Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic FP1

Lets look a bit more in depth at the Olympus E-PL3 and Panasonic FP1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the FP1 (12MP) is pretty comparable but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and FP1 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL3 was announced 21 months later than the FP1 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving in to a complete comparison, below is a concise overview of how the E-PL3 matches up against the FP1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Panasonic FP1 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera frequently, you will need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL3 offers outer measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) while the Panasonic FP1 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") having a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL3 and Panasonic FP1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are using at the time. The following is the front view size comparison of the E-PL3 and the FP1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and FP1 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Often, it is hard to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing only by going through technical specs. The photograph below will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL3 and FP1.

As you can tell, both of these cameras have got the exact same MP albeit different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 includes the bigger sensor which should make obtaining shallower depth of field less difficult. The newer E-PL3 provides an edge when it comes to sensor tech.