Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20: A Hands-On Comparison From My Decade+ in Camera Labs

When it comes to deciding between two very different cameras - the Olympus PEN E-P3 mirrorless and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 compact - what really matters? More than specs sheets, it’s real-world use, handling, and image quality across varied photography styles. Having tested thousands of cameras over 15+ years, I’m here to share an approachable yet deeply technical take on these two models that might just be lurking in your 'considering' pile.

So buckle up - whether you’re an enthusiast eyeing a lightweight mirrorless for creative work or a casual snapper interested in affordable travel companion, let’s unpack everything from sensor tech to burst rates, and dive into who shines where.

Size and Handling: The Feel Factor (Or Can Size Matter This Much?)

First impressions count, and when cameras get cozy in your hands, you’ll recognize genuine design thought beyond mere nerdy specs. The Olympus E-P3 embraces its roots as a compact rangefinder-style mirrorless, sporting a 122 x 69 x 34 mm frame and weighing in at 369 grams. Not exactly featherlight, but still portable with good heft that signals quality. In contrast, the Panasonic FH20 is a petite compact zoom with 100 x 56 x 28 mm dimensions and barely tipping 178 grams. If you favor pocketability, FH20’s slim silhouette is your pal.

The E-P3’s body layout fosters confident gripping - even mid-shutter - while the FH20 is designed as a grab-and-go with limited manual control. This distinction is palpable in practice: the PEN’s richer button array and dials invite tactile engagement, while the FH20 opts for streamlined simplicity, great for spontaneous shots but less ideal for deliberate photography.

In my testing, the E-P3 was exceptionally stable handheld, its weight assisting steady framing during longer exposures, especially outdoors or low light. The FH20 felt like a lightweight charm, yet its diminutive frame made steady shooting at full zoom tricky without tripod support.

Control Layout and Interface: E-P3’s Command Center vs FH20’s Minimalist Mode

Moving beyond feel to operation, the top and rear control schemes distinguish these cameras sharply.

Olympus’ PEN E-P3 sports the hallmark TruePic VI processor with an intuitive control spread for aperture, shutter priority, exposure compensation, and manual modes. This array doesn’t just look good on paper - having tested extensively, I can vouch for its value when shooting portraits, macros, or landscapes where precision is king.

Conversely, the FH20 keeps it simple - automated exposure, no manual or priority modes, a lone ISO setting, and a Wii-mote-style button layout. For snapshots on vacation or quick family moments, this works well. But enthusiasts or pros craving granular control will find it wanting.

The E-P3’s OLED 3-inch touchscreen with an anti-fingerprint coating (a godsend) further enhances quick setting changes. The FH20’s 2.7-inch, lower-res LCD feels dated by comparison but suffices for basic composing.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Core That Counts

Now, this is where things get juicy - and the Olympus PEN E-P3 clearly pulls ahead. At its core is a Four Thirds-sized CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm with a respectable 12MP resolution. The sensor area is roughly 225 mm², placing it closer to prosumer standards.

The Panasonic FH20 houses a 14MP 1/2.3” CCD sensor - much smaller at just 6.08 x 4.56 mm (about 28 mm²). This difference in sensor surface area is huge, affecting noise levels, dynamic range, and depth of field control.

In field tests, the E-P3’s sensor delivered a broader dynamic range - measured at about 10.1 EV versus the industry average (FH20 wasn’t DxO tested officially, but similar class CCDs hover between 5-6 EV). This allowed preservation of highlights and shadows far better in landscapes, a clear advantage for photo purists.

Color depth (20.8 bits on the E-P3) also outclassed typical compact cameras, translating to smoother gradations and more accurate skin tones in portraits. The FH20’s limited color rendition occasionally produced flatter images indoors.

Low-light is a classic compact camera pain point - E-P3 rated at an ISO low-light performance score (ISO sensitivity) of 536, with usability up to ISO 12800; FH20 maxes out at ISO 6400 but with markedly more noise at high ISOs. Here I found the E-P3 truly excelled for events and night photography where detail retention is crucial.

Autofocus Systems: Precision vs Convenience

Autofocus can make or break your shooting experience depending on subject and setting. Olympus fitted the E-P3 with a hybrid contrast-detection autofocus system strengthened by 35 focus points and face detection. It also supports continuous and tracking AF modes, invaluable for capturing moving subjects.

Panasonic's FH20 sticks to a noiseless 9-point contrast detection AF without face detection or tracking modes. In straightforward daylight conditions, it locks focus reasonably well; in low light or with erratic subjects, it struggles.

Personally, for portraits or wildlife - where eye detection is a huge plus - the E-P3 sustains focus confidently and swiftly. The FH20’s AF, however, feels dated and sluggish in comparison, making it better suited for landscapes or still-life.

Image Stabilization: Sensor-Shift vs Lens-Based

The E-P3 boasts sensor-based image stabilization - also known as in-body image stabilization (IBIS) - which steadies the sensor itself regardless of lens used. It provides a significant advantage, especially when paired with primes or fast telephotos.

FH20 employs optical stabilization integrated into the lens, effective but generally less flexible than IBIS.

From hands-on shooting, Olympus’ sensor-shift delivered steadier shots during handheld telephoto and macro work, especially under dim lighting where shutter speeds slow down. The FH20’s stabilization was decent but couldn’t compensate enough to outperform E-P3 in tricky scenarios.

Burst Shooting and Video Capabilities: Speed and Moving Image Quality

Burst shooting varies much between cameras, affecting action and sports photography viability. The E-P3 captures 3 frames per second continuously, slightly slow by today’s standards but respectable in 2011 for a mirrorless offering a sensor of this size.

FH20 handles up to 5 fps. However, it produces jpg files only and has a small buffer, so prolonged bursts aren’t practical.

Video-wise, the E-P3 offers Full HD 1080p recording at 60 fps, AVCHD and Motion JPEG formats, better suited for casual videography or hybrid shooters. The FH20 maxes out at 720p 30 fps, Motion JPEG format only - fine for quick clips but no cinematic ambitions here.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Flexibility Matters

One of the E-P3’s strongest suits is its Micro Four Thirds mount with access to over 100 native lenses, ranging from ultra-fast primes to versatile telephotos - Olympus and Panasonic both supply excellent lenses here.

The FH20, being a compact with a fixed lens (28-224mm equivalent, F3.3-5.9), lacks any interchangeable lens option. It’s ultra-portable but limits creative control via optics.

For serious photographers wanting to explore portrait bokeh or macro close-ups, E-P3’s lens mount ecosystem opens the door to creativity that the FH20 simply can’t match.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: Longevity and Workflow

The Olympus E-P3 uses a rechargeable Battery Pack BLS-5 rated around 330 shots per charge - standard but recommend carrying spares for travel or day-long sessions.

The Panasonic FH20 lacks official battery life specs but, given compact camera tendencies, expect less durability. It uses internal rechargeable batteries that can’t be swapped out on the fly.

Storage-wise, both support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but only the E-P3 supports raw file output - a big deal for professionals and enthusiasts wanting maximum post-processing latitude.

Connectivity options are sparse on both: no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. The E-P3 offers HDMI out, while FH20 does not, limiting external monitor or TV use.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Can They Take the Heat?

Neither camera offers official weather sealing, dustproofing, or ruggedization. The E-P3’s build quality feels more robust with better materials and ergonomics, crucial if you shoot outdoors often.

The FH20 is a plastic-bodied compact with minimal protection - fine for casual indoor/outdoor shooting but not for rough conditions.

Real-World Photography Scenarios: Putting Them to the Test

Portrait Photography

When I photographed several models with both cameras side-by-side, the E-P3’s color accuracy and skin tone rendering were noticeably superior. Its bokeh, aided by larger sensor and lens choice, beautifully blurred backgrounds, highlighting subjects with professional flair. Face detection AF further ensured tack-sharp eyes every time.

The FH20 struggled with skin tones - sometimes flat or oversaturated - plus its smaller sensor and fixed aperture limited background separation. Good for informal snapshots but not professional portraits.

Landscape Shooting

Wide dynamic range makes landscapes pop. The E-P3 captured more detail in shadow and highlight areas, preserving sky gradients without blown-out clouds, thanks to the bigger sensor’s prowess. Paired with a sharp wide-angle Olympus lens, results were impressive for the price.

FH20’s smaller sensor caused early highlight clipping and less shadow detail. Plus, the lens’s variable aperture at wide focal lengths limited sharpness in corners compared to primes.

Wildlife and Sports

Fast-moving subjects expose autofocus and burst speed weaknesses. The E-P3’s ability to track faces and subjects, combined with continuous AF, delivered better keeper rates. Its 3 fps was adequate for casual wildlife photography but falls short for fast sports.

FH20 fell behind due to its slow and limited AF and max 5 fps without tracking. I recommend neither for professional action shooting, but if casual sports is your thing, FH20 can suffice for snapshots.

Street and Travel Photography

The FH20’s compact size and 8x zoom make it a discreet, pocketable travel companion - no fuss, no detachable lenses, and reasonable reach for versatile framing.

E-P3 is bulkier, but its rangefinder style and customizable controls lend it street cred among enthusiasts who appreciate manual overrides and higher image quality. Plus, IBIS aids night street shooting handheld.

Battery life and weight favor FH20 for longer tourist days, but I’d take the PEN for travel narratives demanding superior image quality.

Macro and Close-Up

E-P3 shines with compatibility for dedicated macro lenses and superior manual focus sensitivity. I had excellent results photographing insects and flowers with sharp details and vibrant colors.

FH20’s 5cm macro focus is handy for casual close-ups but optical limits and compression dampen impact.

Night and Astrophotography

E-P3’s high ISO leverage and manual exposure make it feasible for starry skies and night scenes. Sensor-based stabilization also helps frame handheld shots.

FH20’s noise and dynamic range limitations hamper night shooting considerably.

Video Performance

For casual video, FH20’s 720p at 30fps suffices. The E-P3’s Full HD 1080p at 60fps offers smoother motion and higher resolution, though neither camera is tailored for advanced videography (no external mic input either).

Summarizing Strengths and Weaknesses

To visualize the overall verdict with objective clarity, here’s a succinct rating summary combining personal testing with benchmark data:

And breaking down per photography genre performance highlights:

Who Should Buy the Olympus PEN E-P3?

• Enthusiasts and professionals who want a compact mirrorless with flexibility and creative control
• Photographers seeking sharp, clean images with strong dynamic range for portraits, landscapes, macro, and low-light work
• Users valuing interchangeable lens systems and sensor-based image stabilization
• Those willing to invest time in learning camera controls and appreciate tactile feedback
• Videographers desiring Full HD 1080p with better frame rate options

Who Fits the Panasonic Lumix FH20’s Profile?

• Casual shooters or entry-level users wanting a straightforward grab-and-go camera
• Travelers or street photographers prioritizing small size and light weight over image quality
• Budget-conscious buyers who do not need RAW or manual controls
• Those looking for a simple point-and-shoot with decent zoom reach and straightforward operation

Final Thoughts: The Tale of Two Cameras Through a Veteran’s Lens

While the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 packs convenience and is easy on the wallet, it falls short in almost every category that matters to serious photographers. Its small sensor, limited controls, and less refined optics confine it to everyday snapshots - not poor but plainly basic.

The Olympus PEN E-P3, on the other hand, remains a compelling choice for anyone serious about image quality and creative flexibility, even if it requires more initial investment and learning curve. Its mature Micro Four Thirds system, image stabilization, robust autofocus, and video capabilities place it a class apart for the same era.

Olympus E P3 front Olympus E P3 screen back Panasonic FH20 front Panasonic FH20 screen back

For my money, if you want a camera that grows with your skills and delivers pro-caliber output, the Olympus E-P3 is the smarter pick - even a decade after its release. The FH20 is the ultimate “point and smile” camera, perfect for families or travel minimalists but not a tool for serious artistry.

Closing Notes on Ergonomics and Interface

Here’s a final peek at how the backscreens compare - another intimate element after prolonged use. The E-P3’s 3” OLED touchscreen feels modern and responsive, while the FH20’s smaller, lower-res panel is serviceable but uninspiring.

Ultimately, handling and interface can charm or frustrate and color your shooting mood - a fact no spec list fully captures.

In my years testing, I’ve learned that the best camera is the one that fits your hand and style - not just your budget. The Olympus PEN E-P3 and Panasonic FH20 occupy different points on that spectrum but knowing their strengths and limits clears fog for any prospective buyer.

So next time you weigh your camera choices, remember: it’s about cultivating moments, not just collecting gear. And whichever you choose, may it inspire many joyful clicks ahead.

Happy shooting!

Images used in this article: size-comparison.jpg, top-view-compare.jpg, sensor-size-compare.jpg, back-screen.jpg, cameras-galley.jpg, camera-scores.jpg, photography-type-cameras-scores.jpg