Olympus E-P1 vs Panasonic LZ20

Here, we are contrasting the Olympus E-P1 versus Panasonic LZ20, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the E-P1 (12MP) and LZ20 (16MP) and the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and LZ20 (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizing.

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The E-P1 was introduced 4 years before the LZ20 which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the E-P1 matches up versus the LZ20 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P1 Gallery & Panasonic LZ20 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera often, you will want to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-P1 features outside measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") with a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) whilst the Panasonic LZ20 has dimensions of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") along with a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-P1 versus Panasonic LZ20 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is a front view size comparison of the E-P1 vs the LZ20.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-P1 and LZ20 is 86 and 71 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes simply by reading through specs. The image underneath might provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P1 and LZ20.

All in all, both of those cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-P1 using its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic LZ20 will resolve greater detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop images way more aggressively. The more aged E-P1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.