Olympus E-420 vs Panasonic FZ100

Here, we will be looking at the Olympus E-420 vs Panasonic FZ100, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap among the resolutions of the E-420 (10MP) and FZ100 (14MP) and the E-420 (Four Thirds) and FZ100 (1/2.3") provide different sensor measurements.

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The E-420 was released 3 years earlier than the FZ100 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-420 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the E-420 scores vs the FZ100 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-420 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-420 Gallery and Panasonic FZ100 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-420 enjoys exterior 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) whilst the Panasonic FZ100 has measurements of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") along with a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-420 vs Panasonic FZ100 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have at that moment. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the E-420 compared to the FZ100.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-420 and FZ100 is 77 and 67 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to visualize the gap in sensor sizing purely by viewing a spec sheet. The photograph below should give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-420 and FZ100.

Clearly, both of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-420 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic FZ100 will render extra detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots way more aggressively. The older E-420 will be behind in sensor tech.