Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic FP3

On this page, we will be reviewing the Olympus XZ-1 versus Panasonic FP3, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Ultracompact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and FP3 (14MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and FP3 (1/2.3") offer different sensor size.

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The XZ-1 was launched 13 months later than the FP3 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting straight to a detailed comparison, here is a brief overview of how the XZ-1 matches up versus the FP3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3. The complete galleries are available at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Panasonic FP3 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus XZ-1 enjoys physical measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) whilst 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).

See the Olympus XZ-1 versus Panasonic FP3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the XZ-1 against the FP3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-1 and FP3 is 88 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to visualize the gap between sensor sizing purely by going over specs. The visual below should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-1 and FP3.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The XZ-1 due to its bigger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh simpler and the Panasonic FP3 will deliver more detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The fresher XZ-1 should have an advantage in sensor tech.