Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic Lumix FH20: A Deep Dive into Small Sensor Cameras for Photography Enthusiasts

Selecting the right camera can be a maze of specs and features, especially within the realm of small sensor models. Today, we bring clarity to that path by comparing two distinctive cameras with very different philosophies and designs: the Olympus Stylus SP-100 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20. Both hail from reputable brands and cater to photography enthusiasts looking for versatility and affordability, but their capabilities diverge considerably.

Having tested thousands of cameras over the last decade and a half - across genres from landscapes to sports - this guide leverages our firsthand experience to help you discern which model suits your style, needs, and budget.

Understanding the Cameras at a Glance

Though both cameras are categorized under small sensor compacts, they target different users with contrasting form factors and features:

Before diving into feature-by-feature analysis, here is a direct visual comparison highlighting the distinct physical designs:

Handling and Ergonomics: First Impressions Matter

The Olympus SP-100 stands out immediately with its bridge-style SLR-like body - bulky but thoughtfully designed for comfortable grip and control. This heft allows for more substantial ergonomics, including a pronounced hand grip which benefits users who shoot for extended periods or prefer a stable hold. Its dedicated dials for shutter and aperture provide tactile feedback, something advanced users appreciate during manual shooting.

Contrastingly, the Panasonic FH20 embraces a compact point-and-shoot form factor, making it highly pocketable and discrete. Weighing only 178 grams, it’s an effortless travel companion, slippable into a jacket pocket or small bag without any bulk. However, this comes at the cost of ergonomics - no viewfinder, smaller buttons, and no manual control dials - streamlining the camera for quick, casual shooting rather than deliberate compositions.

Here’s a further look at design and control layouts to flesh out these observations:

Verdict for Handling

• Olympus SP-100: Best if you value physical controls, viewfinder usability, and a substantial grip for more deliberate photography.
• Panasonic FH20: Ideal for quick shots, portability, and instant grab-and-go flexibility, especially for newcomers or casual users.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Photography

Both cameras pack the common 1/2.3” sensor size but with different sensor technologies and resolutions.

The Olympus SP-100’s BSI-CMOS sensor is more modern, allowing better low-light performance and improved dynamic range compared to older CCD technology in the Panasonic FH20. This advantage is subtle but noticeable in challenging lighting and high ISO settings.

Despite similar megapixels, the Olympus sensor’s backside illumination (BSI) improves light capture efficiency, delivering cleaner images with less noise at higher sensitivities. On the other hand, the FH20’s CCD sensor offers slightly warmer color tones favorable for certain scenes but suffers more with noise beyond ISO 400.

Here’s a detailed sensor size comparison to underline these nuances:

Real-World Image Quality

• Sharpness and Detail: The Olympus’s 16 MP sensor produces cleaner detail at base ISO, especially when combined with its quality glass. The Panasonic’s 14 MP sensor is adequate for casual snapshots but softens slightly on telephoto shots.
• Color Rendition: Both cameras apply in-camera JPEG processing - Olympus leans toward neutral, true-to-life colors; Panasonic’s output appears more saturated but can sometimes look artificial.
• Dynamic Range: Olympus handles highlights and shadows better due to sensor tech and ISO flexibility.
• Noise Performance: Olympus wins in low light, usable ISO extends up to 3200; Panasonic images get grainy beyond ISO 400.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Moment

Autofocus performance is crucial for genres like wildlife, sports, and street photography.

• Olympus SP-100 features a contrast-detection autofocus system with face and eye detection, as well as continuous AF capable of tracking moving subjects. Although the manufacturer doesn’t specify exact focus points, the inclusion of face/eye detection supports better portrait and candid shooting. The continuous burst rate clocks at 7 fps - a respectable speed for action sequences.
• Panasonic FH20 employs a simpler autofocus system with 9 contrast detection points but lacks continuous tracking and face detection. Burst shooting is slower at 5 fps and autofocus locks only in single-shot mode.

This means if you plan to photograph fast-moving wildlife or sports, the Olympus will serve you better. The Panasonic is suitable for steady, posed shots and casual snapshots.

Lens and Zoom: How Far Can You Go?

The Olympus SP-100 offers an impressive 50x optical zoom: 24-1200 mm equivalent, spanning from wide-angle to super-telephoto - a testament to its bridge camera status. The lens starts at a bright f/2.9 aperture on the wide end, which is useful in low-light situations or for creative background blur.

Conversely, the Panasonic FH20 has a more modest 8x zoom: 28-224 mm equivalent, beginning at f/3.3 aperture. This zoom range fits everyday shooting well but won’t get you as close to distant subjects.

These differences make a significant impact depending on your photographic interests:

Despite the sizable zoom, the Olympus maintains optical image stabilization, helping to counteract handshake, especially at longer focal lengths. The FH20 also has optical stabilization, but its shorter zoom leg reduces the risk of blur.

Exposure Control and Shooting Modes

Here, the Olympus pulls far ahead by including full manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority modes, key for enthusiasts wishing to experiment with exposure creatively. This provides greater control over depth of field, motion blur, and artistic effects.

The Panasonic FH20 is more simplified - no manual modes or exposure compensation, putting it squarely in the point-and-shoot camp. This suits beginners or those who prioritize ease over nuanced control but limits creative flexibility.

Display and Viewfinder: Framing Your Shot

The Olympus has a notable advantage with a 3” 460k resolution TFT LCD and a 920-pixel electronic viewfinder (EVF) for composing in bright light or when a steady hold is needed. Having both an EVF and a decent LCD increases flexibility and improves framing, especially outdoors.

The Panasonic restricts you to the rear LCD, which is only 2.7” and 230k pixels in resolution - not as sharp or bright. Also, it lacks a viewfinder, which can make shooting in direct sunlight challenging.

Let’s look at these side by side:

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

For video shooters or vloggers on a budget:

• The Olympus SP-100 records Full HD 1080p at 60 fps, which is ideal for smooth, high-quality video. It also includes a microphone port, enabling improved audio capture with external microphones - a big plus for content creators.
• The Panasonic FH20 captures up to 720p HD at 30 fps, using Motion JPEG format, which is less efficient and results in larger files with lower quality.

Olympus again caters to a more advanced user who wants both still and video performance.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery packs differ between the cameras:

• Olympus uses a LI-92B rechargeable battery, rated for approximately 330 shots per charge - which is quite decent given the EVF and zoom power.
• Panasonic’s battery specifics are unclear but considering its compact form and lack of EVF, expect shorter battery life around 200 shots.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single slot - standard for this class.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Connectivity is minimal on both:

• Olympus includes optional wireless support but no native WiFi or Bluetooth.
• Panasonic FH20 lacks any wireless connectivity features.

Both offer basic USB 2.0 for data transfer; the Olympus includes an HDMI port, facilitating easy connection to TVs for viewing.

Durability and Build Quality

Neither camera features environmental sealing, waterproofing, or shockproofing. The Olympus’s sturdier build and weight suggest better durability over time, especially for heavier use.

How Do They Stack Up Across Photography Types?

Let’s summarize performance across key photography disciplines, highlighted with detailed scores from our rigorous testing:

To visualize overall scores aggregating these categories:

Sample Images: Practical Outcomes

Examining real shots taken under varied conditions (daylight, indoor, telephoto):

Olympus SP 100 front Olympus SP 100 screen back Panasonic FH20 front Panasonic FH20 screen back

• The Olympus SP-100 delivers crisp details and balanced colors even at extended zoom levels.
• The Panasonic FH20 images look pleasant for casual sharing but tend to soften noticeably by 8x telephoto.

Pricing and Value Considerations

• The Olympus SP-100 launched at around $399, reflecting its advanced features and zoom prowess.
• The Panasonic FH20’s price point is closer to $179, targeting budget-conscious beginners wanting simple snap-and-go ease.

Though older models, their prices now tend to be discounted or available second-hand, which can affect value.

Key advice: If advanced features, zoom range, and manual control are priorities, invest in the Olympus. If size, weight, and ease of use top your list, the Panasonic remains a worthy choice.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Who Should Get the Olympus Stylus SP-100?

• Enthusiasts who want extensive zoom reach without changing lenses
• Photographers craving manual exposure control and physical dials
• Users interested in wildlife, sports, or macro photography requiring precise focusing and tracking
• Vloggers needing Full HD video with microphone input
• Those who prioritize image quality, better dynamic range, and low-light performance

Who Should Consider the Panasonic Lumix FH20?

• Beginners looking for a straightforward, pocketable camera to capture everyday moments
• Street photographers valuing discretion and mobility over zoom power
• Casual users wanting a budget-friendly, reliable compact
• Travelers prioritizing lightweight gear for easy carry

Getting the Most out of Your Camera Journey

Regardless of your choice, learning and experimentation are key. Take time exploring your new camera’s menus, practice shooting in different modes, and review your results critically. Consider investing in supplementary accessories like a sturdy tripod for stable telephoto shots (particularly useful for the SP-100), extra batteries for longer outings, and quality memory cards for efficient storage.

We encourage hands-on trials in stores or rentals if possible. Seeing and feeling the camera firsthand often clarifies which suits your style.

Choosing between the Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Panasonic Lumix FH20 means balancing advanced functionalities and zoom capabilities against portability and simplicity. Through this detailed breakdown, you now have the insights to pick confidently, aligning your selection with your photography passions.

Happy shooting!

This comparison was prepared from extensive personal testing combined with in-depth technical analysis to serve your creative and purchasing decisions with clarity and trust.