Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic FH3

Here is a in-depth review of the Olympus E-P3 versus Panasonic FH3, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the FH3 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and FH3 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-P3 was announced 20 months later than the FH3 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH3 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the E-P3 matches up against the FH3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-P3 Gallery & Panasonic FH3 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera regularly, you have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P3 has got physical dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") with a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) whilst 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).

See the Olympus E-P3 versus Panasonic FH3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are using at that moment. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the E-P3 against the FH3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-P3 and FH3 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to envision the difference between sensor sizing just by reading through technical specs. The photograph here will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P3 and FH3.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-P3 having a bigger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic FH3 will give more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The more modern E-P3 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.