Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, we are going to illustrate the Panasonic FH5 and Olympus E-P3 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Panasonic FH5 has external dimensions of 94 x 54 x 19 mm (3.7 x 2.13 x 0.75″) and weighs 121 g (0.27 lb / 4.27 oz) (including batteries). Olympus E-P3 has external dimensions of 122 x 69 x 34 mm (4.8 x 2.72 x 1.34″) and weighs 369 g (0.81 lb / 13.02 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Panasonic FH5 and the Olympus E-P3. Panasonic FH5 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 28mm narrower, 15mm shorter and 15mm thinner than Olympus E-P3. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Panasonic FH5 has a built-in lens but Olympus E-P3 doesn't. Once you put a lens on E-P3, its thickness will increase significantly.
Here is the back view size comparison of the Panasonic FH5 and Olympus E-P3.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Panasonic FH5 and Olympus E-P3.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Panasonic FH5 is significantly lighter (248g ) than the Olympus E-P3 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.
Again, this comparison may not be very useful in real life as we are comparing the weight of a camera with a built-in lens to the body-only weight of an interchangeable lens camera. Once you put a lens on E-P3, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 (Lumix DMC-FS18) nor Olympus PEN E-P3 provides any type of weather sealing in their bodies, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections: Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing Top Mirrorless Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Olympus E-P3's 3.00" LCD screen is slightly larger than Panasonic FH5's 2.7" screen.
Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.