Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic LZ20

In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic LZ20, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL2 (12MP) and LZ20 (16MP) and the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and LZ20 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL2 was announced 17 months before the LZ20 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the E-PL2 grades versus the LZ20 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery and Panasonic LZ20 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL2 has outside dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) and the Panasonic LZ20 has sizing of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") with a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic LZ20 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PL2 versus the LZ20.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL2 and LZ20 is 85 and 71 respectively.

Often, it is very hard to visualize the gap between sensor sizes only by reviewing a spec sheet. The picture below should provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL2 and LZ20.

As you can see, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL2 with its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic LZ20 will offer extra detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged E-PL2 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.