Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic FZ1000 II

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Olympus E-M1 versus Panasonic FZ1000 II, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the FZ1000 II (20MP) is relatively close but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and FZ1000 II (1") have different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-M1 was introduced 6 years earlier than the FZ1000 II which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ1000 II being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a simple overview of how the E-M1 scores versus the FZ1000 II in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Panasonic FZ1000 II Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-M1 has got external measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") along with a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ1000 II has specifications of 136mm x 97mm x 132mm (5.4" x 3.8" x 5.2") having a weight of 808 grams (1.78 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-M1 versus Panasonic FZ1000 II 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 are utilizing during that time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the E-M1 and the FZ1000 II.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-M1 and FZ1000 II is 71 and 55 respectively.

More often than not, it can be tough to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes purely by looking through specs. The image here will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-M1 and FZ1000 II.

All in all, both the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-M1 with its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic FZ1000 II will render more detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The more aged E-M1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.