Olympus 8000 vs Panasonic FS42

Here is a extended assessment of the Olympus 8000 versus Panasonic FS42, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the 8000 (12MP) and the FS42 (10MP) is very close but the 8000 (1/2.3") and FS42 (1/2.5") provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The 8000 was released 3 months later than the FS42 and they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus 8000 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a short summation of how the 8000 matches up against the FS42 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus 8000 Gallery and Panasonic FS42 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you will want to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus 8000 features exterior dimensions of 95mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") along with a weight of 182 grams (0.40 lbs) while the Panasonic FS42 has measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

See the Olympus 8000 versus Panasonic FS42 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the 8000 and the FS42.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 8000 and FS42 is 94 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to see the contrast in sensor sizing purely by viewing specs. The visual underneath may offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the 8000 and FS42.

All in all, both the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The 8000 because of its larger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field simpler and the Olympus 8000 will render greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics a bit more aggressively.