Olympus 1s vs Panasonic FZ40

Following is a extensive comparison of the Olympus 1s vs Panasonic FZ40, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the 1s (12MP) and the FZ40 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the 1s (1/1.7") and FZ40 (1/2.3") feature different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The 1s was manufactured 4 years after the FZ40 which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (SLR-like (bridge)).

Before we go straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a short overview of how the 1s matches up against the FZ40 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus 1s & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus 1s Gallery & Panasonic FZ40 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus 1s enjoys outside measurements of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") along with a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ40 has specifications of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs).

Check out the Olympus 1s vs Panasonic FZ40 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have chosen during that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the 1s vs the FZ40.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 1s and FZ40 is 79 and 68 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes purely by looking at technical specs. The pic below might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the 1s and FZ40.

As you have seen, the two cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The 1s due to its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic FZ40 will resolve more detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The fresher 1s should have an edge in sensor tech.