Olympus E-510 vs Panasonic FS42

Here, we will be comparing the Olympus E-510 and Panasonic FS42, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Ultracompact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-510 (10MP) and the FS42 (10MP) is pretty comparable but the E-510 (Four Thirds) and FS42 (1/2.5") posses totally different sensor size.

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The E-510 was revealed 17 months before the FS42 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-510 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a simple overview of how the E-510 scores against the FS42 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-510 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-510 Gallery & Panasonic FS42 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera often, you need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-510 features outside measurements of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") accompanied by a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) and the Panasonic FS42 has specifications of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-510 and Panasonic FS42 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have attached during that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the E-510 vs the FS42.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-510 and FS42 is 69 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing simply by seeing technical specs. The visual here will help offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-510 and FS42.

As you have seen, both of these cameras come with the identical megapixel count albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E-510 uses the bigger sensor which should make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult. The older E-510 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.