Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic FH3

In this article, we will be matching up the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic FH3, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the FH3 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and FH3 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL1s was introduced 11 months after the FH3 and they are of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a full comparison, below is a quick overview of how the E-PL1s scores vs the FH3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1s & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery & Panasonic FH3 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL1s has got exterior measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FH3 has proportions of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic FH3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are using at the time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL1s against the FH3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1s and FH3 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to envision the contrast in sensor sizes merely by seeing specs. The pic here should offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1s and FH3.

All in all, the two cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PL1s having a bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic FH3 will show more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more recent E-PL1s is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.