Olympus E-PL1s vs Panasonic LZ20

Let's take a closer look at the Olympus E-PL1s versus Panasonic LZ20, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a significant gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1s (12MP) and LZ20 (16MP) and the E-PL1s (Four Thirds) and LZ20 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL1s was revealed 20 months before the LZ20 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL1s being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the E-PL1s grades vs the LZ20 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL1s and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1s Gallery and Panasonic LZ20 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL1s features external measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while 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).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL1s versus Panasonic LZ20 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PL1s compared to the LZ20.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1s and LZ20 is 86 and 71 respectively.

Quite often, it can be difficult to envision the difference between sensor dimensions merely by reading specifications. The image underneath will provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1s and LZ20.

To sum up, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL1s using its bigger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic LZ20 will offer greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots far more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1s is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.