Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic FP1

Following is a extended assessment of the Olympus E-P3 versus Panasonic FP1, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the FP1 (12MP) is fairly well matched but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and FP1 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-P3 was launched 20 months after the FP1 making them a generation away from each other. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting straight to a complete comparison, here is a simple summation of how the E-P3 scores versus the FP1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-P3 Gallery & Panasonic FP1 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-P3 comes with exterior measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") having a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) and the Panasonic FP1 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") having a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-P3 versus Panasonic FP1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have at the time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the E-P3 vs the FP1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-P3 and FP1 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizes merely by looking at technical specs. The picture here will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P3 and FP1.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have the same resolution but not the same sensor sizes. The E-P3 offers the larger sensor which is going to make getting shallower DOF less difficult. The fresher E-P3 will have an edge in sensor innovation.