Olympus E-30 vs Panasonic FP2

The following is a in depth comparison of the Olympus E-30 vs Panasonic FP2, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-30 (12MP) and the FP2 (14MP) is relatively similar but the E-30 (Four Thirds) and FP2 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor size.

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The E-30 was revealed 9 months prior to the FP2 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic FP2 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the E-30 grades vs the FP2 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-30 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-30 Gallery and Panasonic FP2 Gallery.

If you are aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-30 comes with external dimensions of 142mm x 108mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.3" x 3.0") having a weight of 695 grams (1.53 lbs) while the Panasonic FP2 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") and a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-30 vs Panasonic FP2 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the E-30 vs the FP2.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-30 and FP2 is 60 and 95 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions only by reviewing specs. The pic below will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-30 and FP2.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-30 having a bigger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic FP2 will offer greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The more aged E-30 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.