Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic FP2

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Olympus E-P3 versus Panasonic FP2, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Ultracompact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the FP2 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and FP2 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The E-P3 was introduced 20 months later than the FP2 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FP2 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going through a more detailed comparison, below is a brief view of how the E-P3 scores against the FP2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-P3 Gallery & Panasonic FP2 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera, you will want to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P3 has got exterior 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 FP2 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") having a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs).

See the Olympus E-P3 versus Panasonic FP2 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the E-P3 and the FP2.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-P3 and FP2 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements purely by checking technical specs. The photograph underneath might give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P3 and FP2.

As you have seen, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-P3 with its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic FP2 will give greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics far more aggressively. The younger E-P3 provides an edge in sensor technology.