Olympus FE-4000 vs Panasonic GH4

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Olympus FE-4000 vs Panasonic GH4, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a large gap between the sensor resolutions of the FE-4000 (12MP) and GH4 (16MP) and the FE-4000 (1/2.3") and GH4 (Four Thirds) enjoy different sensor size.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The FE-4000 was announced 5 years prior to the GH4 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus FE-4000 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH4 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a complete comparison, below is a short highlight of how the FE-4000 grades vs the GH4 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus FE-4000 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4. The whole galleries are available at Olympus FE-4000 Gallery & Panasonic GH4 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus FE-4000 enjoys exterior measurements of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) and the Panasonic GH4 has dimensions of 133mm x 93mm x 84mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.3") along with a weight of 560 grams (1.23 lbs).

See the Olympus FE-4000 vs Panasonic GH4 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you use during that time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the FE-4000 compared to the GH4.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FE-4000 and GH4 is 95 and 66 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to visualize the gap between sensor sizing just by reading specifications. The photograph below will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the FE-4000 and GH4.

Plainly, the 2 cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FE-4000 having a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic GH4 will deliver extra detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older FE-4000 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.