Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic FZ40

Its time to examine more closely at the Olympus E-PL8 versus 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-PL8 (16MP) and the FZ40 (14MP) is very similar but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and FZ40 (1/2.3") use different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL8 was unveiled 6 years later than the FZ40 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the E-PL8 matches up vs the FZ40 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Panasonic FZ40 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera often, you are going to need to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL8 enjoys exterior dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ40 has proportions of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL8 versus Panasonic FZ40 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL8 versus the FZ40.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL8 and FZ40 is 86 and 68 respectively.

Typically, it can be difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading technical specs. The visual below may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL8 and FZ40.

As you have seen, the two cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL8 with its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-PL8 will offer greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics much more aggressively. The younger E-PL8 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.