Olympus E-P5 vs Panasonic FP3

The following is a thorough comparison of the Olympus E-P5 and Panasonic FP3, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Ultracompact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-P5 (16MP) and the FP3 (14MP) is very well matched but the E-P5 (Four Thirds) and FP3 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-P5 was revealed 3 years after the FP3 which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-P5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple summation of how the E-P5 scores versus the FP3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P5 Gallery & Panasonic FP3 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera, you should factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-P5 comes with external dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 37mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.5") along with a weight of 420 grams (0.93 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FP3 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-P5 and Panasonic FP3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the E-P5 compared to the FP3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-P5 and FP3 is 85 and 95 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to visualise the gap between sensor dimensions just by checking specs. The picture here will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P5 and FP3.

All in all, both the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-P5 using its larger sensor will make getting shallow DOF easier and the Olympus E-P5 will give greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will let you crop pics way more aggressively. The fresher E-P5 is going to have an advantage in sensor tech.