Olympus E-1 vs Panasonic LZ30

The following is a comprehensive assessment of the Olympus E-1 versus Panasonic LZ30, one is a Pro DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the E-1 (5MP) and LZ30 (16MP) and the E-1 (Four Thirds) and LZ30 (1/2.3") posses different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-1 was manufactured 10 years before the LZ30 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-1 being a Large SLR camera and the Panasonic LZ30 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the E-1 matches up versus the LZ30 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-1 Gallery and Panasonic LZ30 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to travel with your camera often, you'll need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-1 has outside dimensions of 141mm x 104mm x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2") having a weight of 735 grams (1.62 lbs) whilst the Panasonic LZ30 has proportions of 124mm x 84mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 3.6") along with a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-1 versus Panasonic LZ30 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-1 and the LZ30.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-1 and LZ30 is 59 and 66 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very tough to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions purely by reading through technical specs. The image here will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-1 and LZ30.

As you have seen, the two cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-1 due to its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field simpler and the Panasonic LZ30 will give you greater detail due to its extra 11 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs more aggressively. The more aged E-1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.