Olympus FE-5010 vs Panasonic ZS40

In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Olympus FE-5010 versus Panasonic ZS40, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the FE-5010 (12MP) and ZS40 (18MP) but they come with the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The FE-5010 was released 6 years before the ZS40 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a brief summary of how the FE-5010 scores against the ZS40 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus FE-5010 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus FE-5010 Gallery and Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus FE-5010 features physical dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 130 grams (0.29 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS40 has proportions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

See the Olympus FE-5010 versus Panasonic ZS40 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose during that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the FE-5010 compared to the ZS40.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FE-5010 and ZS40 is 96 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to envision the gap between sensor sizing purely by checking specifications. The photograph underneath should give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the FE-5010 and ZS40.

To sum up, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You should count on the Panasonic ZS40 to give greater detail as a result of its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older FE-5010 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.