Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic FZ150

In this article, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-P3 versus Panasonic FZ150, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the FZ150 (12MP) is pretty close but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and FZ150 (1/2.3") come with different sensor size.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The E-P3 was announced 7 months before the FZ150 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ150 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick summary of how the E-P3 matches up against the FZ150 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Panasonic FZ150 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you should factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-P3 offers 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 FZ150 has proportions of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") having a weight of 528 grams (1.16 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-P3 versus Panasonic FZ150 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the E-P3 and the FZ150.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-P3 and FZ150 is 86 and 67 respectively.

Sometimes, its difficult to imagine the gap in sensor sizing simply by viewing specs. The photograph underneath will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P3 and FZ150.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact megapixel count albeit different sensor sizing. The E-P3 contains the bigger sensor which is going to make getting shallower DOF less difficult. The older E-P3 will be behind in sensor technology.