Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic FP3

Below, we are looking at the Olympus E-PL8 and Panasonic FP3, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the FP3 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and FP3 (1/2.3") possess different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL8 was introduced 6 years after the FP3 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a short introduction of how the E-PL8 matches up versus the FP3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Panasonic FP3 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera, you will have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL8 has got outer dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") with a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) while the Panasonic FP3 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") along with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL8 and Panasonic FP3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you choose during that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the E-PL8 against the FP3.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL8 and FP3 is 86 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to imagine the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by going through specs. The pic below will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL8 and FP3.

All in all, both of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL8 with its larger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh easier and the Olympus E-PL8 will produce extra detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images much more aggressively. The more modern E-PL8 provides an edge when it comes to sensor technology.