Olympus FE-47 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH6: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Small-Sensor Compacts

As someone who has spent decades testing cameras from all corners of the market - from pro-grade DSLRs to compact point-and-shoots - I’ve learned that even the humblest models deserve careful scrutiny. Today, I'm diving deep into two small-sensor compact cameras that both aim to serve casual shooters on a budget: the Olympus FE-47 (announced 2010) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH6 (announced 2012). While neither is designed as a professional powerhouse, each offers its own take on image quality, handling, and versatility within the constraints of compact form factors.

In this article, I’ll walk you through essential aspects like sensors, optics, autofocus, ergonomics, and capabilities across popular photography genres. My analysis is built on hands-on experience with similar cameras and a rigorous evaluation framework - because picking the right camera means understanding real-world performance, not just spec sheets.

Here’s a photographic first impression to get us started.

Size and ergonomics comparison: Panasonic FH6 is slightly smaller and lighter than Olympus FE-47.

Snapshots of Sensor Technology & Image Quality

Both cameras employ a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with approximately 14 megapixels resolution. This sensor size is common for budget compacts and delivers decent image quality in well-lit conditions but introduces some limitations in dynamic range and noise control.

The Olympus FE-47 offers a native ISO ceiling of 1600, while Panasonic pushes it further to 6400. However, higher ISO settings on these sensors typically come with aggressive noise and loss of detail. Hence, I usually recommend sticking to ISO 100-400 for cleaner output.

While neither camera supports RAW shooting - which means you’re limited to JPEG - Panasonic's inclusion of white balance bracketing (unavailable on the Olympus) can result in better in-camera color fidelity for tricky lighting.

On the lens front, Olympus provides a 36-180mm (35mm-equivalent) range at a maximum aperture of f/3.5-F5.6, whereas Panasonic’s 24-120mm starts wider at f/2.5 but narrows to f/6.4 at telephoto end. The wider aperture promised by the Panasonic at the wide-angle end is a meaningful advantage for low-light and subject isolation.

Here is a focused comparison of sensor effectiveness and resolution:

Sensor specifications and image quality discussion illustrating design trade-offs.

Body Design and User Interface: Handling and Intuitiveness

From the top view, both cameras communicate their budget nature through plastic construction and streamlined controls - but with noticeable differences in layout and tactile feedback.

Top view: Panasonic FH6’s minimalistic layout versus Olympus FE-47’s more conventional button arrangement.

The Olympus FE-47 feels a bit chunkier and heavier (~204g with batteries), potentially offering a steadier grip. Panasonic FH6 is more compact and significantly lighter (~119g), making it a better candidate for travelers prioritizing portability.

Both models use fixed 2.7-inch LCD screens with basic 230k-dot resolution - enough for framing but lacking refinement or touch control. The Olympus screen is fixed without any articulation; Panasonic uses a TFT display which is marginally brighter and more vivid.

Back LCD screen and interface: Panasonic’s TFT display offers clearer color and contrast.

Neither camera features electronic viewfinders, which is not unusual in this category but does mean reliance on LCD visibility under sunlight - a challenge for outdoor enthusiasts.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Can They Keep Up?

Both leverage contrast-detection AF systems employing multiple make-do focus points. The Olympus FE-47 features some level of AF tracking, while Panasonic’s FH6 provides 9 focus points with face detection but lacks AF tracking. In practice, neither system excels for moving subjects, but the Panasonic FH6’s face detection can improve focus accuracy in portraits.

In burst shooting speed, Olympus does not support continuous shooting, while Panasonic offers a modest 2 fps burst. For casual shooting, this is often sufficient, though both cameras will fall short for action or sports photography.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh Quality

Portraiture benefits from accurate skin rendition, good autofocus on eyes/faces, and pleasing background separation.

• Olympus FE-47: Struggles with face detection and lacks eye detection autofocus. The small sensor and slow maximum aperture make bokeh very limited; backgrounds tend to be sharp and flat.
• Panasonic FH6: Incorporates face detection and a wider f/2.5 aperture at wide-angle, enabling better subject isolation for environmental portraits - but only when shooting wide and close.

Color science-wise, both attempt natural skin tones, but Panasonic’s advanced white balance bracketing helps adapt to mixed lighting more smoothly in my testing.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Detail Capture

Small sensors inherently limit dynamic range, but Panasonic’s higher ISO ceiling and better aperture range offer slight improvements.

In broad daylight landscape scenarios, images from both cameras appear detailed at base ISO. Olympus’s longer reach (180mm telephoto) may aid composition chances for distant vistas, while Panasonic’s wider focal start (24mm) captures expansive scenes better.

Both cameras lack weather sealing, so caution is warranted in adverse conditions.

Wildlife and Sports: Tracking Fast Action?

Neither camera is designed for demanding wildlife or sports applications. The Olympus FE-47 offers no continuous AF nor burst mode, limiting timed sequence capture. Panasonic’s burst rate (2 fps) and face detection can catch brief spontaneous moments, but fast animal subjects remain a challenge.

Neither has extensive tele zoom reach or advanced autofocus systems like phase detection, so wildlife enthusiasts will likely outgrow these quickly.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion and Portability

Here, Panasonic FH6 shines with its compact size and lightweight body, paired with relatively bright wide-angle aperture - ingredients for unobtrusive shooting in urban environments or tight spaces.

Olympus’s slightly larger grip can provide ergonomic comfort during longer outings but trades off portability.

Battery life favors Panasonic (approx. 280 shots per charge with rechargeable battery pack) over Olympus’s use of AA batteries, which can be convenient but heavier and less consistent.

Macro and Close-Up Imaging: What Are Their Limits?

Olympus asserts a minimum macro focus distance of 3cm, slightly better than Panasonic’s 5cm. However, neither offers focus stacking or post-focus capabilities.

In practice, Olympus comes closer to true macro shots that fill the frame, but Panasonic’s optical image stabilization helps in handholding closer shots without blur.

Night and Astro Photography: Low Light Usability

Due to sensor limitations, both cameras struggle beyond ISO 400. Panasonic's maximum ISO 6400 seems attractive on paper, but images become excessively noisy. Olympus caps at ISO 1600, reducing noise at the sacrifice of flexibility.

Neither camera offers bulb mode or long exposures necessary for astrophotography.

Long exposure noise reduction and image stabilization (Panasonic only) improve handheld low-light potential.

Video Capability: What About Moving Pictures?

Both cameras record video in Motion JPEG format, which results in larger files and lower compression efficiency compared to modern codecs.

Resolution wise:

• Olympus FE-47 tops out at 640 x 480p at 30fps
• Panasonic FH6 records up to 1280 x 720p HD at 30fps

Panasonic FH6 clearly provides better video quality and resolution, though both lack microphone or headphone jacks for audio control and have no 4K support.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

As fixed lens compacts, neither camera permits lens changes. Olympus offers 36-180mm range, Panasonic 24-120mm, both sufficient for casual shooters. Image stabilization exists only on Panasonic.

Therefore, versatility hinges on optical zoom alone.

Connectivity, Storage and Battery Life

Both cameras support SD memory cards (FH6 supports SDXC). Olympus uses AA batteries; Panasonic relies on proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion packs.

USB 2.0 connectivity is standard for data transfer; no wireless features or GPS are included.

In Summary: How They Stack Up Across Photo Genres

Olympus FE 47 front Olympus FE 47 screen back Panasonic FH6 front Panasonic FH6 screen back

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Expectations vs Reality

Neither model offers any weather sealing, dustproofing, or shockproofing. The FE-47’s modest size and weight might feel more ruggedly built, but these budget compacts are best kept out of harsh environments. Both cameras have plastic bodies with meagre environmental resilience.

Ergonomics and Controls: Intuition in Hand

The Olympus feels a bit more substantial and easier for gripping, beneficial for those with larger hands or steadier stance shooting. Panasonic compensates with simpler, efficient controls focused on point-and-shoot ease.

Neither camera offers manual focusing, aperture priority, or shutter priority modes, limiting creative control.

Price and Value: What’s the Bottom Line?

The Panasonic Lumix FH6, often found around $120-$130, edges out the Olympus FE-47 (now mostly discontinued) in sheer value for casual shooters craving lightweight, better video, image stabilization, and longer battery life.

Olympus might appeal to nostalgic buyers or those preferring AA batteries for convenience but suffers on features and image quality relative to Panasonic’s advancements.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider Which Camera?

Choose the Olympus FE-47 if:

• You want a slightly more ergonomic grip and solid zoom reach for general snapshots
• You prefer using AA batteries for easy field replacement
• Your shooting needs are casual and smartphone quality is insufficient

Opt for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH6 if you:

• Prioritize lightweight portability for travel or street photography
• Want better image stabilization and wider aperture for low-light and video shooting
• Appreciate face detection and more flexible focusing options for portraits
• Desire longer battery life and HD video recording

Neither camera will satisfy professionals or enthusiasts working extensively in demanding genres like wildlife, sports, or advanced night photography. They are snapshots of early 2010s point-and-shoot technology - solid stepping stones for beginners or secondary cameras for casual use.

How I Tested and Evaluated These Cameras

My video and photo capture sessions spanned daylight hours, indoor ambient lighting, and casual evening shots to gauge autofocus consistency, image quality, and usability. I compared JPEG output for noise handling and color reproduction while also testing ergonomics by hand for extended periods.

Analysis of sensor capabilities is drawn from measured pixel pitches, maximum ISO, and vendor sensor details cross-referenced with DXOMark benchmarks from similar sensor models where direct tests lack.

I hope this detailed comparison sheds light on the strengths and limitations of the Olympus FE-47 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH6. If you have any questions or want to share your personal experiences with these cameras, feel free to engage! Photography is all about discovering what works best for your creative journey.

Happy shooting!