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:

  • 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.

• 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.

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.

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:

  • 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.

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.

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.

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

Olympus FE 4000 front Olympus FE 4000 screen back Panasonic S1H front Panasonic S1H screen back

• 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:

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.