Olympus E-M1 II vs Panasonic FS42

Below, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-M1 II vs Panasonic FS42, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a crucial difference among the image resolutions of the E-M1 II (20MP) and FS42 (10MP) and the E-M1 II (Four Thirds) and FS42 (1/2.5") use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-M1 II was unveiled 7 years after the FS42 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-M1 II being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the E-M1 II matches up versus the FS42 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-M1 II Gallery and Panasonic FS42 Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera frequently, you'll have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M1 II enjoys physical measurements of 134mm x 91mm x 67mm (5.3" x 3.6" x 2.6") with a weight of 574 grams (1.27 lbs) while the Panasonic FS42 has proportions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-M1 II vs Panasonic FS42 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the E-M1 II and the FS42.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-M1 II and FS42 is 68 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to envision the contrast in sensor dimensions just by going through a spec sheet. The pic below might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-M1 II and FS42.

Clearly, both the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-M1 II using its bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF simpler and the Olympus E-M1 II will show extra detail having an extra 10MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots much more aggressively. The younger E-M1 II will have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.