Olympus E-30 vs Panasonic FS15

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Olympus E-30 vs Panasonic FS15, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-30 (12MP) and the FS15 (12MP) is relatively similar but the E-30 (Four Thirds) and FS15 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-30 was announced 3 months later than the FS15 and they are both of a similar age. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic FS15 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a quick summation of how the E-30 scores against the FS15 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-30 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-30 Gallery & Panasonic FS15 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera often, you'll need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-30 enjoys exterior dimensions of 142mm x 108mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.3" x 3.0") and a weight of 695 grams (1.53 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FS15 has specifications of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-30 vs Panasonic FS15 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are working with at the time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the E-30 compared to the FS15.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-30 and FS15 is 60 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements merely by reviewing specifications. The visual below may provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-30 and FS15.

To sum up, the 2 cameras offer the same exact megapixel count albeit not the same sensor measurements. The E-30 has the bigger sensor which will make obtaining shallower DOF less difficult.