Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic FP3

Below is a thorough comparison of the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic FP3, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Ultracompact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the FP3 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and FP3 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL3 was unveiled 21 months later than the FP3 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go in to a more detailed comparison, below is a concise summary of how the E-PL3 matches up versus the FP3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Panasonic FP3 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera, you'll need to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL3 provides outer dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) while the Panasonic FP3 has proportions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") along with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic FP3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you select at the time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL3 and the FP3.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL3 and FP3 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Usually, its tough to visualise the gap in sensor measurements only by checking out specs. The photograph underneath may provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL3 and FP3.

All in all, each of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-PL3 having a bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field simpler and the Panasonic FP3 will provide greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more modern E-PL3 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.