Olympus E-P2 vs Panasonic FZ40

Below, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-P2 versus Panasonic FZ40, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-P2 (12MP) and the FZ40 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the E-P2 (Four Thirds) and FZ40 (1/2.3") feature different sensor dimensions.

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The E-P2 was brought out 3 months before the FZ40 and they are of a similar generation. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-P2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving straight into a full comparison, below is a short highlight of how the E-P2 grades versus the FZ40 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-P2 Gallery and Panasonic FZ40 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-P2 enjoys exterior dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") with a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ40 has sizing of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-P2 versus Panasonic FZ40 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the E-P2 versus the FZ40.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-P2 and FZ40 is 86 and 68 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions just by looking at specifications. The picture here will provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P2 and FZ40.

To sum up, the 2 cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-P2 because of its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic FZ40 will resolve greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs somewhat more aggressively.