Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic FX90

Below, we will be matching up the Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic FX90, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the FX90 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and FX90 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL3 was manufactured within a month of the FX90 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FX90 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a quick summary of how the E-PL3 grades vs the FX90 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Panasonic FX90 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera, you'll need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL3 offers 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 FX90 has sizing of 102mm x 56mm x 22mm (4.0" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 149 grams (0.33 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic FX90 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have at that time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the E-PL3 and the FX90.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL3 and FX90 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to see the difference between sensor measurements purely by checking technical specs. The visual below may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL3 and FX90.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras have got the exact same resolution albeit not the same sensor measurements. The E-PL3 provides the bigger sensor which should make achieving shallower DOF less difficult.