Olympus PEN-F vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42: A Thorough Camera Comparison

When comparing cameras that cater to vastly different segments within photography, the challenge lies in balancing the expectations of enthusiasts and practical shooters alike. The Olympus PEN-F and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 emerge from two distinct eras and philosophies: one is an advanced Micro Four Thirds mirrorless model with vintage-inspired design and cutting-edge features, while the other is a much more compact point-and-shoot from the late 2000s, designed for absolute ease and portability.

Having spent over 15 years testing thousands of cameras, I’ve seen firsthand how sensor technology, ergonomics, and feature sets impact user experience - not just on paper but in real-world workflows. Below, I dive deep into how these two models stack up across multiple photography disciplines, technical criteria, and practical use cases.

Built for Different Worlds: Design and Ergonomics

Starting with physicality is instructive. The Olympus PEN-F opts for a rangefinder-style mirrorless body, weighing in at 427 grams. It offers classic dials, a sturdy grip, and a thoughtfully laid-out control scheme that photographers accustomed to manual settings will appreciate. By contrast, the Panasonic FS42 is a petite ultracompact camera weighing only 132 grams, designed to slip into a pocket, favoring straightforward, auto-centric operation.

The PEN-F’s top plate features dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and ISO, revealing its commitment to tactile control. The FS42, with no external manual dials, is more of a “point and shoot” that lets you focus on ease rather than precision.

For enthusiasts, that means the PEN-F encourages an immersive photography experience, whereas the FS42 serves quick candid photography needs. The top view comparison clearly reflects these differing priorities.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Now onto the imaging engine - arguably the most critical aspect for serious photographers.

The PEN-F boasts a 20MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3x13mm, paired with the TruePic VII processor. The sensor size, while smaller than APS-C or full frame, is far larger than FS42’s tiny 1/2.5” CCD sensor (5.7x4.3mm) with a 10MP resolution.

Why does this matter? Simply put: a larger sensor lets in more light, provides better dynamic range, improved low-light performance, and finer control over depth of field.

When I shot both cameras side-by-side under similar lighting, the PEN-F consistently delivered cleaner images with richer colors and better highlight preservation. The FS42, given its 2009 tech, struggled in low light - showing noise and limited detail retention beyond ISO 400. Its 10MP resolution is serviceable for casual prints but lacks the nuance required for professional cropping or large-format output.

Note also the PEN-F's anti-aliasing filter and sensor architecture help render sharper edges and finer textures, critical for portrait or landscape work. This technical groundwork sets the Olympus distinctively apart in image quality.

Display and Viewfinder: Framing Your Shot

Modern camera usability depends heavily on how you compose and review images.

The PEN-F comes with a 3-inch fully articulated touchscreen (1037 k-dots resolution) coupled with a bright electronic viewfinder (2360k dots, 100% coverage). In contrast, the FS42 sports a fixed 2.5-inch LCD with just 230k dots and no viewfinder.

From hands-on experience, the PEN-F’s articulated touchscreen is invaluable for shooting at odd angles or for video framing. The sharp EVF enables precise composition, especially in bright daylight when LCDs fade out. The FS42’s limited display hampers critical focusing and framing, and the lack of EVF requires the shooter to adopt a more casual “arm-length” style.

If you’re serious about focusing accuracy or need eye-level stability, the PEN-F’s interface vastly improves your shooting confidence.

Autofocus Systems and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Moment

Autofocus is a key differentiator in everyday use. The PEN-F uses contrast-detection AF with 81 points, face detection, and continuous tracking, while the FS42 has a simpler, contrast-detection autofocus without face or tracking capabilities.

In practical testing, the PEN-F’s system reacted swiftly and accurately, even in moderately low light - essential for portrait and street photography. It tracks moving subjects well enough for casual sports or wildlife snapshots, although it doesn't rival the fastest phase-detect AF cameras.

The FS42’s autofocus was slower and occasionally hunting, typical of fixed-lens compacts of its era. Continuous shooting tops out at 10fps on the PEN-F versus a sluggish 2fps on the FS42.

For capturing fleeting moments - whether on the sports field or in wildlife observation - the Olympus’s capabilities offer a decisive edge.

Lens Ecosystem: A Key to Creative Freedom

One of the PEN-F’s greatest strengths lies in its Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mount supporting over 100 native lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third-party manufacturers. This ecosystem spans fast primes, versatile zooms, macro optics, and specialty lenses.

The FS42 has a fixed 33-132mm (equiv.) f/2.8-5.9 zoom lens, limiting creative options. Its 4x zoom and modest aperture range serve convenience over versatility.

For portrait shooters craving creamy bokeh, or landscape enthusiasts requiring ultra-wide glass, the PEN-F’s system vastly expands potential. The FS42 functions well for snapshots but is restricted in artistic exploration.

Handling Different Photography Genres

Let’s evaluate both cameras across ten key photography disciplines, based on extensive empirical testing:

Portrait Photography

The Olympus PEN-F’s 20MP sensor and fast, sharp MFT primes deliver impressively natural skin tones and smooth bokeh. Its face detection AF system reliably locks onto eyes, giving tack-sharp portraits. Real-world use shows beautiful separation between subject and background, essential for professional headshots and creative portraits.

The FS42's slower autofocus and smaller sensor hamper shallow depth of field. Portraits tend to be flatter with less background blur, and skin tones can sometimes look muted or harsh in mixed lighting.

Landscape Photography

Here, the PEN-F shines with its dynamic range of 12.4 EV (per DxOMark), allowing detailed shadow and highlight recovery in high-contrast scenes. The 20MP resolution ensures ample detail for wall-sized prints or digital cropping. Articulated screen aids composition from ground level or overhead angles.

The FS42 offers limited resolution and reported color depth, resulting in less tonal richness and reduced cropping freedom. Weather sealing is absent on both, ruling out extreme outdoor conditions.

Wildlife Photography

Shooting wildlife benefits from fast AF tracking and high burst rates. The PEN-F’s 10 fps continuous shooting and 81 AF points give reasonable tracking, though it’s not specialized for professional wildlife. Its sensor multiplier (2.1x) offers reach with telephoto lenses.

The FS42’s autofocus and slow 2 fps burst limit its utility for fast action, requiring patience and still subjects.

Sports Photography

While not a dedicated sports camera, the PEN-F can handle casual to intermediate sports thanks to quick shutter speeds (1/8000s max), burst capability, and good AF accuracy.

By comparison, the FS42’s max shutter speed of 1/2000s and slow AF make it ill-suited for fast-paced action.

Street Photography

Compact size, discretion, and quick startup make the FS42 appealing for casual street photography. However, the PEN-F’s superior image quality and tactile controls provide the creative tools serious street photographers demand, albeit with a larger footprint.

Macro Photography

Olympus includes sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization and supports focus bracketing and stacking on the PEN-F, critical for finely detailed macro work. Coupled with MFT macro lenses, it excels here.

The FS42’s fixed lens and lack of stabilization restrict close-up flexibility, although its 5cm macro focus range allows basic flower or insect shots.

Night and Astro Photography

The PEN-F’s higher max ISO (25600 native), better low-light noise handling, and longer shutter speeds facilitate night and astrophotography. The manual exposure modes enable precise control.

The FS42 maxes out at ISO 1000 and offers no manual exposure modes, making it incapable of detailed night shots.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras cap video at 1080p or below (FS42 limited to 640x480 max), with the PEN-F supporting 1080p60fps.

Lacking microphone or headphone ports, neither camera is ideal for professional video but the PEN-F’s full HD recording with in-body stabilization is usable for casual filmmaking.

Travel Photography

The PEN-F’s combination of compact-ish body, extensive lens options, and decent battery life (330 shots) suits travel photographers who prioritize quality over weight.

The FS42, being a pocket-sized Ultracompact, wins on ultimate portability and convenience for travel snapshots but gives up image quality and control.

Professional Work

Olympus offers full RAW support, advanced controls, focus bracketing, and extensive manual modes meeting many pro needs in studio and field.

FS42’s limited file formats, fixed lens, and constrained control restrict professional use.

Technical and Connectivity Comparison

The PEN-F’s robust connectivity and ergonomics clearly position it as a mid-tier mirrorless system camera. The FS42 is an entry-level compact with minimal features, reflecting the technological gap of nearly 7 years.

Real-World Sample Comparisons

Olympus PEN F front Olympus PEN F screen back Panasonic FS42 front Panasonic FS42 screen back

Here, side-by-side samples demonstrate the PEN-F’s detail-rich output, sharper edges, and superior dynamic range, particularly visible in shadows and highlight retention in outdoor scenes. The FS42 images show softer details, less vibrant colors, and increased noise under low light.

Ranking the Cameras: Overall and by Genre

Our expert scoring highlights the PEN-F’s superior overall performance across most genres. The FS42 garners its strength only for casual street photography and portability.

Verdict: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

Olympus PEN-F – Who Should Buy?

• Enthusiasts or pros who want a stylish, compact mirrorless with excellent image control
• Photographers focused on portrait, landscape, macro, and creative photography
• Users needing a robust lens ecosystem and manual controls
• Those requiring high-quality stills and improved video options
• Suitable for travel when carrying multiple lenses isn’t an issue

If you desire image quality, versatility, and creative freedom, investing around $1,000 for a PEN-F body alone (plus lenses) is a smart choice. Its true rangefinder experience with modern processing punch is unique.

Panasonic Lumix FS42 – Who Should Buy?

• Casual users or beginners requiring a simple, pocketable camera
• Travelers wanting the lightest option without fuss
• Shoppers on a tight budget focusing on snapshots and family photos
• Users who prefer a camera with a built-in flash and basic zoom

The FS42 is somewhat dated in 2024 terms but still makes sense as a beginner’s point-and-shoot. Its strengths are convenience and portability, not technical prowess.

Final Thoughts

Comparing the Olympus PEN-F and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 is essentially comparing a well-engineered advanced mirrorless system camera with a basic ultracompact snapshot camera. They cater to completely different user personas and photography aspirations.

From years of hands-on experience, I can confidently say that the Olympus PEN-F is a worthy investment for anyone serious about photography or artistic expression. It incorporates time-tested design elements with modern sensor technology to produce inspiring images.

The Panasonic FS42, while useful for casual everyday snaps, lacks the features, control, and image quality expected by photography enthusiasts today.

Hopefully, this detailed comparison helps you make a well-informed choice tailored to your photography style, budget, and technical requirements.

Happy shooting!

Images incorporated:
1) size-comparison.jpg – Physical size and ergonomics discussion
2) top-view-compare.jpg – Control layout during design section
3) sensor-size-compare.jpg – Sensor technology and quality analysis
4) back-screen.jpg – Interface and screen discussion
5) cameras-galley.jpg – Sample image comparison
6) camera-scores.jpg – Overall ratings summary
7) photography-type-cameras-scores.jpg – Genre-specific performance insights