Olympus E-PL6 vs Panasonic FS42

Following is a extensive comparison of the Olympus E-PL6 and Panasonic FS42, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the E-PL6 (16MP) and FS42 (10MP) and the E-PL6 (Four Thirds) and FS42 (1/2.5") provide different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL6 was launched 5 years after the FS42 which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL6 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the E-PL6 matches up vs the FS42 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL6 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL6 Gallery & Panasonic FS42 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL6 features external dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FS42 has sizing of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL6 and Panasonic FS42 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the E-PL6 and the FS42.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL6 and FS42 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizes just by looking at a spec sheet. The image below may offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL6 and FS42.

As you can see, both cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-PL6 because of its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-PL6 will give extra detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The fresher E-PL6 should have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.