Olympus E-M5 vs Panasonic FH7

On this page, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-M5 and Panasonic FH7, former is a Advanced Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-M5 (16MP) and the FH7 (16MP) is relatively similar but the E-M5 (Four Thirds) and FH7 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor size.

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The E-M5 was released 8 months after the FH7 and they are of a similar age. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FH7 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a complete comparison, here is a brief summary of how the E-M5 grades against the FH7 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH7. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-M5 Gallery & Panasonic FH7 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera often, you need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-M5 comes with physical dimensions of 122mm x 89mm x 43mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.7") with a weight of 425 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Panasonic FH7 has measurements of 95mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-M5 and Panasonic FH7 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the E-M5 compared to the FH7.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-M5 and FH7 is 81 and 96 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to envision the difference between sensor dimensions just by reviewing technical specs. The image below may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M5 and FH7.

As you have seen, both of these cameras provide the same megapixels albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The E-M5 comes with the bigger sensor which is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult. The fresher E-M5 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.