Olympus E-1 vs Panasonic FP7

Lets examine more in depth at the Olympus E-1 and Panasonic FP7, former being a Pro DSLR while the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizable difference among the resolutions of the E-1 (5MP) and FP7 (16MP) and the E-1 (Four Thirds) and FP7 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-1 was revealed 8 years before the FP7 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-1 being a Large SLR camera and the Panasonic FP7 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving straight into a complete comparison, below is a brief summary of how the E-1 scores vs the FP7 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP7. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-1 Gallery & Panasonic FP7 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera regularly, you need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-1 features exterior measurements of 141mm x 104mm x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2") with a weight of 735 grams (1.62 lbs) and the Panasonic FP7 has dimensions of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 147 grams (0.32 lbs).

See the Olympus E-1 and Panasonic FP7 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you choose at the time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the E-1 compared to the FP7.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-1 and FP7 is 59 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to envision the contrast in sensor sizing just by viewing specs. The visual underneath may give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-1 and FP7.

All in all, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-1 using its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic FP7 will result in extra detail because of its extra 11MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots a little more aggressively. The older E-1 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.