Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic FH6

In this article, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic FH6, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the FH6 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and FH6 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL3 was unveiled 3 months before the FH6 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH6 being a Compact camera.

Before delving through a complete comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the E-PL3 scores against the FH6 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH6. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Panasonic FH6 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL3 has got exterior 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 FH6 has proportions of 96mm x 56mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 119 grams (0.26 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic FH6 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL3 against the FH6.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL3 and FH6 is 88 and 96 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing purely by checking out technical specs. The visual below will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL3 and FH6.

As you have seen, the two cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 having a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic FH6 will show more detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively.