Olympus FE-45 vs Panasonic S1

The following is a detailed overview of the Olympus FE-45 versus Panasonic S1, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Pro Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a considerable gap among the sensor resolutions of the FE-45 (10MP) and S1 (24MP) and the FE-45 (1/2.3") and S1 (Full frame) provide different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FE-45 was revealed 11 years before the S1 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus FE-45 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic S1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summary of how the FE-45 grades against the S1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus FE-45 & Panasonic Lumix DC-S1. The full galleries are provided at Olympus FE-45 Gallery & Panasonic S1 Gallery.

If you are planning to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus FE-45 enjoys external measurements of 94mm x 62mm x 23mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") along with a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs) and the Panasonic S1 has measurements of 149mm x 110mm x 97mm (5.9" x 4.3" x 3.8") with a weight of 1021 grams (2.25 lbs).

Examine the Olympus FE-45 versus Panasonic S1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have during that time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the FE-45 vs the S1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FE-45 and S1 is 95 and 54 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions simply by going through a spec sheet. The image underneath will give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the FE-45 and S1.

Clearly, both of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The FE-45 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh tougher and the Panasonic S1 will show greater detail because of its extra 14MP. Greater resolution will let you crop pics way more aggressively. The more aged FE-45 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.