Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic ZS40

Below is a extensive analysis of the Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic ZS40, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and ZS40 (18MP) and the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and ZS40 (1/2.3") posses different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PM1 was revealed 3 years prior to the ZS40 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a in-depth comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the E-PM1 scores versus the ZS40 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera often, you'll need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM1 enjoys outer 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) and the Panasonic ZS40 has sizing of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic ZS40 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the E-PM1 compared to the ZS40.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PM1 and ZS40 is 89 and 90 respectively.

Generally, its hard to picture the difference between sensor measurements merely by reviewing specs. The photograph here should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM1 and ZS40.

All in all, the two cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PM1 having a bigger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic ZS40 will offer extra detail because of its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures way more aggressively. The older E-PM1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.