Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic ZS20

Below is a in depth comparison of the Olympus E-PL2 and Panasonic ZS20, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the ZS20 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and ZS20 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL2 was brought out 14 months earlier than the ZS20 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise view of how the E-PL2 grades vs the ZS20 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL2 offers physical dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS20 has proportions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL2 and Panasonic ZS20 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you use at that time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the E-PL2 versus the ZS20.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL2 and ZS20 is 85 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to envision the difference between sensor measurements simply by reading through a spec sheet. The visual below may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL2 and ZS20.

Clearly, both of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-PL2 featuring a larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic ZS20 will give extra detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The older E-PL2 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.