Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic FZ40

On this page, we are reviewing the Olympus E-PL2 and Panasonic FZ40, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the FZ40 (14MP) is very comparable but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and FZ40 (1/2.3") offer different sensor size.

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The E-PL2 was unveiled 7 months later than the FZ40 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting right into a complete comparison, here is a brief summary of how the E-PL2 grades versus the FZ40 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Panasonic FZ40 Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL2 comes with physical measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ40 has specifications of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") and a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL2 and Panasonic FZ40 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you choose at that time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the E-PL2 and the FZ40.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL2 and FZ40 is 85 and 68 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to picture the gap in sensor measurements purely by checking out specs. The graphic underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL2 and FZ40.

All in all, the 2 cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-PL2 with its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic FZ40 will show extra detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop pics more aggressively. The more modern E-PL2 should have an advantage in sensor technology.