Olympus 5010 vs Panasonic FS42

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Olympus 5010 and Panasonic FS42, both Ultracompact cameras by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the 5010 (14MP) and FS42 (10MP) and the 5010 (1/2.3") and FS42 (1/2.5") come with different sensor dimensions.

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The 5010 was brought out 9 months later than the FS42 and they are both of a similar age. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Ultracompact).

Before delving in to a detailed comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the 5010 matches up versus the FS42 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus 5010 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42. The entire galleries are available at Olympus 5010 Gallery & Panasonic FS42 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera often, you should factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus 5010 features physical measurements of 95mm x 56mm x 20mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.8") along with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Panasonic FS42 has dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

See the Olympus 5010 and Panasonic FS42 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you choose during that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the 5010 and the FS42.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the 5010 and FS42 is 96 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizing purely by seeing specs. The graphic underneath will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the 5010 and FS42.

All in all, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The 5010 because of its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus 5010 will show greater detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs far more aggressively. The more recent 5010 provides an edge when it comes to sensor technology.