Olympus E-M1 II vs Panasonic ZS40

Following is a complete analysis of the Olympus E-M1 II vs Panasonic ZS40, former is a Pro Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-M1 II (20MP) and the ZS40 (18MP) is fairly well matched but the E-M1 II (Four Thirds) and ZS40 (1/2.3") boast different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-M1 II was unveiled 2 years after the ZS40 which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M1 II being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a short summary of how the E-M1 II grades vs the ZS40 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 II Gallery & Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera often, you will want to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-M1 II has got physical dimensions of 134mm x 91mm x 67mm (5.3" x 3.6" x 2.6") along with a weight of 574 grams (1.27 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS40 has sizing of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-M1 II vs Panasonic ZS40 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are employing at the time. The following is a front view size comparison of the E-M1 II compared to the ZS40.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-M1 II and ZS40 is 68 and 90 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizes just by reading through technical specs. The pic here should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M1 II and ZS40.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-M1 II having a larger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-M1 II will give you extra detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images more aggressively. The more modern E-M1 II should have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.