Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic LZ40

Its time to look closer at the Olympus E-PL2 versus Panasonic LZ40, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a considerable difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL2 (12MP) and LZ40 (20MP) and the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and LZ40 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor size.

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The E-PL2 was launched 3 years before the LZ40 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving through a more detailed comparison, below is a quick summation of how the E-PL2 matches up against the LZ40 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Panasonic LZ40 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL2 has external dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) whilst the Panasonic LZ40 has sizing of 126mm x 87mm x 94mm (5.0" x 3.4" x 3.7") and a weight of 524 grams (1.16 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL2 versus Panasonic LZ40 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the E-PL2 versus the LZ40.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL2 and LZ40 is 85 and 67 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading through specs. The photograph below will offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL2 and LZ40.

All in all, the 2 cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL2 due to its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic LZ40 will resolve extra detail utilizing its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots much more aggressively. The older E-PL2 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.