Olympus E-P2 vs Panasonic FH3

Here is a detailed overview of the Olympus E-P2 versus Panasonic FH3, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-P2 (12MP) and the FH3 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the E-P2 (Four Thirds) and FH3 (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizes.

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The E-P2 was released 4 months later than the FH3 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH3 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a full comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the E-P2 matches up vs the FH3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-P2 Gallery and Panasonic FH3 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P2 has physical dimensions 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") and a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-P2 versus Panasonic FH3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you select at that time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the E-P2 and the FH3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P2 and FH3 is 86 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing only by looking at a spec sheet. The graphic here will give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P2 and FH3.

Clearly, the 2 cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-P2 due to its larger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic FH3 will give more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images more aggressively.