Olympus E-500 vs Panasonic FP3

The following is a extended analysis of the Olympus E-500 versus Panasonic FP3, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Ultracompact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a significant gap between the image resolutions of the E-500 (8MP) and FP3 (14MP) and the E-500 (Four Thirds) and FP3 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-500 was unveiled 5 years earlier than the FP3 which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-500 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going through a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the E-500 grades vs the FP3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-500 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-500 Gallery and Panasonic FP3 Gallery.

If you are intending to travel with your camera frequently, you will need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-500 comes with external measurements of 130mm x 95mm x 66mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 479 grams (1.06 lbs) while the Panasonic FP3 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") and a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-500 versus Panasonic FP3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the E-500 vs the FP3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-500 and FP3 is 70 and 95 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions only by reviewing specs. The image below will offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-500 and FP3.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-500 using its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic FP3 will offer greater detail having an extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged E-500 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.