Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic LZ30

Here is a extended assessment of the Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic LZ30, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a noticeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and LZ30 (16MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and LZ30 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL1 was manufactured 3 years before the LZ30 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LZ30 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going into a in depth comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the E-PL1 matches up against the LZ30 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Panasonic LZ30 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera, you will have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1 has outside measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Panasonic LZ30 has dimensions of 124mm x 84mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 3.6") with a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic LZ30 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you use at that moment. Here is a front view size comparison of the E-PL1 vs the LZ30.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1 and LZ30 is 86 and 66 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to envision the gap between sensor sizing just by reviewing technical specs. The visual underneath may offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1 and LZ30.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1 featuring a bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic LZ30 will offer you more detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop photographs way more aggressively. The older E-PL1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.