Olympus E-420 vs Panasonic FH1

Lets look a bit more in depth at the Olympus E-420 and Panasonic FH1, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-420 (10MP) and the FH1 (12MP) is relatively close but the E-420 (Four Thirds) and FH1 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-420 was announced 18 months prior to the FH1 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-420 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic FH1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a quick view of how the E-420 grades versus the FH1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-420 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-420 Gallery and Panasonic FH1 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-420 enjoys outer measurements of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") accompanied by a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Panasonic FH1 has sizing of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-420 and Panasonic FH1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the E-420 versus the FH1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-420 and FH1 is 77 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizing merely by viewing a spec sheet. The graphic underneath may offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-420 and FH1.

Clearly, the two cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-420 having a bigger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic FH1 will result in more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs way more aggressively. The older E-420 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.