Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic FZ70

In this write-up, we are matching up the Olympus E-PL2 and Panasonic FZ70, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL2 (12MP) and FZ70 (16MP) and the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and FZ70 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL2 was brought out 3 years earlier than the FZ70 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving through a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple view of how the E-PL2 grades against the FZ70 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery and Panasonic FZ70 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera, you need to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL2 has physical measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ70 has sizing of 130mm x 97mm x 118mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 4.6") with a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL2 and Panasonic FZ70 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select at the time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the E-PL2 and the FZ70.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL2 and FZ70 is 85 and 63 respectively.

Sometimes, it is tough to envision the gap between sensor measurements only by reading through technical specs. The photograph here will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL2 and FZ70.

As you can tell, each of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL2 due to its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Panasonic FZ70 will give you greater detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop photos far more aggressively. The older E-PL2 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.