Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic FZ40

Following is a detailed overview of the Olympus E-M1 and Panasonic FZ40, former is a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the FZ40 (14MP) is relatively close but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and FZ40 (1/2.3") boast different sensor dimensions.

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The E-M1 was launched 3 years after the FZ40 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving straight to a full comparison, here is a brief summary of how the E-M1 grades against the FZ40 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 Gallery & Panasonic FZ40 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-M1 has got exterior dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") accompanied by a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ40 has specifications of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") and a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-M1 and Panasonic FZ40 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the E-M1 against the FZ40.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-M1 and FZ40 is 71 and 68 respectively.

Often, it's tough to imagine the difference in sensor sizes merely by researching technical specs. The picture here will help give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-M1 and FZ40.

As you have seen, both cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-M1 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh easier and the Olympus E-M1 will provide you with greater detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots way more aggressively. The newer E-M1 provides a benefit in sensor tech.