Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic LZ20

Below, we are looking at the Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic LZ20, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the LZ20 (16MP) is very well matched but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and LZ20 (1/2.3") possess different sensor dimensions.

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The E-M1 was brought out 16 months later than the LZ20 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go through a thorough comparison, below is a brief summation of how the E-M1 grades vs the LZ20 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 Gallery and Panasonic LZ20 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to lug around your camera, you're going to have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-M1 has got physical measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") having a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) while the Panasonic LZ20 has sizing of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic LZ20 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the E-M1 versus the LZ20.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-M1 and LZ20 is 71 and 71 respectively.

Sometimes, it is difficult to visualize the gap between sensor measurements purely by reading through specifications. The graphic underneath should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-M1 and LZ20.

To sum up, the two cameras posses the exact same megapixel count but different sensor measurements. The E-M1 offers the larger sensor which should make achieving bokeh easier. The more recent E-M1 should have an edge with regard to sensor tech.