Olympus E-520 vs Panasonic FH6

Let's examine more closely at the Olympus E-520 vs Panasonic FH6, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the E-520 (10MP) and FH6 (14MP) and the E-520 (Four Thirds) and FH6 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-520 was announced 4 years prior to the FH6 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-520 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic FH6 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the E-520 matches up against the FH6 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-520 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH6. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-520 Gallery and Panasonic FH6 Gallery.

If you are looking to travel with your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-520 offers external measurements of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") accompanied by a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) and the Panasonic FH6 has proportions of 96mm x 56mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.8") with a weight of 119 grams (0.26 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-520 vs Panasonic FH6 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the E-520 against the FH6.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-520 and FH6 is 68 and 96 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to envision the difference between sensor dimensions purely by looking at a spec sheet. The picture here will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-520 and FH6.

Clearly, the 2 cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-520 using its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic FH6 will resolve greater detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged E-520 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.