Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic FH20

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Olympus SP-100 and Panasonic FH20, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the SP-100 (16MP) and the FH20 (14MP) is pretty well matched and they come with the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SP-100 was unveiled 4 years later than the FH20 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic FH20 being a Compact camera.

Before diving in to a in depth comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the SP-100 grades versus the FH20 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-100 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20. The full galleries are available at Olympus SP-100 Gallery & Panasonic FH20 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera often, you should factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-100 has got outer measurements of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") accompanied by a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FH20 has dimensions of 100mm x 56mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") having a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SP-100 and Panasonic FH20 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have during that time. Below is the front view size comparison of the SP-100 compared to the FH20.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-100 and FH20 is 63 and 93 respectively.

Typically, its hard to imagine the contrast between sensor measurements purely by checking specs. The visual below will offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-100 and FH20.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different resolution. You can expect the Olympus SP-100 to resolve greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots far more aggressively. The newer SP-100 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.