Olympus E-400 vs Panasonic FH20

Here, we are matching up the Olympus E-400 versus Panasonic FH20, former is a Entry-Level DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a large difference among the resolutions of the E-400 (10MP) and FH20 (14MP) and the E-400 (Four Thirds) and FH20 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-400 was brought out 4 years before the FH20 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-400 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic FH20 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a simple view of how the E-400 grades vs the FH20 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-400 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-400 Gallery & Panasonic FH20 Gallery.

When you are intending to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-400 has got outer dimensions of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") accompanied by a weight of 435 grams (0.96 lbs) while the Panasonic FH20 has sizing of 100mm x 56mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-400 versus Panasonic FH20 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the E-400 compared to the FH20.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-400 and FH20 is 77 and 93 respectively.

Usually, it can be tough to visualise the difference in sensor dimensions merely by looking through technical specs. The image here might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-400 and FH20.

As you have seen, both cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-400 because of its larger sensor will make shooting bokeh easier and the Panasonic FH20 will render more detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics way more aggressively. The more aged E-400 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.