Olympus E-P1 vs Panasonic FH3

Here, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-P1 versus Panasonic FH3, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-P1 (12MP) and the FH3 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and FH3 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor size.

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The E-P1 was revealed 5 months prior to the FH3 so they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH3 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a thorough comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the E-P1 matches up versus the FH3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-P1 Gallery & Panasonic FH3 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera, you are going to need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P1 enjoys external measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") having a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) and the Panasonic FH3 has measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-P1 versus Panasonic FH3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the E-P1 vs the FH3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P1 and FH3 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to see the difference between sensor sizing purely by checking specs. The photograph here might give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P1 and FH3.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-P1 using its bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic FH3 will give greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs way more aggressively.