Panasonic FX48 vs Olympus FE-4030 Comparison

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Panasonic FX48

12 MP | 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) CCD Sensor

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Olympus FE-4030

14 MP | 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) CCD Sensor

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Panasonic FX48 vs Olympus FE-4030 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing FX48 and FE-4030, two Small Sensor Compact cameras from Panasonic and Olympus. Both cameras have 1/2.3-inch sensors but Panasonic FX48 has a 12.0 MP and Olympus FE-4030 has a 14.0 MP resolution. Panasonic FX48 was introduced to market in January 2009 and Olympus FE-4030 was launched in January 2010. There is only 11 months difference between FX48 and FE-4030 so we are expecting this to be a fair comparison regarding age and technology level.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Panasonic FX48 and Olympus FE-4030 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Panasonic FX48 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2009-01-27

12MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 80 - 3200 ( expands to 6400)

25-125 mm F2.8-5.9 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

2.5" Fixed Type Screen

2 fps continuous shooting

- 640 x 480 video resolution

150g. 95 x 53 x 22 mm

Also known as Lumix DMC-FX40

Olympus FE-4030 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2010-01-07

14MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 64 - 1600

26-105 mm F2.6-5.9 Zoom Lens

2.7" Fixed Type Screen

continuous shooting

- 640 x 480 video resolution

146g. 93 x 56 x 22 mm

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Panasonic FX48 and Olympus FE-4030 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 over Olympus FE-4030

Image Stabilization	Optical vs None	Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Face Detection Focus	Yes vs No	very handy for portraits
Max ISO	3.200 vs 1.600	100% higher Max ISO
Max Mech. Shutter	1/3000s vs 1/2000s	faster mechanical shutter
Manual Exposure	Yes vs No	better exposure control
Focal Length - Wide	25mm vs 26mm	1 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele	125mm vs 105mm	20 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom	5× vs 4×	more flexible focal coverage
Flash Coverage	6.0m vs 5.8m	0.2m longer range

Reasons to choose Olympus FE-4030 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48

Max Sensor Resolution	14 MP vs 12 MP	16% more pixels
LCD Screen Size	2.7" vs 2.5"	0.2 inches larger display
Weight	146 g vs 150 g	4 g lighter
Max Aperture - Wide	2.60 vs 2.80	faster lens at wide

Common Strengths of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 and Olympus FE-4030

Built-in Flash	Yes vs Yes	Useful in low-light

Common Weaknesses of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 and Olympus FE-4030

Fixed Screen	Fixed Type vs No	No flexible viewing angles
External Flash Shoe	No vs No	Not suitable for flash photography
Viewfinder	None vs None	No eye-level shooting option
RAW Support	No vs No	Lower image quality
LCD Screen Size	2.5" vs 2.7"	Small display
LCD Screen Resolution	230k dots vs 230k dots	Low resolution screens
Continuous Shooting	2.0fps vs fps	Slow shooting speeds
Manual Focusing	No vs No	No manual focusing modes
Environmental Sealing	No vs No	not suitable for tough conditions
Max Aperture - Tele	5.90 vs 5.90	Slow lenses at tele

Panasonic FX48 vs Olympus FE-4030: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Panasonic FX48 and Olympus FE-4030 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Panasonic FX48 has external dimensions of 95 x 53 x 22 mm (3.74 x 2.09 x 0.87″) and weighs 150 g (0.33 lb / 5.29 oz) (including batteries). Olympus FE-4030 has external dimensions of 93 x 56 x 22 mm (3.66 x 2.2 x 0.87″) and weighs 146 g (0.32 lb / 5.15 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Panasonic FX48 and Olympus FE-4030.

Comparison image of Panasonic FX48 and Olympus FE-4030 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Olympus FE-4030 is 4g lighter than the Panasonic FX48 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

FX48

FE-4030

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

FX48

FE-4030

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 (Lumix DMC-FX40) nor Olympus FE-4030 provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections:
Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Olympus FE-4030's 2.7" LCD screen is slightly larger than Panasonic FX48's 2.5" screen.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.

Panasonic FX48 vs Olympus FE-4030: Sensor Comparison

Panasonic FX48 has a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor . On the other hand, Olympus FE-4030 has a 14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features TruePic III processor.

Below you can see the FX48 and FE-4030 sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Panasonic FX48 and Olympus FE-4030 Cameras

Panasonic FX48 and Olympus FE-4030 have sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.

Panasonic FX48 vs Olympus FE-4030 Lens Specs Comparison

Panasonic FX48 features a 25-125 mm F2.8-5.9 5× zoom lens whereas Olympus FE-4030 features a 26-105 mm F2.6-5.9 4× zoom lens.

Panasonic FX48 has 1mm wider coverage than the Olympus FE-4030. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f2.60, Olympus FE-4030 is faster at widest end. On the tele end, Panasonic FX48 has 20mm longer reach than the Olympus FE-4030. Both cameras has a max aperture of f5.90 at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

FX48

FE-4030

Widest - Ricoh WG-M1

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

FX48

FE-4030

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

FX48

FE-4030

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

FX48

FE-4030

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

What types of Photography are Panasonic FX48 and Olympus FE-4030 Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Panasonic FX48 and Olympus FE-4030 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Panasonic FX48 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Olympus FE-4030 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Image Stabilization
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No Image Stabilization
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Panasonic FX48 for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Olympus FE-4030 for Street Photography

POOR

Image Stabilization
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details

Small Body
Live-view
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.60
26 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No Image Stabilization
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details

Panasonic FX48 for Sports Photography

POOR

Olympus FE-4030 for Sports Photography

POOR

Image Stabilization
Manual Exposure Mode
11 Focus Points
Average Max shutter speed: 1/3000s
125 mm Tele Lens
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
Read the details

Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No Image Stabilization
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Focus Points
105 mm Tele Lens
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
Read the details

Panasonic FX48 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Olympus FE-4030 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Compact Body
150g
Body Thickness 22mm
5.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Compact Body
146g
Body Thickness 22mm
4.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Panasonic FX48 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Olympus FE-4030 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Manual Exposure Mode
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

26 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Panasonic FX48 vs Olympus FE-4030: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Panasonic FX48 and Olympus FE-4030, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Panasonic FX48 and Olympus FE-4030 scores compare:

Panasonic FX48

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #299 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #930 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Olympus FE-4030

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #448 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #1161 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Panasonic FX48 has a higher Overall Score than the Olympus FE-4030 and would be our choice if we have to decide between these two cameras.

Olympus FE-4030 vs Panasonic FX48 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48	Olympus FE-4030
Brand	Panasonic	Olympus
Announced	2009-01-27	2010-01-07
Body Type	Compact	Compact
Sensor
Type	CCD	CCD
Size	1/2.3-inch	1/2.3-inch
Dimensions	6.08 x 4.56 mm	6.08 x 4.56 mm
Area	27.72mm²	27.72mm²
Megapixels	12 megapixels	14 megapixels
Max Resolution	4000 x 3000	4288 x 3216
Max Native Light sensitivity	3,200 ISO	1,600 ISO
Max Boosted Light Sensitivity	6400 ISO	-
Min Native Light sensitivity	80 ISO	64 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	11	n/a
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	25-125 mm (5×)	26-105 mm (4×)
Max Aperture	F2.8-5.9	F2.6-5.9
Macro Focus Range	5cm	4cm
Screen
Type	Fixed type	Fixed type
Size	2.5"	2.7"
Resolution	230k dots	230k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	None	None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter	1/3000s	1/2000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization	Optical	No
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	6.00 m	5.80 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting	2.0 fps	n/a
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution	640 x 480	640 x 480
Video Formats	Motion JPEG	Motion JPEG
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	None	None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	150g	146g
Dimensions	95 x 53 x 22mm	93 x 56 x 22mm
Battery Life	n/a	n/a
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None	None
DxO Sensor Scores
	Report a correction	Report a correction