Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic FH1

Its time to look more closely at the Olympus E-P3 and Panasonic FH1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the FH1 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and FH1 (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-P3 was unveiled 20 months later than the FH1 which makes them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH1 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a complete comparison, here is a concise summary of how the E-P3 scores vs the FH1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Panasonic FH1 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera often, you have to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-P3 offers physical measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FH1 has proportions of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-P3 and Panasonic FH1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the E-P3 vs the FH1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-P3 and FH1 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Usually, it is very tough to imagine the gap between sensor measurements simply by looking at specs. The graphic underneath should offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P3 and FH1.

All in all, both the cameras have the same MP albeit different sensor measurements. The E-P3 comes with the bigger sensor which is going to make getting bokeh less difficult. The newer E-P3 provides an advantage with regard to sensor tech.