Olympus FE-4000 vs Sony A290

Here, we will be evaluating the Olympus FE-4000 and Sony A290, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the FE-4000 (12MP) and the A290 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the FE-4000 (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizing.

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The FE-4000 was brought out 10 months prior to the A290 which means that they are of a similar generation. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus FE-4000 being a Compact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple view of how the FE-4000 matches up versus the A290 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus FE-4000 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus FE-4000 Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera, you are going to need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus FE-4000 has physical measurements of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) and the Sony A290 has proportions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") along with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus FE-4000 and Sony A290 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the FE-4000 against the A290.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FE-4000 and A290 is 95 and 66 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions just by checking out specs. The image underneath may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the FE-4000 and A290.

All in all, both the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The FE-4000 because of its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Sony A290 will produce more detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more aged FE-4000 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.