Olympus E-400 vs Panasonic FZ100

Below is a extended review of the Olympus E-400 versus Panasonic FZ100, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a significant gap between the image resolutions of the E-400 (10MP) and FZ100 (14MP) and the E-400 (Four Thirds) and FZ100 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-400 was brought out 4 years earlier than the FZ100 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-400 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving into a full comparison, here is a concise overview of how the E-400 matches up vs the FZ100 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-400 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-400 Gallery and Panasonic FZ100 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-400 comes with external dimensions of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") and a weight of 435 grams (0.96 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ100 has specifications of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") and a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-400 versus Panasonic FZ100 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you use at that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the E-400 and the FZ100.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-400 and FZ100 is 77 and 67 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to see the difference between sensor measurements simply by reviewing technical specs. The photograph below may give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-400 and FZ100.

As you have seen, each of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-400 featuring a bigger sensor will make shooting bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic FZ100 will deliver greater detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots way more aggressively. The older E-400 is going to be behind in sensor technology.