Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic FZ200

Here, we are reviewing the Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic FZ200, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the FZ200 (12MP) is very comparable but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and FZ200 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-P3 was brought out 11 months earlier than the FZ200 which means that they are of a similar age. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ200 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go into a complete comparison, here is a quick summation of how the E-P3 matches up versus the FZ200 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P3 Gallery & Panasonic FZ200 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera, you should consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P3 provides external measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ200 has measurements of 125mm x 87mm x 110mm (4.9" x 3.4" x 4.3") with a weight of 588 grams (1.30 lbs).

See the Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic FZ200 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you use during that time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the E-P3 versus the FZ200.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the E-P3 and FZ200 is 86 and 65 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to see the gap in sensor sizes purely by seeing a spec sheet. The picture underneath will give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P3 and FZ200.

As you can see, the 2 cameras feature the identical resolution but not the same sensor sizes. The E-P3 features the larger sensor which should make achieving shallow DOF simpler. The more aged E-P3 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.