Olympus FE-4000 vs Panasonic GF2

Here, we will be contrasting the Olympus FE-4000 versus Panasonic GF2, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the FE-4000 (12MP) and the GF2 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the FE-4000 (1/2.3") and GF2 (Four Thirds) have different sensor size.

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The FE-4000 was brought out 19 months prior to the GF2 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus FE-4000 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the FE-4000 grades vs the GF2 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus FE-4000 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2. The entire galleries are available at Olympus FE-4000 Gallery & Panasonic GF2 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera frequently, you have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus FE-4000 features outer dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF2 has proportions of 113mm x 68mm x 33mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.3") with a weight of 310 grams (0.68 lbs).

Look at the Olympus FE-4000 versus Panasonic GF2 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have at that time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the FE-4000 versus the GF2.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the FE-4000 and GF2 is 95 and 88 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes purely by looking at specifications. The picture below might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the FE-4000 and GF2.

Plainly, both of the cameras feature the identical MP albeit different sensor sizes. The FE-4000 features the tinier sensor which should make getting shallow DOF more challenging. The more aged FE-4000 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.