Comparing the Olympus FE-4000 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH22: Finding the Right Compact for You

Choosing a compact camera can be challenging with countless options promising convenience and decent image quality. Today, we'll dive deeply into two well-known small-sensor compacts: the Olympus FE-4000 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH22. Both target casual photographers who prefer portability without sacrificing key features. Together, we explore how they stack up technically and practically to help you decide which is the better fit for your photographic adventures.

At a Glance: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

When carrying a camera all day, its size, weight, and handling become central decision factors - more so than megapixels or zoom specs.

At a glance, the Olympus FE-4000 is smaller and lighter by a noticeable margin (136g vs. 170g). Its slim profile makes it a perfect pocket companion for casual outings. The Panasonic is a bit chunkier, primarily due to its extended zoom lens and slightly larger screen.

Real-world experience: The Olympus FE-4000’s slimness suits discrete street photography and travel, slipping easily into pockets or bags. The Panasonic FH22, while still compact, offers a slightly bulkier feel; however, its ergonomics lend better grip stability in hand. If you plan longer shoots or need steadier handling, the FH22 might be a better companion. The FE-4000 feels more "grab and go."

Controls and Interface: Simplicity vs. Usability

Control layout can impact how quickly you adjust settings during critical moments.

The FE-4000 sticks to a barebones physical button setup with no touchscreen, leading to straightforward use but limited customization. The Panasonic FH22’s 3-inch touchscreen enhances interaction and quicker focus adjustments, especially beneficial for users transitioning from smartphones.

Interface insight: For beginners or those who favor simplicity, the FE-4000's fewer buttons reduce accidental setting changes. More experienced users or vloggers might appreciate the FH22’s touchscreen for faster composition and shooting mode toggling. However, neither camera offers manual exposure modes, limiting creative control.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensor Performance Explored

Both cameras use 1/2.3" CCD sensors, standard for compacts of their time, inherently limiting low-light and dynamic range performance due to the small sensor area.

The Panasonic pulls ahead on resolution with 14MP compared to the Olympus’s 12MP, which potentially results in slightly more detailed images, assuming base ISO conditions. The FH22’s higher max ISO can capture faster-moving subjects in dimmer environments more effectively, though noise becomes evident at those speeds.

Our controlled testing indicated:

• Sharpness: Both cameras deliver decent details at base ISO when shooting in bright conditions. The FH22’s extra resolution is noticeable in crops.
• Noise: Panasonic's ability to shoot at ISO 6400 is impressive but noisy. Olympus limits to ISO 1600, which is cleaner but less flexible in low light.
• Dynamic Range: Both cameras struggle with shadows and highlights under high-contrast scenes. Images can show blown highlights or crushed shadows.

If you mostly shoot outdoors in good light or casual snapshots, sensor differences are subtle. But when pushing low light or wanting slightly clearer details, Panasonic’s FH22 edges out.

Lens Specs and Optical Versatility

A camera is only as good as its lens when it comes to capturing diverse scenes.

Noticeable here is the Panasonic’s much longer zoom range – up to 224mm equivalent offers you great reach for telephoto shots, including wildlife or distant details.

The Olympus starts wide at a bright f/2.6 aperture at 26mm, ideal for low-light wide shots and creative blurring. But the Olympus lacks Optical Image Stabilization altogether, meaning handheld shots at slower shutter speeds rely entirely on your steadiness.

Practical usage:

• Portrait & Bokeh: FE-4000 can produce smoother background blur up close due to the wider max aperture at the short end - great for portraits with soft skin tones.
• Wildlife & Sports: Panasonic FH22’s telephoto reach and optical stabilization gives you more flexibility to frame distant subjects sharply.
• Macro: Olympus allows focusing closer (3cm vs 5cm), making it slightly better for shooting flowers or small objects with detail.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed and Accuracy in Action

Autofocus technology dramatically influences your ability to capture sharp images, particularly with moving subjects or in dynamic environments.

Here, the Panasonic FH22’s 9 autofocus points give more framing freedom and faster lock times in practice compared to the FE-4000’s single-center AF point.

Panasonic also offers a 5 frames per second burst mode, making it more suitable for capturing fleeting moments in street or sports photography. Olympus lacks continuous shooting, so you get only single shots.

Real-world insight:
For still subjects or casual photography, both AF modes suffice. If you photograph children, pets, or street scenes where movement is common, Panasonic will help you nail shots with less blur and missed focus.

Video Capabilities: Modest but Handy for Casual Use

These cameras are not designed primarily for video but do offer basic recording.

Panasonic’s ability to shoot 720p HD video is a significant advantage over Olympus’s VGA-resolution clips. Plus, optical stabilization helps to smooth handheld video shots, yielding more watchable results.

For casual vloggers or recording family events, the FH22 adds versatility. But neither camera supports external microphones or advanced video profiles, so keep expectations modest.

User Interface and LCD Screen: Viewing and Interaction

Screen size and quality affect how confidently you compose and review shots.

Here, Panasonic’s larger touchscreen is far easier to operate, especially for digital zoom, menu navigation, and quick focusing with a tap. Olympus’s smaller, non-touch fixed LCD limits these interactive possibilities.

In field testing, the FH22’s touchscreen hastens framing in bright sunlight or fast-moving situations, whereas the FE-4000 feels dated in comparison.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Neither model offers extraordinary battery life or multiple storage slots, but these aspects impact usability on your outings.

The Olympus supports legacy xD cards alongside microSD, which are increasingly rare and expensive. Panasonic’s adoption of SD format is notably more compatible with modern cards and widespread devices.

Battery endurance tends to be limited to a few hundred shots per charge in each case, necessitating spare batteries for longer trips.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s map how these two compacts perform over popular photography types and use cases.

Olympus FE 4000 front Olympus FE 4000 screen back Panasonic FH22 front Panasonic FH22 screen back

Reliability, Build Quality, and Weather Sealing

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, dust, or shock resistance, which limits their durability compared to modern rugged compacts.

Build-wise:

• Both have predominantly plastic bodies.
• Olympus’s smaller size means fewer protruding parts vulnerable to damage.
• Panasonic’s lens barrel extends significantly, so extra care is needed to prevent knocks.

If you want an adventurous companion for rugged conditions, consider more rugged camera lines beyond these two.

Connectivity and Extras

Connectivity options are minimal in both cameras:

No wireless transfer or external devices are supported. You rely on USB or card readers for image transfer.

Price-to-Performance: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

At launch and even currently, the Olympus FE-4000 is priced around $130, while Panasonic FH22 is near $200.

In exchange for the $70 extra, Panasonic delivers:

• Longer zoom lens (8x vs 4x)
• Optical image stabilization
• Higher resolution sensor (14MP vs 12MP)
• Touchscreen operation
• HD video recording
• Faster burst shooting capability
• Broader ISO range and custom white balance

However, Olympus retains some appeal via:

• Smaller, lighter form factor
• Wider aperture at the short end for shallow depth-of-field
• Closer macro focusing

Our analysis: If budget is tight and you prize compactness above all else, Olympus FE-4000 is a fun, no-frills point-and-shoot. But for modestly more investment, Panasonic FH22 offers a markedly more versatile camera capable of handling varied photo and video tasks more effectively.

Wrapping Up: Which One Should You Choose?

Both cameras represent their era’s classic small sensor compacts, designed for simple snapshots but differing in practical strengths.

Choose the Olympus FE-4000 if you:

• Desire a pocketable camera for everyday casual use
• Prioritize a slimmer, lighter design
• Mostly shoot in good light and want simple, snapshot creativity
• Want a camera with a brighter wide-angle for portraits and close-ups
• Are budget-conscious and new to compact cameras

Choose the Panasonic Lumix FH22 if you:

• Need greater focal range versatility for travel, wildlife, or events
• Want optical image stabilization to reduce blurry photos
• Are interested in basic HD video capture along with stills
• Value touchscreen controls and faster shot-to-shot performance
• Prefer higher ISO flexibility for indoor/low light shooting

Both cameras have technical limitations inherent to small sensors and lack of manual controls, but the Panasonic’s features make it a more flexible creative tool while the Olympus remains a light, easy companion.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

While neither camera matches today’s mirrorless or advanced compact standards, both deliver solid image quality for casual photographers starting their journey or looking for a backup compact. I recommend:

• Trying both cameras in person to assess handling comfort.
• Pairing either with fast memory cards for optimal speed.
• Considering accessories like protective cases or spare batteries for extended outings.
• Exploring modern alternatives if manual control, RAW shooting, or video features are critical.

This analysis, informed by hands-on testing covering thousands of cameras, aims to empower your choice based on real-world performance, not just specs. Whichever holiday trips, portraits, or street explorations you pursue, selecting the right tool helps unlock your creative vision.

Get started capturing moments that matter - and enjoy the ride with the camera best suited to your unique style!

Written by an experienced camera reviewer who knows that the best camera is the one you have with you - and the one that helps your creative journey flourish.