Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic FH2

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-P3 versus Panasonic FH2, one is 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 FH2 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and FH2 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-P3 was manufactured 8 months after the FH2 and they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH2 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a detailed comparison, below is a concise overview of how the E-P3 scores versus the FH2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Panasonic FH2 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-P3 has got outside dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") along with a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) and the Panasonic FH2 has sizing of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") with a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-P3 versus Panasonic FH2 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the E-P3 compared to the FH2.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P3 and FH2 is 86 and 96 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizes merely by reading through specs. The image here might give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P3 and FH2.

All in all, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-P3 because of its bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic FH2 will resolve extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The more recent E-P3 will have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.