Olympus E-M5 vs Panasonic FZ40

Lets take a deeper look at the Olympus E-M5 versus Panasonic FZ40, former is a Advanced Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-M5 (16MP) and the FZ40 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the E-M5 (Four Thirds) and FZ40 (1/2.3") boast different sensor size.

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The E-M5 was unveiled 22 months after the FZ40 which makes them a generation away from one another. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-M5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a quick overview of how the E-M5 grades vs the FZ40 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-M5 Gallery & Panasonic FZ40 Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-M5 enjoys outer measurements of 122mm x 89mm x 43mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 425 grams (0.94 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ40 has measurements of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") having a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-M5 versus Panasonic FZ40 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the E-M5 versus the FZ40.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-M5 and FZ40 is 81 and 68 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes purely by looking at specs. The picture underneath may give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-M5 and FZ40.

All in all, both of those cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-M5 with its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-M5 will give you greater detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures way more aggressively. The younger E-M5 should have an edge in sensor technology.