Olympus 1s vs Panasonic FH1

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Olympus 1s and Panasonic FH1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the 1s (12MP) and the FH1 (12MP) is very well matched but the 1s (1/1.7") and FH1 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor sizing.

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The 1s was brought out 5 years later than the FH1 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 1s being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic FH1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the 1s scores versus the FH1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus 1s and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus 1s Gallery and Panasonic FH1 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus 1s comes with exterior measurements of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") along with a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) while the Panasonic FH1 has measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 163 grams (0.36 lbs).

Check out the Olympus 1s and Panasonic FH1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the 1s vs the FH1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 1s and FH1 is 79 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements just by looking at a spec sheet. The graphic below will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the 1s and FH1.

As you can see, the two cameras enjoy the same exact megapixel count but not the same sensor measurements. The 1s contains the larger sensor which is going to make achieving bokeh simpler. The newer 1s is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.