Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic FP3

Following is a in depth comparison of the Olympus E-PM2 versus Panasonic FP3, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Ultracompact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the FP3 (14MP) is very well matched but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and FP3 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM2 was announced 3 years after the FP3 which is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting in to a more detailed comparison, below is a simple overview of how the E-PM2 scores versus the FP3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PM2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery & Panasonic FP3 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PM2 has got physical dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Panasonic FP3 has proportions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") along with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PM2 versus Panasonic FP3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the E-PM2 against the FP3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-PM2 and FP3 is 89 and 95 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes purely by looking at technical specs. The image here will give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM2 and FP3.

As you have seen, both of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PM2 with its larger sensor will make getting bokeh simpler and the Olympus E-PM2 will resolve extra detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more modern E-PM2 will have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.