Olympus E-30 vs Panasonic FH6

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-30 and Panasonic FH6, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-30 (12MP) and the FH6 (14MP) is pretty similar but the E-30 (Four Thirds) and FH6 (1/2.3") feature different sensor size.

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The E-30 was launched 3 years prior to the FH6 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic FH6 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a short highlight of how the E-30 grades vs the FH6 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-30 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH6. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-30 Gallery & Panasonic FH6 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-30 has exterior dimensions of 142mm x 108mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.3" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 695 grams (1.53 lbs) and the Panasonic FH6 has dimensions of 96mm x 56mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.8") having a weight of 119 grams (0.26 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-30 and Panasonic FH6 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the E-30 versus the FH6.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-30 and FH6 is 60 and 96 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizing only by reviewing specs. The photograph underneath will provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-30 and FH6.

All in all, both of those cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-30 because of its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF simpler and the Panasonic FH6 will offer you more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older E-30 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.