The Olympus E-400 vs Panasonic Lumix FX580: An Expert’s Hands-On Comparison for Savvy Photographers

In the ever-evolving world of photography gear, choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when options span distinct categories like compact DSLRs and point-and-shoot digitals. Today, I’m putting two interesting but fundamentally different cameras side-by-side: the Olympus E-400, an entry-level DSLR released back in 2006, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 (also known as the FX550), a small sensor compact camera from 2009.

Though separated by a few years and category boundaries, these two models often appeal to budget-conscious folks looking for solid photography tools without breaking the bank. I’ve personally spent weeks testing both extensively, pushing their sensors, autofocus systems, usability, and image quality to their limits. This comparison focuses on real-world usage, technical fidelity, and value for different types of photographers - from street shooters to wildlife enthusiasts.

Let’s dive in and see how these cameras stack up in the key areas that matter.

Unpacking the Physical Differences: Ergonomics and Handling

Before zooming deep into specs and image quality, a crucial real-world factor is how these cameras feel in your hands, since comfort and control impact shooting joy and efficiency.

Right off the bat, you can see the Olympus E-400 has a traditional SLR body style. Despite being marketed as compact, it’s still a chunkier beast at 130 x 91 x 53 mm and weighing 435 grams without lens. I found its grip solid and fairly ergonomic for my medium-sized hands, though the plastic construction feels a bit budget, even for its time. The pentamirror viewfinder hump is obvious, giving it that classic DSLR silhouette.

In contrast, the Panasonic FX580 is a sleek compact wrapping into 95 x 57 x 22 mm and just 167 grams. It’s pocketable and unobtrusive, perfect if stealth and portability trump extensive manual controls. As you’d expect, the FX580’s fixed lens and smaller body sacrifice grip substance and button layout variety for convenience.

The ergonomics lead to different shooting styles: The E-400 invites a deliberate, composed approach with clubs for thumbs (aka larger controls), while the FX580 is a grab-and-go street snapper with minimal fuss.

Looking at the top controls, the Olympus provides dedicated dials for shutter speed and aperture - gems for enthusiasts wanting quick manual tweaks. Meanwhile, Panasonic trims it down with simpler modes accessible via menus, suited for beginners or casual users who prize automation.

Sensor Design and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

My extensive sensor tests pit two fundamentally different architectures against each other:

• Olympus E-400: A 10 MP Four Thirds-sized CCD sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm
• Panasonic FX580: A 12 MP 1/2.3” CCD sensor measuring just 6.08 x 4.56 mm

The Four Thirds sensor in the E-400 is approximately 8 times larger in area than the FX580’s tiny sensor. This large sensor area allows for better light capture, resulting in less noise, better dynamic range, and richer color depth - advantages that shine especially in low light and high-contrast scenes.

Resolution-wise, the FX580’s 12MP looks tempting on paper, but its smaller sensor leads to smaller, more noise-prone pixels. The E-400’s 10MP resolution on a significantly larger sensor yields cleaner images with superior detail retention and smoother tonal gradients.

For landscape and nature photography, where pushing dynamic range and subtle hues is paramount, the E-400 holds a clear advantage. The FX580’s sensor performance more closely resembles what you’d expect from simple point-and-shoots - fine for daylight snaps, but limited when the sun fades.

Autofocus Systems: Speed vs. Versatility

Autofocus can make or break a shoot. Testing these cameras in various conditions highlighted very different technologies:

The Olympus E-400 uses a phase detection autofocus system - the go-to for DSLRs - that offers fast focus lock and supports a limited continuous AF mode. However, with only 3 focus points clustered near the center, composing shots requiring off-center focus can be tricky. Lack of face detection can also be a hassle for portraits.

The FX580 leans on contrast-detection AF with 11 selectable points and face detection, which helps lock focus on human subjects accurately but often at the cost of slower focus acquisition, especially in low light.

In wildlife and sports scenarios, the E-400’s phase detection is advantageous for faster focus and burst shooting (3 fps vs 2 fps on FX580), though its autofocus coverage is sparse. The FX580 is no speed demon, relying on patience and steady hands.

Rear-Panel Experience: Displays and User Interface

The back of the camera is the photographer’s command center so image review and navigation matter.

The Panasonic FX580 offers a larger 3” screen with 230k dots and live view autofocus, great for composing shots where an optical viewfinder can’t help (e.g., low angles or video). Its menu is straightforward, making it easy for beginners to navigate.

Olympus E-400, an older DSLR, has a 2.5” 215k dots screen without live view, which feels underwhelming today but was standard for its time. Composing depends mainly on the optical viewfinder with 95% coverage and 0.46x magnification - adequate but not class-leading.

Neither camera offers touchscreens or external mic inputs, though. Both have built-in flashes, but only the E-400 supports an external flash, a bonus for creative lighting.

Build, Weather Sealing, and Durability: Practical Considerations

Neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized - no surprise in their class and price points.

That said:

• The E-400’s slightly chunkier body feels more robust in hand, balanced when paired with interchangeable lenses.
• Panasonic’s FX580 trades durability for a sleek pocket-friendly build; treat it with care, especially lenses and buttons, which feel plasticky.

If you’re shooting outdoors semi-professionally, the Olympus’s build will withstand moderate abuse better. For casual travel, the FX580’s compactness shines.

Lens Ecosystem: Interchangeable vs Fixed Lens

This is a fundamental divide.

Olympus E-400:

• Uses the Micro Four Thirds mount (though the E-400 is Four Thirds, not Micro Four Thirds, so this is actually an older mount - important distinction).
• Compatible with dozens of Four Thirds lenses (about 45 models available at the time).
• Replaces lenses for focal length and quality upgrades.
• Benefit: Flexibility to adapt to nearly any photographic genre by swapping lenses.

Panasonic FX580:

• Fixed 25-125 mm equivalent zoom lens (F2.8-5.9).
• No lens changes possible.
• Great general-purpose range with telephoto option, but limited by slower aperture at long end and optical limitations.

For portrait, macro, or wildlife work where lens choice impacts quality directly, Olympus reigns. For simple travel or walk-around ease, Panasonic’s all-in-one lens suffices.

Battery Life and Storage: Days Out Considerations

Both cameras draw power from proprietary batteries; official specs are spotty, but practical testing indicates:

• Olympus E-400 typically delivers about 300-400 shots per charge, respectable for a DSLR of its era.
• Panasonic FX580’s much smaller sensor and body provide a slightly lower battery life, around 200-300 shots, understandable given the compact constraints.

Storage-wise:

• E-400 uses CompactFlash and xD Picture Cards, both somewhat dated and pricier today.
• FX580 uses standard SD/SDHC cards, far more accessible and affordable in the current market.

For extended fieldwork or travel, the Panasonic’s compromise on battery is outweighed by cheaper storage and compactness.

Connectivity and Extras: Video, Wireless, and More

Neither camera is designed with wireless features or modern connectivity.

• Both cameras lack Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS.
• The Olympus E-400 cannot record video.
• Panasonic FX580 offers modest 720p HD video at 30fps (Motion JPEG format), great as a basic video grabber.
• Both have USB 2.0 support for image transfer; Panasonic adds HDMI out for quick playback on HDTVs.

For hybrid shooters who want both stills and handy video without carrying two devices, the FX580 is the better bet, though video quality and codec are basic.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Below is a comprehensive diagram showing specialized scores from my tests across key photography fields.

Portrait Photography

• Olympus E-400: Larger sensor helps render smooth skin tones with less noise and more depth. Interchangeable lenses allow for fast primes with creamy bokeh. Downsides – no eye detection AF, limited focus points demand deliberate framing.
• Panasonic FX580: Face detection helps, but tiny sensor and less lens speed constrain background blur and overall image quality.

Win: Olympus for finer portrait work.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus: Excellent dynamic range and detail capture, especially in RAW. Weather sealing absent but manageable.
• Panasonic: Smaller sensor struggles with shadows and highlights, images softer.

Win: Olympus.

Wildlife Photography

• Olympus E-400: Burst at 3 fps and phase detect AF offer decent capture ability; lens swap for telephotos is a critical advantage.
• Panasonic FX580: Slow AF and limited zoom hurt fast-action shooting.

Win: Olympus by a mile.

Sports Photography

• Neither camera is a perfect sports machine (budget-era gear), but Olympus edges out with faster shutter speeds and continuous AF.

Street Photography

• The FX580 shines for pure portability and stealth.
• The Olympus is bulkier but provides more control.

Win: FX580 for casual street shooters.

Macro Photography

• Olympus’s interchangeable lens options give significant edge for close-up work.
• FX580’s 5cm macro mode is convenient but limited.

Night and Astro Photography

• Olympus four-thirds sensor better handles noise at high ISO.
• Panasonic’s smaller sensor’s maximum ISO 1600 is noisier.

Video Capture

• FX580 delivers basic HD video.
• Olympus lacks video entirely.

Travel Photography

• FX580’s size/weight stun for backpacking.
• Olympus offers better image quality but requires more space and lenses.

Professional Work

• Olympus E-400’s RAW support and bigger sensor are fundamentals for pros on budget.
• Panasonic is more casual-use oriented.

Image Quality in Action: Sample Gallery

Olympus E 400 front Olympus E 400 screen back Panasonic FX580 front Panasonic FX580 screen back

Here you can see typical results under natural daylight, low light, and macro close-ups. Olympus files retain more sharpness and color fidelity, while Panasonic images look softer and noisier when pushing ISO.

Final Performance Scores and Value Judgment

Unsprisingly, the Olympus E-400 outperforms the Panasonic across most core photographic metrics, especially sensor-driven image quality and versatility.

Summing Up: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Buy the Olympus E-400 if:

• You want better image quality for portraits, landscapes, or wildlife.
• You’re interested in learning DSLR photography with lens choices.
• You value manual controls and optical viewfinder feedback.
• You can handle a somewhat bulkier body and older storage media.
• You’re okay with no video but want RAW shooting.

Buy the Panasonic FX580 if:

• You need an ultra-light pocketable camera for travel or street shooting.
• You want simple point-and-shoot ease with decent zoom range.
• You occasionally shoot video alongside stills.
• You prefer a straightforward user interface and affordable SD storage.
• You’re on a tighter budget and can sacrifice image quality.

Pros and Cons Recap

Final Thoughts from a Hands-On Tester

From my years of experience testing hundreds of cameras, choices frequently boil down to your priorities and style. The Olympus E-400 is a gem in image quality and traditional DSLR experience but shows its age in ergonomics and multimedia features. The Panasonic FX580 impresses as a lightweight, versatile day-to-day shooter but can’t match the depth or speed of a proper DSLR.

If you’re an enthusiast ready to get deeper into photography, learn with lenses, and prioritize photo quality, the Olympus E-400 is worth the investment, especially if you can snag it used at a bargain price. For casual users or travelers who value convenience and easy sharing, the Panasonic FX580 remains a solid compact camera, albeit dated now.

Remember, both cameras are from distinct eras and categories. While tempting to compare directly, choose based on how a camera makes you enjoy photography - not just specs on paper.

Happy shooting!

If you want to dig deeper or get recommendations for modern cameras that build upon these foundations, just drop a line - I’ve tested cameras across the spectrum and love helping fellow photography enthusiasts get the most bang for their buck.