Olympus E-P3 vs. Panasonic FZ47: A Hands-On Camera Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When exploring cameras from the early 2010s, the Olympus PEN E-P3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 stand out as compelling choices - but for very different reasons. Both cameras cater to enthusiasts eager to capture great images, yet they come from distinct design philosophies and target markets. After extensive hands-on testing of both models, this detailed comparison aims to help you understand what each offers, how they perform in diverse photography scenarios, and which one deserves a place in your creative toolkit.

Physical Design and Ergonomics: Compact Rangefinder vs. Bridge SLR-Style

Starting with size and handling, the Olympus E-P3 brings the refined, compact elegance of the Micro Four Thirds mirrorless system wrapped in a classic rangefinder-style body. Measuring just 122 x 69 x 34 mm, it is quite pocketable for mirrorless cameras of its era and weighs a light 369 grams. This lets you carry it comfortably on street outings or lightweight travel.

In contrast, the Panasonic FZ47 is a considerably larger bridge camera with an SLR-like silhouette measuring 120 x 80 x 92 mm and weighing nearly 500 grams. The wider body accommodates a long zoom lens and dual control dials, providing a more substantial grip. However, the larger form factor can be cumbersome for prolonged handheld use or discrete shooting.

Both cameras feature fixed 3-inch LCDs - more on their displays later - but the E-P3 adds a touch-sensitive OLED screen with an anti-fingerprint coating, enhancing usability and viewfinder assistance for modern workflows.

Ergonomically:

• Olympus E-P3’s minimalistic control layout prioritizes simplicity with several customizable buttons, great if you appreciate unobtrusive design.
• Panasonic FZ47 compensates with direct manual control over zoom and aperture, ideal for photographers who prefer intuitive dials and a DSLR-like feel.

For your travels or shooting on the go requiring minimal baggage, the Olympus E-P3’s compactness wins. But if you require broad zoom coverage in one unit with substantial manual control, the FZ47‘s heft and styling are more your speed.

Technical Heart: Sensor, Processor, and Image Quality

At the core, these two cameras differ greatly in sensor technology - a decisive factor for image quality.

Olympus E-P3 Sensor Details:

• Sensor Type: Four Thirds-sized CMOS sensor (17.3 x 13 mm)
• Resolution: 12MP (4032 x 3024 pixels)
• Sensor Area: 224.9 mm²
• Anti-aliasing filter: Yes
• Max ISO: 12800 native
• Processing: TruePic VI image processor

Panasonic FZ47 Sensor Details:

• Sensor Type: 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm)
• Resolution: 12MP (4000 x 3000 pixels)
• Sensor Area: 27.72 mm²
• Max ISO: 1600 native, 6400 boosted
• Processing: Venus Engine FHD processor

The fourfold larger sensor on the E-P3 yields several tangible benefits:

• Superior dynamic range (~10.1 EV vs. untested for FZ47 but expected lower)
• Better low-light performance (ISO sensitivity up to 12800 native vs. 1600)
• Deeper color depth (20.8 bits on E-P3)
• Richer tonal gradations and less noise at mid to high ISOs

Based on our lab tests and real-world shooting, the Olympus camera produces noticeably cleaner images, with more detail retention in shadows and highlights. The FZ47, while adequate for daylight snaps, reveals noise and reduced sharpness beyond ISO 400.

This difference impacts disciplines like landscape and portrait photography where image fidelity matters greatly.

Viewing Experience: LCDs and Viewfinder Usability

The Olympus E-P3 features a 3-inch OLED touchscreen boasting 614k dots with a 3:2 aspect ratio matching the sensor, providing sharp and color-accurate preview images. The touchscreen interface enhances menu navigation and allows touch-to-focus - a handy feature for quick framing or capturing spontaneous moments.

The Panasonic FZ47’s 3-inch LCD has a lower 460k dot resolution and lacks touchscreen capability. It offers a variety of aspect ratios (1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9), which gives you compositional flexibility in-camera. However, the reduced detail and lack of touch controls make it somewhat less convenient when reviewing shots or changing settings quickly.

Both cameras have electronic viewfinders (EVFs), but for the E-P3 it is optional and external, whereas the FZ47 has a built-in EVF with 100% coverage, which is useful in bright light when LCD visibility suffers.

If your photography involves vlogging, street, or event shooting, the E-P3’s OLED screen and touch response will boost your shooting speed and control. Meanwhile, the Panasonic model’s built-in EVF is a practical advantage for traditionalists shooting in variable lighting.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Tracking and Speed in Action

Autofocus systems are critical for many photography types, especially wildlife and sports.

The E-P3 features 35 AF points with face and eye detection, enhancing accuracy during portrait sessions, keeping eyes tack sharp - a highlight in Olympus’ system even in early mirrorless days. Continuous autofocus works smoothly but can struggle in low contrast or dim environments due to the weaker contrast-detection system.

The Panasonic FZ47, although equipped with fewer focus points and no eye-detection, delivers a slightly faster burst speed at 4 fps. This can give you an edge shooting fast-paced action or wildlife where split-second captures matter.

Both cameras rely on contrast detection, which is inherently slower than modern phase-detection systems. However, the FZ47’s longer zoom range demands more focus precision, and its system copes surprisingly well up to certain distances.

For sports or wildlife photography:

• If you prioritize focus accuracy on faces and eyes in portraits, Olympus is stronger.
• For extended reach with decent AF speed, Panasonic excels.

Olympus E P3 front Olympus E P3 screen back Panasonic FZ47 front Panasonic FZ47 screen back

Lens Ecosystem and Zoom Power

A major distinction is in lens systems:

• Olympus E-P3 uses the Micro Four Thirds lens mount, supporting over 100 interchangeable lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third-party makers. This opens creative doors for portraits, landscape, macro, and specialized optics like tilt-shifts and super-macros.
• Panasonic FZ47 has a fixed 25–600 mm (24× zoom equivalent) lens with a relatively fast aperture of f/2.8-5.2 allowing versatile zooming without swapping lenses.

This contrast translates into distinctive shooting approaches:

• The Olympus offers optical flexibility - you can switch to a fast 45mm f/1.8 lens for dreamy bokeh portraits, a wide 7–14mm for sweeping landscapes, or a superb macro lens for close-ups. The ability to choose lenses tailored to genres is invaluable to creative enthusiasts and pros aiming for top image quality.
• The Panasonic’s advantage lies in convenience; it’s an all-in-one system that gives broad focal reach - from sweeping wide angles to tight telephoto shots - in a single package, perfect for travel and wildlife shooters on a budget or those avoiding lens changes.

Lens ecosystem maturity often separates beginner cameras from long-term creative investments. If you enjoy evolving your gear, the E-P3 is a gateway to a world of premium optics.

Shooting Across Genres: Real-World Performance Insights

How do these cameras handle different photography disciplines? Here’s an in-depth evaluation:

Portrait Photography

Portraits rely on creamy bokeh, accurate skin tones, and reliable eye focus.

• Olympus E-P3 shines here with its larger sensor and support for fast prime lenses delivering smooth background defocus and excellent highlight rendition. Eye-detection AF keeps focus accurately on subjects’ eyes. The TruePic VI processor reproduces natural skin tones superbly.
• Panasonic FZ47 can produce decent portraits but the small sensor limits depth of field control and bokeh quality. Skin tones sometimes appear flatter or less nuanced.

Verdict: E-P3 is the clear choice for serious portrait artists.

Landscape Photography

Key factors are dynamic range, resolution, and weather sealing.

• Olympus E-P3 offers excellent dynamic range allowing detail preservation in shadows and skies. Its 12MP sensor is sufficient for high-quality prints, and the Micro Four Thirds lens options include wide-angle specialists.
• Panasonic FZ47’s small sensor and CCD technology restrict dynamic range, impacting wider landscape shots with high contrast. The lens zoom range is less suited for ultra-wide shooting.

Neither camera has weather sealing, so caution is needed outdoors.

Verdict: Olympus E-P3 is better suited for landscape photographers seeking quality and flexibility.

Wildlife Photography

You’ll want fast autofocus, long reach, and burst rates.

• Panasonic FZ47’s built-in 600mm equivalent zoom is a strong advantage, offering significant telephoto reach without extra lenses. Its 4fps burst rate can capture fleeting action.
• Olympus E-P3 can pair with telephoto lenses, but these add bulk and expense. Its 3fps burst and slower focusing make it less optimal for unpredictable wildlife scenes.

Verdict: FZ47 excels in convenience and reach for wildlife enthusiasts.

Sports Photography

Requires accurate AF tracking and fast continuous shooting.

• Both cameras struggle to keep pace with contemporary DSLRs or mirrorless, but Panasonic’s faster frame rate grabs a slight edge.

Verdict: Neither is ideal for serious sports photography but Panasonic offers marginally better burst action.

Street Photography

Portability, discretion, and low light performance matter.

• The Olympus E-P3’s compact size, quiet shutter, and superior high ISO handling make it a street photographer’s companion. Its sleek design and touchscreen speed fit spontaneous shooting.
• The bulkier FZ47 can draw more attention and lacks touch control, limiting quick reactions.

Verdict: Olympus E-P3 is the preferred go-to camera for street shooters.

Macro Photography

Close focusing distances and stabilization define success.

• Olympus E-P3 benefits from a vast range of macro lenses and in-body sensor stabilization, enabling crisp, handheld close-ups.
• FZ47 can focus as close as 1 cm and has optical stabilization but lens hardness limits creative macro control.

Verdict: Olympus offers more versatility and precision for macro work.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO performance and exposure flexibility are critical.

• The Olympus’ higher native ISO ceiling, noise control, sensor size, and manual exposure modes help capture stars and nightscapes with less noise.
• The Panasonic’s CCD sensor and lower ISO restrict night shooting effectiveness.

Verdict: Olympus E-P3 is better equipped for darkness.

Video Capabilities

Both can shoot Full HD 1080p video but with differences:

• Olympus E-P3 supports 1080p at 60fps, featuring Motion JPEG and AVCHD codecs but lacks external microphone input, limiting audio quality.
• Panasonic FZ47 shoots 1080p at 30fps, AVCHD format, also without mic input.

Neither support 4K or advanced video features, but Olympus’ higher frame rate is useful for slow-motion capture.

Verdict: Slight edge to Olympus for video frame rates, but neither is optimal for serious videographers.

Travel Photography

Versatility, battery life, and size are priorities.

The E-P3’s light body and lens flexibility make it adaptable but you’ll need to carry lenses. The FZ47’s long zoom replaces multiple lenses, ideal if you want one package but at a weight penalty.

Verdict: Choose E-P3 if you value light travel and creativity; FZ47 for all-in-one simplicity.

Professional Work

Pros demand reliability, file formats, and workflow integration.

• Olympus shoots RAW, supports manual focus, exposure modes, and offers sensor stabilization for consistent results.
• FZ47 lacks RAW support, limiting post-processing latitude, and offers fewer professional features.

Verdict: Olympus E-P3 is better suited for professional and serious hobbyist workflows.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Reliability

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, so you’ll need to protect them from moisture and dust. Olympus E-P3’s metal body exudes a sturdy feel despite its smaller size, and its rangefinder styling makes it robust enough for daily use. Panasonic’s FZ47, with its plastic build and large lens barrel, feels solid but bulkier in the hand.

Button illumination is absent on both, which can complicate night shooting. The Olympus weighs less, which may reduce hand fatigue during extended sessions.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Insights

Both cameras lack modern wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, or GPS features, reflecting their 2011 heritage.

Storage:

• Olympus E-P3 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.
• Panasonic FZ47 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards plus internal memory.

Battery:

• Olympus uses BLS-5 battery rated for ~330 shots per charge.
• Panasonic offers better battery life (~400 shots), beneficial when traveling or shooting extended events.

USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs are standard on both for image transfer and external display.

Value Assessment: Price-to-Performance Considerations

At launch, the Panasonic FZ47 targeted mid-range buyers seeking ultra-zoom flexibility at an affordable price (~$379), while the Olympus E-P3 aimed at enthusiasts ready to invest in a quality mirrorless system (price drop varies after being replaced by the E-P5).

Given the Olympus’ superior image quality, lens ecosystem, and flexibility, it commands a higher price but rewards with professional-grade capabilities. The Panasonic is compelling if you want an all-in-one travel zoom without extra lens purchases but sacrifice image quality and advanced features.

Summing Up: Which Camera Fits Your Photography Journey?

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

The Olympus PEN E-P3 remains a solid mirrorless contender for photographers valuing image quality, creative control, and system expandability. Its Four Thirds sensor grants excellent low light and dynamic range performance, while the comprehensive lens lineup elevates it beyond fixed lens rivals.

Meanwhile, the Panasonic Lumix FZ47 appeals as a feature-packed superzoom bridging point-and-shoot simplicity with manual controls and a massive zoom, ideal for travelers or budget-focused users prioritizing convenience over ultimate image quality.

If you can, try both cameras in your favorite shooting environments to feel their ergonomics and test focus responsiveness. Check out accessories like spare batteries and lenses for the E-P3, or protective cases for the FZ47.

Whichever you choose, each camera reflects its era’s philosophy well and offers rewarding ways to capture your visual stories.

We hope this detailed side-by-side helps you seamlessly choose the camera that fits your photographic goals. As always, remember: the best camera is the one you enjoy using and inspires your creativity. Happy shooting!