Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic FZ40

The following is a complete overview of the Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic FZ40, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the FZ40 (14MP) is very similar but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and FZ40 (1/2.3") offer different sensor size.

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The E-PL1 was manufactured 2 months before the FZ40 so they are of a similar age. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-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 brief synopsis of how the E-PL1 grades versus the FZ40 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Panasonic FZ40 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera, you will want to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1 comes with physical measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ40 has dimensions of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic FZ40 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Below is a front view size comparison of the E-PL1 versus the FZ40.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1 and FZ40 is 86 and 68 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to picture the difference between sensor dimensions only by going over technical specs. The picture underneath may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1 and FZ40.

As you have seen, both cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL1 because of its larger sensor is going to make getting bokeh simpler and the Panasonic FZ40 will offer extra detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images more aggressively.