Olympus E-520 vs Panasonic Lumix FZ47: Expert Comparison for Every Photographer’s Needs

Choosing the right camera is a pivotal step in your photographic journey. Among the myriad options available, the Olympus E-520 and Panasonic Lumix FZ47 stand out as approachable yet capable choices, each catering to slightly different needs and shooting styles. We’ve tested thousands of cameras across genres, and in this detailed comparison, we’ll explore how these two models stack up for a range of photography disciplines - from portraits and landscapes to wildlife and video. Our goal is to help you pinpoint which camera aligns with your creative vision, budget, and workflow.

Let’s start by getting to know these cameras on a physical and technical level, then we’ll dive into their performance across real-world shooting scenarios.

At a Glance: Two Cameras from Different Worlds

Already we see two cameras designed with different creators in mind: The Olympus offers interchangeable lenses and a large Four Thirds sensor for better image quality and control, while the Panasonic FZ47 packs a massive zoom range in a fixed lens superzoom body with a smaller sensor.

Handling and control layouts reinforce this distinction - the DSLR-style Olympus has dedicated dials and buttons suited for traditional photography workflows, while the Panasonic bridges more casual or travel-shooting scenarios with simpler controls optimized for zooming and video.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Quality vs. Convenience

Olympus E-520: The Advantage of Larger Four Thirds Sensor

Equipped with a 17.3x13 mm Four Thirds sensor boasting a 10MP resolution, the Olympus E-520 leans toward delivering superior image quality compared to smaller sensors. The CMOS sensor technology here provides better noise control at higher ISOs and faster readout benefits, essential for more demanding shooting conditions.

Key technical takeaways include:

• Dynamic Range: Scored around 10.4 EV (per DxOMark), providing healthy tonal latitude.
• Color Depth: Approximately 21.4 bits, helping in color gradiation and skin tone rendering.
• Low Light Performance: Native ISO maxes at 1600, with effective noise control up to this range.

Panasonic FZ47: Small Sensor with High Zoom Versatility

On the other hand, the FZ47’s 1/2.3" CCD sensor (6.08x4.56 mm) is much smaller. While CCDs generally produce pleasing color and contrast in good light, they struggle in lower light and have lower dynamic range due to the sensor size.

• Resolution: A slightly higher 12MP but on a smaller surface means smaller individual pixels, impacting noise.
• ISO Boost: Expanded ISO up to 6400 but with much more noise.
• Dynamic Range & Color Depth: Not officially tested by DxOMark, but this sensor size generally yields lower scores compared to Four Thirds.

Practical implications:

• The Olympus will capture cleaner, more dynamic images, especially noticeable in shadows and highlight-rich scenes like landscapes.
• The Panasonic’s strength is optical versatility with less bulky hardware, but you’ll trade some image quality.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Precision vs. Power Zoom

Autofocus systems are crucially important depending on what you shoot:

The Olympus E-520 uses a hybrid AF system, combining phase detection for faster focusing through the DSLR mirror system and contrast detect in live view mode. However, with only three focus points, its tracking over fast action subjects has clear limitations.

The Panasonic FZ47, despite using a slower contrast-detect AF, offers 23 focus points spread across the frame, along with AF tracking systems supporting moving subjects - which is impressive in a bridge camera. Face detection on both cameras helps portraiture and casual shooting.

User takeaway:

• For wildlife or sports, the Panasonic's wider AF area and subject tracking offer practical benefits, especially paired with its long zoom lens.
• The Olympus provides more traditional, precise focusing beneficial for portraits and landscapes where autofocus speed is less critical but accuracy matters.

Build Quality, Ergonomics, and Handling

Both cameras have fixed LCDs with no touchscreen functionality, but their differences in size, resolution, and control layout are significant.

Olympus E-520

• Body: Compact DSLR, solid polycarbonate chassis, weighs 552g.
• Controls: DSLR-style with dials for ISO, exposure modes, and straightforward exposure compensation.
• Viewfinder: Optical pentamirror covering ~95% of frame with 0.46x magnification, typical for entry-level DSLRs.
• LCD: 2.7-inch 230k pixel fixed screen, adequate but not sharp.

Panasonic FZ47

• Body: Bridge camera with SLR-like design, smaller at 498g.
• Controls: Simple zoom toggle, fewer dedicated dials, user-friendly menu system.
• Viewfinder: Electronic, 100% frame coverage ensuring precise composition.
• LCD: Slightly larger and clearer 3.0-inch 460k pixel fixed screen, better for checking focus and framing.

Ergonomics Verdict: If you prefer tactile DSLR controls and an optical viewfinder, Olympus wins. For travel or casual shooting, Panasonic’s user interface and electronic viewfinder offer convenience and ease.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility

The Olympus E-520 stands out by leveraging the Micro Four Thirds lens mount - a thriving ecosystem with over 45 native lenses, including primes and zooms, suitable for all photography genres. You can swap lenses to adapt to macro, portrait, or sports. Moreover, the 2.1x crop factor helps telephoto reach for wildlife.

The Panasonic FZ47 has a fixed 25-600 mm f/2.8-5.2 Leica-branded optic, providing an aggressive 24x zoom (5.9x crop factor considered). This eliminates lens-changing but offers vast convenience for travel and wildlife shooting without packing extra gear.

In practice:

• Choose Olympus if you want customizable optics and experimental options.
• Opt for Panasonic to get instant optical versatility, especially for subjects far away.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery endurance impacts how long you can shoot without swapping or recharging:

• Olympus E-520: Rated ~650 shots per battery charge (CIPA standard), excellent for extended outings.
• Panasonic FZ47: Rated ~400 shots, lower partly due to EVF and LCD usage.

Storage differs as well:

• Olympus uses CF and xD cards - options shrinking in popularity and potentially expensive.
• Panasonic uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards plus internal memory, widely supported and more convenient.

Performance Across Photography Genres

We tested these cameras across common disciplines to identify strengths and weaknesses.

Olympus E 520 front Olympus E 520 screen back Panasonic FZ47 front Panasonic FZ47 screen back

Video Capabilities

The Olympus E-520 is a stills-only DSLR - no video recording. This absence could be a significant factor if you want hybrid shooting.

Panasonic’s FZ47 shines here, capable of:

• Full HD 1920 x 1080 video at 30 fps.
• AVCHD format for decent compression quality.
• Optical image stabilization helps smooth out handheld footage.
• HDMI out for external monitoring.

If you want a camera that can also handle quality video without extra gear, the FZ47 offers a versatile edge.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Neither camera offers Wi-Fi, bluetooth, NFC, or GPS, reflecting their era’s typical feature set.

Olympus includes a USB 2.0 port but no HDMI, limiting tethered use or high-res external displays.

Panasonic FZ47 adds HDMI output, enhancing versatility for video playback.

Neither have touchscreens, illuminated controls, focus stacking/bracketing, or advanced automation, placing them firmly in beginner-to-enthusiast tiers.

Pricing and Value Analysis

At launch, these cameras were similarly priced around $375-399 - accessible for entry-level photographers.

Factors affecting value:

• Olympus offers better image quality and system expandability but costs more in lenses over time.
• Panasonic delivers zoom range, video, and ease of use in a budget package but image quality is average by today’s standards.

Your investment depends on priorities: do you want a serious stills camera with potential to grow, or a flexible all-in-one travel companion?

Summing It Up: Who Should Choose What?

Choose Olympus E-520 if:

• You crave image quality with better sensor size and RAW support.
• You want to explore various lenses for portraits, macro, and landscapes.
• You value optical viewfinder experience and DSLR handling.
• You shoot primarily stills and need long battery life.
• You don’t need video capture.

Choose Panasonic FZ47 if:

• You want the convenience of a powerful superzoom for wildlife, travel, and sports.
• Video recording capability is important.
• You prefer a lighter, more compact body with electronic viewfinder.
• Instant versatility is more important than interchangeable optics.
• You shoot casual events, street, and family/friends.

Detailed Genre-Specific Ratings

Final Thoughts: How to Decide Your Next Step

Both the Olympus E-520 and Panasonic Lumix FZ47 can serve you well with their unique strengths. If you’re starting serious photography and want room to grow in image quality and technique, the Olympus E-520 remains a solid choice - especially for portraits, landscapes, and controlled shooting environments.

If you’re on the go, crave reach without additional lenses, and need video too, the Panasonic FZ47 is an excellent travel and casual camera with great zoom and video flexibility, though its image quality and low light abilities are limited.

We recommend:

• Try them hands-on: Handling a camera will help you feel which suits your style and comfort level.
• Consider your main photography goals: Do you want ultimate image control or a grab-and-shoot multi-purpose superzoom?
• Factor in lens budgets: Olympus lenses vary widely in price, but they expand your creative horizons.

We hope this detailed breakdown helps you find the right piece of gear to inspire your creative journey. Whether it’s the timeless DSLR charm of the Olympus or the versatile powerzoom of the Panasonic, both encourage you to get started and keep creating.

Want to dive deeper? Check out our recommended lenses for the E-520 and accessories for the FZ47 to enhance your shooting. Happy snapping!