Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic FH20

Here is a extended review of the Olympus E-PL1 and Panasonic FH20, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the FH20 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and FH20 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL1 was unveiled 5 months later than the FH20 so they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH20 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a thorough comparison, below is a quick overview of how the E-PL1 grades vs the FH20 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Panasonic FH20 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera regularly, you will need to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL1 has physical measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Panasonic FH20 has sizing of 100mm x 56mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") along with a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL1 and Panasonic FH20 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PL1 vs the FH20.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1 and FH20 is 86 and 93 respectively.

Often, it's hard to see the contrast between sensor sizing simply by looking at specifications. The graphic underneath may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1 and FH20.

Plainly, both of those cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1 using its larger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF simpler and the Panasonic FH20 will give you greater detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos a little more aggressively.