Olympus E-M10 vs Panasonic FH1

Below, we will be matching up the Olympus E-M10 and Panasonic FH1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the E-M10 (16MP) and FH1 (12MP) and the E-M10 (Four Thirds) and FH1 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor size.

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The E-M10 was introduced 4 years later than the FH1 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-M10 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple summation of how the E-M10 scores versus the FH1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M10 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M10 Gallery and Panasonic FH1 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-M10 features outside measurements of 119mm x 82mm x 46mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 1.8") and a weight of 396 grams (0.87 lbs) while the Panasonic FH1 has measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-M10 and Panasonic FH1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the E-M10 and the FH1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-M10 and FH1 is 82 and 95 respectively.

Often, it's tough to see the gap in sensor sizing merely by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic below may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-M10 and FH1.

As you can see, the two cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-M10 using its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-M10 will result in greater detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more modern E-M10 is going to have an edge in sensor tech.