Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic LZ20

Here is a comprehensive comparison of the Olympus E-PL1 and Panasonic LZ20, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap among the resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and LZ20 (16MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and LZ20 (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL1 was released 3 years before the LZ20 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight into a full comparison, below is a short overview of how the E-PL1 scores against the LZ20 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Panasonic LZ20 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera regularly, you will want to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL1 has physical dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Panasonic LZ20 has measurements of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") having a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL1 and Panasonic LZ20 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at that moment. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the E-PL1 against the LZ20.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and LZ20 is 86 and 71 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to imagine the gap in sensor sizing simply by checking out specifications. The photograph underneath may provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL1 and LZ20.

To sum up, the two cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic LZ20 will provide extra detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots far more aggressively. The older E-PL1 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.