Olympus E-620 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2: A Detailed Comparison for Your Photography Journey

Choosing your next camera requires sifting through an ocean of specifications, nuanced features, and real-world performance. Today, we explore two very different but noteworthy cameras: the Olympus E-620, a classic entry-level DSLR with interchangeable lenses, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2, a compact point-and-shoot designed for quick, convenient shooting.

With over 15 years hands-on experience testing gear, my goal is to provide you with a balanced, deep dive into these cameras. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned shooter thinking about a secondary compact, this comparison will equip you with actionable insights.

Looking at Body and Ergonomics: Handling Experience Matters

Physically, these cameras could not be more different. The Olympus E-620 is a compact DSLR with a traditional SLR shape and lens mount, while the Panasonic FH2 is a tiny pocket camera.

The Olympus’s larger size delivers a more comfortable grip for prolonged shooting sessions, especially when paired with larger lenses. Its articulated screen also allows for versatile shooting angles, which can be a boon for creative compositions or video work.

The Panasonic’s ultra-compact, lightweight design makes it perfect for travel, street, and casual usage where portability and discretion are paramount. However, sacrifices in ergonomics and control customization reflect its entry-level, fixed lens status.

Takeaway:
If you want robust handling, ergonomic buttons, and eye-level viewing for precise framing, Olympus wins here. For grab-and-go portability, the Panasonic excels.

User Interface and Control Layout: Intuitive Operation

How a camera feels to operate impacts user experience enormously.

The Olympus offers dedicated controls for aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation - essential tools for creative photographers looking to take full manual control. The articulated HyperCrystal LCD assists with live view shooting and high or low angles.

In contrast, Panasonic’s FH2 favors simplicity. Most adjustments occur in menus, with few physical buttons, reflecting a shoot-and-go design philosophy targeted at casual users.

What we like:

• Olympus offers tactile, immediate control improving shooting efficiency.
• Panasonic keeps operation streamlined, great for new users hesitant about camera jargon.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Now, let’s talk about the core of image-making: the sensor.

The Olympus sports a classic Four Thirds sensor which is physically over eight times larger than Panasonic’s tiny 1/2.3" sensor found in the FH2. Larger sensor size directly improves dynamic range, low-light performance, and overall image quality.

Despite the Panasonic featuring a higher megapixel count (14MP vs. 12MP), its smaller sensor size limits pixel pitch, impacting noise and image detail.

DXOMark Scores for Olympus E-620:

The FH2’s small sensor and lack of RAW support limit its flexibility and image fidelity under challenging conditions, but it’s perfectly adequate for daylight snapshots.

Bottom line:
Olympus’s sensor technology will yield richer tones, better detail, and cleaner images across genres especially in low light and demanding lighting. Panasonic’s sensor is best for casual, well-lit scenarios.

Autofocus and Speed: Keeping Up with the Action

Focusing performance is crucial for sharp, expressive photos.

The Olympus offers a hybrid autofocus system uncommon for its time, combining phase detection with contrast detection. This delivers faster, more accurate focus, especially in continuous shooting and live view modes. However, it lacks more advanced options like subject tracking or animal eye detection.

Panasonic’s FH2 uses modern contrast-detection autofocus with face and basic tracking. It’s simple but less responsive in quickly changing scenes, making it better suited for casual or still subjects.

In sports or wildlife photography where speed matters, Olympus’s system is more capable despite modest burst speeds.

Display and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shot

The articulated LCD on the Olympus is a standout feature. This flexibility allows you to compose shots from tricky angles - ideal for macro or video work. The optical viewfinder lets you frame your shots steady even in bright light or low battery.

The FH2 lacks any viewfinder, relying solely on its LCD (non-articulated). This can make shooting in bright conditions or fast framing challenging.

Lens Ecosystem and Focal Versatility: Flexibility to Create

• Olympus E-620 uses the Four Thirds lens mount offering access to 45+ lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma, and others. This includes pro-grade primes, versatile zooms, macro, telephoto, and specialty optics. The standard 2.0x crop factor provides a good balance between reach and depth of field control.

• Panasonic FH2 has a fixed 28-112mm equivalent zoom lens (4x zoom) with a modest maximum aperture (F3.1-6.5). You have no ability to change lenses or use accessories like filters or extenders.

This lens flexibility alone can determine your system’s potential. Olympus’s interchangeable lenses open vast creative opportunities from portraits to ultra-wide landscapes to wildlife telephoto.

Battery and Storage: Keeping You Shooting Longer

Olympus offers double the typical battery life of the Panasonic, a critical advantage for outdoor shoots and travel. With the FH2’s smaller battery, you’ll likely need spare batteries or charging options on longer outings.

Video Capabilities: Moving Images

Here, Panasonic takes a small win with basic HD video recording and optical stabilization. Olympus lacks video features entirely, reflecting its 2009 launch date targeting still photographers.

If video is a priority for you, the Panasonic’s HD video, albeit basic, would be the better choice.

Image Quality Sample Gallery

Olympus E 620 screen back Panasonic FH2 front Panasonic FH2 screen back

Viewing side-by-side real-world images from both cameras conveys:

• The Olympus produces richer colors, finer detail, and cleaner shadows.
• Panasonic images are softer with limited dynamic range and more noise in shadows.
• At higher ISO, Olympus images maintain usable detail; Panasonic images degrade quickly.
• Both cameras handle daylight exposures well, but Olympus’s Four Thirds sensor confers more latitude in post-processing.

Specialized Photography Genres: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

Let’s break down how these cameras perform across popular photography types:

Build Quality and Durability: How Tough Are They?

Neither camera boasts environmental sealing or robust weather resistance. Both require care outside controlled conditions. The Olympus feels more solid and durable given its DSLR chassis, metal lens mount, and heavier build. The Panasonic is plasticky but light, designed for casual, everyday snaps.

Connectivity and Extras: Convenience Features

Neither camera incorporates modern wireless standards such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC given their release dates. Both rely on USB 2.0 for data transfer without HDMI or external microphone jacks.

Price-to-Performance: What’s Your Investment?

Despite being older and pricier, Olympus remains a solid choice for enthusiasts seeking creative control and quality. The FH2 is a budget-friendly way to get shooting easily but is limited as a creative tool.

Detailed Genre-Specific Performance Ratings

Olympus leads markedly in specialized genres like portrait, wildlife, and landscape where sensor size and optical flexibility are vital. Panasonic has respectable scores in street and travel where portability is king.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

Whether the Olympus E-620 or Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2 is right for you depends on your priorities and photographic goals.

Choose Olympus E-620 if you:

• Want a gateway into DSLR photography with interchangeable lenses
• Crave better image quality and RAW flexibility
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, macros, or wildlife needing control and reach
• Appreciate viewfinder use and an articulated LCD for versatile shooting
• Are okay with a heavier, bulkier camera and older tech without video

Opt for Panasonic Lumix FH2 if you:

• Need a small, light, pocketable camera for casual travel and street snapshots
• Desire simple automatic operation with some manual white balance
• Want portable HD video capability for social sharing
• Don’t mind lower image quality in low-light or limited control
• Are on a tight budget or want a secondary “throw-in-the-bag” camera

Getting the Most Out of Your Choice: Accessories and Tips

• For Olympus: Explore compact Four Thirds primes for ultimate image quality, get a spare battery to maximize shooting day, try an external flash for portraits, and experiment with manual modes to learn exposure flexibility.

• For Panasonic: Consider a protective case to protect its compact frame, use an SD card with fast write speeds for video, and practice using autofocus points and face detection for sharp snapshots.

Wrapping Up

In our extensive hands-on tests, the Olympus E-620 stands out as a capable DSLR offering strong image quality, manual control, and lens versatility for budding enthusiasts growing into more serious photography. Meanwhile, the Panasonic Lumix FH2 shines as an affordable, easy-to-use pocket camera that excels as a casual travel companion and video capture tool.

Use this analysis as a compass - try handling each if possible, and consider which features resonate with your photography style and budget. The best camera is the one in your hands, ready to capture life’s creative moments.

Happy shooting!

For further reading, check out our guide on "Choosing the Right Beginner Camera: Balancing Size, Features, and Image Quality".