Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic FZ40

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic FZ40, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the FZ40 (14MP) is pretty similar but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and FZ40 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PM2 was brought out 2 years later than the FZ40 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a concise overview of how the E-PM2 matches up vs the FZ40 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery & Panasonic FZ40 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM2 offers outside dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ40 has sizing of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") with a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PM2 and Panasonic FZ40 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the E-PM2 against the FZ40.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PM2 and FZ40 is 89 and 68 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to envision the gap between sensor measurements simply by going over technical specs. The graphic underneath will give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM2 and FZ40.

As you can tell, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PM2 because of its bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF easier and the Olympus E-PM2 will offer greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The newer E-PM2 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor tech.