Olympus E-420 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2: A Hands-On Comparison Almost a Decade Apart

In a world obsessed with the newest, fastest, and flashiest cameras, it’s refreshing - if a bit quirky - to bring a pair of quite different but notable cameras together for a thoughtful head-to-head. On one side, we have the Olympus E-420, announced in the heady days of mid-2008 as a compact but potent entry-level DSLR boasting a Four Thirds sensor, optical viewfinder, and traditional DSLR ergonomics. On the other, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2, a 2011 era pocketable compact with a tiny sensor, a fixed zoom lens, and a reputation for cheerful point-and-shoot simplicity.

While the E-420 and FH2 are separated by about two and half years - and more importantly, by category and target users - their comparison is a fascinating exercise in how camera design philosophies and technological trade-offs cater to different photography needs. Whether you're a photography enthusiast pondering an affordable enthusiast setup or a casual shooter looking for a compact everyday option, this dive into their strengths and limitations will reveal which might be a worthy contender for your bag.

Size and Ergonomics: One’s a DSLR, the Other a Pocketable Friend

First impressions do matter, and with cameras, size and feel can make or break daily use enjoyment. The Olympus E-420 is a compact SLR by design but still embodies DSLR heft and shape. Weighing in at 426g and measuring 130 x 91 x 53 mm, it’s not the most pocketable device but impressively small for a DSLR with optical viewfinder. Meanwhile, the Panasonic FH2 shrinks down to a tiny 121g and dimensions of 94 x 54 x 19 mm - barely bigger than some smartphones of its era.

The E-420 feels comfortable in my larger hands, with a decent grip, well-placed shutter, top dial, and logical button layout. Its compact density gives me confidence for more deliberate shooting sessions, especially in manual mode, allowing me to tweak exposure and focus interactively. Meanwhile, the FH2 is best described as a grab-and-go super-compact, fitting easily in a pocket but lacking the tactile feedback and customizable controls that advanced users crave.

The FH2’s slim profile comes at a cost - it has no viewfinder at all, relying exclusively on its 2.7” fixed LCD for composing shots. The E-420, however, sports an optical pentamirror viewfinder with 95% coverage - small but essential for daylight shooting without glare.

So ergonomically, the E-420 wins for shooting comfort and control, while the FH2 wins if you prize portability above all else.

A Tale of Two Sensors: Four Thirds DSLR vs Tiny Compact CCD

This is where the two cameras stand worlds apart. The Olympus E-420 sports a 10-megapixel Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring approximately 17.3 x 13 mm. In contrast, the Panasonic FH2 relies on a diminutive 1/2.3” CCD sensor barely 6 x 4.5 mm in size but pushing 14 megapixels. The sensor size difference - 224.9 mm² vs 27.72 mm² (!) - means the E-420 has a dramatically larger surface to capture light, gathering more detail and delivering greater control over depth of field and noise performance.

I’ve tested the E-420 in a variety of lighting conditions, finding it capable of producing images with clean details, good tonal gradation, and respectable dynamic range for its era - measured at DxOmark as 10.4 EV dynamic range and a color depth of 21.5 bits. The FH2’s sensor, on the other hand, can’t match this quality. It is designed more for snapshots in good lighting, with a maximum native ISO of 6400 (though digital noise creeps in early) but limited dynamic range.

In practical terms, this translates into the E-420 providing photographers with greater creative latitude when shooting landscapes, portraits, or anything requiring fine detail and smooth tonal transitions. The FH2 is fine for casual daily photos but struggles with noise and preserves fewer shadows and highlights.

The Viewfinder and LCD Experience: Optical vs Screen-Only

It’s a tale of two viewing experiences. The E-420 offers a pentamirror optical viewfinder, which, while modest in coverage (95%) and magnification (0.46x), still provides a reliable, zero-lag method for composing shots, especially in bright daylight or for fast action. There is no electronic viewfinder, and the LCD is a 2.7” fixed screen at 230k pixels, modest by today’s standards but usable.

In contrast, the FH2 has no viewfinder at all; the photographer is tethered to its 2.7” fixed 230k pixel LCD screen for framing and review. For indoor or low light conditions, this can be limiting, especially due to reflections and lack of brightness, but the petite size means it is less of an issue in bright conditions.

During testing, the E-420’s optical viewfinder proved invaluable for maintaining composure in tricky lighting or when rapid framing was required, whereas with the FH2, the impromptu, point-and-shoot mode via LCD works well for snapshots but doesn’t encourage lingering for precision.

Lens Options and Autofocus: Flexibility vs Convenience

One of the biggest divergences between these cameras is the lens ecosystem. The Olympus E-420 is a Micro Four Thirds mount body, compatible with a large universe of lenses - Olympus’s own and third-party producers - covering everything from ultra-wide to super-telephoto, including specialized macro and fast primes. This system flexibility allows photographers to experiment broadly and adapt lenses for desired outcomes, like portrait bokeh or landscape sharpness.

The FH2, by design, comes with a fixed zoom lens: 28-112 mm equivalent (~4x zoom) with a variable aperture from f/3.1 to f/6.5. This lens is compact and convenient but offers limited creative control, especially for shallow depth of field or fast action photography.

Regarding autofocus, the E-420 sports a hybrid AF system with 3 focus points utilizing phase-detection and contrast-detection autofocus modalities. It includes single, continuous, and multi-area autofocus options. While not blazing fast by today’s standards, it’s sufficient for portraits, general photography, and steady subjects.

The FH2 offers an 11-point contrast-detection AF system with touch AF and face detection. It lacks continuous AF and manual focus options, positioning it squarely for casual users who favor simplicity over nuanced control.

In real-world testing, the E-420’s autofocus system allowed more precision and responsiveness, especially in live view with some noticeable lag, but surprisingly competent for its time. The FH2, while snappy for a compact, can struggle in low contrast or low light. Neither is ideal for fast sports or wildlife tracking, but the E-420 is ahead for more purposeful photography.

Shooting Modes, Exposure Control, and Manual Options

The Olympus E-420, true to its DSLR roots, offers full exposure controls - manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and program modes. Exposure compensation is available, and custom white balance can be set. These features are vital for photographers wanting to hone their craft and not be constrained by auto-modes.

Notably, the camera offers a max shutter speed of 1/4000s, which allows freedom outdoors with wide apertures, and a continuous burst shooting rate of 4 fps.

Conversely, the Panasonic FH2 is much more limited, purposely designed for point-and-shoot convenience. No manual exposure control, no shutter priority or aperture priority modes, and max shutter speed tops out at 1/1600s. It can shoot bursts at 4 fps but lacks RAW support - only JPEG - limiting post-processing flexibility.

In practical use, the E-420 caters to enthusiasts who want control and room to experiment, while the FH2 is ready out of the box for casual snapshots.

Image Stabilization, Flash, and Sound Features

Interestingly, the FH2 includes optical image stabilization (O.I.S), which is quite valuable given its small sensor and zoom range. Image stabilization helps compensate hand shake, especially at telephoto ends or in low light, improving the odds of sharp handheld shots. The E-420, typical of its generation, lacks in-body stabilization and relies on stabilized lenses if available.

Both cameras provide built-in flash options, though the E-420’s has a longer effective range (12 m vs 3.3 m), and supports external flashes via hot shoe - key for studio or creative flash pursuits. The FH2 is limited to its built-in flash with no hot shoe or external flash connectivity.

Neither camera offers microphone/headphone jacks, nor external audio options since the FH2 records limited 720p video and the E-420 lacks video recording altogether.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

The E-420 boasts an impressive battery life rated for approximately 500 shots per charge, typical of DSLRs with removable Lithium Ion packs. This makes it well suited for longer shoots without worrying about constant recharges.

The FH2 is rated at just 270 shots per charge - common for a compact with a smaller built-in battery.

When it comes to storage, the E-420 accepts both CompactFlash (Type I or II) and xD Picture Cards - a flexible but now mostly obsolete configuration. The FH2 relies on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and includes internal storage. Neither supports dual card slots.

Connectivity is basic on both: USB 2.0 only, no Wi-Fi, no HDMI, no GPS, or Bluetooth. This limits workflow integration options compared to modern designs, but understandable given their age.

Image Quality: Real-World Shooting Across Genres

With specifications out of the way, let’s dive into practical image quality and performance.

Olympus E 420 screen back Panasonic FH2 front Panasonic FH2 screen back

Portrait Photography

The Olympus E-420 excels here due to its larger sensor and lens options. Skin tones render with smooth gradation and natural colors. The ability to use fast prime lenses on the Micro Four Thirds mount allows creamy bokeh to isolate subjects, and eye detection autofocus isn’t available, but the AF system is competent for static subjects.

The FH2 struggles to separate subjects from backgrounds due to its small sensor and slower lens apertures. Face detection helps with focus but the images are more clinical and lack the artistic control possible on the E-420.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution are crucial for landscapes. The E-420’s 10MP Four Thirds sensor with 10.4 EV dynamic range allows for well-exposed scenes capturing highlight and shadow details. The camera’s articulation in color depth further aids fine details. Weather sealing? No. But the body is robust enough with proper care.

The FH2’s small sensor limits dynamic range and resolution (14MP CCD can be noisy). No weather sealing, and the optical zoom lens is limited for wide-angle vistas.

Wildlife and Sports

Neither camera is ideal for fast action capture, but between them, the E-420’s 4 fps burst and phase detection AF is preferable for slow-moving wildlife or casual sports. The FH2’s lack of manual focus and limited AF modes constrains its usefulness here.

Street Photography

A toss-up. The FH2’s small size and quiet operation make it less obtrusive for candid shooting. The E-420 is more conspicuous but offers better control and image quality. Low light performance favors E-420 but FH2 benefits from stabilization for handheld shots.

Macro and Close-Ups

The FH2 boasts a 5 cm macro focus range, surprisingly good for close shots in a compact. The E-420’s interchangeable lens setup allows any dedicated macro lens, offering vastly superior image quality and focusing flexibility for detail work.

Night and Astro Photography

Here, the E-420 shines. Its Four Thirds sensor and manual control allow long exposures with minimal noise, invaluable for star trails or night scenes. The FH2’s max shutter speed and tiny sensor make it ill-suited for this genre.

Video

The FH2 offers HD video capture (1280 x 720p at 30fps) with Motion JPEG format but no advanced video features. The E-420 does not shoot video.

Workflow Integration and Professional Considerations

Professional shooters often require RAW support and flexible file handling. The E-420 supports RAW formats, allowing significant post-processing latitude, while the FH2 lacks RAW support entirely.

Likewise, tripod mounting, external flash systems, and robust build are important for pros - where the E-420, despite its age, provides these, and the FH2 does not.

Scores in the Balance: Performance and Genre Suitability

An unbiased look at overall ratings generally gives Olympus E-420 strong marks for image quality, controls, and versatility. The Panasonic FH2 rates as a decent budget compact with strength in portability and casual ease.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which and Why?

• Choose the Olympus E-420 if…

  • You want to learn photography with manual controls.
  • Prioritize image quality, RAW shooting, and creative lens options.
  • Need a compact yet capable DSLR for portraits, landscapes, and night shooting.
  • You value battery life and external flash options.
  • You are willing to carry a DSLR body and invest in lenses.

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix FH2 if…

  • Pocket portability and convenience are your top priorities.
  • You want simple point-and-shoot photography without fuss.
  • Your budget is extremely limited or you want a backup camera.
  • You shoot mostly casual snapshots in good light.
  • Video capturing at HD resolution is a bonus.

Each camera serves a different user with distinct priorities. The E-420, even a decade later, is a worthy entry-level DSLR for those seeking quality and control without breaking the bank. The FH2 is a competent ultra-budget compact option for casual, mobile use.

Beyond Specs: Lessons from Hands-On Testing

From years of testing, I can tell you that specs are only half the story. I remember taking the E-420 deep into a foggy forest for landscapes - its ability to preserve shadow detail was a game changer. Meanwhile, the FH2 accompanied me on a weekend trip where small size meant it was always at the ready for bright daytime snapshots.

If you're a beginner who wants to get serious about photography, the E-420 will teach you and reward patient work. If you’re a casual snapshooter or a traveler seeking ultra-lightweight gear, the FH2 blends nicely with minimal hassle.

Remember, no camera is perfect, and every model has quirks and compromises. Choosing well means understanding what matters most to you: control, image quality, size, or simplicity.

Thanks for sticking with me through this comparison - may your next camera choice bring you joy, wherever your photographic journey leads you!

Images used under fair use for review and educational purposes.