Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic LZ30

Following is a extended comparison of the Olympus E-PL2 versus Panasonic LZ30, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a substantial difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL2 (12MP) and LZ30 (16MP) and the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and LZ30 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL2 was unveiled 23 months prior to the LZ30 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LZ30 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the E-PL2 matches up vs the LZ30 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Panasonic LZ30 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera, you'll have to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL2 provides exterior measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) whilst the Panasonic LZ30 has measurements of 124mm x 84mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 3.6") having a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL2 versus Panasonic LZ30 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilising during that time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the E-PL2 and the LZ30.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL2 and LZ30 is 85 and 66 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to envision the gap in sensor sizes simply by seeing specs. The picture below will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL2 and LZ30.

As you can plainly see, both cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL2 with its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic LZ30 will show more detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The more aged E-PL2 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.