Olympus E-M5 III vs Panasonic LZ20

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Olympus E-M5 III and Panasonic LZ20, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a crucial difference between the image resolutions of the E-M5 III (20MP) and LZ20 (16MP) and the E-M5 III (Four Thirds) and LZ20 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-M5 III was brought out 7 years later than the LZ20 and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M5 III being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go in to a more detailed comparison, below is a quick overview of how the E-M5 III scores versus the LZ20 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M5 III and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M5 III Gallery and Panasonic LZ20 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera, you should factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-M5 III features outside dimensions of 125mm x 85mm x 50mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 2.0") with a weight of 414 grams (0.91 lbs) while the Panasonic LZ20 has specifications of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-M5 III and Panasonic LZ20 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the E-M5 III vs the LZ20.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E-M5 III and LZ20 is 80 and 71 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to envision the contrast between sensor measurements simply by reviewing specs. The graphic here will help give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M5 III and LZ20.

All in all, each of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-M5 III featuring a bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-M5 III will offer you greater detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more recent E-M5 III is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.