Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic LX7

Following is a in-depth review of the Olympus E-PL1 versus Panasonic LX7, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the LX7 (10MP) is pretty similar but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and LX7 (1/1.7") boast totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1 was released 3 years earlier than the LX7 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LX7 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a in-depth comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the E-PL1 grades against the LX7 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Panasonic LX7 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera, you have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL1 has external dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Panasonic LX7 has measurements of 111mm x 68mm x 46mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.8") along with a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL1 versus Panasonic LX7 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have at that moment. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the E-PL1 vs the LX7.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1 and LX7 is 86 and 86 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to see the difference between sensor sizes purely by reading technical specs. The picture here will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1 and LX7.

As you have seen, both of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PL1 due to its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Olympus E-PL1 will offer you extra detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.