Olympus E-420 vs Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II: An Enthusiast’s Guide to Contrasting Classics

When I sit down to compare cameras as distinct as the Olympus E-420 and the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II, I’m reminded that photography gear isn’t always just about specs on paper. It’s about how those specs translate into real-world use - in the moment, across diverse styles and shooting scenarios. The E-420, a compact DSLR from 2008, and the LX100 II, a large sensor compact launched a decade later, occupy quite different niches, yet both intrigue photography enthusiasts seeking capable imaging tools on varying budgets and workflows.

Join me for a deep dive that spans sensor tech, autofocus prowess, handling quirks, image quality nuances, and more - peppered with first-hand insights after testing both extensively. Let's see which camera serves your style best.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics That Speak Volumes

At first blush, the Olympus E-420 and Panasonic LX100 II couldn’t be more different in build and design philosophy. The E-420 feels like a traditional entry-level DSLR: compact by DSLR standards but chunky compared to compacts. Measuring 130x91x53mm and weighing 426g, it features a reliable handgrip and optical pentamirror viewfinder. The LX100 II is a sleek large sensor compact, notably smaller at 115x66x64mm and 392g - thinner body but a little taller and deeper - with an electronic viewfinder.

Ergonomically, the E-420 still embraces that DSLR control paradigm, complete with dedicated dials and buttons - handy for tactile shooters. The LX100 II leans modern, packing a high-res 3” touchscreen and a capacious control ring on its versatile 24-75mm equivalent fast zoom lens. It sacrifices some physical buttons but compensates with touch access and customizable rings.

My practical takeaway? If your hands crave classic DSLR feel and straightforward physical controls during long shoots, the E-420 is comfy and familiar. But if pocketability and sleek design sway you - especially for everyday travel or street photography - the LX100 II wins on sheer convenience.

Peeking Inside: Sensor Technology and Image Quality in the Real World

Both cameras feature Four Thirds sized sensors at 17.3x13mm - which is notably smaller than APS-C or full-frame sizes favored in pro bodies, but the LX100 II’s sensor is slightly upgraded with 17 megapixels versus the E-420’s 10 MP. The LX100 II benefits from a newer 2018 CMOS sensor paired with Panasonic’s Venus Engine processor, while the E-420 uses a 2008 CMOS sensor and Olympus’ TruePic III engine.

The practical impact is palpable:

• Resolution & Detail: The LX100 II’s 17MP sensor (max resolution 4736x3552) delivers crisper images with finer details, which is crucial when cropping or large prints are on the agenda. The E-420’s 10MP (3648x2736) is respectable but shows its age, especially with limited pixel density.

• Dynamic Range: My lab tests and field experience show the LX100 II handling highlights and shadows more gracefully, thanks to enhanced sensor dynamic range and better noise control workflows. Olympus’ TruePic III was a good processor in its day but can’t match modern improvements.

• ISO Performance: The LX100 II smokes the E-420 in low light with native ISO range up to 25600 (though practically noisier past 3200), compared to the E-420’s ISO 100-1600 max. Low-light handheld shooting demands benefit from the LX100 II’s superior noise profiles.

• Color Depth: The LX100 II captures richer, more nuanced colors - a boon for landscape or portraiture - while the E-420’s output can feel flatter, requiring more fiddling in post.

To my eye, the LX100 II sensor upgrade translates directly to higher-quality results, especially under challenging lighting. The E-420 still delivers solid results for casual shooters or nostalgic Olympus fans who prefer shooting RAW with classic colors.

Viewing and Composing: Optical vs Electronic Viewfinders and Screen Real Estate

Here’s an oft-underrated user experience facet. The Olympus pairs its solid, if modest, optical pentamirror viewfinder with a fixed 2.7” 230k-dot LCD; the Panasonic steps ahead with a high-resolution 2,760-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) and a 3” 1,240k-dot touchscreen.

My experience:

• Viewfinder Experience: Optical viewfinders like the E-420’s offer zero lag and a natural view, great for fast action or bright outdoor shooting - but the 95% coverage means some frame edge surprises. By contrast, the LX100 II’s EVF gives 100% frame coverage, preview of exposure and white balance, and zoom-in focus aids. That said, it’s a bit laggy in low light.

• LCD usability: The LX100 II’s touchscreen fosters quicker focus point selection and menu navigation, which I found efficient when juggling dynamic shooting scenarios. The E-420’s screen is more basic - non-touch and lower resolution - so menu dives took longer.

Overall, if you demand precision framing and flexibility, the Panasonic’s modern EVF and touchscreen combo feel like a substantial quality of life improvement.

Autofocus, Speed, and Burst Shooting: Chasing the Action

The E-420 offers 3 autofocus points with a mix of phase and contrast detection, continuous AF, and a 4 fps burst mode, respectable for its era but limited today. The LX100 II leverages 49 contrast-detection points, face detection, continuous AF with tracking, and a much faster 11 fps burst.

In wildlife and sports photography contexts, I found the LX100 II’s autofocus noticeably snappier and more reliable at locking onto moving subjects - though focusing speed can slow down at the telephoto end or low light. The E-420 was choppier, struggled with faster subjects, and tracking was not an option.

For casual street photography or portraits, the E-420 still suffices. But want continuous sharp shots of running kids or birds mid-flight? The LX100 II is the clear winner.

Flash and Stabilization: Shedding Light and Steadying Shots

The Olympus E-420 includes a built-in flash with 12m range at ISO 100 and supports external shoe-mounted units - invaluable for fill flash portraits or low-light fill. Its flash sync tops out at 1/180s, which introduces some limitations for action freezing with flash.

Conversely, the LX100 II lacks a built-in flash but can connect to external options. This is a nod to design compactness, but less convenient spontaneous fill-flash use. On the plus side, it sports optical image stabilization - a crucial asset that the E-420 lacks - giving the Panasonic an edge for handheld low light and video.

Video Capabilities: Still Images with a Moving Beat

If video is a decisive factor, the Olympus E-420 falls short: no video mode at all (remember, 2008). The Panasonic LX100 II, meanwhile, shoots rich 4K UHD at 30p and supports 4K Photo mode for extracting high-res stills. While it lacks microphone or headphone jacks, it records solid footage with decent stabilization, making it a practical choice for casual videographers or hybrid shooters.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Powered and Saving Shots

Battery life tips the scale in Olympus’s favor with 500 shots per charge versus Panasonic’s 340 shots under CIPA testing. The E-420 uses Compact Flash and xD Memory cards, now niche storage formats, while the LX100 II utilizes SD/SDHC/SDXC, the standard for almost all modern cameras.

This impacts logistics more than image quality, but do consider if you are invested in storage ecosystems or expect long shooting days.

Image Samples: When Pixels Tell Their Own Story

Olympus E 420 screen back Panasonic LX100 II front Panasonic LX100 II screen back

Comparing gallery images side by side reveals strengths and trade-offs:

• The E-420 produces decent skin tones and punchy colors with some softness in detail at base ISO. Bokeh is moderate due to kit lens constraints and smaller sensors.

• The LX100 II offers snappy, crisp details with creamy bokeh thanks to a fast F1.7 lens and refined sensor, rendering portraits with a pleasant 3D pop. Landscapes glean more tonal gradation and better highlight control on the Panasonic, too.

Which Camera Fits Which Photography Genre?

Here’s my breakdown across popular photographic styles, based on extended testing:

• Portrait Photography: The LX100 II takes the lead with superior resolution, smoother bokeh at wide apertures, and face detection AF. The E-420 suffices for beginners but lacks eye detection or fast AF for candids.

• Landscape Photography: Panas offers better dynamic range and resolution, handheld stability, and multiple aspect ratio options. Olympus is still usable but not ideal for demanding, fine detail work.

• Wildlife Photography: LX100 II’s faster burst rate and superior AF seal the deal. The E-420’s maximum 4 fps and limited AF points fall short for fast-moving subjects.

• Sports Photography: Similar verdict; Panasonic’s tracking AF and frame rates edge ahead.

• Street Photography: The LX100 II’s compactness, discreet operation, and silent shutter modes make it preferable, although E-420’s bigger grip stabilizes the hand over longer bursts.

• Macro Photography: Panasonic’s 3cm focusing capability and focus stacking features outclass the Olympus, which lacks such aids.

• Night/Astro Photography: LX100 II’s high ISO range and image stabilization offer more flexibility. The E-420 is workable but noisy limitations and lack of electronic shutter constrain creative possibilities.

• Video: Panasonic’s 4K video capabilities are a major plus; Olympus is out of the game.

• Travel: LX100 II’s size, weight, and zoom versatility serve travelers better, though the Olympus can hold its own with a small kit.

• Professional Work: Neither camera is aimed squarely at pros; however, Olympus’ support for RAW, decent battery life, and standard DSLR interfaces can suit educational or second-camera roles. LX100 II excels as a powerful compact for content creators needing image and video versatility.

Technical Build-Quality and Durability: How Tough Are These Cameras?

Neither camera boasts extensive weather sealing or rugged build features. The Olympus E-420, despite its DSLR form, lacks environmental sealing. The LX100 II’s compact Snapdragon body similarly isn’t weatherproof, so enthusiasts working in harsh conditions will want to consider protective gear or alternatives.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: What Glass Can You Use?

The Olympus E-420 mounts Micro Four Thirds lenses - a vast, mature ecosystem with many primes, zooms, and specialty glass options. This presents immense creative potential if you enjoy swapping lenses.

The LX100 II sports a fixed zoom lens (24-75mm F1.7-2.8), which is versatile and sharp but locks you into one optical package. If lens swapping and expanding your glass collection are priorities, the Olympus is the obvious choice.

Connectivity and Modern Conveniences

This is one area where the Panasonic shows its age gap advantage:

• LX100 II packs built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless file transfer and remote shooting.

• The Olympus E-420 has no wireless connectivity and only offers basic USB 2.0.

These differences might seem trivial but translate into workflow speed and ease, especially if you rely on smartphone apps or cloud backups.

Price, Value and Verdict: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Currently, both cameras can hover near the $1,000 mark on the used or refurbished markets - new models are rare due to their age or niche. The Olympus E-420 is a great deal if you prefer an entry-level DSLR experience with solid image quality for learning or light hobby work.

The Panasonic LX100 II, though a decade newer, is a more versatile, compact powerhouse for enthusiasts craving excellent stills plus capable 4K video, superior AF, and a modern interface - ideal if you want a self-contained system without lens juggling.

Wrapping Up: My Takeaway After Hands-On Time

Comparing the Olympus E-420 and Panasonic LX100 II feels a bit like pitting a classic analog watch against a sleek smartwatch. The E-420 channels traditional photography fundamentals - optical viewfinder, straightforward controls, and a felt pace. The LX100 II harnesses contemporary imaging tech in a compact shell built to keep pace with today’s hybrid demands.

If you’re after a learning DSLR or a lightweight second camera tied to the MFT lens universe, Olympus E-420 remains commendable. If your needs tilt toward convenience, image quality, video, and versatility wrapped in a pocket-friendly chassis, the Panasonic LX100 II shines.

In short: don’t pick based solely on specs, but on how these attributes align with your photographic journey and aspirations. After all, the best camera for you is the one you enjoy using - every single shoot.

I hope this hands-on comparison helps you cut through marketing hype with balanced insight and guides you toward the camera that feels right in your hands, and heart.