Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic FX78

Let's look closer at the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic FX78, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the FX78 (12MP) is very comparable but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and FX78 (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL3 was unveiled 8 months after the FX78 so they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FX78 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the E-PL3 matches up vs the FX78 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Panasonic FX78 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera, you'll need to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL3 offers outer measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) while the Panasonic FX78 has proportions of 100mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") and a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL3 versus Panasonic FX78 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL3 versus the FX78.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL3 and FX78 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Generally, its tough to picture the gap in sensor sizes only by going through specifications. The pic underneath might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL3 and FX78.

To sum up, both of these cameras posses the exact same resolution but different sensor sizes. The E-PL3 has got the larger sensor which should make getting shallow depth of field less difficult. The more modern E-PL3 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.