Olympus 7040 vs Panasonic G5

Here, we are evaluating the Olympus 7040 vs Panasonic G5, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the 7040 (14MP) and the G5 (16MP) is very similar but the 7040 (1/2.3") and G5 (Four Thirds) provide totally different sensor size.

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The 7040 was announced 3 years earlier than the G5 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus 7040 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the 7040 matches up versus the G5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus 7040 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus 7040 Gallery and Panasonic G5 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera regularly, you should consider its weight and size. The Olympus 7040 provides physical dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 26mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 144 grams (0.32 lbs) and the Panasonic G5 has specifications of 120mm x 83mm x 71mm (4.7" x 3.3" x 2.8") with a weight of 396 grams (0.87 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus 7040 vs Panasonic G5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at the time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the 7040 versus the G5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 7040 and G5 is 95 and 74 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very tough to see the gap between sensor measurements merely by going over technical specs. The visual below might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the 7040 and G5.

As you can tell, both cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The 7040 with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Panasonic G5 will offer you more detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The older 7040 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.