Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic FH7

Its time to examine more closely at the Olympus E-P3 versus Panasonic FH7, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizable difference between the image resolutions of the E-P3 (12MP) and FH7 (16MP) and the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and FH7 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-P3 was introduced around the same time to the FH7 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH7 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a thorough comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the E-P3 scores against the FH7 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH7. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-P3 Gallery & Panasonic FH7 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P3 features physical dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") and a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FH7 has measurements of 95mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

See the Olympus E-P3 versus Panasonic FH7 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the E-P3 against the FH7.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-P3 and FH7 is 86 and 96 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizing only by checking specs. The photograph below will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P3 and FH7.

All in all, the two cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-P3 using its larger sensor will make getting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic FH7 will give you extra detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images a little more aggressively.