Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic FP1

On this page, we will be contrasting the Olympus SP-100 and Panasonic FP1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Ultracompact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the SP-100 (16MP) and FP1 (12MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SP-100 was revealed 4 years later than the FP1 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going right into a in depth comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the SP-100 scores against the FP1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SP-100 Gallery and Panasonic FP1 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera, you will want to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-100 offers physical measurements of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") along with a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) and the Panasonic FP1 has measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") along with a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs).

Check out the Olympus SP-100 and Panasonic FP1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select at that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the SP-100 against the FP1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the SP-100 and FP1 is 63 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, its hard to picture the difference between sensor sizing simply by going over technical specs. The photograph underneath should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-100 and FP1.

As you have seen, both of those cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different resolution. You should expect the Olympus SP-100 to offer you more detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures more aggressively. The fresher SP-100 should have an edge with regard to sensor tech.