Olympus FE-5010 vs Olympus E-P3

Lets look closer at the Olympus FE-5010 versus Olympus E-P3, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are built by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the FE-5010 (12MP) and the E-P3 (12MP) is very similar but the FE-5010 (1/2.3") and E-P3 (Four Thirds) use totally different sensor size.

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The FE-5010 was announced 3 years before the E-P3 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus FE-5010 being a Compact camera and the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick overview of how the FE-5010 grades against the E-P3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus FE-5010 & Olympus PEN E-P3. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus FE-5010 Gallery & Olympus E-P3 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus FE-5010 provides physical measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.8") having a weight of 130 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Olympus E-P3 has proportions of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") along with a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs).

Look at the Olympus FE-5010 versus Olympus E-P3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you use at the time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the FE-5010 versus the E-P3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the FE-5010 and E-P3 is 96 and 86 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to see the gap between sensor measurements just by reviewing a spec sheet. The graphic here might give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the FE-5010 and E-P3.

Clearly, both the cameras have got the exact same MP but not the same sensor measurements. The FE-5010 has got the tinier sensor which will make getting shallower depth of field harder. The older FE-5010 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.