Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic Lumix ZS40: An In-Depth Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Navigating the camera market to find the ideal model suited to your photographic style and needs can be a demanding process, especially when comparing two technically distinct models like the Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. Both cameras cater to entry-level users and enthusiasts but differ fundamentally in design, sensor technology, shooting capabilities, and intended use cases. Drawing on extensive hands-on experience with thousands of camera systems, this article offers a detailed, technical, and practical comparison to help you settle on the best investment for your photography ambitions.

Understanding Design and Ergonomics: Handling and Portability

Physical form factor and ergonomics strongly influence shooting comfort and the creative process. The Olympus E-PL5 employs a classic rangefinder-style mirrorless body, characteristic of the Micro Four Thirds system, while the Panasonic ZS40 is a compact superzoom bridge camera designed for all-in-one convenience.

The Olympus E-PL5 measures at 111 x 64 x 38 mm and weighs approximately 325 grams without lens, reflecting moderate pocketability yet comfortable handling, especially when paired with Micro Four Thirds lenses. The distinct grip and customizable controls lend it a semi-professional feel despite its consumer-grade positioning.

In contrast, the Panasonic ZS40 weighs about 240 grams and shares nearly identical dimensions (111 x 64 x 34 mm), crafted for ultimate portability. However, its fixed lens and smaller body design mean it fits easily into coat pockets or small bags, appealing to travelers prioritizing convenience over system expandability.

Comparing the top controls and layout illustrates Olympus’s emphasis on traditional DSLR-inspired ergonomics, including tactile dials and visible mode selectors, while Panasonic opts for a more minimalistic design streamlined for casual users.

For photographers used to manual operation and physical dials, the E-PL5's design supports a hands-on approach, while the ZS40’s more compact footprint and integrated controls suit fast, grab-and-go shooting scenarios.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of Photography

At the core of any camera system, sensor size, resolution, and technology dictate image quality, dynamic range, and low-light behavior. These two cameras present a classic contrast between a larger Four Thirds sensor and a small 1/2.3” sensor.

The Olympus E-PL5 features a Four Thirds-sized 17.3 x 13 mm CMOS sensor with 16 megapixels, offering a sensor area of approximately 224.9 mm². This significantly larger imaging area enables superior noise control, greater dynamic range (around 12.3 EV measured by DxO), and better color depth (roughly 22.8 bits). Its native ISO ceiling extends up to 25600 (though practical usability begins to degrade past ISO 3200-6400), highlighting versatility in varied lighting.

Conversely, the Panasonic ZS40 employs a 1/2.3-inch sensor, measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with an 18-megapixel resolution (sensor area 28.07 mm²). Despite higher pixel count, the pixel pitch is considerably smaller, resulting in reduced dynamic range and elevated noise levels at sensitivities beyond ISO 800. Though not professionally benchmarked by DxO, such sensors typically struggle with low-light performance and color fidelity compared to larger APS-C or Micro Four Thirds sensors.

Display and Interface: How You Interact with Your Camera

A camera’s user interface directly affects user experience, speed of operation, and creative control, especially when working in dynamic shooting environments.

The Olympus E-PL5 boasts a 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen with 460k-dot resolution. Its articulation supports flexible shooting angles ranging from waist-level to overhead captures, an asset for macro, street, or creative portraiture. The touchscreen adds intuitive touch-to-focus and menu navigation, enhancing usability markedly for both beginners and seasoned users.

The Panasonic ZS40’s 3.0-inch fixed TFT LCD offers a higher 920k-dot resolution but lacks touchscreen capability or articulation. While the screen quality is sharp and clear under most conditions, the inability to tilt or swivel limits compositional options, particularly in unusual perspectives or low-to-ground shooting. However, the ZS40 compensates with a built-in electronic viewfinder, boasting 200k-dot resolution providing 100% coverage, aiding in bright sunlight framing and stability.

Autofocus and Performance: Capturing the Decisive Moment

Accurate, fast autofocus (AF) systems are essential to retain sharp focus on fast-moving subjects, critical in wildlife, sports, and street photography. Understanding the cameras’ AF system architectures and burst capabilities is imperative for performance assessment.

The E-PL5 utilizes contrast-detection autofocus with 35 focus points, supplemented by face detection to assist in portrait and casual shooting. Its AF speed is solid but occasionally hesitant in low-contrast or dim scenarios, typical of contrast-based systems without phase detection.

In comparison, Panasonic’s ZS40, while also reliant on contrast detection and sporting fewer AF points, provides slightly faster burst shooting at 10 fps. Its autofocus behavior is responsive for a compact superzoom, helped by simplified subject tracking algorithms and a less demanding sensor-readout size.

Neither camera incorporates phase-detection autofocus or AI-driven animal eye AF (which is now a common staple on modern cameras), limiting tracking reliability for fast action or unpredictable wildlife movements.

Lens Ecosystem and Optical Capabilities: Flexibility vs. All-in-One Zoom

One of the most defining divergences between these devices is the interchangeable lens capability of the Olympus E-PL5, versus the Panasonic ZS40’s integrated superzoom lens.

Olympus leverages the Micro Four Thirds lens mount, granting access to a vast system of over 100 native lenses from Olympus and Panasonic, as well as third-party manufacturers. This modularity supports specialty optics for portraits, macro, landscape, and fast primes, enhancing creative potential and image quality significantly.

The Panasonic ZS40 comes with a fixed 24-720 mm equivalent zoom lens (30x optical zoom), with an aperture range from f/3.3 at the wide end to f/6.4 at the telephoto extreme. This expansive range fits travel and wildlife shooting needs but with the inherent optical compromises:

• Smaller max aperture limits low-light and shallow depth of field control
• Moderate distortion and softness at telephoto extremes
• Macro focusing possible down to 3 cm, offering some close-up utility

For photographers demanding specialized optics, creative bokeh effects, or lower distortion lenses, the E-PL5’s system is substantially more advantageous.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither model targets professional ruggedness or harsh conditions. Both lack weather sealing, dustproofing, or shock resistance. Their plastic and metal composites ensure lightweight design, but frequent professional outdoor usage would benefit from protective housing.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

Regarding endurance in complex shooting scenarios, battery life is crucial.

• Olympus E-PL5 offers approximately 360 shots per charge using its BLS-5 battery, competitive for a mirrorless system of its era.
• Panasonic ZS40 rates slightly lower at about 300 shots per charge, reflecting its smaller body and compact form.

Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with the ZS40 also including internal storage - a useful fallback for spontaneous image retention.

Connectivity and Video Recording: Modern Shooting Versatility

Video remains a key component of today’s shooters’ toolkits.

The Olympus E-PL5 records Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps, utilizing MPEG-4, H.264, and Motion JPEG codecs. Despite lacking a microphone or headphone port, its sensor-shift stabilization aids in reducing handheld vibration, though video autofocus can lag behind newer hybrid systems.

By contrast, the Panasonic ZS40 supports 1080p recording at up to 60i/60p, benefiting those seeking smoother motion capture. Video codecs include MPEG-4 and AVCHD for higher compression efficiency. Optical image stabilization provides steadier footage, especially at zoom telephoto settings. Like the Olympus, it lacks external audio inputs.

Wireless connectivity is basic but differentiated: Olympus supports Eye-Fi card connectivity for wireless transfers, while Panasonic incorporates built-in Wi-Fi and NFC alongside GPS positioning, enhancing geo-tagging and wireless sharing - advantageous for travel photographers.

Photography Discipline Analysis: Specialized Strengths and Use Cases

Evaluating the cameras across various photographic genres highlights their usability nuances.

Olympus E PL5 front Olympus E PL5 screen back Panasonic ZS40 front Panasonic ZS40 screen back

Portrait Photography

• E-PL5: Larger sensor and interchangeable fast lenses permit beautiful skin tone rendition and creamy bokeh, assisted by face detection AF.
• ZS40: Limited by small sensor and smaller apertures; portraits render flatter with less subject-background separation.

Landscape Photography

• E-PL5: High dynamic range and resolution, plus choice of wide-angle primes, deliver richly detailed, vibrant landscapes.
• ZS40: Versatile zoom range but smaller sensor hampers ultimate image quality; convenience-oriented.

Wildlife and Sports

• ZS40: Faster burst and extensive zoom serve casual wildlife and sports shooters.
• E-PL5: Better autofocus accuracy but shorter burst and focal length more reliant on telephoto lens purchases.

Street Photography

• E-PL5: Tilt screen and compact lenses simplify candid compositions.
• ZS40: Smaller body and quiet operation excel in discreet environments.

Macro Photography

• E-PL5: Interchangeable macro lenses and sensor-based stabilization yield superior close-ups.
• ZS40: Fixed lens macro is serviceable but less flexible.

Night and Astro Photography

• E-PL5: Larger sensor and higher ISO capacity enhance low-light captures.
• ZS40: Limited by noise at higher ISO; less suited.

Video Creation

• ZS40: Higher frame rate options and optical stabilization favor casual videographers.
• E-PL5: Sensor stabilization aids video but limited codec and frame rate.

Travel Photography

• ZS40: Pocket-friendly superzoom with essential GPS and Wi-Fi functionality.
• E-PL5: Slightly larger, but greater image quality and lens versatility.

Professional Use

• Neither camera meets current professional standards but the E-PL5’s RAW capability and interchangeable lenses accommodate semi-professional workflows better.

Aggregated Performance and Value Summary

When assessed holistically, the Olympus E-PL5 achieves a DxO Mark overall score of 72, substantiating its strong sensor performance and image quality leadership within the entry-level mirrorless class of its era.

The Panasonic ZS40, lacking DxO scores, relies on compact convenience and zoom versatility, excelling in user-friendly shooting modes but sacrificing some image fidelity and creative flexibility.

Genre-Specific Ratings: Tailoring Recommendations

• Best for Enthusiasts Seeking Image Quality: Olympus E-PL5
• Ideal for Travel and Superzoom Convenience: Panasonic ZS40
• Portrait & Landscape Focus: E-PL5 advantageous
• Wildlife & Sports Casual Use: ZS40 edge due to zoom and burst
• Video with Moderate Requirements: ZS40 favored

Final Recommendation: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

Choosing between these cameras largely depends on your photographic priorities and budget constraints.

• Prioritize Image Quality, Lens Flexibility, and Creative Control?
  The Olympus PEN E-PL5 is the superior choice. It delivers larger sensor performance, manual lens interchange, and superior portrait and landscape capability. It remains compelling for photographers aspiring to grow their skills within a modular system.

• Seek An All-In-One Compact Zoom for Travel, Wildlife, or Casual Sports?
  The Panasonic Lumix ZS40 shines with its 30x zoom, 60p video recording, GPS tagging, and built-in wireless features, making it a versatile travel companion for casual shooters valuing convenience and reach over complex operations or ultimate image quality.

Closing Thoughts and Purchasing Considerations

Given their announcement dates (E-PL5 in 2012 vs. ZS40 in 2014), both models reflect past generation technology with clear compromises by today’s standards. Neither supports 4K video, advanced autofocus modules like phase detection or AI face/eye tracking, nor weather sealing crucial for rough environments.

However, both cameras serve as competent tools in their niches: Olympus for those valuing photographic craftsmanship and lens quality, Panasonic for casual photographers desiring pocketable zoom reach with simple operation.

Prospective buyers should weigh these trade-offs, consider accessory ecosystems, and prioritize which aspects - be it video features, sensor quality, lens options, or portability - align most closely with their photographic journeys.

By providing this meticulous, firsthand evaluation rooted in deep industry knowledge, photographers can make an empowered, well-informed choice between the Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Panasonic Lumix ZS40, ensuring their investment supports their creative ambitions thoroughly.