Olympus FE-4030 vs Panasonic GH1

In this article, we are evaluating the Olympus FE-4030 vs Panasonic GH1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the FE-4030 (14MP) and the GH1 (12MP) is very comparable but the FE-4030 (1/2.3") and GH1 (Four Thirds) use different sensor sizing.

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The FE-4030 was revealed 7 months later than the GH1 so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus FE-4030 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a quick overview of how the FE-4030 grades against the GH1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus FE-4030 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1. The full galleries are available at Olympus FE-4030 Gallery and Panasonic GH1 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus FE-4030 features outside measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 146 grams (0.32 lbs) and the Panasonic GH1 has proportions of 124mm x 90mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 1.8") and a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus FE-4030 vs Panasonic GH1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the FE-4030 vs the GH1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FE-4030 and GH1 is 95 and 81 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing just by checking out a spec sheet. The visual below will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the FE-4030 and GH1.

Clearly, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FE-4030 using its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Olympus FE-4030 will produce more detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images far more aggressively. The more recent FE-4030 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.