Olympus E-30 vs Olympus 7040

Here, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-30 vs Olympus 7040, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both designed by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-30 (12MP) and the 7040 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the E-30 (Four Thirds) and 7040 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-30 was revealed 9 months prior to the 7040 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus 7040 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a quick summary of how the E-30 matches up against the 7040 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-30 and Olympus Stylus 7040. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-30 Gallery and Olympus 7040 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-30 comes with physical measurements of 142mm x 108mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.3" x 3.0") having a weight of 695 grams (1.53 lbs) whilst the Olympus 7040 has proportions of 95mm x 56mm x 26mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 144 grams (0.32 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-30 vs Olympus 7040 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose at that moment. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the E-30 compared to the 7040.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-30 and 7040 is 60 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizes purely by checking specs. The image underneath might give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-30 and 7040.

All in all, both the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-30 using its bigger sensor will make achieving bokeh easier and the Olympus 7040 will resolve extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more aged E-30 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.