Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic LZ40

Here, we are analyzing the Olympus E-PM1 and Panasonic LZ40, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizable gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and LZ40 (20MP) and the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and LZ40 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM1 was released 3 years earlier than the LZ40 which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting straight to a complete comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the E-PM1 matches up against the LZ40 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Panasonic LZ40 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera often, you will want to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PM1 provides outer measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Panasonic LZ40 has dimensions of 126mm x 87mm x 94mm (5.0" x 3.4" x 3.7") having a weight of 524 grams (1.16 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PM1 and Panasonic LZ40 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PM1 vs the LZ40.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM1 and LZ40 is 89 and 67 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes simply by looking at specs. The pic here might offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PM1 and LZ40.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PM1 because of its larger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic LZ40 will resolve extra detail as a result of its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The more aged E-PM1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.