Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic FP3

In this article, we are contrasting the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic FP3, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL1s (12MP) and the FP3 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and FP3 (1/2.3") possess different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL1s was manufactured 11 months later than the FP3 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving through a in depth comparison, below is a simple overview of how the E-PL1s scores vs the FP3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Panasonic FP3 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera, you are going to need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1s enjoys exterior measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and 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).

Check the Olympus E-PL1s and Panasonic FP3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL1s compared to the FP3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1s and FP3 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Generally, its difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor measurements merely by going through technical specs. The photograph below should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1s and FP3.

As you have seen, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL1s because of its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field simpler and the Panasonic FP3 will show more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics far more aggressively. The fresher E-PL1s should have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.