Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic FZ40

Here is a in depth review of the Olympus E-P3 versus Panasonic FZ40, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the FZ40 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and FZ40 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-P3 was introduced 14 months later than the FZ40 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving through a full comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the E-P3 matches up against the FZ40 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Panasonic FZ40 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera often, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P3 provides outside dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") having a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ40 has measurements of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs).

See the Olympus E-P3 versus Panasonic FZ40 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are employing during that time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the E-P3 and the FZ40.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-P3 and FZ40 is 86 and 68 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to see the difference in sensor sizing purely by seeing technical specs. The visual below will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P3 and FZ40.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-P3 with its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic FZ40 will provide more detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The younger E-P3 will have an edge in sensor tech.