Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40: A Definitive Expert Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right camera often involves navigating a sea of technical specifications, real-world performance nuances, and user-specific requirements - especially when comparing fundamentally different camera categories like a mirrorless interchangeable lens system versus a compact superzoom. In this detailed review, we pit the Olympus PEN E-PL1s, an entry-level Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mirrorless camera launched in late 2010, against the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40, a 2014 superzoom compact boasting a powerful fixed lens and advanced features. Through comprehensive hands-on testing and technical analysis, this article dives deep into their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases to equip photographers - from beginners to pros - with the knowledge needed for an informed purchase.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Understanding a camera’s physical ergonomics is crucial since handling directly impacts shooting comfort, particularly during longer sessions. The Olympus E-PL1s embodies the classic rangefinder-style mirrorless design, modestly sized yet offering the benefits of interchangeable lens flexibility, while the Panasonic ZS40 follows the compact superzoom blueprint focused on portability and versatility.

At 115 x 72 x 42 mm and 334 grams, the Olympus E-PL1s feels notably more substantial and sturdy in hand compared to the Panasonic ZS40 which measures 111 x 64 x 34 mm and weighs 240 grams. The extra bulk of the E-PL1s is justified by its larger sensor size and lens interchangeability, but beginners transitioning from smartphones may find the ZS40’s lighter, sleeker form factor more pocketable and convenient for casual shooting.

Looking down from above reveals the Olympus’s prominent grip and well-spaced, thoughtfully laid-out controls, beneficial for one-handed shooting comfort for users with medium to large hands.

The ZS40, constrained by its compact body, packs a more minimalist button layout with some key controls accessed via menus. However, its integrated lens control ring and zoom lever provide practical quick adjustments. Neither camera features articulated or touchscreen displays, limiting flexibility for self-portrait or vlogging scenarios.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Heart of the Camera

Perhaps the most defining technical differentiator between these cameras lies under the hood: Olympus’s MFT 12MP CMOS sensor versus Panasonic’s 1/2.3-inch type 18MP CMOS sensor.

The Olympus E-PL1s sensor (17.3 x 13 mm, 224.9 mm² area) delivers notably better image quality potential due to its significantly larger surface area - about eight times the size of the Panasonic’s 6.17 x 4.55 mm sensor - translating to superior dynamic range, low-light sensitivity, and color depth. Its 12MP resolution strikes a balanced compromise favoring pixel quality over sheer megapixel count.

Conversely, the Panasonic ZS40’s 1/2.3-inch sensor, although offering higher resolution at 18MP, inherently suffers more noise at elevated ISOs and a narrower dynamic range estimated from its size and sensor technology generation. Its tiny pixels capture less light per pixel, which constrains performance especially in low-light or shadow-heavy conditions.

This fundamental trade-off shapes the photographic outcomes each camera can achieve - more on that in the real-world test sections.

Viewfinder and LCD Screen: Composing Your Shots

Composing images swiftly and accurately is foundational, so examining each model’s LCD and viewfinder technologies illustrates how they cater to different shooting preferences.

The E-PL1s features a fixed 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD with 230k-dot resolution paired with an optional external electronic viewfinder (sold separately). In contrast, the Panasonic ZS40 boasts a larger 3-inch TFT LCD with anti-reflective coating and a denser 920k-dot resolution, along with a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) at 200k dots with 100% coverage.

In practice, the ZS40’s integrated EVF and high-resolution screen greatly assist in framing under bright outdoor conditions or for users who prefer eye-level shooting stability, a rarity in compact superzoom cameras of its generation. Meanwhile, the E-PL1s relies on the LCD predominantly, and absence of a built-in EVF makes outdoor glare handling more challenging.

From a user interface perspective, Olympus’s physical buttons and dial combinations facilitate rapid mode changes and exposure adjustments - critical when shooting candid street or sports scenes - whereas Panasonic’s touchscreen-less, smaller button layout feels slightly constrained, though still intuitive.

Autofocus Performance and Accuracy: Catching the Moment

A critical factor particularly for wildlife, sports, or fast-moving subjects is autofocus (AF) speed and accuracy. Both cameras employ contrast-detection AF systems, a standard in their respective classes but differing in sophistication.

The Olympus E-PL1s uses a contrast-detection autofocus system with 11 focus points, which includes face detection and AF tracking modes. Its ability to identify and track subjects is respectable but can be sluggish under certain light and motion conditions by modern standards, particularly compared with hybrid phase-detection systems.

The Panasonic ZS40 improves upon this with 23 focus points, enhanced face detection, and continuous autofocus modes designed to accommodate action and zoom telephoto shots more fluidly. Its AF performance at the long zoom end (up to 720mm equivalent) is generally superior, owing to optimized lens-controller integration and higher burst frame rates.

Both cameras lack advanced features like animal eye AF or hybrid phase detection, limiting their capacity for consistently sharp focus on erratic wildlife or fast pace sports. However, the Panasonic’s continuous shooting speed of 10 fps far outpaces the Olympus’s modest 3 fps, enabling more keepers in action-based scenarios.

Lens System: Interchangeability vs. Superzoom Power

Arguably, the defining choice between these cameras lies between Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens system with over 100 lenses available and Panasonic’s integrated 24-720mm superzoom lens with an f/3.3-6.4 aperture range.

The E-PL1s’s ability to swap lenses - from wide-angle primes to fast aperture zooms and macro lenses - makes it far more versatile and capable of specialized work (portraiture, macro, landscapes). Photographers seeking creative control over depth-of-field and bokeh quality benefit from this ecosystem.

In contrast, the ZS40’s fixed 30x zoom lens, while limited in aperture speed and not as sharp as prime or quality zoom lenses, offers remarkable reach in a pocketable body - ideal for travel, wildlife from a distance, or all-in-one convenience without lens changes.

Image stabilization implementations vary: Olympus employs sensor-shift stabilization, effective across any lens attached, whereas Panasonic uses optical lens-based stabilization, optimized for its fixed lens.

Detailed Genre-by-Genre Performance Analysis

To guide photographers with focused interests, we thoroughly evaluated both cameras across a breadth of photographic disciplines using standardized test charts and extensive field shooting.

Portrait Photography

• E-PL1s shines in rendering skin tones naturally due to larger sensor color depth and better noise control at low ISOs. The ability to use fast prime lenses enables creamy bokeh and selective focus critical for impactful portraits.
• ZS40 struggles to achieve shallow depth-of-field because of a small sensor and limited aperture range. While decent for casual snapshots, detailed skin rendition and eye sharpness fall short under dim lighting.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus’s larger sensor and 12MP resolution produce detailed, dynamic-range rich images, important for capturing subtle tonal variations in skylines and terrain.
• Panasonic’s 18MP count offers high resolution but with compromised shadow detail and increased noise. The ZS40’s weather sealing is absent in both, but Olympus’s lens options include weather-resistant options.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• The ZS40’s massively extended zoom and faster burst rate are advantageous, yet autofocus accuracy can waver, especially with erratic subjects.
• Olympus’s limited burst rate and smaller zoom reach constrain dynamic subject capture; however, switching to an appropriate telephoto lens can improve results.

Street Photography

• The E-PL1s setup with compact prime lenses is discreet and yields excellent image quality, though no silent shutter mode may attract attention.
• Panasonic, being smaller and quieter with its compact form, suits discreet shooting but image quality trade-offs exist.

Macro Photography

• Olympus’s MFT lens lineup includes several macro lenses with close focusing distances, offering superior magnification and focusing precision.
• Panasonic’s 3 cm macro focus is impressive for a compact but cannot rival true dedicated macro optics.

Night and Astro Photography

• Olympus’s sensor outclasses Panasonic’s in low-light sensitivity and dynamic range - affording cleaner high ISO shots. The E-PL1s can handhold up to ISO 6400; however, usable results typically cap around ISO 1600.
• Panasonic’s higher noise floor restricts astrophotography utility; its max ISO 3200 rarely provides clean images.

Video Capabilities

• ZS40 supports full HD at 60p, a considerable advantage for smooth video footage. It uses common formats (MPEG-4, AVCHD) but lacks external microphone input.
• E-PL1s video is capped at 720p 30fps, limiting professional video uses.
• Neither model supports 4K video, nor do they feature advanced stabilization or audio control.

Travel Photography

• The ZS40’s combination of compact size, integrated 30x zoom, GPS tagging, and NFC wireless connectivity make it a dependable all-in-one travel companion.
• Olympus’s interchangeable lens system demands more gear but rewards with image excellence and lens flexibility - potentially cumbersome for minimalist travel.

Professional Use and Workflow Integration

• Olympus’s raw file support and Micro Four Thirds lenses deliver professional-grade inputs suited to controlled environments (studiowork, portraits).
• Panasonic’s fixed lens architecture limits professional adaptability, though built-in wireless features aid in impediments to rapid file transfer and geotagging.

Technical Deep Dive: Build Quality, Battery, and Connectivity

Both cameras do not offer weather sealing or ruggedized protections, typical in their market segments. Construction-wise, Olympus’s metal-bodied E-PL1s feels a touch more robust than the ZS40’s polycarbonate shell but neither are suited for harsh environments.

Battery life is comparable: E-PL1s rated for about 290 shots per charge, Panasonic slightly better at 300 shots, good for casual users but limiting for extended adventures without spares.

Storage-wise, both cameras use SD cards, but only Panasonic supports SDXC and internal memory options, offering more flexibility.

Wireless connectivity is where Panasonic leaps ahead, boasting built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy image transfer and remote control features, entirely absent on the Olympus.

Sample Gallery: Real-World Image Comparison

Assessing side-by-side sample images taken under controlled and environmental conditions reveals the practical distinctions:

Olympus E PL1s front Olympus E PL1s screen back Panasonic ZS40 front Panasonic ZS40 screen back

• Olympus consistently delivers better fine detail retention, natural colors, and controlled noise.
• Panasonic’s images occasionally suffer from noise beyond ISO 400, especially in shadows, but benefit from the unprecedented zoom framing possibilities at 720 mm.

Overall Performance Ratings

Our scoring methodology aggregates sensor output, autofocus, burst speed, handling, image stabilization, video quality, and versatility to provide balanced verdicts.

• Olympus E-PL1s scores highly for image quality, ergonomics, and lens versatility.
• Panasonic ZS40 excels in autofocus flexibility, zoom range, video capabilities, and travel convenience.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Olympus E-PL1s if:

• You prioritize image quality and low-light performance.
• You want the flexibility of changing lenses for varied photographic styles (portrait, macro, landscape).
• You seek a solid entry into mirrorless interchangeable lens systems.
• You appreciate manual controls and traditional handling ergonomics.
• Video is secondary or at basic HD quality needs.

Opt for the Panasonic ZS40 if:

• Portability and a powerful all-in-one zoom are paramount.
• You shoot varied subjects on the go, including distant wildlife or travel snapshots.
• Video recording in full HD at 60fps is important.
• You appreciate integrated GPS and wireless sharing features.
• You prefer a ready-to-use compact camera without carrying extra lenses.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Legacy and Modern Utility

Though from different vantage points within the photography ecosystem, both cameras maintain respectable relevance for enthusiasts mindful of budget, purpose, and system investment. The Olympus PEN E-PL1s’s strength lies in its larger sensor, image quality, and lens ecosystem - still foundational pillars in photography. Meanwhile, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 shines as one of the most capable superzoom compacts for versatile travel and elevated video playback.

Through rigorous examination and extensive practical trials simulating varied shooting scenarios, the choice is less about outright superiority and more about matching tool to user priorities - a crucial distinction for intelligent camera selection.

For more expert reviews and camera comparisons, visit our in-depth archives and consult our interactive performance charts tailored for your photography passion.