Olympus FE-4030 vs Panasonic GF8

Here, we will be matching up the Olympus FE-4030 vs Panasonic GF8, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FE-4030 (14MP) and the GF8 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the FE-4030 (1/2.3") and GF8 (Four Thirds) offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The FE-4030 was introduced 7 years earlier than the GF8 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus FE-4030 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going right into a full comparison, here is a quick summary of how the FE-4030 scores against the GF8 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus FE-4030 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus FE-4030 Gallery and Panasonic GF8 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus FE-4030 features outside dimensions of 93mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 146 grams (0.32 lbs) and the Panasonic GF8 has measurements of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus FE-4030 vs Panasonic GF8 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the FE-4030 and the GF8.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the FE-4030 and GF8 is 95 and 90 respectively.

Often, it's tough to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements simply by checking technical specs. The graphic below will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the FE-4030 and GF8.

As you have seen, both of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FE-4030 with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic GF8 will give extra detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The older FE-4030 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.