Olympus E-5 vs Panasonic LZ40

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Olympus E-5 and Panasonic LZ40, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the E-5 (12MP) and LZ40 (20MP) and the E-5 (Four Thirds) and LZ40 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor size.

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The E-5 was manufactured 3 years earlier than the LZ40 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic LZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the E-5 grades vs the LZ40 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-5 Gallery and Panasonic LZ40 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera regularly, you need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-5 comes with exterior dimensions of 143mm x 117mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) and the Panasonic LZ40 has specifications of 126mm x 87mm x 94mm (5.0" x 3.4" x 3.7") with a weight of 524 grams (1.16 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-5 and Panasonic LZ40 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use at that moment. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the E-5 against the LZ40.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-5 and LZ40 is 58 and 67 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reviewing specs. The photograph underneath may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-5 and LZ40.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-5 due to its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic LZ40 will offer you more detail due to its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older E-5 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.