Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic ZS30

Here, we are looking at the Olympus E-PL1 versus Panasonic ZS30, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a crucial difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and ZS30 (18MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and ZS30 (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL1 was introduced 3 years before the ZS30 which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the E-PL1 grades versus the ZS30 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS30 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to travel with your camera, you will want to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1 has outer measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS30 has dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL1 versus Panasonic ZS30 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL1 compared to the ZS30.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL1 and ZS30 is 86 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions just by looking at technical specs. The picture underneath may offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1 and ZS30.

As you have seen, both of those cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL1 with its larger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic ZS30 will give you extra detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.