Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic FZ70

In this article, we are evaluating the Olympus E-PL1 versus Panasonic FZ70, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and FZ70 (16MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and FZ70 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL1 was revealed 4 years before the FZ70 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick summary of how the E-PL1 scores against the FZ70 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Panasonic FZ70 Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera, you should take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1 offers physical measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ70 has specifications of 130mm x 97mm x 118mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 4.6") and a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL1 versus Panasonic FZ70 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you use at that time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PL1 versus the FZ70.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1 and FZ70 is 86 and 63 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to envision the difference in sensor dimensions only by researching specs. The pic underneath should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1 and FZ70.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL1 having a larger sensor will make getting shallower DOF simpler and the Panasonic FZ70 will provide you with extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images far more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.