Olympus 7040 vs Panasonic GH4

Lets examine more closely at the Olympus 7040 and Panasonic GH4, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Pro Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the 7040 (14MP) and the GH4 (16MP) is very similar but the 7040 (1/2.3") and GH4 (Four Thirds) possess totally different sensor size.

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The 7040 was announced 5 years prior to the GH4 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus 7040 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH4 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a thorough comparison, below is a concise summation of how the 7040 grades versus the GH4 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus 7040 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4. The whole galleries are available at Olympus 7040 Gallery and Panasonic GH4 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera often, you will want to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus 7040 comes with physical measurements of 95mm x 56mm x 26mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 144 grams (0.32 lbs) and the Panasonic GH4 has sizing of 133mm x 93mm x 84mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.3") with a weight of 560 grams (1.23 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus 7040 and Panasonic GH4 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the 7040 vs the GH4.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the 7040 and GH4 is 95 and 66 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to see the gap between sensor sizing only by reviewing specs. The graphic underneath might give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the 7040 and GH4.

All in all, both the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The 7040 having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field trickier and the Panasonic GH4 will deliver greater detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The older 7040 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.