Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic FX48

In this article, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic FX48, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the FX48 (12MP) is pretty comparable but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and FX48 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-P3 was unveiled 2 years later than the FX48 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FX48 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the E-P3 matches up against the FX48 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Panasonic FX48 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera frequently, you'll need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P3 has exterior dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") along with a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) while the Panasonic FX48 has measurements of 95mm x 53mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.9") along with a weight of 150 grams (0.33 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic FX48 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you use at that time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the E-P3 versus the FX48.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-P3 and FX48 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing only by going through technical specs. The photograph here should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P3 and FX48.

As you can tell, both of those cameras enjoy the same exact MP albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E-P3 provides the bigger sensor which should make getting shallow DOF less difficult. The more recent E-P3 will have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.