Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic FP8

Following is a extensive review of the Olympus E-PL3 and Panasonic FP8, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the FP8 (12MP) is relatively similar but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and FP8 (1/2.3") posses different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL3 was manufactured 2 years after the FP8 which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FP8 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting straight to a in depth comparison, here is a short summation of how the E-PL3 matches up against the FP8 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Panasonic FP8 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL3 comes with outer dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FP8 has sizing of 96mm x 60mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 0.8") with a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL3 and Panasonic FP8 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have during that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the E-PL3 versus the FP8.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and FP8 is 88 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to visualize the gap between sensor sizes only by reviewing a spec sheet. The picture underneath will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL3 and FP8.

As you can see, both the cameras feature the identical resolution albeit different sensor sizes. The E-PL3 provides the bigger sensor which should make obtaining shallower depth of field less difficult. The more recent E-PL3 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.