Olympus FE-4030 vs Panasonic FS12

Below is a extended assessment of the Olympus FE-4030 and Panasonic FS12, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FE-4030 (14MP) and the FS12 (12MP) is pretty comparable and both cameras offer the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The FE-4030 was introduced 9 months later than the FS12 which means that they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus FE-4030 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FS12 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the FE-4030 scores versus the FS12 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus FE-4030 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS12. The whole galleries are available at Olympus FE-4030 Gallery & Panasonic FS12 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera, you'll have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus FE-4030 offers exterior measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 146 grams (0.32 lbs) while the Panasonic FS12 has proportions of 97mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 129 grams (0.28 lbs).

See the Olympus FE-4030 and Panasonic FS12 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the FE-4030 compared to the FS12.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the FE-4030 and FS12 is 95 and 95 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to visualise the difference in sensor measurements purely by checking out specifications. The graphic below should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the FE-4030 and FS12.

Plainly, both the cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same megapixels. You can expect the Olympus FE-4030 to provide extra detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures way more aggressively. The fresher FE-4030 will have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.