Olympus E-600 vs Panasonic FS42

Following is a thorough assessment of the Olympus E-600 vs Panasonic FS42, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Ultracompact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-600 (12MP) and the FS42 (10MP) is pretty similar but the E-600 (Four Thirds) and FS42 (1/2.5") use totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-600 was announced 5 months after the FS42 so they are of a similar generation. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-600 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving in to a complete comparison, below is a simple overview of how the E-600 grades vs the FS42 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-600 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-600 Gallery and Panasonic FS42 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-600 comes with exterior measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 60mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.4") and a weight of 515 grams (1.14 lbs) while the Panasonic FS42 has sizing of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-600 vs Panasonic FS42 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at that time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the E-600 compared to the FS42.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-600 and FS42 is 71 and 95 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to envision the contrast between sensor sizes purely by reviewing specifications. The picture here might offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-600 and FS42.

To sum up, each of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-600 with its bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-600 will deliver greater detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots somewhat more aggressively.