Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic FP3

Following is a detailed assessment of the Olympus E-PM1 and Panasonic FP3, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Ultracompact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the FP3 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and FP3 (1/2.3") feature different sensor size.

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The E-PM1 was brought out 23 months after the FP3 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving through a in depth comparison, below is a quick overview of how the E-PM1 scores versus the FP3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Panasonic FP3 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera, you will need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PM1 comes with exterior measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Panasonic FP3 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PM1 and Panasonic FP3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the E-PM1 vs the FP3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM1 and FP3 is 89 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to imagine the difference between sensor sizes simply by reading through specifications. The picture here will give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM1 and FP3.

To sum up, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PM1 due to its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic FP3 will resolve greater detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots far more aggressively. The younger E-PM1 provides a benefit in sensor tech.