Olympus E-M10 Mark III vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2: A Real-World Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing your next camera can feel like navigating a maze, especially when comparing two devices that cater to quite different audiences. Today, let's unpack the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III, a mirrorless micro four-thirds system camera, alongside the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2, a small sensor compact from an earlier era. These cameras - though separated by half a decade and aimed at different user tiers - reflect notable design philosophies that influence how and why you might use them.

I've personally tested hundreds of cameras, and this hands-on experience provides a grounded perspective on real-world shooting - not just spec sheets. By the end of this comparison, you'll understand which camera suits your photography style, budget, and ambitions.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Before diving into image quality and tech, let's address the physical experience. Handling affects your shooting, sometimes even more than specs.

At 122 x 84 x 50 mm with a weight of 410 grams, the Olympus E-M10 Mark III stands as a compact but distinctly ergonomic mirrorless camera. Its classic SLR-style body layout offers a pronounced grip and accessible controls. Conversely, the Panasonic FH2 is a true compact, barely larger than a smartphone at 94 x 54 x 19 mm and just 121 grams.

The E-M10 III's body feels substantial yet manageable for enthusiast shooters, especially over longer periods. Rubberized grips and a solid build elevate confidence, especially in the field. Meanwhile, the FH2 thrives on portability - it's pocketable, uber-light, but sacrifices handling comfort for extended shoots.

If your travels or street photography include quick, spontaneous captures, that FH2 slimness is tempting. But for more deliberate framing, manual tweaks, and shooting stability, the E-M10 III ergonomics win hands down.

A Look from Above: Control Layout and User Interface

The top-plate design often tells how intuitive a camera could feel in your hands.

The E-M10 III boasts an array of dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and a mode dial. These tactile controls empower users to adjust settings without digging through menus - a feature I always appreciate in mirrorless cameras. The Fn buttons are customizable, speeding up access to your most-used features.

By contrast, the FH2 simplifies controls drastically. Without manual exposure modes, dedicated dials, or external flash hot shoe - it’s a point-and-shoot design at heart. You navigate mainly via menus and a few function buttons, which can feel limiting when you want creative freedom or fast adjustments.

From an experience standpoint, if you prefer to stay behind the lens and control exposure manually, E-M10 III’s control layout is refreshing. The FH2’s straightforwardness appeals if you’re new to photography or just want simple auto capture.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the System

You probably guessed this one: sensor size is a fundamental image quality driver.

The Olympus E-M10 Mark III sports a Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.4 x 13 mm, with 16 megapixels resolution. The Panasonic FH2 employs a much smaller 1/2.3" CCD sensor (6.08 x 4.56mm) with 14 megapixels. To put that into perspective, the E-M10 III’s sensor area is over eight times larger.

This size difference directly translates into performance: dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio, low light capability, and depth of field control. Larger sensors capture more light and render cleaner images with less noise, enabling you to shoot at higher ISOs and retain detail.

The E-M10 III can output sharp files measuring 4608 x 3456 pixels with richer colors and better highlight recovery. It also retains acceptable ISO performance up to 3200 or beyond for usable shots in low light. Meanwhile, the FH2's tiny sensor struggles past ISO 400, often producing noisy results and washed-out color.

For photographers who want control over image quality and editing latitude, the E-M10 III clearly outclasses the FH2. However, the FH2 photos remain fine for casual use and smaller prints or social media sharing.

Composing Your Scene: Viewfinder and LCD Screen Differences

Framing is key, so let’s compare their displays and viewfinders.

The E-M10 III offers a 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with 1,040k dots resolution, not to mention an electronic viewfinder (EVF) at 2.36 million dots with 100% coverage and 0.62x magnification. This EVF lets you compose eye-to-eye, even in bright light, and preview exposure, white balance, and focus in real time. The touchscreen boosts menu navigation and focus point selection.

The FH2, however, relies solely on a fixed 2.7-inch LCD with a low 230k dots resolution and no viewfinder. It’s fine for quick framing, but outdoors or in bright sun, you’ll struggle to see details. Also, the lack of touchscreen makes menu handling slower.

I find the E-M10 III’s EVF and tilting touchscreen invaluable for composing creative shots - particularly in challenging lighting. The FH2’s setup favors simplicity and spontaneity but won’t satisfy those seeking precise control.

Lens Flexibility: The System vs Fixed Lens Debate

One of the E-M10 III’s biggest assets is its Micro Four Thirds lens mount.

With over 100 lenses available covering everything from wide-angle to super-telephoto, primes to zooms, and macro to portrait, you gain tremendous flexibility if you want to expand. Olympus and Panasonic jointly support this system, meaning excellent third-party options and future-proofing.

The FH2 sports a fixed 28-112mm equivalent lens with an aperture range of f/3.1 to f/6.5. While decent for casual snapshots, you’re tied to this zoom and its optical limitations. Macro shooting is possible down to 5cm, but without interchangeable lenses, creativity is constrained.

If you’re someone who likes to match a lens to a genre - be it ultra-wide landscapes, fast portraits, or wildlife telephotos - the Olympus system wins hands down.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Speed and Accuracy in Action

For action or wildlife photographers, autofocus and continuous shooting really matter.

The E-M10 III features a contrast-detection only AF system with 121 points, face detection, and continuous autofocus capable of 8.6 frames per second burst shooting. While not the fastest on the market, this system is solid for everyday shooting, street photography, and casual wildlife.

The FH2, with 11 AF points and contrast detection AF, performs adequately for still subjects but lacks continuous AF and only manages 4 fps burst. This is sufficient for snapshots but will frustrate action photographers.

From extensive field testing, I find the E-M10 III’s autofocus reliable under various lighting, thanks partly to its phase detection hybrid siblings (but this model lacks phase detection). The FH2 is best limited to static subjects and good lighting.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance and Durability

Neither camera is weather- or shock-sealed. Olympus does a better job with build quality overall: the E-M10 III’s magnesium alloy body conveys durability and solid construction. The FH2’s plastic compact design feels less robust and is easier to damage with rough use.

If you plan to shoot outdoors frequently in changing weather, carry the E-M10 III in a protective case, or invest in weatherproof lenses. The FH2 is strictly an indoor or fair weather companion.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Battery life impacts how long you can shoot unplugged, of course.

The E-M10 Mark III offers about 330 shots per charge per CIPA standards - typical for mirrorless cameras but extended if you deploy power-saving tricks. The FH2 rates 270 shots, which is expected for a compact without a viewfinder.

Both cameras use SD card storage; the E-M10 III supports faster UHS-I/II cards. The FH2 utilizes SD and also offers internal storage - a nice safety net if no card is inserted but limited in capacity.

For travel or event photography, packing spare batteries is advisable for both, especially the E-M10 III due to power-hungry EVF and processor.

Video Capabilities: 4K vs HD Recording

Both record video, but their differing capabilities merit mention.

The Olympus shoots 4K UHD (3840x2160) up to 30p at 102 Mbps, with H.264 codec and linear PCM audio. This is excellent for enthusiasts wanting high-resolution video with decent detail and color. Unfortunately, the E-M10 III lacks microphone or headphone ports, limiting audio control.

The FH2 outputs only 720p HD at 30 fps, encoded in Motion JPEG. This is basic and dated compared to modern standards, but sufficient for casual home videos or social media clips.

If video is central to your work, the E-M10 III’s 4K chops and sensor stabilization are definite advantages.

Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s consider how these cameras hold up for various photographic pursuits:

• Portrait Photography: The E-M10 III’s larger sensor provides pleasing skin tones and the ability to achieve shallow depth of field for background separation and soft bokeh. Face detection autofocus aids eye sharpness. The FH2 is limited by sensor size and fixed lens, yielding flat backgrounds but workable portraits in bright light.

• Landscape Photography: With greater dynamic range and resolution, the E-M10 III excels in landscape detail and color depth. The FH2 is serviceable but falls short in shadow detail and high contrast scenarios.

• Wildlife and Sports: The E-M10 III’s faster burst rate and autofocus coverage shine here, though the lack of phase-detection AF slows tracking fast movers slightly. The FH2’s slow continuous shooting and fixed lens end its wildlife suitability quickly.

• Street Photography: The FH2’s ultra-compact size encourages candid shooting. In contrast, the E-M10 III, though bigger, remains manageable and offers greater creative control, with silent electronic shutter modes allowing discreet captures.

• Macro Photography: The E-M10’s system lenses support dedicated macro glass and focus bracketing (absent on FH2), enabling precise close-up work. The FH2’s 5cm macro mode delivers basic close focus but with less sharpness and options.

• Night and Astro: E-M10 III’s high ISO performance and long shutter capabilities outperform the FH2’s noisy, limited ISO range. There’s simply no contest if you want to shoot in low light.

• Travel Photography: Both have merits - the FH2 is delightfully pocketable and convenient, suitable for tourist snaps. The E-M10 III offers versatile lenses, image stabilization, and better battery life, making it preferable for longer trips or diverse shooting conditions.

• Professional Use: Olympus offers raw format, tethering via USB, customizable buttons, and external flash support, suiting pros or serious enthusiasts. The FH2 lacks manual exposure modes, raw support, and external accessories, relegating it to casual use.

Olympus E M10 MIII front Olympus E M10 MIII screen back Panasonic FH2 front Panasonic FH2 screen back

Technical Deep Dive: Processor, Stabilization, and Connectivity

The Olympus uses the TruePic VIII image processor, delivering fast image processing and noise reduction. Its 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization stands out, stabilizing all types of lenses and aiding handheld flash and video.

The FH2’s Venus Engine IV processor is much older, delivering reasonable processing for its sensor but lacking sophisticated noise reduction or stabilization beyond the optical lens shift.

Connectivity-wise, the E-M10 III includes built-in Wi-Fi for quick image transfer and remote control through an app. The FH2 offers no wireless features.

For modern workflows, wireless is increasingly important; the FH2’s omission limits on-the-go sharing and tethering.

Price Vs Performance: What Are You Really Paying For?

At around $650, the Olympus E-M10 Mark III occupies an entry-level enthusiast mirrorless price point. You pay for image quality, system expandability, controls, and video capabilities. Its well-roundedness is attractive for developing photographers stepping up their game.

The Panasonic FH2 retails near $150 new (though largely discontinued and found second hand). It’s designed as a no-frills compact offering basic photography with minimal fuss.

Thus, if you want the convenience of a point-and-shoot at a budget price, the FH2 is very affordable. But for a worthwhile step up in creative possibilities, the E-M10 III offers compelling value.

How They Stack Up by Genre: A Quick Reference

• Portrait: E-M10 III dominates
• Landscape: Stronger dynamic range in E-M10 III
• Wildlife: E-M10 III better AF and burst
• Sports: E-M10 III preferred for frame rate and control
• Street: FH2’s size advantageous but limited controls
• Macro: E-M10 III greater precision and magnification
• Night/Astro: E-M10 III’s sensor superior
• Video: E-M10 III offers 4K; FH2 capped at HD
• Travel: Depending on priority - FH2 for ultralight, E-M10 III for versatility
• Professional: E-M10 III suits semi-pro workflows; FH2 more casual

Final Words: Which Camera Should You Buy?

This comparison boils down to purpose and priorities.

If you seek a capable, versatile system that grows with your skills - offering manual control, excellent image quality, and an expansive lens lineup - the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III is my recommendation. Its size remains manageable, and its range of features and stabilizations make it useful across genres. I’ve found it particularly rewarding for portrait, landscape, street, and travel photography and the occasional video project.

Conversely, if your budget is tight, or you want the simplest, pocketable camera for casual family snaps, travel journaling, or social media, and you don’t expect to manipulate images heavily - the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2 is a sensible choice. It’s a straightforward point-and-shoot that won’t overwhelm, but be prepared for limitations in difficult light, action photography, and creative control.

Dear camera shoppers, consider your shooting style carefully - do you want a tool that grows with you, or a camera that just gets out of your way?

I hope this side-by-side comparison helps you make a more informed decision grounded in practical experience, not just specs. For a deeper dive into autofocus testing, dynamic range charts, and video samples, feel free to check out my detailed video reviews and technical tests linked around this article.

Happy shooting out there!