Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic FH3

Below, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic FH3, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the FH3 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and FH3 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL8 was manufactured 6 years later than the FH3 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a simple summary of how the E-PL8 matches up versus the FH3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL8 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery and Panasonic FH3 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL8 comes with physical dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") along with a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) while the Panasonic FH3 has sizing of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic FH3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you use at that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL8 and the FH3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL8 and FH3 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Quite often, it can be difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing merely by checking out technical specs. The photograph underneath will give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL8 and FH3.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL8 due to its bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Olympus E-PL8 will show more detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs much more aggressively. The younger E-PL8 will have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.