Olympus E-420 vs Panasonic FX580

In this article, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-420 versus Panasonic FX580, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-420 (10MP) and the FX580 (12MP) is relatively close but the E-420 (Four Thirds) and FX580 (1/2.3") use different sensor size.

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The E-420 was launched 7 months before the FX580 which means that they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-420 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic FX580 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a thorough comparison, below is a brief summation of how the E-420 matches up versus the FX580 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-420 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-420 Gallery and Panasonic FX580 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-420 offers 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) while the Panasonic FX580 has specifications of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-420 versus Panasonic FX580 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilising during that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the E-420 and the FX580.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-420 and FX580 is 77 and 95 respectively.

Typically, its hard to picture the gap in sensor sizing only by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic underneath might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-420 and FX580.

As you can see, both the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-420 due to its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic FX580 will render more detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots a little more aggressively. The older E-420 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.