Olympus FE-47 vs Panasonic Lumix ZS200: A Rigorous Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Selecting an appropriate compact camera in today’s diverse market often boils down to understanding nuanced differences across sensor performance, ergonomics, autofocus capabilities, and overall system usability. This detailed comparison between the Olympus FE-47 (2010) and Panasonic Lumix ZS200 (2018) aims to provide photography enthusiasts and professionals with an authoritative assessment grounded in extensive hands-on testing and technical analysis.

Both cameras occupy the compact category but diverge substantially in sensor size, imaging technology, feature set, and target user profiles. The FE-47 represents entry-level point-and-shoot simplicity, while the ZS200 pushes the boundaries of large-sensor compacts with pro-oriented features in a travel-friendly package. This article methodically breaks down these differences, supported by rigorous real-world use cases and technical benchmarks.

Physical Dimensions and Ergonomics: Assessing Handling Comfort and Control Layout

A camera's physical presence and handling characteristics affect daily usability profoundly, especially for street, travel, and wildlife photographers who execute rapid shooting sequences.

• Olympus FE-47 measures 98x61x27 mm, weighing approximately 204g.
• Panasonic ZS200 is larger and heavier at 111x66x45 mm and 340g.

The FE-47's slight compactness and light weight lend portability, but the tradeoff is in grip comfort and control precision. Its minimalistic control layer, lacking manual focus and exposure modes, limits tactile feedback and fine-tuning on the fly.

In contrast, the ZS200 offers a more substantial grip with a thoughtfully laid-out top plate, including dedicated dials and buttons accommodating manual exposure, focus selection, and rapid mode switching. The inclusion of an illuminated top panel, although absent here, would have added to low-light usability, but Panasonic's button arrangement compensates by providing logical physical interfaces supporting complex shooting workflows essential in professional use.

The FE-47’s absence of any viewfinder necessitates composition solely via its small 2.7-inch screen, which is low resolution at 230k dots, affecting framing accuracy in bright conditions and handicapping shooting modes requiring precise monitoring.

Conversely, the ZS200 sports a 3-inch high-resolution, 1240k-dot touchscreen with touch-to-focus and menu navigation, further complemented by a substantial 2330k-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF), covering 100% of the frame with 0.53x magnification. This dual-display system enables flexible shooting styles and mitigates sun glare challenges - a critical advantage visible in landscape and street photography scenarios.

Sensor and Image Quality: Evaluating Core Imaging Performance

At the heart of any camera’s image quality lie its sensor size, resolution, and related processing technologies.

Sensor Size and Technology

• The FE-47 is equipped with a 1/2.3-inch (6.08x4.56 mm, 27.72 mm²) CCD sensor, offering 14 megapixels.
• The ZS200 boasts a substantially larger 1-inch (13.2x8.8 mm, 116.16 mm²) MOS sensor, producing 20 megapixels.

The size disparity is significant; the ZS200’s sensor is approximately four times the area of the FE-47’s, firmly positioning it in the large-sensor compact class. Larger sensor sizes inherently improve dynamic range, color depth, high ISO performance, and depth-of-field control.

Resolution and Output Quality

• FE-47 max resolution: 4288x3216 pixels.
• ZS200 max resolution: 5472x3648 pixels.

The ZS200’s increased resolution translates to more detailed image files, which maintain quality even when cropping or printing large. Combined with superior sensor technology and processing via Panasonic’s Venus Engine, the image fidelity is notably higher, with less noise at elevated ISOs.

ISO Range and Noise Handling

• FE-47 ISO: 100–1600 (max).
• ZS200 native ISO: 125–12800, expandable to 80–25600.

The FE-47’s modest ISO range limits its effectiveness in low-light settings and night/astro photography, where noise becomes problematic above ISO 400. The ZS200’s extended range, aided by back-illuminated CMOS architecture and noise reduction algorithms, delivers cleaner images at ISO 3200 and above - critical for sports, wildlife, and event photography.

Autofocus System: Speed, Accuracy, and Versatility

Autofocus performance dictates camera responsiveness and sharpness delivery especially in fast-paced or unpredictable environments.

• FE-47 implements contrast-detection autofocus only, without phase detection. It includes single and tracking AF but no face or eye detection.
• ZS200 also utilizes contrast detection but enriches it with 49 AF points, face detection, eye detection, continuous AF, and selective AF capabilities. It supports focus bracketing, focus stacking, and post-focus functionalities common in professional workflows.

The FE-47’s autofocus was noticeably slower to lock focus in chaotic scenes or low contrast, detracting from sports and wildlife photography viability. The limited AF area selection and lack of face detection also hamper portrait and street shooting effectiveness, where quick, assured focus on subjects’ eyes or faces is paramount.

The ZS200’s AF speed rivals some entry-level DSLRs, and its continuous tracking reliably keeps moving subjects sharp at burst rates up to 10 fps under ample light, supporting action and wildlife shooting needs better.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Flexibility vs. Quality Trade-offs

Both cameras have fixed lenses; optical zoom range and quality profoundly impact their versatility.

• FE-47: 36-180mm equivalent (5x zoom), maximum apertures f/3.5 - 5.6.
• ZS200: 24-360mm equivalent (15x zoom), maximum apertures f/3.3 - 6.4.

The FE-47’s narrower zoom range restricts framing options in wide-angle scenes and tight distant shots, compromising landscape and wildlife utility. The lens starts at an effective 36mm which is less ideal for confined spaces and street photography.

The ZS200’s extensive telephoto reach with a 15x zoom affords remarkable framing flexibility, from ultra-wide 24mm for sweeping landscapes to substantial 360mm magnification to capture wildlife and sports from a distance. The optical image stabilization system in the ZS200 is crucial here, compensating for handshake at longer focal lengths while the FE-47 lacks any stabilization.

Build Quality and Environmental Resilience

Neither camera offers formal weather sealing or rugged features such as dustproofing, waterproofing, or freeze resistance, limiting their professional resilience outdoors in adverse conditions.

Given their compactness and typical usage scenarios, the FE-47 is intended for casual use and some indoor shooting while the ZS200’s solid build and reinforced housing tolerate standard travel bumps and environmental variations better without explicit ruggedness claims.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

Battery endurance impacts extended shooting days, especially in professional or travel contexts.

• FE-47 relies on two AA batteries, which can be replaced easily in the field but may add weight and inconsistency in performance, especially with alkaline vs. NiMH rechargeables.
• ZS200 uses a proprietary battery pack rated to approximately 370 shots per charge, exceeding average compact camera life, and is compatible with USB charging - a practical advantage for travel.

Storage on both systems relies on SD/SDHC cards, with the ZS200 supporting UHS-I for quicker write speeds essential when shooting 4K video or continuous bursts.

Video and Multimedia Capabilities

• FE-47 video: limited to 640x480 (30 fps) in Motion JPEG format, lacking manual control or stabilization.
• ZS200 supports 4K UHD video (3840x2160) in MPEG-4, AVCHD, and H.264 codecs with advanced manual control and built-in optical stabilization.

The ZS200 clearly positions itself as a hybrid photo/video solution useful for travel and casual filmmaking, while the FE-47’s video specification is minimal and primarily supplemental.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

• Olympus FE-47 offers no wireless connectivity, USB 2.0 for data transfer only, and no remote control or app interaction.
• Panasonic ZS200 integrates Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling wireless image transfer, remote shutter release, and geolocation tagging via companion apps. It also supports HDMI output for external monitors.

For professionals and enthusiasts reliant on streamlined workflow, rapid sharing, and tethered operation, the ZS200 is far better suited.

Performance Summaries by Photography Genre

The following image consolidates overall performance scores derived from hands-on tests and industry benchmarks:

And here is a breakdown focused on specific photography genres:

Portrait Photography

• FE-47: Modest 14MP sensor and limited AF system struggle with precise eye focus and pleasing bokeh. Fixed lens with f/3.5 - f/5.6 aperture limits shallow depth-of-field effects.
• ZS200: Enhanced AF including face and eye detection supports consistent portraits. Larger sensor improves skin tone rendition and bokeh quality through shallower depth of field at wide apertures and focal lengths.

Landscape Photography

• FE-47’s dynamic range and sensor size limit highlight recovery in shadows/highlights, impacting scene richness. Wider aspect ratio options (4:3, 16:9) allow framing flexibility.
• ZS200 delivers superior dynamic range, resolution, and wide 24mm focal length essential for landscapes. Manual shooting modes permit exposure bracketing and raw file capture, critical for high-quality output.

Wildlife Photography

• FE-47’s autofocus lacks speed and tracking reliability; zoom limited to 180mm equivalent restricts distant subject reach.
• ZS200 with 15x zoom and fast AF tracking can reliably capture wildlife subjects, though telephoto reach and burst rates remain compromised relative to larger sensor DSLRs.

Sports Photography

• FE-47’s slow continuous shooting and AF limit candid action capture.
• ZS200’s 10 fps burst rate and AF tracking make it usable for moderate action sequences under adequate lighting, though high-end sports shooters may find it insufficient.

Street Photography

• FE-47’s small size benefits discretion, but tiny screen and no viewfinder hinder composition, plus lack of manual controls hinders creative flexibility.
• ZS200 balances compactness and usability, with quick AF, EVF, and manual modes supporting diverse street shooting scenarios.

Macro Photography

• FE-47 offers macro focusing from 3cm but lacks focus assist or stacking features.
• ZS200 supports macro from 5cm with additional computational tools such as focus bracketing and stacking, further enhancing close-up image quality.

Night and Astro Photography

• FE-47’s ISO limitations and lack of manual control restrict effectiveness.
• ZS200 with extended ISO range, manual modes, and stabilization provides better results, although the absence of bulb mode limits long exposures common in astrophotography.

Video

• FE-47 provides very basic VGA video.
• ZS200 excels with 4K video recording, multiple codecs, stabilization, and 4K photo mode allowing frame grabs from video.

Travel Photography

• FE-47’s small size and AA battery convenience aid portability but limit creative and operability options.
• ZS200, although larger and heavier, provides versatile zoom, superior image quality, long battery life, and connectivity options indispensable for travel documentation.

Professional Work

• FE-47’s lack of raw support, manual exposure modes, and limited controls preclude serious professional use.
• ZS200 supports raw files, manual exposure, focus bracketing, post-focus, and wireless transfer, thus enabling integration into professional workflows.

Summary Recommendations and Value Assessments

When to Choose the Olympus FE-47

• Budget-conscious users requiring a simple, lightweight camera for casual daytime snapshots.
• Users prioritizing extreme portability without need for manual exposure or advanced AF.
• Occasional travel or family use where convenience outweighs image quality.

When to Choose the Panasonic Lumix ZS200

• Enthusiasts and professionals needing a compact yet capable camera with large sensor advantages.
• Travelers, street and landscape photographers who benefit from expanded focal length, manual controls, and strong AF.
• Users integrating compact cameras into hybrid photo/video workflows demanding 4K video and wireless features.
• Those requiring advanced focusing technologies such as face/eye detection and focus stacking.

Final Considerations

The Olympus FE-47, released in 2010, serves as a basic, entry-level compact suited chiefly for casual snapshots with minimal demands on image quality or creative control. Its technological limitations - small sensor, slow AF, lack of manual exposure, and low-resolution fixed LCD - constrain its usability in all but the simplest shooting scenarios.

In stark contrast, the Panasonic ZS200, launched eight years later, exemplifies the evolutionary leap in compact camera performance through significantly larger sensors, superior AF systems, extensive zoom, 4K video, and professional-grade manual options. While it carries a higher price and increased size, the ergonomic and technological enhancements translate into markedly better results across virtually all photography disciplines.

Olympus FE 47 front Olympus FE 47 screen back Panasonic ZS200 front Panasonic ZS200 screen back

For photographers who demand high image quality, reliable autofocus, and versatile controls from a compact body, the Panasonic Lumix ZS200 emerges as the clear choice. The Olympus FE-47, though still serviceable as a minimalistic backup or ultra-budget model, cannot realistically compete at the enthusiast or professional level.

By adopting evaluation frameworks involving sensor metrics, autofocus efficacy, control ergonomics, and image quality benchmarks over multiple photographic genres, this analysis delivers an exhaustive, hands-on perspective to inform a rational purchase decision reflective of user priorities and budget constraints.