Olympus FE-4000 vs Panasonic G9

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Olympus FE-4000 versus Panasonic G9, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference among the sensor resolutions of the FE-4000 (12MP) and G9 (20MP) and the FE-4000 (1/2.3") and G9 (Four Thirds) posses different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The FE-4000 was announced 9 years prior to the G9 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus FE-4000 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G9 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a detailed comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the FE-4000 grades against the G9 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus FE-4000 & Panasonic Lumix DC-G9. The whole galleries are available at Olympus FE-4000 Gallery & Panasonic G9 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera often, you need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus FE-4000 comes with physical measurements of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) and the Panasonic G9 has dimensions of 137mm x 97mm x 92mm (5.4" x 3.8" x 3.6") having a weight of 658 grams (1.45 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus FE-4000 versus Panasonic G9 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the FE-4000 against the G9.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the FE-4000 and G9 is 95 and 62 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to picture the difference in sensor sizing just by viewing specifications. The photograph here may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the FE-4000 and G9.

To sum up, both of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FE-4000 with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Panasonic G9 will result in more detail with its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots more aggressively. The older FE-4000 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.