Olympus E-420 vs Panasonic FP1

The following is a complete overview of the Olympus E-420 versus Panasonic FP1, former is a Entry-Level DSLR while the other is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-420 (10MP) and the FP1 (12MP) is fairly close but the E-420 (Four Thirds) and FP1 (1/2.3") posses different sensor dimensions.

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The E-420 was brought out 18 months before the FP1 making them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-420 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a short highlight of how the E-420 grades versus the FP1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-420 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-420 Gallery & Panasonic FP1 Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-420 provides physical measurements of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") along with a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Panasonic FP1 has specifications of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") with a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs).

See the Olympus E-420 versus Panasonic FP1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have during that time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the E-420 and the FP1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-420 and FP1 is 77 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to visualize the gap in sensor dimensions just by looking through specifications. The picture below will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-420 and FP1.

Plainly, each of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-420 because of its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF simpler and the Panasonic FP1 will provide you with greater detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop images way more aggressively. The more aged E-420 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.