Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic FH22

Here is a thorough analysis of the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic FH22, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the FH22 (14MP) is fairly similar but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and FH22 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL3 was unveiled 21 months later than the FH22 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH22 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a full comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the E-PL3 matches up against the FH22 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH22. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Panasonic FH22 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL3 provides outside dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FH22 has measurements of 100mm x 57mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") having a weight of 170 grams (0.37 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic FH22 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the E-PL3 and the FH22.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and FH22 is 88 and 94 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizing purely by going over technical specs. The photograph below might offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL3 and FH22.

As you have seen, both the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 having a larger sensor will make shooting bokeh easier and the Panasonic FH22 will offer more detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos much more aggressively. The more modern E-PL3 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.