Olympus E-420 vs Olympus 7010

Lets examine more closely at the Olympus E-420 versus Olympus 7010, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are manufactured by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-420 (10MP) and the 7010 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the E-420 (Four Thirds) and 7010 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-420 was manufactured 13 months earlier than the 7010 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-420 being a Compact SLR camera and the Olympus 7010 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the E-420 grades against the 7010 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-420 & Olympus Stylus 7010. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-420 Gallery & Olympus 7010 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-420 has exterior measurements of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") with a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) while the Olympus 7010 has specifications of 98mm x 56mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-420 versus Olympus 7010 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the E-420 vs the 7010.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-420 and 7010 is 77 and 94 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizing simply by checking a spec sheet. The visual below might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-420 and 7010.

Clearly, each of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-420 because of its bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus 7010 will give you extra detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older E-420 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.