Olympus E-M10 vs Panasonic FZ40

In this article, we are matching up the Olympus E-M10 versus Panasonic FZ40, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-M10 (16MP) and the FZ40 (14MP) is fairly close but the E-M10 (Four Thirds) and FZ40 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-M10 was manufactured 3 years later than the FZ40 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M10 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise view of how the E-M10 grades against the FZ40 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus OM-D E-M10 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-M10 Gallery & Panasonic FZ40 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M10 offers outside measurements of 119mm x 82mm x 46mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 1.8") along with a weight of 396 grams (0.87 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ40 has proportions of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") and a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-M10 versus Panasonic FZ40 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose at that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the E-M10 and the FZ40.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-M10 and FZ40 is 82 and 68 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing only by looking through specs. The graphic underneath may provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-M10 and FZ40.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-M10 due to its larger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-M10 will render more detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images a little more aggressively. The fresher E-M10 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.