Olympus XZ-10 vs Panasonic FS42

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Olympus XZ-10 vs Panasonic FS42, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Ultracompact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the XZ-10 (12MP) and the FS42 (10MP) is very similar but the XZ-10 (1/2.3") and FS42 (1/2.5") come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The XZ-10 was manufactured 3 years later than the FS42 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus XZ-10 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief overview of how the XZ-10 grades versus the FS42 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus XZ-10 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-10 Gallery and Panasonic FS42 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus XZ-10 offers outside dimensions of 102mm x 61mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs) while the Panasonic FS42 has specifications of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

See the Olympus XZ-10 vs Panasonic FS42 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the XZ-10 compared to the FS42.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-10 and FS42 is 91 and 95 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to see the gap between sensor sizing just by reviewing a spec sheet. The visual below should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-10 and FS42.

As you can see, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The XZ-10 because of its larger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Olympus XZ-10 will offer you extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images far more aggressively. The younger XZ-10 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.