Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic Lumix LX100 II: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When I first sat down to pit the Olympus PEN E-PL2 against the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II, I knew I was lining up two very different beasts. On paper, they share a Micro Four Thirds sensor format, but their design philosophies, features, and target users couldn’t be more distinct. Over my 15 years of hands-on camera testing and reviewing, I’ve rarely encountered a matchup highlighting contrasts this sharp between entry-level mirrorless and high-end large sensor compacts.

In this detailed comparison, I’ll walk you through exactly what these cameras bring to the table for various photography styles, dissect their real-world usability from my personal testing experience, analyze key technical performance aspects, and ultimately help you decide which one suits your shooting style and budget best. Buckle up - I’ll also sprinkle in practical insights that rarely make it into the spec sheets.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Let’s start by looking at the physical feel, a detail that can make or break your shooting pleasure.

The Olympus E-PL2 is a compact, rangefinder-style mirrorless camera introduced in 2011, weighing in at a modest 362 grams with dimensions of 114x72x42mm. The LX100 II, a 2018 large sensor compact, tips the scales slightly heavier at 392 grams and measures 115x66x64mm. While both are reasonably portable, the LX100 II’s body is chunkier and thicker, reflecting its more advanced lens and added features.

Holding them side by side, the Olympus feels delightfully light and easy to slip into a jacket pocket, but its relatively small grip and simplified controls remind you it targets more casual shooters and beginners. The LX100 II offers a bit more substance in hand, with a firmer grip and a more sophisticated control layout on the top plate and front lens barrel, rewarding the enthusiast’s need for tactile precision.

A personal favorite detail of mine is the dedicated aperture ring on the LX100 II’s lens - such manual controls make creative shooting fluid. Olympus keeps it minimalistic, banking on menu diving and fewer physical dials. If you love shooting with clubs for your thumbs, the LX100 II will likely feel more at home.

Sensor & Image Quality: Getting Down to Pixels

Both cameras use Micro Four Thirds sensors roughly measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, but their sensor resolutions differ significantly: 12MP for the Olympus E-PL2 and 17MP for the LX100 II.

From my lab testing and real-world shooting, that extra resolution and newer sensor tech in the LX100 II translates to better detail retention and cropping flexibility, especially noticeable when printing larger formats or working on fine landscape shots. The Olympus’s 12MP output is sufficient for web posting and small prints, but those pixel peeping enthusiasts will spot the difference.

Dynamic range is another story. The older Olympus E-PL2 presents about 10.2 stops of dynamic range per DxO Mark tests, which matches well for its vintage but falls short compared to the LX100 II's modern sensor (DxO scores are unfortunately not available for it), whose advanced processing delivers noticeably better highlight roll-off and shadow recovery in harsh lighting - think bright skies without blowing out your clouds.

Low light performance benefits strongly from the LX100 II’s higher maximum ISO (native ISO up to 25,600) compared to the E-PL2’s top native ISO of 6400. In practical terms, this means cleaner files at night or indoor events where boosting ISO is unavoidable.

Touchscreen & Interface Usability

While the Olympus E-PL2 sports a 3-inch fixed LCD with 460k dots and a HyperCrystal LCD with anti-reflective coating, it lacks a touchscreen which makes menu navigation slower - especially if you’re used to scrolling through settings or touch focusing.

The LX100 II raises the bar with a 3-inch, 1240k-dot touchscreen, enabling intuitive tap-to-focus, pinch-to-zoom on images, and easier menu control. This alone makes it feel much more modern and user-friendly, especially for shooters used to smartphones.

However, neither camera has a fully articulated or flip-out screen, which might be a downside if you shoot a lot of vlogging or low/high-angle work.

Autofocus: Precision vs Practicality

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus systems, with no phase detection pixels onboard. The Olympus offers 11 focus points, while the LX100 II has 49. More points mean better subject tracking and flexibility in composition.

In my hands-on testing, the LX100 II’s autofocus is faster and more accurate, aided by its modern processor and larger number of AF points. Eye-detection AF works solidly on the Olympus, but the LX100 II shines with face and eye tracking in live view, proving helpful for portraits and dynamic subjects.

Continuous AF and tracking modes perform better on the LX100 II. For wildlife and sports photographers who rely on burst shooting and tracking, the E-PL2’s 3 fps burst and AF are rather entry-level and show signs of lag with moving targets.

Photography in Practice: Breaking Down the Genres

Let’s take a deep dive into how each performs in popular photography genres.

Portrait Photography

Portrait shooters prize skin tone rendition, natural bokeh, and reliable eye detection.

• Olympus E-PL2: It produces pleasing colors with warm skin tones thanks to Olympus’s TruePic V processor but can struggle a bit with fine detail due to lower megapixels and older sensor tech. Its in-body stabilization helps soften hand jitters. The kit lens selection is broad thanks to Micro Four Thirds compatibility, but the affordable kit lens’s bokeh is average, with moderate background separation.

• Panasonic LX100 II: Produces crisp images with exceptional detail owing to its 17MP sensor. The fast 24-75mm F1.7-2.8 zoom lens delivers gorgeous creamy bokeh, especially at the wide end. Its eye-detection AF is impressive for a compact, making portraits sharper, easier to nail focus on eyes. Colors render richer and more lifelike straight out of camera.

For portrait buffs, the LX100 II takes a comfortable lead with sharper output and smoother focus, though Olympus’ system offers flexibility with interchangeable lenses if you already own MFT glass.

Landscape Photography

Landscape is all about dynamic range, resolution, and environmental toughness.

The Olympus’ sensor's dynamic range and resolution leave something to be desired when pushing shadows or enlarging prints over 16x20 inches. It’s designed more for casual use than demanding detail work. Weather sealing? No on both cameras.

LX100 II excels with better dynamic range and richer color depth, critical for ambitious landscapes, though the fixed zoom limits ultra-wide focal lengths (starts at 24mm equivalent). The Olympus lets you switch to ultra-wide or super-tele lenses but adds weight and cost.

Neither camera boasts professional-grade weather sealing or ruggedness. For stormy conditions, you’d want something built tougher.

Wildlife Photography

This genre demands fast autofocus, high burst rates, and effective telephoto reach.

• Olympus E-PL2: The 3 fps burst and 11 AF points struggle with fast-moving subjects. Though you can mount some excellent MFT telephoto lenses (e.g., 300mm f/4) offering 600mm equivalent reach, the body’s AF limitations bottleneck action shots.

• Panasonic LX100 II: It shoots at 11 fps burst speed and sports 49 AF points, delivering snappier focus and better frame capture for critters on the move. However, its zoom lens caps at 75mm (150mm equivalent), insufficient for serious wildlife telephoto work.

If you’re chasing birds and beasts, the Olympus system with interchangeable glass overall wins on reach but at the cost of AF speed and size.

Sports Photography

Similar to wildlife, this requires high-speed AF, tracking, and frame rates.

Neither camera is a sports specialist, but LX100 II’s 11 fps and larger AF array put it ahead in capturing action. Olympus’ slow burst rate and basic AF tracking make it frustrating for rapid events.

Both cameras lack rugged build and weather sealing common in pro sports cameras, so be mindful if you shoot outdoors in tough conditions.

Street Photography

Discretion, portability, and quick responsiveness matter in the streets.

• Olympus E-PL2’s small mirrorless body and light weight make it easy to carry inconspicuously. However, slower AF and no touchscreen can slow your pace in candid shooting.

• LX100 II, though slightly bulkier, still preserves street stealth better than DSLRs. Its fast lens, quick AF, silent electronic shutter (up to 1/16000s), and touchscreen support quick reactions. If you prioritize stealth and speed, LX100 II is the more capable street camera.

Macro and Close-up Photography

Macro shooters focus on magnification, focusing precision, and stabilization.

• Neither camera is explicitly designed for macro, but Olympus’ lens ecosystem offers a multitude of close-focusing lenses, some even specialized macros achieving 1:1 magnification. Its in-body image stabilization helps handheld macros.

• LX100 II’s closest focusing distance is 3cm, respectable for a compact zoom but limited by fixed lens construction. Its optical stabilization helps, but you’re stuck with the built-in lens’s reach.

For macro enthusiasts, Olympus gives more flexibility thanks to interchangeable glass and in-body IS.

Night and Astrophotography

High ISO performance and exposure options define success at night.

• Olympics’ older CMOS sensor hits its limits around ISO 1600–3200; noise rises quickly beyond ISO 6400. It offers standard exposure modes but lacks some advanced bracketing or stacking features.

• LX100 II shines with a native ISO range up to 25,600, better noise control, and focus bracketing/stacking features. The 4K photo mode also allows extracting sharp frames from videos - handy for star trails or fireworks.

If low-light shooting is your jam, LX100 II has a clear edge.

Video Capabilities

In today’s multimedia world, video is often a dealbreaker.

The Olympus E-PL2 shoots modest 720p HD video at 30fps in Motion JPEG format, the kind of basic, entry-level recording that won’t impress videographers.

The Panasonic LX100 II supports 4K UHD video at 30fps and Full HD 1080p at various frame rates using H.264 compression. Its video is crisp, with good stabilization and competent audio capture (though no mic or headphone ports).

Given my hands-on experience, LX100 II is far and away the more video-capable of the two, fitting casual videographers and hybrid shooters well.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers official weather sealing or rugged protection. Both are better suited for fair-weather use or indoor shooting.

For professional outdoor adventures, you’d want something more robust, but for casual urban and landscape use, both bodies feel solid enough, with LX100 II’s metalized finish feeling a touch more premium.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery life for Olympus E-PL2 is rated at 280 shots per charge - a little tight for extended outings but manageable if you carry spares. Storage relies on simple SD/SDHC cards in a single slot.

LX100 II improved endurance with 340 shots per charge in real-world use, and it accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards with UHS-I support, granting faster write speeds important for 4K video and burst shooting.

Connectivity and Extras

Olympus E-PL2 has no wireless connectivity, a definite drawback today when instant sharing and remote control are standard features.

Panasonic LX100 II includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, letting you use companion apps for image transfer and remote shooting - huge convenience for bloggers and travel photographers.

Price-to-Performance Ratio

The Olympus E-PL2 is an older, entry-level camera often found on the used market for very affordable prices - sometimes under $200. It offers an inexpensive doorway into interchangeable lens mirrorless photography.

The Panasonic LX100 II retails near $1,000 new and is more akin to a premium compact. It represents the best sensor performance, lens quality, and video capability you can squeeze into a pocket-sized camera, giving serious enthusiasts a high-quality, versatile tool without hauling around lenses.

Sample Images: The Proof Is in the Pixels

Olympus E PL2 front Olympus E PL2 screen back Panasonic LX100 II front Panasonic LX100 II screen back

Examining side-by-side sample images from both, it’s clear the LX100 II offers crisper detail, richer color depth, and cleaner shadows in tricky lighting. The Olympus images have a softer, more vintage feel, which some might find charming but less suited for professional work.

Overall Performance Ratings

Let’s summarize the data-driven part.

• Olympus E-PL2 scores moderately for image quality and features but lags in autofocus speed, video, and connectivity.
• Panasonic LX100 II scores high on overall image quality, autofocus, burst rate, video capabilities, and modern usability.

Specialized Photography Types & Their Ideal Camera

In terms of specific photography genres, the LX100 II dominates day-to-day use and genres demanding speed, video, and versatility: street, sports (light), portraits, and travel. Olympus, while competent, is best seen as a budget-friendly starter system or for those who relish lens changes for specialized tasks like macro or telephoto wildlife.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Olympus E-PL2 if you:

• Are a cheapskate or starting out and want to experiment with interchangeable lenses.
• Prefer a small, lightweight camera and don’t need advanced speed or 4K video.
• Are on a tight budget and willing to accept dated tech for entry-level quality.
• Want classic Micro Four Thirds system flexibility.

Choose the Panasonic LX100 II if you:

• Crave a powerful all-in-one pocket camera with excellent image quality and fast controls.
• Need superior low-light performance, 4K video, and quick autofocus for snapping fleeting moments.
• Value touchscreen interface and wireless connectivity.
• Shoot a mix of casual portraits, landscapes, street, and short videos without lugging extra lenses.

Wrapping Up

After extensively testing both cameras across various scenarios and consulting their technical credentials, it’s clear the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II is the more advanced and versatile option for modern photographers seeking quality and convenience in a compact body. Its sensor technology, autofocus sophistication, and video capabilities substantially outpace the decade-old Olympus E-PL2, which remains relevant mainly as a budget introduction to mirrorless photography.

Still, the Olympus holds appeal for those invested in the MFT lens ecosystem or who want a no-frills, lightweight shooter to learn the ropes without breaking the bank.

I hope this comparison has helped clarify the real-world tradeoffs and strengths of each. Whichever you choose, happy shooting!

If you’re curious to dive deeper into specific features or have questions about other models in the Micro Four Thirds family, just drop me a line. Cameras can be complicated companions, but with the right knowledge, you’ll find one that’s a perfect match for your photographic journey.