Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic ZS7

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Olympus E-PM1 and Panasonic ZS7, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the ZS7 (12MP) is very well matched but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and ZS7 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PM1 was manufactured 5 months later than the ZS7 so they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS7 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a complete comparison, below is a simple view of how the E-PM1 scores against the ZS7 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Panasonic ZS7 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you will want to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PM1 comes with outer measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS7 has measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PM1 and Panasonic ZS7 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you select at that moment. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PM1 versus the ZS7.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the E-PM1 and ZS7 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to see the contrast between sensor measurements simply by looking at specifications. The graphic below will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM1 and ZS7.

To sum up, each of the cameras offer the same exact MP but not the same sensor measurements. The E-PM1 comes with the larger sensor which should make obtaining bokeh simpler.