Olympus E-M10 vs Panasonic FP3

In this article, we are evaluating the Olympus E-M10 versus Panasonic FP3, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-M10 (16MP) and the FP3 (14MP) is fairly close but the E-M10 (Four Thirds) and FP3 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor size.

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The E-M10 was released 4 years after the FP3 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M10 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go through a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the E-M10 grades versus the FP3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus OM-D E-M10 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-M10 Gallery and Panasonic FP3 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera frequently, you need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-M10 provides physical dimensions of 119mm x 82mm x 46mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 1.8") and a weight of 396 grams (0.87 lbs) while the Panasonic FP3 has specifications of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") and a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-M10 versus Panasonic FP3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose at that moment. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the E-M10 compared to the FP3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-M10 and FP3 is 82 and 95 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to see the gap in sensor sizes only by viewing a spec sheet. The image here should provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M10 and FP3.

Clearly, both the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-M10 because of its larger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-M10 will provide you with greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos far more aggressively. The newer E-M10 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.