Olympus E-510 vs Panasonic LZ20

Below, we will be comparing the Olympus E-510 versus Panasonic LZ20, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap between the image resolutions of the E-510 (10MP) and LZ20 (16MP) and the E-510 (Four Thirds) and LZ20 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor size.

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The E-510 was introduced 5 years earlier than the LZ20 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-510 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a quick summation of how the E-510 grades against the LZ20 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-510 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-510 Gallery and Panasonic LZ20 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-510 enjoys physical dimensions of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") accompanied by a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) while the Panasonic LZ20 has dimensions of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") and a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-510 versus Panasonic LZ20 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-510 vs the LZ20.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-510 and LZ20 is 69 and 71 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to envision the gap between sensor sizing simply by reading through specs. The graphic underneath may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-510 and LZ20.

All in all, both the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-510 using its bigger sensor will make achieving bokeh easier and the Panasonic LZ20 will resolve greater detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older E-510 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.