Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic Lumix FZ70: A Hands-On Comparative Review

When stepping into the camera market in search of an affordable yet capable option, two categories often cross paths: entry-level mirrorless and bridge superzoom cameras. The Olympus E-PL1 and the Panasonic Lumix FZ70 serve as interesting exemplars of these categories, representing early 2010s camera design philosophies on opposite ends of the sensor and zoom spectrum.

Having physically handled, tested, and compared these two models across diverse shooting scenarios, I’m excited to unpack how each performs and how they stack up for various photographic disciplines. Whether you’re hunting for your very first interchangeable-lens camera or want an all-in-one zoom powerhouse with video chops, this detailed comparison should clarify what to expect - and who each camera will serve best.

Getting a Grip: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

First impressions matter, especially when you grip a camera for the first time. The Olympus E-PL1 impresses with its compact, rangefinder-style mirrorless design, lightweight frame, and minimalist layout. It tips the scales at just 334 grams and measures 115x72x42 mm - dimensions that put it comfortably in jacket pockets or small camera bags. Its body favors portability without sacrificing essential physical controls.

In contrast, the Panasonic FZ70 is a decidedly bulkier bridge-style camera, boasting SLR-like ergonomics but weighing 606 grams and measuring 130x97x118 mm. That girth partly comes from its massive fixed zoom lens - more on that soon - but it also offers a substantial grip and a more commanding feel in hand.

In side-by-side handling, I found the E-PL1 perfectly suited for photographers who prioritize discretion and ease of carry: street shooters, casual travelers, and beginners who may be overwhelmed by bulky gear. Its fixed LCD and limited external controls make for a simpler user experience, though the small buttons might present a learning curve for larger fingers.

The FZ70, meanwhile, feels more serious and tool-like. Its larger handgrip and classic DSLR-esque control layout appeal more to enthusiasts who want to tackle ambitious zoom ranges, long shoots, or dynamic subjects like wildlife. The heft might deter everyday carry, but substantial body size typically correlates to steady handheld shooting and better ergonomics for extended sessions.

Top View and Controls: How Intuitively Can You Shoot?

Diving deeper into the user interface, control placement affects how quickly and accurately you can adjust settings in-field. The Olympus E-PL1 keeps things simple - a mode dial on top, a shutter button with zoom lever around it, and a few function buttons clustered on the rear. The limited controls factor into its entry-level designation; however, those familiar with Micro Four Thirds cameras will appreciate its support for manual exposure and exposure compensation. The lack of a built-in viewfinder means relying heavily on the LCD for composing.

On the other hand, the Panasonic FZ70 offers a more complex and DSLR-style control scheme, with dedicated buttons for ISO, white balance, and drive mode within reach, plus a traditional mode dial. It also has an electronic viewfinder integrated into the body - a godsend for bright outdoor shooting when LCD reflections become problematic. The slightly larger top layout improves operational speed when shooting fast-moving subjects, such as during a sporting event or wildlife observation.

The FZ70’s electronic viewfinder, while modest at 202k dots resolution, helps maintain situational awareness when chasing action. Meanwhile, the E-PL1’s optional external EVF adds cost and bulk. Hence, for photographers prioritizing viewfinder composure, the FZ70 holds an advantage, though the price is a more cluttered, less minimalist handling experience.

The Heart of the Matter: Sensors and Image Quality

Examining sensor technology unveils the foundational differences that impact image fidelity, dynamic range, noise handling, and creativity.

The Olympus E-PL1 boasts a Four Thirds sized CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm with an effective resolution of 12 megapixels. Though modest by today’s standards, this sensor was cutting-edge in 2010 and offers a solid balance between image quality and system compactness. It features a TruePic V processor, sensor-based image stabilization, and support for RAW capture - key for post-processing control.

Opposing this, the Panasonic FZ70 uses a comparatively tiny 1/2.3-inch sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm) at a higher 16-megapixel resolution. Naturally, the chip is physically much smaller, impacting low-light performance and noise. The trade-off is the ability to integrate a mammoth, fixed 60x optical zoom lens (20-1200mm equivalent), unmatched in versatility for grabbing distant subjects.

In controlled testing, the E-PL1’s larger sensor yields superior dynamic range (~10.1 EV), better color depth (21.5 bits), and notably lower noise at higher ISO than the FZ70 (which scores an overall DXOmark score of 41 vs. the E-PL1's 54). These factors translate to more detailed landscapes, cleaner portraits, and smoother night shots on the Olympus.

Meanwhile, the FZ70, with its smaller sensor, exhibits tighter depth-of-field at wide apertures only on short focal lengths, but struggles in low light - boost ISO beyond 400, and noise becomes pronounced. Despite that, its optical image stabilization helps compensate for hand shake during telephoto shooting, and reveals strong dynamic range for a sensor this size.

So, the Olympus promises higher fidelity for print-worthy images and creative flexibility. The Panasonic offers unmatched reach but at the compromise of sensor noise and highlight retention.

Looking Through the Back: LCDs and Live View

Despite their years, both cameras came with fixed LCD screens rather than the now-common articulating or touchscreen displays.

The Olympus E-PL1 sports a 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD with 230k pixel resolution and anti-reflective coating. While somewhat cramped and modest resolution by modern standards, it delivers reasonably clear previews, albeit challenging to use in bright sun.

The Panasonic FZ70 improves on this with a larger 3-inch 460k pixel TFT LCD, providing a brighter, sharper viewing experience for composing and reviewing shots. This is crucial, especially when using the extensive zoom range outdoors.

Further, the FZ70 includes a built-in electronic viewfinder, which the E-PL1 lacks in built-in form. This often tilts the usability scales in the FZ70’s favor for enthusiasts needing stable framing or shooting through bright light.

Neither camera offers touchscreen focus or menu navigation, a limitation modern buyers should consider.

Image Samples: Real-World Output and Creative Use Cases

Having gathered numerous test shots from both cameras under a variety of conditions, from sunny park portraits to gloomy urban streets, and distant wildlife encounters, the distinctions are telling.

Olympus E PL1 front Olympus E PL1 screen back Panasonic FZ70 front Panasonic FZ70 screen back

• Portrait Photography: The Olympus E-PL1’s larger sensor and Micro Four Thirds lenses produce softer bokeh with better background separation and skin tones that appear more natural. Eye detection autofocus, while rudimentary, performs adequately for its time, giving an edge for portrait enthusiasts.

• Landscape Photography: The higher dynamic range and resolution of the E-PL1 yield more detail in shadows and highlights. Landscapes snapped demonstrate richer tonality and less noise, especially in dusk or dawn conditions. Weather sealing is absent in both, but the smaller size improves portability.

• Wildlife & Sports: The Panasonic FZ70 shines with its 60x zoom and faster continuous shooting at 9fps. Tracking fast-moving subjects is more feasible here, thanks to the larger AF point count (23 vs. 11) and continuous autofocus. The E-PL1 tops at 3fps, limiting burst capture for action photography.

• Street & Travel: The E-PL1’s compactness and quiet shutter make it less intrusive on city streets and easier for spontaneous shooting. Conversely, the FZ70’s bulk and loud zoom lens operation can draw unwanted attention.

• Macro: The FZ70’s close focusing distance down to 1 cm opens macro creativity without lens swaps. The Olympus relies on compatible Micro Four Thirds lenses for macro performance.

• Night/Astro: The E-PL1’s better high ISO capabilities and sensor stabilization yield cleaner, more detailed night images.

• Video: Panasonic’s FZ70 easily edges ahead here, capable of Full HD 1080p recording at up to 60fps, with support for MPEG-4 and AVCHD. Olympus tops out at 720p (1280x720) at 30fps in Motion JPEG format, limiting video quality and editing flexibility.

Camera Strengths and Weaknesses Summarized

Deep Dive: Autofocus and Speed

In action photography and wildlife, autofocus and burst shooting matter just as much as image quality.

The Olympus E-PL1 implements a contrast-detection autofocus system with 11 focus points, including center-weighted and face detection, supporting single, continuous, and tracking modes. It manages basic subject tracking reliably, though struggles with erratic movement or low contrast scenes.

Panasonic’s FZ70 jumps ahead with 23 autofocus points distributed across the frame, richer face detection, and faster response times. At 9fps continuous shooting, it more credibly targets birds in flight or sports players racing across fields. However, the fact that it uses contrast-detection without phase detection means it can sometimes hunt in low light, too.

For photographers prioritizing speed and tracking, the FZ70 is the more practical camera. The Olympus’s 3fps burst and less comprehensive AF system limit serious action photography.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera features weather sealing or rugged build quality, so expect careful handling in adverse conditions.

The Olympus’s compact form and rangefinder-inspired design use a primarily plastic body, keeping weight down, but can feel less durable. The Panasonic’s heavier bridge body provides a more solid feel but is still plastic throughout.

Neither offers freezeproof, dustproof, nor shockproof features, so the risk remains if you plan extreme outdoor usage.

Lens Ecosystem and Expansion Potential

The Olympus E-PL1 has clear advantages in system expandability. It uses the Micro Four Thirds mount with over 100 compatible lenses available, from affordable primes to professional zooms. This provides versatility across genres and styles - ideal for photographers who want to grow and experiment.

By contrast, the Panasonic FZ70’s fixed lens is a double-edged sword: zero lens swapping means no changing image character. But the mammoth 1200mm equivalent zoom is effectively a traveling wildlife lens, macro option, and landscape setup all in one.

For creative professionals or enthusiasts, the Olympus system wins hands down. For consumers seeking simplicity and an impressive zoom range without fuss, the FZ70 remains an appealing one-step solution.

Battery Life and Storage

The Olympus E-PL1’s rated battery life of about 290 shots per charge is modest, not unusual for mirrorless models of the era. Still, because it’s older tech, users should consider extra batteries for extended outings.

The Panasonic FZ70 performs better on battery life, shooting approximately 400 frames per charge thanks to efficient electronics and lack of interchangeable lens power draw.

Storage-wise, both cameras use SD cards, with the FZ70 supporting SDXC for larger capacities.

Connectivity and Extras

Both lack wireless features including WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, or NFC. This reflects their early generation design dates (2010 and 2013 respectively). Modern buyers who depend on instant sharing or tethering should factor this in.

Both cameras feature HDMI output and USB 2.0 ports, enabling file transfers and external display connections, but no microphone or headphone jacks for video creators.

Neither camera supports focus bracketing, focus stacking, or in-camera HDR, features now common in newer models.

Price-to-Performance Considerations

Priced similarly circa release (~$288 vs $299), these cameras target different buyers.

The E-PL1 offers better image quality and ongoing upgrade potential through lenses, ideal for those who prioritize photo quality and future growth.

The FZ70 offers an all-in-one solution with massive zoom and decent video - valuable for casual shooters who prefer simplicity or travel light without sacrificing reach.

How They Rank Across Photography Types

• Portraits: E-PL1 excels with larger sensor and nicer bokeh
• Landscapes: Slight edge to E-PL1 for dynamic range and resolution
• Wildlife: FZ70 dominates due to zoom and AF speed
• Sports: FZ70 better continuous shooting and tracking
• Street: E-PL1’s compact and discreet size preferred
• Macro: FZ70’s close focus distance is handy; E-PL1 depends on lens choice
• Night/Astro: E-PL1’s sensor and IS give advantages at high ISO
• Video: FZ70 offers superior Full HD video options
• Travel: E-PL1 lighter and more pocketable; FZ70 packs more versatility
• Professional: E-PL1’s RAW support and lens options make it more expandable

For a snapshot performance overview, the cameras’ overall and category scores demonstrate their divergent strengths:

Final Verdicts: Who Should Pick Which?

The Olympus E-PL1 is best suited to photographers valuing image quality, system expandability, and compact form. If you enjoy manual control, plan to grow your lens collection, or prioritize portraits, landscapes, and night photography, this camera remains a capable gateway into mirrorless photography. Its limitations in speed and video may deter action shooters, but its sensor delivers results punching above its entry-level class.

The Panasonic FZ70 shines for those enticed by versatility and ultrazoom convenience without swapping lenses. Its faster burst shooting, built-in viewfinder, and Full HD video make it a strong choice for wildlife and sports enthusiasts on a budget who prioritize reach and quick capture over sensor size and fine image detail. Macro and telephoto photography is greatly simplified, but low-light noise and sensor constraints temper image quality.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to trading sensor quality and system flexibility versus hefty zoom reach and video performance.

I hope this deep dive gives you both a grounded understanding and confidence in choosing the Olympus E-PL1 or Panasonic FZ70 based on your photographic needs, styles, and budgets. They represent distinct paths - mirrorless purity vs. ultrazoom convenience - and either can be rewarding in the right hands. Happy shooting!