Olympus E-P1 vs Panasonic ZS40

On this page, we will be matching up the Olympus E-P1 versus Panasonic ZS40, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference between the image resolutions of the E-P1 (12MP) and ZS40 (18MP) and the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and ZS40 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-P1 was revealed 5 years prior to the ZS40 which is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a full comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the E-P1 matches up versus the ZS40 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-P1 Gallery & Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

When you are going to travel with your camera often, you will have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P1 provides outside measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS40 has measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-P1 versus Panasonic ZS40 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the E-P1 compared to the ZS40.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-P1 and ZS40 is 86 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by looking at a spec sheet. The image here will help offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P1 and ZS40.

Clearly, both of those cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-P1 having a bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field simpler and the Panasonic ZS40 will give you extra detail because of its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots more aggressively. The more aged E-P1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.