Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic FP3

Below is a extended review of the Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic FP3, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Ultracompact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the FP3 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and FP3 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1 was introduced 5 months later than the FP3 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going through a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick overview of how the E-PL1 grades against the FP3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Panasonic FP3 Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL1 has got external measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Panasonic FP3 has proportions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic FP3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you use at that moment. Here is the front view scale comparison of the E-PL1 vs the FP3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1 and FP3 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to see the difference in sensor measurements merely by seeing technical specs. The graphic below will provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1 and FP3.

As you have seen, both the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL1 having a bigger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field simpler and the Panasonic FP3 will provide more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively.