Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic FX700

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic FX700, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the FX700 (14MP) is pretty similar but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and FX700 (1/2.3") boast different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL3 was announced 15 months later than the FX700 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FX700 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a in-depth comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the E-PL3 grades against the FX700 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX700. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Panasonic FX700 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL3 has got 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) while the Panasonic FX700 has sizing of 104mm x 56mm x 25mm (4.1" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 176 grams (0.39 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic FX700 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you select during that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the E-PL3 against the FX700.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and FX700 is 88 and 94 respectively.

Normally, its tough to picture the gap between sensor sizing only by going over technical specs. The photograph here will give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL3 and FX700.

As you can tell, each of these cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL3 with its bigger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh simpler and the Panasonic FX700 will offer extra detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The more modern E-PL3 provides an edge in sensor innovation.