Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic ZS40

Here is a in depth comparison of the Olympus E-M1 versus Panasonic ZS40, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the ZS40 (18MP) is pretty well matched but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and ZS40 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-M1 was launched 2 months prior to the ZS40 so they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a concise view of how the E-M1 grades versus the ZS40 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera, you should factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M1 comes with outside measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") having a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS40 has proportions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-M1 versus Panasonic ZS40 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the E-M1 compared to the ZS40.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-M1 and ZS40 is 71 and 90 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizing merely by checking technical specs. The graphic underneath should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-M1 and ZS40.

As you can tell, both the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-M1 featuring a bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic ZS40 will resolve extra detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots far more aggressively.