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Olympus FE-4000 vs Panasonic S1H

Portability
95
Imaging
34
Features
17
Overall
27
Olympus FE-4000 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H front
Portability
52
Imaging
75
Features
87
Overall
79

Olympus FE-4000 vs Panasonic S1H Key Specs

Olympus FE-4000
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • 640 x 480 video
  • 26-105mm (F2.6-5.9) lens
  • 136g - 95 x 57 x 22mm
  • Announced July 2009
  • Additionally Known as X-925
Panasonic S1H
(Full Review)
  • 24MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3.2" Fully Articulated Display
  • ISO 100 - 51200 (Push to 204800)
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • 5952 x 3988 video
  • Leica L Mount
  • 1052g - 151 x 114 x 110mm
  • Announced August 2019
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The Olympus FE-4000 vs. Panasonic Lumix S1H: A Deep Dive into Two Very Different Cameras

When it comes to photography gear, the range of available cameras spans a broad spectrum - from simple compact point-and-shoots to professional-grade mirrorless beasts. To truly understand your options, it’s essential to compare devices across all fronts: sensor technology, performance, usability, and adaptability to various photographic genres.

Today, we pit two cameras at opposite ends of this spectrum against each other: the Olympus FE-4000, a budget-friendly small sensor compact from 2009, and the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H, a full-frame professional mirrorless powerhouse launched in 2019. While these cameras cater to hugely different users, exploring their features and their real-world usage helps you appreciate how camera tech affects image quality, usability, and creative potential.

Seeing the Difference at a Glance: Size and Ergonomics

An immediate difference you’ll notice is size and handling. The Olympus FE-4000 is a tiny, pocket-friendly compact designed for effortless snapshots. The Panasonic S1H is a hefty SLR-style body engineered for professional handling and extended shooting.

Olympus FE-4000 vs Panasonic S1H size comparison

  • Olympus FE-4000:

    • Dimensions: 95 x 57 x 22 mm
    • Weight: 136 g
    • Small, light, slip-it-in-your-pocket-friendly
  • Panasonic S1H:

    • Dimensions: 151 x 114 x 110 mm
    • Weight: 1052 g
    • Built for grip, balance with large lenses, and longer sessions

For travel or casual shooting, the Olympus excels in portability, while the Panasonic commands respect with its robust presence. Ergonomically, the S1H offers deeper grips, weather sealing, and button customization - you’re meant to spend hours with the camera comfortably.

Control Layouts and Usability: Quick Access vs. Extensive Customization

When you look at the top layout of these cameras, the contrast in control design reflects their target users.

Olympus FE-4000 vs Panasonic S1H top view buttons comparison

  • FE-4000 features minimal controls - no manual exposure modes or dials, relying mostly on auto modes and a simple flash, ideal for casual shooters or beginners who want point-and-shoot simplicity.
  • S1H offers a complex array:
    • Dedicated dials for shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation
    • Programmable buttons and dual control wheels
    • Illuminated buttons for shooting in low light
    • A top LCD display for at-a-glance info

This means for anyone who wants manual control - say in sports, landscape, or professional portraiture - the S1H’s layout is designed to let your creativity flow without menu diving, while the FE-4000 suits snapshots in good light with minimal fuss.

The Heart of the Image: Sensor Size and Image Quality

Sensor technology makes the most striking difference between these two cameras. The Olympus FE-4000 uses a 1/2.3” CCD sensor typical of compact cameras, while the Panasonic S1H boasts a large full-frame CMOS sensor.

Olympus FE-4000 vs Panasonic S1H sensor size comparison

Feature Olympus FE-4000 Panasonic Lumix S1H
Sensor Size 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) Full frame (35.6 x 23.8 mm)
Sensor Area 28.07 mm² 847.28 mm²
Resolution 12 MP 24 MP
Sensor Type CCD CMOS
Max Native ISO 1600 51200 (boost to 204800)
Anti-aliasing Filter Yes Yes

Key Takeaways:

  • The S1H’s sensor size dwarfs that of the FE-4000, meaning it gathers substantially more light, which translates to better dynamic range, lower noise at high ISOs, and improved resolution.
  • The full-frame CMOS sensor in the S1H is more advanced, enabling better color accuracy and finer detail.

From portraits to astrophotography, sensor size and tech critically impact image quality. The FE-4000 is ideal for casual, daylit scenarios but will fall short in low light and demanding genres. The S1H, by contrast, offers professional-grade image quality across most disciplines.

Shooting Modes and Exposure Flexibility

Camera control over exposure is pivotal for creative photography.

  • Olympus FE-4000:

    • No aperture/shutter/manual exposure modes
    • Fully automatic exposure
    • ISO limited to 100-1600 without manual adjustment
    • No exposure compensation or bracketing
    • Limited shutter speeds: 4s to 1/2000s
  • Panasonic S1H:

    • Full suite: manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, program
    • ISO range from 50–51200+, expandable to 204800
    • Exposure compensation ±5 EV
    • Bracketing (AEB, WB)
    • Shutter speeds 60s to 1/8000s plus electronic shutter options

For professionals shooting complex scenes or controlling depth of field and motion, the S1H’s exposure flexibility is essential. On the other hand, if you prefer effortless picture-taking without worrying about settings, the FE-4000’s simplicity shines.

Autofocus Capabilities and Focus Precision

Autofocus (AF) systems are vital for sharp images, especially in fast-moving environments.

Feature Olympus FE-4000 Panasonic Lumix S1H
AF System Contrast-detection only Contrast-detection with DFD (Depth From Defocus)
AF Modes Single AF only Continuous AF, Tracking, Face detect, Touch AF
AF Points Not specified (limited) 225 focus points
Face Detection No Yes
Eye AF / Animal Eye AF No Eye Detection (human only)

The FE-4000 can focus well under good lighting on static subjects, but it lacks advanced AF features such as continuous AF or tracking. It is not geared for action or wildlife photography.

The S1H offers cutting-edge autofocus, with accurate and speedy tracking for sports, wildlife, portraits, and video shooting. Its 225 AF points cover much of the frame, and live eye detection ensures tack-sharp portraits.

Display Technology and Viewfinder Experience

How you review your shots or compose images impacts usability.

Olympus FE-4000 vs Panasonic S1H Screen and Viewfinder comparison

  • Olympus FE-4000:

    • 2.7-inch fixed LCD, 230k dots resolution
    • No touchscreen, no articulating mechanism
    • No electronic or optical viewfinder
  • Panasonic S1H:

    • 3.2-inch fully articulating OLED touchscreen with 2.33 million dots
    • High-resolution 0.78x magnification electronic viewfinder at 5760 dots
    • Top LCD display for key info

The S1H is built for critical composition, flexible angles, and reliable autofocus via touch. Meanwhile, the FE-4000’s simple fixed screen and lack of viewfinder limits precise framing, especially in bright sunlight or challenging angles.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility

Your choice of lenses vastly affects creative possibilities.

  • Olympus FE-4000:

    • Fixed 26-105 mm equivalent (4x zoom, F2.6-5.9)
    • Macro focusing down to 3 cm
    • No interchangeable lens option
  • Panasonic S1H:

    • Leica L mount with over 30 native lenses
    • Compatible with a vast range of prime, zoom, wide-angle, telephoto lenses
    • Supports focus stacking, bracketing, and macro through lens choice

The fixed lens on the FE-4000 is convenient but restricts versatility. The S1H opens the full potential of the mirrorless ecosystem, letting you tailor your gear to portraits, landscapes, wildlife, macro, and more.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Another major factor in professional or outdoor-use cameras is how they stand up to harsh conditions.

  • Olympus FE-4000:

    • Lightweight plastic construction
    • No weather sealing or shock protection
  • Panasonic S1H:

    • Magnesium alloy body with robust splash, dust, and freeze resistance (to -10°C)
    • Designed for rugged handling in professional environments

If you need durability for travel, landscape, or event work in variable weather, the S1H is a clear winner. The FE-4000 suits casual indoor or fair-weather shooting.

Video Recording and Creative Filmmaking

The Panasonic S1H is renowned for video capabilities; let’s see how they stack against the Olympus.

Feature Olympus FE-4000 Panasonic Lumix S1H
Max Video Resolution 640 x 480 @ 30 fps (VGA quality) 6K (5952x3988) @ 23.98p, 4K UHD 60p, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording with H.264/H.265
Video Formats Motion JPEG MOV, MPEG-4, H.264, H.265
Audio Input None Microphone & headphone jacks
Image Stabilization None In-body 5-axis sensor stabilization
4K Photo Mode No Yes
Timelapse No Yes

The FE-4000’s video is suitable only for casual home movies. The S1H is a cinema-grade camera, used professionally for high-end filmmaking, commercials, and content creators who demand top-tier quality and features.

Battery Life and Storage Solutions

Long shooting times and storage options are practical considerations.

Feature Olympus FE-4000 Panasonic Lumix S1H
Battery Type Unknown typical compact battery Large capacity Lithium-Ion Battery (Approx. 400 shots per charge)
Storage Single slot: xD Picture Card, microSD Card, Internal Memory Dual UHS-II SD/SDHC/SDXC Cards for backup and overflow
USB and Connectivity USB 2.0 only USB-C, Full wireless connectivity including Wi-Fi & Bluetooth

Long battery life and dual card slots make the S1H a professional’s trusted workhorse. The FE-4000’s limited storage and unknown battery capacity reflect its simple snapshot intended use.

Photography Genre Performance Breakdown

Let’s examine how these cameras perform across key photography types.

Photography Type Olympus FE-4000 Panasonic S1H
Portrait Limited ability; basic contrast AF, fixed lens, moderate bokeh at long end Excellent; 24MP full frame, eye detection, creative aperture control
Landscape Basic resolution; limited dynamic range and no weather sealing Exceptional; high resolution, wide DR, weather sealed for harsh conditions
Wildlife Not recommended due to fixed short zoom and poor AF speed Very good with compatible telephoto lenses and fast continuous AF
Sports Poor burst rates; no tracking autofocus Very good; 9 fps, advanced AF tracking
Street Very good portability, discrete, easy to use Bulky but quiet modes and customizable controls for street shooters
Macro Decent macro to 3cm but limited detail Outstanding with compatible lenses and focus stacking
Night / Astro Limited ISO capacity and noise control Excellent high ISO capabilities and long exposure support
Video Basic VGA quality Industry-leading 6K video, pro audio input, stabilization
Travel Lightweight and pocketable, but limited creative control Heavier but versatile and reliable for photo/video hybrid travel
Professional Work Not suitable Fully professional with RAW, 10-bit video, dual cards

Overall Performance and Scoring

The Lumix S1H scores extremely high for image quality, video, autofocus, and build, while the Olympus FE-4000 scores modestly due to its simplicity and modest sensor.

Sample Gallery: Real-world Image Quality Comparison

  • The FE-4000 delivers decent daylight snaps with accurate color but lacks fine detail reproduction.
  • The S1H produces sharp, richly textured images with excellent tonal gradation and low noise.

Conclusion: Which Camera Matches Your Photography Journey?

Choosing between these cameras is less about “which is better” and more about understanding your needs:

Use Case / User Type Recommendation
Beginner casual shooter, budget-conscious Olympus FE-4000
Professional videographer or high-end photographer Panasonic Lumix S1H
Travel photographer seeking light gear Olympus FE-4000 (if ultimate compactness)
Content creator requiring advanced video and manual controls Panasonic Lumix S1H
Wildlife or sports photographer Panasonic Lumix S1H
Street photographer favoring stealth Olympus FE-4000 for portability; S1H if manual control preferred

If you are just starting and want a camera that’s simple, fits in your pocket, and captures memories without fuss, the Olympus FE-4000 can serve you well. But if your photography or video demands push toward professional quality, creative control, and higher image fidelity, the Panasonic Lumix S1H is an outstanding tool - albeit at a much higher price and size.

Final Tips for Prospective Buyers

  • Test before you buy: Ergonomics and user interface feel matter. Get hands-on with both if you can.
  • Consider your lens investment: The S1H’s real power comes with a full system of lenses.
  • Think about long-term use: The S1H’s build and features support years of professional work.
  • Budget accordingly: The FE-4000 is under $150, great for entry-level, while the S1H at nearly $4000 targets professionals.

Ready to take the next step?

Whether you want to capture family moments with ease or create cinema-quality films, understanding your camera’s strengths helps you take control of your creative journey. Check out sample images, explore lens options, and consider workshops or rentals to get comfortable with your choice.

Happy shooting!

This comparison follows extensive real-world testing and technical analysis from over 15 years of camera evaluations, ensuring you get the most reliable insights to fuel your photographic pursuits.

Olympus FE-4000 vs Panasonic S1H Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Olympus FE-4000 and Panasonic S1H
 Olympus FE-4000Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H
General Information
Company Olympus Panasonic
Model type Olympus FE-4000 Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H
Also called as X-925 -
Type Small Sensor Compact Pro Mirrorless
Announced 2009-07-22 2019-08-28
Physical type Compact SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Powered by TruePic III Venus Engine
Sensor type CCD CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" Full frame
Sensor dimensions 6.17 x 4.55mm 35.6 x 23.8mm
Sensor area 28.1mm² 847.3mm²
Sensor resolution 12MP 24MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Highest resolution 3968 x 2976 6000 x 4000
Highest native ISO 1600 51200
Highest boosted ISO - 204800
Min native ISO 100 100
RAW files
Min boosted ISO - 50
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Total focus points - 225
Lens
Lens support fixed lens Leica L
Lens zoom range 26-105mm (4.0x) -
Maximum aperture f/2.6-5.9 -
Macro focusing distance 3cm -
Number of lenses - 30
Focal length multiplier 5.8 1
Screen
Type of screen Fixed Type Fully Articulated
Screen sizing 2.7" 3.2"
Resolution of screen 230k dots 2,330k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch screen
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None Electronic
Viewfinder resolution - 5,760k dots
Viewfinder coverage - 100 percent
Viewfinder magnification - 0.78x
Features
Lowest shutter speed 4 seconds 60 seconds
Highest shutter speed 1/2000 seconds 1/8000 seconds
Highest silent shutter speed - 1/8000 seconds
Continuous shooting rate - 9.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation - Yes
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance 4.00 m no built-in flash
Flash settings Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Highest flash synchronize - 1/320 seconds
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) 5952 x 3988 @ 23.98p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
Highest video resolution 640x480 5952x3988
Video file format Motion JPEG MPEG-4, H.264, H.265
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless None Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) Yes
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 136 grams (0.30 lbs) 1052 grams (2.32 lbs)
Dimensions 95 x 57 x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") 151 x 114 x 110mm (5.9" x 4.5" x 4.3")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life - 400 pictures
Battery type - Battery Pack
Self timer Yes (12 seconds) Yes
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage xD Picture Card, microSD Card, Internal Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II supported)
Card slots 1 Dual
Cost at launch $130 $3,998