Olympus 7040 vs Panasonic GH3

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Olympus 7040 versus Panasonic GH3, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the 7040 (14MP) and the GH3 (16MP) is relatively similar but the 7040 (1/2.3") and GH3 (Four Thirds) feature different sensor measurements.

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The 7040 was launched 3 years earlier than the GH3 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 7040 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a complete comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the 7040 grades against the GH3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus 7040 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus 7040 Gallery and Panasonic GH3 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to travel with your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and volume. 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 GH3 has sizing of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") along with a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Compare the Olympus 7040 versus Panasonic GH3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the 7040 compared to the GH3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 7040 and GH3 is 95 and 66 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions just by reading technical specs. The pic below will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the 7040 and GH3.

As you can tell, both of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The 7040 because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic GH3 will deliver more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more aged 7040 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.