Olympus E-1 vs Panasonic ZS40

In this article, we are contrasting the Olympus E-1 versus Panasonic ZS40, former is a Pro DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the E-1 (5MP) and ZS40 (18MP) and the E-1 (Four Thirds) and ZS40 (1/2.3") come with different sensor dimensions.

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The E-1 was manufactured 11 years earlier than the ZS40 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-1 being a Large SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a in depth comparison, below is a brief summary of how the E-1 grades against the ZS40 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-1 Gallery & Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera frequently, you're going to have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-1 has got physical measurements of 141mm x 104mm x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2") along with a weight of 735 grams (1.62 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS40 has sizing of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-1 versus Panasonic ZS40 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you use during that time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the E-1 and the ZS40.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-1 and ZS40 is 59 and 90 respectively.

Often, it is very hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizes only by researching technical specs. The picture underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-1 and ZS40.

As you have seen, both of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-1 due to its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic ZS40 will render greater detail due to its extra 13MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged E-1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.