Olympus E-600 vs Panasonic FX580

Here is a extended comparison of the Olympus E-600 versus Panasonic FX580, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-600 (12MP) and the FX580 (12MP) is very well matched but the E-600 (Four Thirds) and FX580 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-600 was announced 8 months later than the FX580 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-600 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic FX580 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a in-depth comparison, below is a brief summary of how the E-600 matches up against the FX580 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-600 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-600 Gallery and Panasonic FX580 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera frequently, you'll need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-600 offers external dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 60mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.4") and a weight of 515 grams (1.14 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FX580 has measurements of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

See the Olympus E-600 versus Panasonic FX580 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the E-600 and the FX580.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-600 and FX580 is 71 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizing purely by looking at technical specs. The graphic here will help provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-600 and FX580.

As you have seen, each of the cameras posses the exact same resolution but not the same sensor sizing. The E-600 includes the larger sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow depth of field less difficult. The more modern E-600 will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.