Olympus E-P5 vs Panasonic LZ30: A Deep Dive Into Two Very Different Cameras

Choosing the right camera hinges on understanding not just specs but real-world performance, ergonomics, and which photographic needs you prioritize. Today, I’m putting two distinct cameras under the microscope: the Olympus PEN E-P5, an entry-level mirrorless powerhouse with a Micro Four Thirds sensor, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30, a budget-friendly superzoom bridge camera with a small sensor and fixed lens. Both were announced in 2013, occupying different niches yet sometimes appealing to the same casual or enthusiast buyer.

Having personally tested both cameras extensively, I’ll guide you through technical details, shooting experiences, strengths, and compromises – helping you make an informed choice backed by hands-on expertise.

First Impressions and Ergonomics: Handling the Cameras in Your Hands

How a camera feels during shooting is as important as any spec sheet metric. I spent several days shooting side-by-side, paying close attention to comfort, controls, and portability.

Olympus E-P5 (left) vs Panasonic LZ30 (right) size and ergonomics

The Olympus E-P5 sports a sleek, rangefinder-style body that’s compact but substantial at 420 g. This makes it comfortable for extended sessions without fatigue. The magnesium alloy chassis affords a premium feel, reinforced by a textured grip area that adds security without bulk. Controls are thoughtfully placed though the absence of an EVF means heavily relying on the rear screen or optional external finder.

By contrast, the Panasonic LZ30 is a chunkier bridge camera, heftier at 552 g with a pronounced handgrip and SLR-style layout. While big for travel or street shooting, it rests well in the hand, especially when using the extensive zoom. Due to the fixed lens design, it’s less flexible but ready to shoot without lens swapping.

In size and ergonomics, the E-P5 strikes a balance between portability and control finesse, while the LZ30 caters more to those wanting an all-in-one telephoto package without fuss.

Design and Controls: Where Usability Meets Intuition

Diving beneath the shells, control layout can make or break your shooting flow.

E-P5 (left) has a more advanced top control cluster than the LZ30 (right)

The Olympus E-P5 features classic dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation, with a dedicated mode dial and customizable buttons. The tilting 3-inch touchscreen aids in live view composition and menus. Though the touchscreen isn’t fully exhaustive (no touch to focus), it boosts usability, especially in awkward angles.

The Lumix LZ30 embraces simplicity with an SLR-like mode dial but lacks touchscreen and dedicated exposure controls. Its zoom lever and shutter placement make zoom framing intuitive, but manual exposure options are limited and somewhat buried in menus.

The lack of an EVF on both models means composing mostly on their LCDs, though the E-P5’s higher resolution and tilting design edge out the fixed LZ30 screen in flexibility.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

This is where the cameras’ philosophies diverge fundamentally.

Micro Four Thirds size (E-P5) versus small 1/2.3” sensor (LZ30)

The Olympus E-P5 boasts a 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, roughly eight times the area of the LZ30’s 1/2.3” (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CCD sensor. Sensor size is crucial - bigger sensors translate to better light-capturing ability, dynamic range, and low-light performance.

In practice, the E-P5 produces richly detailed files with a maximum native ISO up to 25,600 (base ISO 100), exhibiting low noise and vibrant color depth thanks to the modern CMOS tech. DxOMark data corroborates its strong dynamic range (12.4 EV) and good color depth (22.8 bits), translating to versatile landscape and portrait capability.

The LZ30’s small sensor and CCD technology result in more constrained dynamic range and pronounced noise at ISOs above 800. While it exceeds expectations in daylight, shadow detail can collapse quickly, limiting post-processing scope. The fixed zoom lens’s maximum aperture of f/3.0-5.9 compels slower shutter speeds in low light, further challenging handheld image clarity.

If image quality is your primary concern, especially for cropping or prints larger than 8x10 inches, the Olympus offers a decisive advantage.

Autofocus, Burst, and Performance: Speed and Accuracy in Real Shooting

Autofocus systems influence your ability to capture decisive moments, vital for wildlife, sports, and candid street photography.

The E-P5 utilizes a contrast-detection autofocus system with 35 AF points and includes face-detection technologies. In testing, its AF is quick and accurate in good lighting, locking focus reliably within 0.2-0.3 seconds on static and slow-moving subjects. Continuous AF tracking can maintain focus on moderately active subjects, though it’s no pro-level tracker. Silent shutter mode and 9 fps continuous shooting provide an edge for fast action.

The LZ30, with its contrast-detect AF but no face detection, offers slower autofocus lock times - typically around a full second in low light - hampering its effectiveness for fast subjects. The single FPS continuous burst rate limits action photography utility, though it suffices for casual use.

Overall, the Olympus is much more adept for dynamic shooting demands.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder: Framing Your Shot

Both cameras forego built-in EVFs, relying on rear LCDs.

The E-P5’s higher resolution and tilting touchscreen offer more versatile live view than the LZ30’s fixed lower-res display

The E-P5 features a high-resolution 1037k-dot capacitive touchscreen that tilts 80 degrees up and 50 down. This enables creative angles and live histogram monitoring - a boon for landscapes or architecture.

The LZ30 offers a fixed, 460k-dot TFT LCD, satisfactory outdoors in shaded conditions but struggles under direct sunlight. Its non-touch design limits intuitive focus selection or menu navigation speed.

For composition and review ease, the Olympus display is the clear winner.

Lens Flexibility and Ecosystem: Expanding Your Creative Horizons

Lens choice often defines creative potential.

The Olympus E-P5 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, unlocking access to over 100 lenses from Olympus and Panasonic, covering primes, fast telephotos, macros, and ultra-wides. This ecosystem supports virtually any photography discipline, from portrait to macro.

The Panasonic LZ30 has a fixed 25-875mm (35mm equivalent) superzoom lens with a 35x zoom range. It shines in travel or casual wildlife shooting where lens changes aren’t feasible or desired but limits aperture speed and optical quality at the long end.

If you want long-term growth and lens versatility, the Olympus offers unmatched creative latitude.

Build Quality and Durability: Can They Take a Punch?

Neither camera offers weather-sealing or ruggedization, but build quality varies.

Olympus’s metal chassis on the E-P5 feels solid and durable under heavy use, whereas the plastic body of the LZ30, while sturdy for its class, isn’t designed for professional field conditions. Neither is rated for waterproof, shockproof, or freezeproof scenarios, so extra care is needed outdoors.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations in the Field

Battery life affects how long you can shoot without recharge or change.

The E-P5 uses a proprietary rechargeable battery with approximately 330 shots per charge per CIPA standards. This proved adequate for a day’s outing, though not exceptional. Carrying a spare battery is advisable.

The LZ30 runs on 4 x AA batteries, delivering around 380 shots, providing the convenience of widely available batteries - useful for travel or remote shooting where recharging isn’t easy.

Both store photos on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but the E-P5 supports faster UHS-I card compatibility, improving buffering performance during continuous bursts.

Connectivity and Extras: Modern Conveniences

Wireless connectivity aids quick image sharing and remote control.

The Olympus E-P5 includes built-in Wi-Fi (not Bluetooth or NFC), enabling app control and image transfer - valuable in fast-paced shooting or social media workflows.

The LZ30 lacks any wireless features, limiting instant connectivity options and requiring physical USB transfer.

The E-P5 also outputs HDMI for external monitoring, whereas the LZ30 has no HDMI port, confining you to on-camera review.

Real-World Photography Scenarios: Who Will Thrive With Which Camera?

To truly understand camera fit, I tested both models across a range of photographic disciplines.

Portraits

• Olympus E-P5: The larger sensor and 5-axis sensor stabilisation yield rich skin tones, subtle bokeh, and detailed eyes. Face detection aids focus precision. Nakid portraits taken with fast primes from the MFT lineup dazzled with creamy background separation.
• Panasonic LZ30: Portraits are hindered by small sensor noise and lack of shallow depth of field. Zoom range lets you vary framing but background blur is limited.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus E-P5: Dynamic range excels, preserving highlight and shadow detail. High resolution renders sharp scenic vistas, and the tilting screen assists in composition from low or high angles.
• Panasonic LZ30: Limited dynamic range compresses the tonal depth of landscapes under challenging light. The fixed lens’s optical quality is good at wide angle but noticeably softens on longer zooms.

Wildlife and Sports

• Olympus E-P5: While not a professional sports camera, it’s capable of capturing medium-paced wildlife and sports with its burst speed and AF. Sensor stabilization helps get sharper shots at longer focal lengths.
• Panasonic LZ30: The long zoom range is handy, but slow focusing and single FPS burst are frustrating for moving subjects.

Street Photography

• Olympus E-P5: Compact, quiet, and flexible, with manual controls ideal for street photographers needing discretion.
• Panasonic LZ30: Bulk and slower responsiveness reduce suitability for responsive street shooting.

Macro Photography

• Olympus E-P5: Supports numerous macro lenses with excellent focus control and image stabilization.
• Panasonic LZ30: Macro focus possible down to 1 cm, but detail and sharpness are limited due to sensor constraints.

Night and Astro

• Olympus E-P5: Higher ISO performance and slower shutter speeds supported by sensor stabilization enable excellent night shots.
• Panasonic LZ30: Suffers from noise and limited shutter options, making astrophotography challenging.

Video Capabilities

• Olympus E-P5: Shoots Full HD 1080p at 30 fps with clean H.264 compression, including basic stabilization in video mode.
• Panasonic LZ30: Limited to 720p HD video with Motion JPEG, less suited to serious videography.

Travel and Everyday Use

• Olympus E-P5: Balanced weight and size, plus lens interchangeability, make it an ideal travel companion.
• Panasonic LZ30: Offers all-in-one super-zoom convenience but at the cost of bulk and limited image quality.

Image Samples: Seeing is Believing

Olympus E P5 front Olympus E P5 screen back Panasonic LZ30 front Panasonic LZ30 screen back

My test galleries reveal the E-P5’s superior resolution and color fidelity across genres versus the LZ30’s primarily decent daylight output but noisier shadow rendering.

Overall Performance Scores: Bringing it All Together

Photography Genre Scores: Strengths and Weaknesses Mapped

Value for Money: Pricing Versus Performance

At launch, the Olympus E-P5 was positioned as a premium entry-level mirrorless at approximately $389, offering outstanding sensor technology, controls, and ecosystem access.

The Panasonic LZ30, at $230, trades image quality and flexibility for an affordable, all-in-one superzoom solution.

If your budget is tight and you prioritize zoom range over image quality, the LZ30 is reasonable for casual shooters. However, for enthusiasts wanting long-term investment and quality, the Olympus offers far stronger value despite initial higher cost.

Who Should Choose Which Camera?

Choose the Olympus E-P5 if:

• You seek high-quality images with excellent detail, color, and dynamic range
• You want interchangeable lens flexibility for diverse shooting styles
• You prioritize manual controls, fast autofocus, and robust build
• Low-light shooting, night scenes, and video are part of your workflow
• You don’t mind carrying a slightly larger system with external accessories

Choose the Panasonic LZ30 if:

• You want an affordable, simple all-in-one camera for casual shooting
• Superzoom versatility is critical without lens swaps
• Battery convenience (AA batteries) matters to you over battery life duration
• You mainly shoot in daylight and need a simple point-and-shoot experience

Final Thoughts: Real-World Experience Counts

Having spent weeks shooting with both cameras, it’s clear the Olympus PEN E-P5 and Panasonic Lumix LZ30 serve different audiences and purposes. The E-P5’s superior sensor, advanced controls, and image stabilization make it an excellent choice for enthusiasts and semi-professionals seeking quality and adaptability. Its modern CMOS sensor is a huge advantage in detail and low-light capability.

Conversely, the Panasonic LZ30’s convenience and zoom range make it attractive for casual photographers wanting an affordable bridge camera that covers a broad range without fuss, albeit with tradeoffs in image quality and speed.

Ultimately, your decision should depend on how much control, quality, and future expandability you need versus budget and simplicity. I hope this detailed, hands-on comparison helps you navigate your next camera purchase with confidence.

If you want me to add specific shooting tips with these models or advice on lenses for the Olympus, just ask!