Olympus FE-47 vs Panasonic ZS50

Below is a complete analysis of the Olympus FE-47 and Panasonic ZS50, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FE-47 (14MP) and the ZS50 (12MP) is pretty similar and they feature the exact same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FE-47 was revealed 6 years before the ZS50 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a thorough comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the FE-47 grades versus the ZS50 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus FE-47 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50. The full galleries are provided at Olympus FE-47 Gallery and Panasonic ZS50 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus FE-47 features external dimensions of 98mm x 61mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 204 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS50 has specifications of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") having a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs).

Compare the Olympus FE-47 and Panasonic ZS50 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with during that time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the FE-47 and the ZS50.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the FE-47 and ZS50 is 93 and 90 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to imagine the gap between sensor measurements just by reviewing technical specs. The graphic underneath will help provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FE-47 and ZS50.

As you have seen, both of the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different resolution. You should expect the Olympus FE-47 to offer greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older FE-47 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.