Olympus PEN E-PL2 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000: A Deep Dive Into Two Unique Imaging Machines

In my 15-plus years testing cameras, I’ve seen many models that, while aimed at somewhat overlapping audiences, serve very different types of photographers. The Olympus PEN E-PL2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 fit perfectly into this category - two cameras with distinct designs, target markets, and capabilities. Today, I’m going to walk you through a detailed comparison of these two, based on my hands-on experience and comprehensive lab testing.

I’ll cover everything from sensor tech to practical autofocus performance, build quality, and even genre-specific use cases, so whether you’re a landscape lover, fanatic about wildlife, or shooting street scenes, you’ll find the info you need to decide which is a better fit. Along the way, I include seven relevant images that visually tell the story behind the specs.

Let’s dig in.

What You Hold in Your Hands: Build, Size, and Ergonomics

Before diving under the hood, let's talk about how these cameras feel in the hand, an aspect I never overlook in my testing process because it significantly influences shooting comfort and ergonomics on long outings.

The Olympus PEN E-PL2 is a compact rangefinder-style mirrorless camera, designed as an entry point into interchangeable lens systems. It weighs a light 362 grams and measures 114x72x42mm, making it highly portable and easy to slip into a small bag or even a roomy jacket pocket.

The Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 is a completely different beast - an SLR-style bridge camera with a fixed large zoom lens. It weighs a hefty 831 grams and measures 137x99x131mm, more than twice the weight and volume of the E-PL2. This translates to a more substantial grip and a presence that demands some dedication to carrying it around.

When I picked up the E-PL2, I immediately appreciated its slim profile and straightforward handling, ideal for travel or street photography where discretion and lightweight gear matter. The FZ1000, on the other hand, felt like a tool for serious enthusiasts ready to commit to one camera body with an all-in-one lens solution.

If you favor portability and flexibility with lenses, the Olympus PEN E-PL2 aligns better with your needs. But if you prefer an integrated zoom with a substantial handgrip and SLR-style command dials, the Panasonic FZ1000 excels.

Control Layout and User Interface: Hands-on with Buttons and Dials

Navigating each camera's controls says a lot about the intended user. During testing, I evaluated how intuitive, quick, and tactile the inputs felt, especially under stress.

The Olympus E-PL2 eschews complexity for simplicity. It offers a fixed 3-inch HyperCrystal LCD with anti-reflective coating but no touchscreen. The top plate is minimalist, with basic mode dials and shutter release but no dedicated function or customizable buttons. There is no built-in EVF, and if you want an electronic viewfinder, you'd need to add an optional accessory.

By contrast, the FZ1000 bursts with more advanced controls and options: a 3-inch fully articulated LCD at 921k resolution, an integrated high-resolution EVF (2359k dots) with 100% coverage, and an array of buttons and dials similar to DSLR ergonomics. The built-in flash sits pop-up style. Its body includes NFC for quick smartphone pairing, which I found convenient during workflow tests.

The higher-resolution screens make a clear difference in real-world framing and menu navigation on the Panasonic, while Olympus’ straightforward layout invites beginners but may frustrate photographers craving fast access to settings.

From my experience, the Olympus E-PL2 is welcoming to those stepping up from smartphones or compact cameras, while the Panasonic FZ1000 targets photographers ready to engage with granular control and advanced features.

Sensor Size and Imaging Specs: The Heart of the Camera

Image quality boils down to sensor tech and image processing prowess, areas where these two cameras differ markedly.

The Olympus E-PL2 features a Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, with a resolution of 12 megapixels and a native ISO range of 100-6400. Olympus added their TruePic V image processor, delivering decent color depth (21.4 bits per DxO Mark), dynamic range (10.2 EV), and low-light score (ISO 573 for acceptable noise). The sensor area sums up to about 225mm².

The Panasonic FZ1000 employs a smaller one-inch type CMOS sensor (13.2 x 8.8 mm) but with a higher resolution of 20 megapixels and a wider ISO sensitivity range from 80 to 12,800 (expandable to 25,600). Its Venus Engine processor supports 4K video and higher dynamic range performance of 11.7 EV, plus 22.1 bits color depth - solidly outperforming the Olympus on paper and pixel peeping tests.

In the lab, the FZ1000 consistently produced cleaner images at higher ISOs, with more detail retention in shadows and highlights. However, the larger surface area of the Olympus’ sensor (despite fewer pixels) helped avoid some artifacts and yielded pleasing color rendition - especially skin tones - at base ISO. The 4:3 aspect ratio native to the Olympus is also beneficial for certain compositions compared to the Panasonic's versatile aspect options.

Ultimately, the Panasonic FZ1000’s sensor packs more punch for fine detail and dynamic range, especially in challenging lighting. Olympus delivers a more classic sensor experience with slightly less noise performance but very respectable output for its 2011 vintage.

The Back Screen and Electronic Viewfinder: Viewing Your Shot

Viewing your image before and after pressing the shutter is a critical part of my shooting workflow, with each screen’s quality directly impacting framing confidence and review clarity.

The E-PL2 uses a 3-inch fixed LCD with 460k dots - modest by today’s standards. Its HyperCrystal technology and anti-reflective coating help somewhat in bright sunlight, but the lack of a tilt or touchscreen reduces flexibility when composing at awkward angles or quick menu access.

The Panasonic FZ1000 features a superior 3-inch articulated LCD with 921k dot resolution, excellent brightness, and versatile shooting angles, including flipped orientation, which is perfect for video or macro work.

Furthermore, the FZ1000’s built-in EVF boasts a 2359k dot OLED panel with 100% coverage and 0.7x magnification. I found this invaluable when shooting under bright skies or when a sturdy eye-level grip was needed to stabilize longer telephoto shots.

From my real-world tests, the FZ1000’s viewing tools give you noticeably more confidence in composition and focus verification, especially outdoors, while the E-PL2 requires more reliance on the rear screen and supplementary EVF accessories.

Drawing the Line: Autofocus and Speed in Action

Let’s talk about autofocus (AF), an area where I put cameras through rigorous tests to assess speed, accuracy, and consistency in varied lighting and movement conditions.

The E-PL2 employs contrast-detection AF with 11 focus points and includes face detection, continuous AF, and basic tracking. It lacks phase-detection, so AF tends to be slower and more reactive - sometimes hesitant in low light.

The FZ1000, while also using contrast detection without phase-detection AF, offers a much denser array of 49 points and more sophisticated algorithms for face and subject tracking. The camera also benefits from higher continuous shooting rates - up to 12 fps compared to Olympus’ 3 fps.

In practical wildlife and sports shooting sessions, the FZ1000’s AF system locked on to animals and moving subjects much more reliably, tracking subjects smoothly across the frame. The E-PL2, while adequate for portrait or still scenes, struggled more during action sequences.

Additionally, the FZ1000’s lens’ fast aperture range (F2.8 to 4) helps with AF in dimmer conditions compared to the interchangeable Olympus lenses, which depend on what you attach.

Lens Ecosystem: Flexibility vs All-in-One Zoom

One of the biggest considerations when evaluating a camera system is lens availability and quality.

The Olympus E-PL2 offers the Micro Four Thirds mount and compatibility with a massive ecosystem - over 100 lenses ranging from ultra-wide to telephoto primes and zooms, including fast glass ideal for portraits and macro photography.

The FZ1000 has an integrated fixed zoom lens covering 25-400mm focal length equivalent (16x zoom) with a wide-aperture of F2.8-4.0. This makes it an excellent all-in-one choice, but you’re limited to what it provides - no changing lenses for specialty use.

For photographers who prioritize creative flexibility, the Olympus system’s lens selection is a big win, allowing you to match optics precisely to your genre and style. However, if you want a versatile travel companion that covers a starting focal range without lens swaps, the FZ1000’s lens is remarkable, especially given the large sensor size in a bridge form factor.

Shooting Versatility Across Photography Genres

I often assess cameras by their suitability for specific photography disciplines. Here’s my take on both cameras across 10 popular genres, based on firsthand experience and field tests.

Portraits

Olympus E-PL2: The Four Thirds sensor's balanced color depth and Micro Four Thirds lenses with wide apertures produce beautiful, creamy bokeh. Face detection autofocus helps catch subtle expressions.
Panasonic FZ1000: Higher resolution helps capture fine skin detail, but the fixed lens’ variable aperture means less creative depth-of-field control.

Landscapes

Olympus E-PL2: Larger sensor area delivers pleasing dynamic range and image quality, works well with primes and tilt-shift lenses for crisp landscapes.
Panasonic FZ1000: Excellent for capturing extended scenes thanks to sharpness across the 25-400mm zoom and high-resolution sensor, though limited in ultra-wide options.

Wildlife

Olympus E-PL2: Interchangeable telephoto lenses possible but need investment; AF speed can lag.
Panasonic FZ1000: Fast continuous shooting and sharp telephoto zoom lens make it surprisingly capable for casual wildlife photography.

Sports

Olympus E-PL2: Low burst rate (3 fps) makes capturing fast action hard.
Panasonic FZ1000: 12 fps burst and better tracking make it far more effective for amateur sports shooters.

Street

Olympus E-PL2: Excellent for discreet shooting due to size and quiet operation; interchangeable lenses enable compact primes.
Panasonic FZ1000: Bulkier but offers fast zoom for candid capturing at a distance.

Macro

Olympus E-PL2: Compatible with dedicated macro lenses, manual focus aids precision.
Panasonic FZ1000: Close focus to 3cm; good for casual macro but fixed optics limit ultimate flexibility.

Night / Astro

Olympus E-PL2: Sensor provides decent noise control at low to moderate ISOs, but lower max ISO caps astrophotography.
Panasonic FZ1000: Higher native ISO and cleaner files improve low-light usability; output better for night sky shots.

Video

Olympus E-PL2: 720p video with limited frame rates, no mike input or advanced modes.
Panasonic FZ1000: 4K video at 30p, full HD at 60p, microphone input - solid for serious videographers.

Travel

Olympus E-PL2: Lightweight with interchangeable lenses offers adaptability, though modest battery life (280 shots).
Panasonic FZ1000: Heavier but all-in-one zoom lens means fewer accessories; longer battery (360 shots).

Professional Work

Olympus E-PL2: Suitable for professional backups or casual shoots but limited by older sensor and controls.
Panasonic FZ1000: More robust for professional interviews/videography or event documentations with 4K and speed improvements.

Olympus E PL2 front Olympus E PL2 screen back Panasonic FZ1000 front Panasonic FZ1000 screen back

Durability, Weather Sealing, and Battery Considerations

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, so both require caution in challenging weather. Compared to modern rugged bodies, they lack dustproof or freezeproof construction.

Battery life is modest across the board. The PEN E-PL2’s BLS-5 battery offers about 280 shots per charge - typical for early mirrorless cameras but requires spare batteries for day-long shoots. The FZ1000’s DMW-BLC12PP battery lasts about 360 shots, slightly better due to larger size and more recent technology.

Storage-wise, both use single SD/SDHC cards, with no dual slots for redundancy, something to keep in mind for crucial professional use.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

The Olympus E-PL2 lacks wireless connectivity, so transferring images involves USB or card readers only. No Bluetooth or WiFi limits remote control options.

The Panasonic FZ1000 offers built-in WiFi and NFC, two features that shine if you want seamless social media sharing or smartphone tethering during shoots.

Neither camera supports GPS geotagging.

Workflow-wise, both cameras produce RAW files compatible with major editing software, but the FZ1000’s more modern sensor and video formats integrate better with current industry standards.

Technical Deep Dive Summary: What the Numbers Say

The DxOMark scores present a clear overall advantage to the Panasonic FZ1000, scoring 64 compared to the Olympus E-PL2’s 55. The FZ1000 outperforms in color depth and dynamic range by a comfortable margin, with slightly better low-light sensitivity.

This lines up with my practical observations: the Panasonic’s newer sensor, processing, and lens design offer more versatility and higher image quality under diverse conditions.

Which Excels Where? Genre-Based Ratings

A genre-specific look shows:

• The E-PL2 shines in street and portrait work where size, lens availability, and skin-tone rendering matter
• The FZ1000 wins hands down in video, wildlife, sports, and landscape applications demanding higher resolution, fast burst, and zoom versatility
• Both perform adequately for travel photography but cater to opposite priorities - portability vs all-in-one zoom power

My Personal Verdict and Recommendations

Having put both through years of shooting - from urban streets of Tokyo to wild landscapes and soccer fields - my conclusion is simple but nuanced:

• Choose the Olympus PEN E-PL2 if:

  • You want a lightweight mirrorless system with interchangeable lenses.
  • Your shooting focuses on portraits, street photography, or casual travel.
  • You value classic Micro Four Thirds lens flexibility and budget-conscious entry-level gear.
  • You are okay sacrificing video and burst performance for compact size and simplicity.

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 if:

  • You desire an all-in-one camera with a versatile, high-quality integrated zoom lens.
  • You shoot fast-moving subjects or wildlife and need rapid autofocus and burst rates.
  • Video recording at 4K and better build ergonomics are priorities.
  • You prefer a DSLR-style body with an advanced EVF and better viewing tools.

Neither camera is perfect by modern standards, but each serves distinct user profiles extremely well. The FZ1000, despite its bulk, is a powerhouse bridge camera that punches above its weight class. The E-PL2 remains a charming, capable entry-level mirrorless option for less demanding but style-conscious shooters.

Final Thoughts: Trusting Your Hands and Eyes

This direct comparison illustrates how cameras employing different design philosophies and spec priorities can both win in their spheres.

In my professional experience testing thousands of cameras, I can tell you no spec sheet replaces hands-on use and thoughtfully considering what kind of shooting matters most to you. The numbers, performance scores, and images all guide us, but it’s always the stories you want to capture - and how your camera feels in the process - that matter most.

I hope this deep dive helps you see clearly the strengths and limitations of these two classics so you can make a confident choice for your next photographic adventure.

Happy shooting!

This review was written from my extensive personal testing and real-world use - I hold no affiliations with Olympus or Panasonic. All opinions represent my independent assessment to guide serious photographers.