Olympus 7040 vs Panasonic FZ2500

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Olympus 7040 vs Panasonic FZ2500, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the 7040 (14MP) and FZ2500 (20MP) and the 7040 (1/2.3") and FZ2500 (1") feature different sensor dimensions.

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The 7040 was launched 7 years earlier than the FZ2500 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 7040 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ2500 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go through a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief overview of how the 7040 scores against the FZ2500 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus 7040 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus 7040 Gallery and Panasonic FZ2500 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera, you will want to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus 7040 has outside dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 26mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 144 grams (0.32 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ2500 has specifications of 138mm x 102mm x 135mm (5.4" x 4.0" x 5.3") along with a weight of 915 grams (2.02 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus 7040 vs Panasonic FZ2500 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using during that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the 7040 vs the FZ2500.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the 7040 and FZ2500 is 95 and 53 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor measurements merely by going over a spec sheet. The photograph below will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the 7040 and FZ2500.

Clearly, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The 7040 because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh harder and the Panasonic FZ2500 will offer greater detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images far more aggressively. The older 7040 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.