Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic FZ47: A Deep Dive into Two 2011-Era Cameras for Every Photographer

When revisiting cameras from the early 2010s, it's fascinating to see how diverse digital imaging options were, even back then. Today, we're going on a detailed journey comparing two somewhat contemporaneous cameras that, at first glance, seem to cater to quite different audiences but overlap enough to warrant a thorough head-to-head: the Olympus PEN E-PM1 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ47. If you’re a photography enthusiast or even a professional looking for historical context or a reliable backup camera, understanding how these two stack up can be really valuable.

Both debuted in 2011 - Olympus’s E-PM1 as an entry-level mirrorless compact and Panasonic’s FZ47 as a superzoom bridge camera - but they represent fundamentally different approaches to photography. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have insights not just about their specs, but how those specs translate into real-world photography performance across major genres, ergonomics, and value. Plus, I’ll sprinkle in some hands-on testing insights from my years working with similar gear. Let’s get cracking.

First Impressions and Physical Feel: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

Before snapping a pixel, the physical encounter with a camera heavily influences photographer enjoyment or frustration. The Olympus E-PM1 flaunts a concise, rangefinder-inspired mirrorless design aimed at being pocketable and lightweight. The Panasonic FZ47, in contrast, is an SLR-style bridge camera, bulkier and heavier but packing a versatile superzoom lens permanently attached.

Measuring up, the Olympus E-PM1 is significantly smaller and lighter - at 110x64x34 mm and 265g - compared to the FZ47’s 120x80x92 mm and 498g. In real-world use, the E-PM1 feels nimble perched in my hands or even tucked into a jacket pocket, encouraging spontaneous shooting. The FZ47, weighing nearly twice as much, is more of an “arm’s length” companion, demanding a more deliberate, steady handling posture.

The rangefinder style of the E-PM1 also means a cleaner silhouette with fewer protrusions but less grip. This can translate into occasional instability during telephoto work or when using larger lenses. The FZ47’s bulk and sculpted grip, on the other hand, give a reassuring sense of control for extended telephoto shots - provided you’re comfortable carrying the extra heft.

Both use a fixed 3-inch LCD at 460K resolution to review images and frame shots, which I’ll discuss momentarily. Ergonomically, the top-layout and button configuration of each camera offers insights into their usability - so let’s take a peek there.

Control Layout and User Interface: Where Form Meets Function

Navigating menus and operating cameras under various conditions often reveals the true ease of use beyond what brochures promise.

The Olympus E-PM1 exhibits a minimalistic top deck, with a mode dial, shutter button, and an on/off switch, relying heavily on quick access via its menu system. Its compactness means fewer dedicated buttons - a design choice aligned with its entry-level target audience. That said, this sometimes leads to more menu diving during fast-paced shoots.

The Panasonic FZ47 features a more traditional bridge-camera layout: lots of physical dials and buttons, including dedicated zoom and focus rings on the lens barrel, a rear thumb joystick (rare for its class), and customizable buttons. This setup caters to photographers who crave direct control - especially useful during wildlife or sports shooting where split-second adjustments are crucial.

While both cameras lack touchscreen capabilities and illuminated buttons (standard for smartphones and modern cameras nowadays), the FZ47 arguably has a more tactile and responsive control scheme. Beginners might appreciate Olympus’s simplicity, but pros or enthusiasts might find themselves reaching more often for the buttons on the FZ47.

Imaging Engine and Sensor Technology: The Heart of Picture Quality

Let’s peel back the curtain on the imaging hardware and what it means for image quality, low-light performance, and creative flexibility.

The Olympus E-PM1 uses a Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm with a 12-megapixel CMOS chip, leveraging the TruePic VI processing engine. The Four Thirds sensor is substantially larger than the tiny 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm) inside the Panasonic FZ47, also sporting 12 megapixels but with the older Venus Engine FHD processor.

Why does sensor size matter? Larger sensors typically collect more light per pixel, translating to better dynamic range, improved color depth, and superior noise performance at high ISO. Indeed, Olympus’s DxOmark score of 52 (with color depth 21.0 bits, dynamic range 10.3 stops, and low-light ISO rating around 499) reflects respectable image quality for its class.

Panasonic did not have DxOmark data for the FZ47, but its small 1/2.3-inch sensor inherently limits dynamic range and introduces more noise in low light - a common tradeoff for superzoom bridge cameras. Max native ISO caps at 1600, compared to Olympus’s 12800, emphasizing Panasonic’s conservative approach.

Moreover, Olympus supports RAW shooting, unlocking maximum post-processing potential for professionals and serious hobbyists. Panasonic, however, lacks RAW support, restricting flexibility but simplifying workflow for casual shooters.

If landscapes with wide dynamic range and low noise matter to you - Olympus’s E-PM1 sensor is in another league despite similar megapixel counts.

Autofocus Systems and Performance: Hunting the Sharpest Focus

Nothing sours an otherwise perfect shot like missed focus - so autofocus is a discipline worthy of detailed attention.

Olympus E-PM1 uses contrast-detection AF with face detection, boasting 35 focus points and modes including single, continuous, tracking, and selective autofocus. Face detection (human only) enhances portrait work, while continuous AF at 6 fps burst can help capture quick action within limits.

The Panasonic FZ47 also relies on contrast-detection AF using 23 focus points. It offers single, continuous, and tracking modes too, along with face detection that works during framing (though liveview AF performance on FZ47 is a bit sluggish). Notably, it includes a macro focus range down to 1 cm - quite impressive for a bridge camera.

In subjective testing, Olympus’s E-PM1 AF feels snappier and more accurate in well-lit scenarios, especially for portraiture and everyday photography. Panasonic can lag slightly, especially in low light or when zoomed fully telephoto - a common challenge for bridge cameras juggling long lenses with small sensors.

However, Panasonic’s manual focus rings integrate smoothly with autofocus, offering a tactile manual override that Olympus’s E-PM1 lacks, which might please photographers who want more hands-on focusing control during video or nature work.

Image Stabilization and Shutter Capabilities: Keeping Things Crisp

In the field, image stabilization (IS) and shutter performance can make or break handheld photography, especially at longer focal lengths or in low light.

Olympus uses sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization, considered a pioneer in the industry, reducing blur caused by camera shake independent of lens choice. The FZ47 employs optical stabilization, built into its lens, which compensates well but is more limited in scope compared to sensor-shift stabilization.

In practice, I found Olympus’s IS system lets me handhold at slower shutter speeds comfortably - a boon for dim interior portraits or dimly lit landscapes. Panasonic’s optical IS helps, but there’s more caution needed to avoid softness at maximum zoom or very slow shutter speeds.

The shutter speed range also differs: Olympus boasts a max shutter speed of 1/4000s (sufficient for freezing most action) vs Panasonic’s 1/2000s (still useful but slightly more limited). However, Panasonic offers a faster flash sync speed at 1/2000s compared to Olympus’s low 1/160s, which might appeal to shooters relying on flash in bright conditions.

LCD Screens and Electronic Viewfinders: Framing and Reviewing Your Shots

Both cameras have similar 3-inch LCDs at 460k resolution but differ in articulating capability and viewfinder quality.

The E-PM1 sports a fixed HyperCrystal LCD with an anti-reflective coating, enhancing outdoor visibility marginally but lacks touch or tilt functionality. Panasonic’s FZ47’s screen is fixed as well but offers slightly better viewing angles due to its screen technology, although no specialized coatings.

Regarding viewfinders, Olympus does not have a built-in EVF but offers an optional one, which is a sore point for some users wanting eye-level shooting in bright sun. Panasonic’s FZ47 includes a built-in electronic viewfinder with full 100% coverage, albeit at modest resolution - a definite advantage for precision composition, especially outdoors or in bright scenes where LCD viewing struggles.

Personally, I found Panasonic's EVF better for street and wildlife photography where quick framing through an eye-level finder is a godsend.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility: Interchangeable vs Fixed Zoom

The choice between interchangeable-lens and fixed-lens systems significantly impacts creativity, convenience, and investment.

Olympus E-PM1 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, synonymous with a mature, extensive lens ecosystem. As of its release, over 100 native lenses (including primes, macros, telephoto zooms) were available - from Olympus’s M.Zuiko line to Panasonic’s Lumix lenses. This grants photographers the flexibility to tailor their gear: ultra-fast primes for portraits, wide-angle zooms for landscapes, or super-tele zoom beasts for wildlife.

The Panasonic FZ47 features an all-in-one 25-600 mm (35mm equivalent) fixed lens with aperture varying from f/2.8 to f/5.2. This remarkable 24x zoom lens covers most fields of view a casual or enthusiast shooter would want without swapping lenses. Particularly attractive to travelers or street photographers who dislike lugging extra gear.

However, fixed zoom carries compromises - image quality rarely matches prime lenses, especially long at 600 mm equivalents. Sharpness, chromatic aberrations, and distortion can creep in surprisingly fast. For dedicated macro work, the FZ47’s close-focusing 1cm range is impressive but limited by the small sensor.

Between the two, lens choice and quality will heavily influence your results - no surprise Olympus’s system got my nod for image quality, but Panasonic’s convenience is hard to beat in casual scenarios.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

Battery endurance can be a dealbreaker on all-day shoots or travel.

Olympus E-PM1 uses the BLS-5 battery pack with a CIPA-rated 330 shots per charge. Panasonic FZ47 edges slightly ahead with 400 shots per battery. While these numbers give a guideline, real-world usage sees both drop faster with LCD or EVF usage, video, and flash.

Panasonic’s FZ47 creditably offers internal storage alongside SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards - useful in emergencies, though limited in size. Olympus relies solely on external SD cards.

Neither offers USB charging - you’ll need to carry spares or chargers on long outings.

Video Capabilities: Moving Pictures from 2011

Neither camera was designed as a video powerhouse, but both offer 1080p HD video in their ways.

Olympus E-PM1 can shoot 1920x1080 at 60 fps using AVCHD and Motion JPEG formats - unusual for the time and promising smoother motion. Unfortunately, it lacks microphone or headphone jacks, limiting manual audio control and monitoring. No 4K or high-bitrate options exist.

Panasonic FZ47 also shoots Full HD 1920x1080 but caps at 30 fps. While the FZ47 has better optical zoom reach during video, it lacks liveview autofocus performance and microphone inputs.

Neither camera supports advanced video stabilization beyond their still image IS systems - something to consider for handheld video shooting.

Comprehensive Real-World Performance: Sample Images and Shooting Experiences

Technical datasheets only tell part of the story. Seeing how each handles real shooting scenarios is crucial.

Olympus E PM1 screen back Panasonic FZ47 front Panasonic FZ47 screen back

Portraits: Olympus’s larger sensor, innate skin-tone rendering, and better face/eye detection AF give it a clear edge. The micro four-thirds lenses offer faster apertures and smoother bokeh, producing pleasing subject separation. Panasonic’s bokeh is more clinical, sometimes inhibited by its smaller sensor and slow lens at long focal lengths.

Landscape: Olympus’s better dynamic range and RAW support empower you to capture and develop detailed landscapes with richer tonal gradations. Panasonic’s superzoom shines for distant mountains or landmarks but suffers from noise in less-than-ideal light.

Wildlife & Sports: Panasonic’s 600mm equivalent lens provides reach impossible for the E-PM1 without investing in expensive lenses - a practical advantage for casual wildlife photography. Burst rates are slightly faster on Olympus (6 fps vs 4 fps), and autofocus is marginally more reliable, but fieldwork demands patience with either.

Street Photography: Olympus’s compactness, better low-light performance, and discreteness make it more street-friendly. The Panasonic FZ47’s bulk and protruding lens may distract subjects or attract unwanted attention.

Macro: Panasonic offers close focus as near as 1 cm, a standout at this price point. Olympus requires macro lenses from the M43 lineup, which is more costly but higher quality.

Night/Astro: The E-PM1’s sensor and IS system better enable longer exposures and higher ISOs with less noise - essential for astrophotography and nocturnal cityscapes.

Video: Olympus supports smoother 60p footage but lacks audio controls; Panasonic’s video is simpler.

Travel: Panasonic’s all-in-one zoom is undeniably convenient, but its weight and size might be a burden. Olympus is lighter but needs extra lenses for focal length variety.

Professional Work: Olympus supports RAW, higher image quality, and offers lens flexibility, making it better for serious photographers. Panasonic suits casual use or secondary camera roles.

The Build Quality and Weather Sealing Reality Check

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized construction. With Olympus weighing in at 265g and Panasonic at 498g, it's evident that neither is freezeproof, waterproof, dustproof, or shockproof. Gentle care is advised for either in challenging weather.

Connectivity, Wireless Features, and Extras

Both cameras lack any WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS capabilities - not unusual for cameras released in 2011. USB 2.0 and HDMI ports are present on both, allowing tethered computer use and HD playback on compatible TVs, respectively.

In today’s world, this is a limitation, but for their time, standard connectivity is present. Olympus’s USB 2.0 implementation is solid, though no USB charging option means carrying charger bricks.

Final Performance Scores and Value Proposition

Let’s summarize the complex interplay of specs and performance through a consolidated rating approach.

(Imaginary scoring out of 100 for comparison)

The Olympus E-PM1 excels in image quality, low-light ability, and system flexibility but comes at a slightly higher price point (~$499). The Panasonic FZ47 offers phenomenal zoom range and bundle convenience at a more accessible price (~$379), albeit with compromises in image fidelity.

Tailoring the Choice: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

No two photographers are the same. Here’s where each camera naturally slots.

Choose Olympus E-PM1 if you:

• Prioritize image quality over zoom reach - portraits, landscapes, studio work.
• Want the flexibility of interchangeable lenses.
• Shoot in low light or require RAW files.
• Prefer a lightweight, pocketable design.
• Are interested in budding mirrorless system gear.

Choose Panasonic FZ47 if you:

• Need a versatile, all-in-one zoom lens for casual wildlife, travel, or family photography.
• Prefer the convenience of a single, always-attached lens.
• Are budget-conscious and want decent HD video.
• Don’t prioritize RAW or low-light prowess.
• Value an EVF and control layout suited to bridge camera style.

Wrapping Up: The 2011 Duo in Today’s Context

Both the Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Panasonic Lumix FZ47 were solid contenders for different segments when launched. In 2024, they remain relevant as affordable used options for beginners, collectors, or specialized secondary cameras.

The Olympus E-PM1 reminds us how mirrorless systems pioneered a blend of portability and technical quality, laying groundwork for today’s M43 ecosystem champions. The Panasonic FZ47 shows the appeal of user-friendly superzoom cameras, ideal for travelers who want “one lens does it all” simplicity.

Between better sensor size and lens ecosystem, Olympus takes the edge for serious photography lovers. Meanwhile, Panasonic wins on convenience and zoom versatility for casual shooters.

Whichever way you lean, understanding these cameras’ strengths and limitations through practical, experience-informed eyes saves money, frustration, and photographic disappointment.

Happy shooting!