Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic FZ35

Let's look much closer at the Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic FZ35, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the FZ35 (12MP) is fairly well matched but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and FZ35 (1/2.3") have different sensor sizing.

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The E-PM1 was revealed 17 months after the FZ35 making them a generation away from one another. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ35 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving right into a full comparison, here is a quick summary of how the E-PM1 grades vs the FZ35 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Panasonic FZ35 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM1 has physical measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ35 has sizing of 118mm x 76mm x 89mm (4.6" x 3.0" x 3.5") along with a weight of 397 grams (0.88 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic FZ35 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the E-PM1 against the FZ35.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM1 and FZ35 is 89 and 72 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by looking at specs. The picture underneath may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PM1 and FZ35.

All in all, each of the cameras provide the same megapixels but different sensor dimensions. The E-PM1 has the larger sensor which is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier. The newer E-PM1 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.