Olympus E-620 vs. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2: Which Camera Wins for Your Photography Needs?

Having tested thousands of cameras over the years, I know how intimidating it can be to choose the right gear - especially when you’re deciding between two models that come from very different school of camera design. Today, we’re pitting the Olympus E-620, a compact entry-level DSLR from 2009, against the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP2, an ultracompact point-and-shoot from early 2010.

Though they came out around the same time, these two serve very different purposes - one geared for beginners who want traditional DSLR control and interchangeable lenses, the other for casual shooters who value pocketability and convenience. I’ve spent days with both, shooting in many conditions and genres, so let me walk you through how they stack up across critical photography categories, from sensor tech to ergonomics, and where each shines or stumbles.

Let’s dive deep, shall we?

Handling and Ergonomics: The Battle of Bulky vs. Slick

First impressions matter, and the physical design heavily influences how a camera feels in use - especially during long shoots.

The Olympus E-620 sports a compact DSLR body with solid grip and traditional control dials you’d expect from a 2009 entry-level SLR. It’s relatively lightweight at 500g but still substantial enough to plant firmly in your hands, complete with a fully articulating 2.7-inch LCD screen - a real boon for low and high-angle shots. The hypercrystal LCD gives decent visibility outdoors, plus articulation opens creative framing possibilities.

On the flip side, the Panasonic FP2 is an ultracompact point-and-shoot weighing a mere 151g and measuring just 99x59x19mm. It slips easily into any pocket or purse, with fixed controls and a fixed screen - also 2.7 inches, but non-articulating. Its slick, minimal design prioritizes portability over grip comfort or manual control.

For photographers with bigger hands or who prefer more tactile, accessible dials and buttons, the E-620 offers clubs for thumbs, so to speak - a practical way to tweak settings on the fly. The FP2, while easy to carry, requires menu diving for many adjustments and won't satisfy those used to DSLR handling.

If you’re the sort to lug around extra lenses and want solid grip for all-day shooting, the E-620’s ergonomics win hands down. But as a grab-and-go travel or street camera, the FP2’s slimness and weight are hard to beat.

Top Controls and User Interface: Traditional DSLR vs. Simple Point-and-Shoot

Ever reach for a dial and find it missing? Or struggle hunting menus on an unresponsive screen? Camera operation speed can make or break your shoot.

Taking a look from above, the Olympus E-620 displays the expected DSLR control layout - dedicated mode dial, exposure compensation button, shutter priority, aperture priority and manual exposure modes selectable via controls, and a cluster of buttons placed logically around the top and back. The LCD status panel is absent, but the optical viewfinder compensates by displaying key settings at a glance.

The Panasonic FP2’s top is minimalist - a shutter release, zoom rocker ring, power button, and flash pop-up. No mode dial, no dedicated exposure compensation. Everything lives inside on-screen menus that require button presses and patience. For quick, deliberate shooters, this can be a hurdle.

From my hands-on testing, the Olympus controls result in quicker response times during moments when speed matters - like catching fleeting expressions or fast-moving subjects. The FP2, while straightforward, suffers usability sacrifices when you want manual control or creative tweaks.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Micro Four Thirds vs. Small Sensor Point-and-Shoot

Of course, the sensor is where the magic (or misery) happens. How well a camera captures light, handles noise, and resolves detail reverberates through your images.

The Olympus E-620 uses a 12.3MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor with TruePic III+ image processor - relatively large at 17.3x13 mm sensor area. This sensor size brings a focal length multiplier of ~2.1x, meaning your lenses behave like doubled focal lengths in terms of field of view.

The Panasonic FP2 features a much tinier 1/2.3" CCD sensor at 14MP resolution, roughly 6.08x4.56 mm. The sensor is paired with Venus Engine IV processor. Its focal length equivalence is about 5.9x, due to the small sensor.

In practical use, the Olympus sensor produces cleaner images at higher ISOs - the native ISO 100-3200 range with decent low-light performance and dynamic range around 10.3 EV at base ISO as per DXO Mark scores. Color depth maxes at 21.3 bits, allowing more gradation and color fidelity. Olympus also uses an anti-aliasing filter, slightly smoothing images to reduce moiré but typically not at a severe resolution cost.

The FP2’s 1/2.3" sensor, while respectable for a compact, offers noisier images at ISO 800 and above. It’s limited by physical sensor size and CCD tech, resulting in narrower dynamic range and less highlight/shadow detail. Additionally, 1/2.3” sensors often struggle to produce good bokeh or subject separation - a key artistic element in portraiture.

So if you’re serious about image quality, the Olympus E-620’s sensor provides a clear advantage.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: Articulating vs. Fixed, Optical vs. None

Both cameras share a 2.7-inch LCD with approximately 230k-dot resolution. However, the E-620’s screen is fully articulating, offering versatility for shooting at awkward angles - handy for macro, street, or video work. The screen technology (HyperCrystal LCD) also renders good color and brightness for daylight conditions.

The FP2’s LCD is fixed and lacks articulation or touchscreen capability, restricting framing flexibility somewhat and dragging usability in creative compositions.

Optical viewfinders also separate these cameras. Olympus employs a pentamirror viewfinder - 95% frame coverage and 0.48x magnification. While not the brightest or largest finder by modern standards, optical viewing remains preferred by many for accuracy, zero lag, and battery savings.

Panasonic FP2 has no viewfinder; composition is entirely through the rear LCD.

For photographers accustomed to traditional framing and precise manual focusing, the E-620’s viewfinder and articulated screen combo is far more practical. The FP2’s limitations push it firmly into casual point-and-shoot territory.

Lens System and Zoom Capabilities: Fixed Versus Interchangeable

Lens versatility often defines how a camera handles diverse shooting situations.

The Olympus E-620 uses the Micro Four Thirds lens mount - arguably one of the richest ecosystems even today, with over 45 lenses available from Olympus and third-parties. The mount supports manual and autofocus lenses covering wide to telephoto+ macro options, plus high-quality primes. The camera’s sensor crop factor means a 25mm lens effectively acts like a 50mm in field of view, which is the classic “normal” lens perspective.

In contrast, the Panasonic FP2 has a fixed zoom lens equivalent to 35-140 mm (4x zoom) with variable aperture F3.5 to F5.9. The lens isn’t nearly as sharp or fast as interchangeable glass and struggles in lower light.

This lens covers basic wide to short telephoto range, suitable for portraits, landscapes, and everyday snapshots but limits creative control. No macro function beyond 10 cm close focus distance.

For the enthusiast or portfolio-builder, the Olympus’s lens ecosystem is a game-changer, enabling tailored optics for every genre - something the FP2 physically cannot compete with.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: DSLR Speed Versus Simplicity

One area where expectations diverge is autofocus (AF) performance.

The Olympus E-620 packs 7 AF points with both phase-detection and contrast-detection AF methods. This hybrid approach improves focusing speed and accuracy. It supports AF face detection in live view mode, continuous AF tracking in bursts, and selective AF areas.

The Panasonic FP2 only offers 9 contrast-detection AF points with single AF mode - slower and less reliable when tracking moving subjects or shooting in low light. No face or eye detection autofocus.

Burst shooting speeds favor the FP2 marginally with 5 fps continuous (limited buffer), while the E-620 offers 4 fps but with better AF accuracy and less focus hunting.

In wildlife or sports photography, where speed and tracking precision matter, the Olympus holds a definitive edge. Casual snapshots or family photos at moderate pace are adequately supported by the FP2.

Image Stabilization and Low Light Capabilities

Both cameras include image stabilization, but the types differ.

Olympus relies on sensor-based stabilization - the sensor physically shifts to counteract camera shake, effective with any lens mounted and valuable for low-light shooting or slow shutter speeds.

Panasonic FP2 uses optical stabilization integrated into the lens hardware (OIS). It helps reduce blur but cannot compensate for all movement types.

In practice, the Olympus E-620’s in-body stabilization is more versatile and robust, especially in combination with fast prime lenses.

Regarding ISO sensitivity, the E-620 supports native ISO 100–3200; the FP2 extends ISO to 6400 but at significant image noise cost due to smaller sensor size. DXO low-light scores confirm the E-620 performs better for clean shots in dim environments.

Specialized Photography: Portraits, Landscapes, Wildlife, and More

Portrait Photography:
Olympus wins here. The larger sensor gives better skin tone rendition and dynamic range. Combined with quality Micro Four Thirds lenses offering wide apertures for sexy bokeh, the E-620 helps isolate subjects artfully. Face detection AF further eases focus on eyes and expressions.

The FP2’s smaller sensor and slower lenses yield flat-looking portraits with more depth of field, making subject-background separation less dramatic.

Landscape Photography:
The Olympus, again, is your choice. Higher resolution (12MP vs. 14MP but bigger sensor beats mere pixel count), broader dynamic range and manual controls help capture details, shadows, and highlight balance across wide vistas. Weather sealing is absent on both models, but involving tripods and filters is easier with DSLR form and interchangeable lenses.

FP2 is lightweight and highly portable but constrained by sensor limits and fixed lens’s optical quality.

Wildlife and Sports:
For action, the Olympus has autofocus tracking and faster, more accurate focusing (phase detection), supporting continuous shooting at 4 fps. Fast telephoto lenses from the MFT range can extend reach.

FP2’s slower focusing and limited zoom hamper performance on brisk subjects, making it more a snapshot tool.

Street Photography:
This is where FP2 shines - compact, slim, and discreet. No mirror slap noise, easy to blend in and shoot candid moments. However, its slower AF and lack of manual control mean some compromises.

E-620 is bulkier and noisier, which may intimidate subjects but grants manual exposure and focusing precision if you can handle the size.

Macro Photography:
Despite no specific macro focus range listed for the E-620 body itself, Micro Four Thirds offers superb dedicated macro lenses. Combined with sensor-shift stabilization, the Olympus is better suited for close-up work.

FP2 can focus down to 10 cm but lacks fine focus control and dedicated optics, limiting detail.

Night and Astro Photography:
The Olympus’s sensor size and ISO range, combined with manual controls and articulating screen, favor low-light and astrophotography. The E-620 also supports longer exposure up to 60 seconds and custom white balance.

The FP2 maxes at 1/1600 sec shutter speed, lacks manual exposure modes, and has reduced low-light capacity - unsuitable for demanding night scenes.

Video Features: Modest at Best

Neither camera was made as a video powerhouse, but it’s worth comparing.

The Olympus E-620 lacks dedicated video recording capabilities altogether - a reflection of DSLR priorities circa 2009.

The Panasonic FP2 offers limited HD video recording at 1280x720 at 30 fps, saving footage as Motion JPEG - not the most efficient. No microphone or headphone ports constrain audio options, and video stabilization is optical from the lens.

So, video enthusiasts will likely look elsewhere, but casual short clips could be recorded with the FP2.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

Olympus uses a proprietary BLS-1 battery rated at about 500 shots per charge - quite decent for an entry-level DSLR. Storage options include Compact Flash and xD Picture Card slots, reflecting older storage standards but sufficient for average day shoots.

Panasonic FP2’s battery type and life aren’t clearly specified here, but ultracompacts generally hold shorter endurance. Storage uses standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and internal memory, adding flexibility.

Both cameras sport USB 2.0 for data transfer but lack HDMI, wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, or GPS - typical of their generation.

Price and Value: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

When I first tested these cameras, the Olympus E-620 was priced around $799 - reflective of its capability as a beginner-level DSLR with interchangeable glass.

The Panasonic FP2 launched at a budget ultracompact price point around $80, making it ideal for ballpark cash-strapped consumers or casual photographers wanting convenience.

Given their 10+ years age now, prices on secondhand markets will vary - but understanding the original positioning is key.

Olympus E 620 screen back Panasonic FP2 front Panasonic FP2 screen back

I hope you appreciate how the Olympus E-620 delivers professional schooling, better image quality, and control for a higher investment. The FP2 offers extreme portability and simplicity but at a high cost to image fidelity and creative flexibility.

Performance Summary: Objective Ratings and Genre Breakdown

Looking objectively, DXO Mark assigns the Olympus E-620 an overall score of 55, good color depth, and solid dynamic range. The FP2 has not been officially tested by DXO, but based on sensor tech and size, it falls in a significantly lower tier.

Here’s how they compare across photographic genres:

Wrapping It Up: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

If you’re a photography enthusiast or professional seeking affordable interchangeable-lens DSLR experience, image quality, and versatile manual controls, the Olympus E-620 remains a compelling classic. It delivers solid performance across portraits, landscapes, macro, and mid-speed action photography. Its robust lens ecosystem and articulating LCD screen put creative tools in your hands. The only downsides are outdated connectivity options and lack of video recording.

Conversely, the Panasonic FP2 is a pocket ninja for pure convenience. Perfect as a travel backup, street shooter for candid moments, or budget cheapskate’s digital camera in a sleeve, it sacrifices creative control and image quality for portability. Its zoom range and noise performance limit pushing it as an ambitious tool, but its tiny size and simple operation make it attractive for casual users or those unwilling to carry bulk.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Olympus E-620

Pros:

• Excellent image quality with Four Thirds sensor
• Interchangeable lens system with vast options
• Solid autofocus with face detection
• Articulated HyperCrystal LCD
• Robust manual controls and exposure modes
• Decent battery life for DSLR
• Sensor-based stabilization

Cons:

• Bulkier than ultracompacts
• No video recording
• Limited or no wireless connectivity
• Older storage formats (CompactFlash/xD cards)

Panasonic FP2

Pros:

• Ultra-compact, lightweight, pocketable
• 4x zoom lens covers versatile focal lengths
• Optical image stabilization
• HD video recording capability
• Easy-to-use menus for beginners
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• Small 1/2.3" CCD sensor with lower image quality
• No manual exposure or shutter/aperture control
• Fixed lens limits creative flexibility
• No viewfinder
• Weak low-light and fast action performance

Final Thoughts

Choosing between the Olympus E-620 and Panasonic Lumix FP2 boils down to priorities:

• Are you passionate about image quality, creative control, and optical versatility? Olympus E-620 is the budget-friendly DSLR companion still holding up well in fundamentals.

• Need something ultra-portable, simple, with decent zoom for everyday casual snaps and travel? Panasonic FP2 your friendly neighborhood ultracompact.

I’ve owned samples of both and can say that carrying the E-620 with a couple of lenses can fuel serious photography growth, while the FP2 rewards those who value mobility without fuss.

If you want my personal recommendation for someone on a limited budget aiming to progress beyond point-and-shoot photography, the Olympus E-620 offers more longevity and photographic joy.

Happy shooting!

For additional detailed specs and to see more sample images and side-by-side comparisons, be sure to check out the galleries and ratings appended above.

Note on testing methodology:
The image quality and autofocus performance discussed here are based on my hands-on testing using standardized lighting setups, real-world shooting scenarios, and comparisons with reference charts per ISO and dynamic range standards. Battery life estimates stem from typical shooting with optical viewfinder use, not continuous live view to simulate actual use cases. Ergonomics assessments come from extended handling in diverse environments, reflecting real photographer experience rather than synthetic benchmarks.

Thank you for reading my in-depth comparison - sending clear, honest perspectives to help you confidently pick your next camera!