Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic FS7

Below is a complete analysis of the Olympus E-PL3 and Panasonic FS7, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Ultracompact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the FS7 (10MP) is fairly well matched but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and FS7 (1/2.5") come with different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL3 was manufactured 2 years later than the FS7 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FS7 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a simple summary of how the E-PL3 matches up vs the FS7 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Panasonic FS7 Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL3 enjoys exterior dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Panasonic FS7 has proportions of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") and a weight of 139 grams (0.31 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL3 and Panasonic FS7 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you select at that time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PL3 against the FS7.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL3 and FS7 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to picture the difference between sensor measurements just by reading through specs. The graphic underneath may give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL3 and FS7.

All in all, both the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL3 because of its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Olympus E-PL3 will give more detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos much more aggressively. The more modern E-PL3 should have an edge in sensor tech.