Olympus FE-4030 vs Panasonic ZS100

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Olympus FE-4030 and Panasonic ZS100, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a considerable gap between the sensor resolutions of the FE-4030 (14MP) and ZS100 (20MP) and the FE-4030 (1/2.3") and ZS100 (1") feature different sensor sizing.

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The FE-4030 was unveiled 7 years before the ZS100 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus FE-4030 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick overview of how the FE-4030 matches up against the ZS100 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus FE-4030 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The full galleries are provided at Olympus FE-4030 Gallery & Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to think about its weight and size. The Olympus FE-4030 enjoys external dimensions of 93mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 146 grams (0.32 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS100 has specifications of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Check the Olympus FE-4030 and Panasonic ZS100 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are employing at that time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the FE-4030 versus the ZS100.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FE-4030 and ZS100 is 95 and 87 respectively.

Normally, its hard to imagine the gap between sensor measurements just by looking at technical specs. The graphic underneath will offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FE-4030 and ZS100.

As you have seen, both of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FE-4030 with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Panasonic ZS100 will resolve extra detail having an extra 6MP. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures far more aggressively. The older FE-4030 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.