasonic FP1 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-5 offers exterior measurements of 143mm x 117mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) while the Panasonic FP1 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") along with a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-5 and Panasonic FP1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you use at that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-5 vs the FP1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-5 and FP1 is 58 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements just by viewing technical specs. The photograph here will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-5 and FP1.

As you can tell, both of these cameras have the same resolution but not the same sensor measurements. The E-5 uses the larger sensor which is going to make obtaining bokeh less difficult. The newer E-5 will have an advantage in sensor technology.