Olympus E-500 vs Panasonic LZ30

Here is a in depth review of the Olympus E-500 versus Panasonic LZ30, former being a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a noticeable gap between the resolutions of the E-500 (8MP) and LZ30 (16MP) and the E-500 (Four Thirds) and LZ30 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-500 was manufactured 8 years earlier than the LZ30 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-500 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic LZ30 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving straight into a complete comparison, below is a quick overview of how the E-500 grades against the LZ30 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-500 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-500 Gallery & Panasonic LZ30 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-500 has outside dimensions of 130mm x 95mm x 66mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.6") having a weight of 479 grams (1.06 lbs) and the Panasonic LZ30 has specifications of 124mm x 84mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-500 versus Panasonic LZ30 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you select at that moment. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the E-500 versus the LZ30.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-500 and LZ30 is 70 and 66 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizing just by looking at specifications. The graphic below might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-500 and LZ30.

To sum up, the two cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-500 due to its larger sensor will make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic LZ30 will give extra detail due to its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop images far more aggressively. The older E-500 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.