Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic FP5

On this page, we are evaluating the Olympus E-PL3 and Panasonic FP5, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the FP5 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and FP5 (1/2.3") offer different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL3 was introduced 9 months later than the FP5 and they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FP5 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going right into a in depth comparison, here is a short introduction of how the E-PL3 scores against the FP5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Panasonic FP5 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera often, you should factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL3 comes with exterior measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) while the Panasonic FP5 has specifications of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL3 and Panasonic FP5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the E-PL3 vs the FP5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and FP5 is 88 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing simply by going through specs. The visual here should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL3 and FP5.

All in all, both of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 having a larger sensor is going to make getting bokeh simpler and the Panasonic FP5 will show more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The fresher E-PL3 should have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.