Olympus E-M5 vs Panasonic FP7

Here is a extensive review of the Olympus E-M5 and Panasonic FP7, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the other is a Ultracompact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-M5 (16MP) and the FP7 (16MP) is fairly similar but the E-M5 (Four Thirds) and FP7 (1/2.3") boast different sensor measurements.

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The E-M5 was revealed 17 months later than the FP7 making them a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-M5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FP7 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the E-M5 matches up vs the FP7 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus OM-D E-M5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP7. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-M5 Gallery and Panasonic FP7 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera frequently, you will want to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-M5 offers physical dimensions of 122mm x 89mm x 43mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 425 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Panasonic FP7 has specifications of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 147 grams (0.32 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-M5 and Panasonic FP7 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the E-M5 vs the FP7.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-M5 and FP7 is 81 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing merely by going over specs. The graphic below might give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-M5 and FP7.

All in all, both of these cameras provide the same megapixel count but different sensor sizing. The E-M5 contains the larger sensor which will make getting shallow DOF easier. The newer E-M5 should have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.