Olympus E-420 vs Panasonic FX78

Here, we are comparing the Olympus E-420 and Panasonic FX78, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-420 (10MP) and the FX78 (12MP) is fairly similar but the E-420 (Four Thirds) and FX78 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-420 was announced 3 years earlier than the FX78 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-420 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic FX78 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a detailed comparison, here is a short summary of how the E-420 scores vs the FX78 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-420 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX78. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-420 Gallery & Panasonic FX78 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-420 features physical 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 Panasonic FX78 has dimensions of 100mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") along with a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-420 and Panasonic FX78 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are using at that moment. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the E-420 versus the FX78.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-420 and FX78 is 77 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to see the contrast between sensor sizing just by reviewing specs. The visual underneath will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-420 and FX78.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-420 having a larger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic FX78 will offer extra detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos way more aggressively. The older E-420 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.