Olympus FE-45 vs Panasonic ZS30

Following is a extended assessment of the Olympus FE-45 versus Panasonic ZS30, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a noticeable difference between the image resolutions of the FE-45 (10MP) and ZS30 (18MP) but they possess the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FE-45 was released 5 years earlier than the ZS30 which is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief overview of how the FE-45 grades against the ZS30 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus FE-45 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus FE-45 Gallery & Panasonic ZS30 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus FE-45 features physical dimensions of 94mm x 62mm x 23mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") and a weight of 142 grams (0.31 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS30 has measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus FE-45 versus Panasonic ZS30 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the FE-45 and the ZS30.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the FE-45 and ZS30 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to envision the gap between sensor sizes only by reviewing specs. The pic below might provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FE-45 and ZS30.

All in all, both of those cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same megapixels. You can expect the Panasonic ZS30 to offer you greater detail as a result of its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged FE-45 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.