Olympus E-5 vs Panasonic FP3

Here is a complete assessment of the Olympus E-5 versus Panasonic FP3, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-5 (12MP) and the FP3 (14MP) is fairly close but the E-5 (Four Thirds) and FP3 (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizes.

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The E-5 was launched 14 months later than the FP3 making them a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving straight to a complete comparison, here is a short overview of how the E-5 grades vs the FP3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-5 Gallery and Panasonic FP3 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-5 provides physical dimensions of 143mm x 117mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 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).

Look at the Olympus E-5 versus Panasonic FP3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at that time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the E-5 versus the FP3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-5 and FP3 is 58 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing only by looking through specs. The visual here will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-5 and FP3.

All in all, both of those cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-5 featuring a larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF simpler and the Panasonic FP3 will render extra detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The fresher E-5 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.