Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic ZS30

Below is a detailed analysis of the Olympus E-PL2 versus Panasonic ZS30, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-PL2 (12MP) and ZS30 (18MP) and the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and ZS30 (1/2.3") boast different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL2 was launched 23 months prior to the ZS30 making them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS30 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a in depth comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the E-PL2 scores vs the ZS30 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS30. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery and Panasonic ZS30 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera, you need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL2 enjoys external measurements 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 ZS30 has proportions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL2 versus Panasonic ZS30 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL2 and the ZS30.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL2 and ZS30 is 85 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements purely by researching specs. The graphic underneath will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL2 and ZS30.

All in all, both of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PL2 because of its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic ZS30 will provide you with more detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The older E-PL2 will be behind in sensor innovation.