Olympus E-M5 vs Panasonic LZ40

In this article, we are evaluating the Olympus E-M5 versus Panasonic LZ40, former is a Advanced Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-M5 (16MP) and the LZ40 (20MP) is very comparable but the E-M5 (Four Thirds) and LZ40 (1/2.3") possess different sensor size.

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The E-M5 was launched 20 months prior to the LZ40 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go through a complete comparison, below is a concise summary of how the E-M5 grades vs the LZ40 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus OM-D E-M5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-M5 Gallery & Panasonic LZ40 Gallery.

In case you're looking to travel with your camera often, you will want to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-M5 enjoys exterior dimensions of 122mm x 89mm x 43mm (4.8" x 3.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 425 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Panasonic LZ40 has specifications of 126mm x 87mm x 94mm (5.0" x 3.4" x 3.7") accompanied by a weight of 524 grams (1.16 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-M5 versus Panasonic LZ40 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the E-M5 and the LZ40.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-M5 and LZ40 is 81 and 67 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to visualize the gap in sensor dimensions purely by checking out specs. The pic below will offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M5 and LZ40.

All in all, both the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-M5 due to its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic LZ40 will produce greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged E-M5 will be behind in sensor innovation.