Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47: A Deep Dive for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing a camera isn’t just about specs on paper - it’s about how those specs translate into the photos and videos you’ll capture, the shooting experience you enjoy day in and day out, and how well the system grows with your needs. Today, I’m putting two very different cameras head-to-head: the Olympus OM-D E-M1, a seasoned pro-level Micro Four Thirds mirrorless, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47, a bridge-style superzoom designed to cover a wide focal range in one package.

Having personally put dozens of cameras through rigorous tests over 15 years (including in the field and studio), I will walk you through the critical distinctions, from sensor tech and autofocus chops to ergonomics and real-world imaging across genres.

Let’s explore what these two can offer, where they shine, and which photographers each might suit best.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Controls

You might be surprised how similar these two feel in weight: 497g for the Olympus and 498g for the Panasonic. But size and ergonomics tell a different story.

The Olympus E-M1 boasts a SLR-style mirrorless body measuring 130×94×63mm - compact but robust and weather-sealed (a major plus). In contrast, the FZ47 is a bridge camera, a little chunkier at 120×80×92mm with a fixed lens.

I love the Olympus’s grip and button layout, which feels purpose-built for longer handheld shooting sessions. The Panasonic’s compact shape is more about convenience and has fewer physical controls - the bridge style means you get less tactile feedback and fewer manual dials.

Looking at the top, it’s clear how professional Olympus aimed here:

The E-M1 hosts dedicated dials for ISO, shutter speed, exposure compensation, and customizable buttons. The FZ47 goes with a simpler, more consumer-friendly setup: a mode dial, zoom rocker, and few buttons.

Bottom line? If hands-on control and weather resistance matter, E-M1 leads easily. For casual carry-and-shoot utility, the FZ47 might still tempt with simplicity.

Inside the Glass: Sensor Size and Image Quality Potential

Let’s talk sensors - arguably the heart of image quality.

Olympus uses a True Detect 16MP Four Thirds sensor, measuring 17.3x13mm, giving a sensor area of about 225mm². The result? A solid balance of resolution, noise performance, and dynamic range, especially when paired with Olympus’s TruePIC VII processor.

Panasonic’s FZ47 comes with a tiny 1/2.3-inch 12MP CCD sensor (6.08x4.56mm, 28mm²). This is the typical cramped sensor size for superzoom cameras.

What does this mean practically?

• The Olympus E-M1 delivers richer color depth (DxO Color Depth of 23 bits vs. Panasonic’s untested but inevitably lower score), far better dynamic range (12.7 EV vs. unknown but limited for 1/2.3" type), and lower noise at high ISO (DxO Low Light ISO 757, compared to the FZ47’s max native ISO 1600 but ideal around 100-400).

• The FZ47’s sensor is pushed hard during low-light, yielding noisier images and narrower exposure latitude.

This solid sensor translates into better image quality, sharper files, and more room for post-processing with the Olympus.

Screen, Viewfinder, and Interface: What You See is What You Get

A camera’s interface can make or break your experience.

The Olympus E-M1 features a 3.0" tilting touchscreen LCD with 1,037k dot resolution and a 2,360k dot electronic viewfinder (EVF). This EVF covers 100% frame, giving you a crisp, immersive view.

By comparison, the FZ47 has a fixed 3.0” LCD at 460k dots - decent but not very sharp, and no touchscreen here. Its EVF resolution is unspecified but generally lower quality with more lag and less detail.

From hands-on use, the Olympus display refreshes and responds faster, making menu navigation and live view focusing much smoother. The articulated screen tilts, beneficial for low/high angle shooting.

Interface takeaway: The E-M1’s touchscreen and high-resolution EVF deliver a far superior user experience, ideal for both beginners dipping into advanced controls and professionals needing fast feedback.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus (AF) remains a dealbreaker for many, especially for moving subjects.

Olympus E-M1 boasts an 81-point hybrid AF system with phase-detection and contrast detection, face detection, and robust continuous AF tracking modes. It even supports focus bracketing and stacking - a boon for macro and product photography.

Panasonic FZ47 offers 23 contrast-detection points with face detection but lacks phase detection or cross-type points, limiting its performance on fast action or tricky lighting.

Real-world testing:

• Olympus E-M1 locks focus quickly and confidently in daylight and manages decent continuous tracking up to 10 fps burst speed.

• FZ47 AF feels slower and more prone to hunting, especially in low contrast or fast-moving sports scenarios; its 4 fps burst is modest and best for casual snaps.

For wildlife and sports photographers craving sharp, timely focus, the Olympus is, hands down, more capable.

Lens Ecosystem and Focal Reach: Versatility vs. Range

Here’s where these cameras diverge philosophically.

The Olympus E-M1 has a Micro Four Thirds mount, compatible with over 100 native lenses ranging from ultra-wide primes to telephotos, macros, and fast portrait glass. Its 2.1x crop factor means a 25mm lens acts roughly like a 52.5mm on full-frame.

Compare that to the Panasonic’s fixed 25-600mm equivalent zoom (24x zoom), with an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/5.2. For casual travel and wildlife in one pocket-ready body, that sounds tempting.

However, fixed superzooms sacrifice optical quality and maximum aperture size; at 600mm equivalent, aperture narrows, affecting low-light and DOF control.

Olympus lenses, especially primes and pro zooms, are often sharper, faster, and better stabilized. Plus, you can tailor your kit instead of relying on one jack-of-all-trades lens.

Stabilization: How Good Is Your Stability Insurance?

Camera shake is the bane of handheld shooting, especially when long focal lengths or macro work are involved.

Olympus incorporates sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization, which is among the best in the industry - it compensates for pitch, yaw, roll, and X/Y axis shift, effective even with adapted lenses.

FZ47 offers optical image stabilization in the lens, effective but limited to compensating for angular motion mostly.

From practical experience, Olympus’ 5-axis IS allows me to shoot handheld at shutter speeds a few stops slower than normal - indispensable for macro, landscapes, and low-light portraits.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Pro body or consumer bridge?

• Olympus E-M1 is magnesium alloy, fully weather-sealed, meaning you can shoot confidently in rain, dust, cold, or heat. This robustness is a key selling point for pros and outdoor enthusiasts.

• Panasonic FZ47 is plastic-bodied, without sealing. It’s decent for everyday handling but less suited for challenging environments.

For adventure photographers, that difference matters a lot.

Battery Life and Storage Features

Let’s talk power.

• Olympus E-M1 uses the BLN-1 battery with CIPA-rated 350 shots per charge.

• Panasonic FZ47 uses its proprietary battery rated at 400 shots (likely underoptimistic real world).

Both use a single SDXC slot - adequate but single-slot means careful file management to avoid risk of data loss.

The FZ47’s slightly longer battery life might appeal to casual shooters, but if you’re a pro, bringing spares is routine.

Video Capabilities: Ready for Moving Picture?

Both offer Full HD video at 30fps, but with different codecs and approaches.

• Olympus E-M1 shoots 1080p using H.264 and Motion JPEG, with microphone input but no headphone jack, allowing some audio control.

• Panasonic FZ47 shoots 1080p AVCHD but lacks a microphone input, limiting audio quality control.

Neither offers 4K or high frame rate options by today’s standards, but the E-M1’s superior autofocus and stabilization make for smoother, more usable video clips.

While neither is a dedicated video camera, the Olympus gives more flexibility for hybrid shooters.

How Do They Perform Across Photography Genres?

Let’s break down practical strength zones, backed by image samples and field tests.

Olympus E M1 front Olympus E M1 screen back Panasonic FZ47 front Panasonic FZ47 screen back

Portraits

The Olympus, with superior color depth, dynamic range, and fast focus (eye detection included), delivers pleasing skin tones and creamy bokeh, thanks to interchangeable fast primes. The Panasonic’s lens can do portraits but with harder bokeh and less color nuance.

Landscapes

Here, the Olympus again excels: larger sensor, better dynamic range, and perfect for shooting in varied weather with weather sealing. Also offers focus stacking. The Panasonic’s smaller sensor and fixed lens limit detail and flexibility on wide scenes.

Wildlife and Sports

Olympus’s 10fps burst, advanced AF, and broad lens options make it suitable for action and wildlife. The Panasonic’s zoom reaches far but its slower AF and burst rate limit action capture. The lower sensor sensitivity reduces low light use in natural settings.

Street Photography

The Panasonic’s discreet, smaller body can be a plus, but the Olympus’s excellent low-light capability and tilt screen for unusual angles also appeal here.

Macro Photography

Olympus wins easily with focus bracketing, stacking, and superior stabilization - the FZ47 only manages simple close-up at 1cm but with less precision.

Night and Astro

The Olympus’s higher ISO capabilities and dynamic range give it the edge under stars, whereas the FZ47’s noise rises quickly.

Travel Photography

The FZ47’s superzoom and lighter body make it a tempting “all-in-one” for casual travelers. However, if you value image quality and system growth, Olympus is more versatile and future-proof.

Professional Work

The E-M1’s rugged body, pro-grade lens mount, RAW support, and connectivity suit demanding workflows. The FZ47 is more a consumer convenience camera.

Performance Ratings at a Glance

Here’s a summary of how these cameras rate overall and by specialty from my comprehensive testing:

The charts reflect sharper wins for Olympus in areas requiring speed, control, and quality - while Panasonic shines in extreme telephoto reach and simplicity.

Connectivity, Extra Features, and Price-to-Performance

• The Olympus built-in Wi-Fi streamlines image transfer and tethering.

• Panasonic has no wireless features.

USB 2.0 and HDMI ports are present on both.

Price-wise, the Olympus E-M1 runs about $799 (body only), fitting its pro-level positioning, whereas the FZ47 goes for approximately $379, making it a budget-friendly option.

Value depends on your priorities: investment in a system (Olympus) vs. all-in-one simplicity (Panasonic).

My Final Thoughts and Recommendations

So, who should pick which camera?

If you want a pro-grade, versatile camera system with superior image quality, durability, and fast autofocus for everything from portraits and landscapes to wildlife and professional work, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 is the standout choice. It represents serious photographic commitment and performance.

If your budget is tight, or you want a simple, convenient all-in-one superzoom for travel and casual snapshots without the hassle of multiple lenses, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47 does a respectable job. Its massive zoom range and ease of use appeal to beginners and those prioritizing reach over ultimate image fidelity.

Whichever you pick, understanding your photographic demands and how these cameras align with them will reward you with great results and an enjoyable shooting journey.

Thanks for reading. For detailed hands-on demonstrations and further comparisons, stay tuned for my upcoming video reviews and field tests.