Olympus E-510 vs Panasonic FS7

Below, we are looking at the Olympus E-510 versus Panasonic FS7, former being a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-510 (10MP) and the FS7 (10MP) is very similar but the E-510 (Four Thirds) and FS7 (1/2.5") feature totally different sensor size.

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The E-510 was announced 14 months before the FS7 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-510 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic FS7 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go through a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise overview of how the E-510 scores vs the FS7 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-510 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-510 Gallery & Panasonic FS7 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera frequently, you will want to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-510 offers physical measurements of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") with a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) and the Panasonic FS7 has sizing of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") with a weight of 139 grams (0.31 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-510 versus Panasonic FS7 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you use during that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the E-510 and the FS7.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-510 and FS7 is 69 and 95 respectively.

Often, its tough to envision the gap between sensor sizing purely by reviewing a spec sheet. The photograph here should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-510 and FS7.

Clearly, both of those cameras posses the exact same MP but not the same sensor sizing. The E-510 contains the larger sensor which will make getting shallow depth of field easier. The older E-510 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.