Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic LZ20

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic LZ20, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap among the image resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and LZ20 (16MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and LZ20 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL3 was manufactured 10 months earlier than the LZ20 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the E-PL3 scores against the LZ20 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Panasonic LZ20 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera, you will need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL3 features exterior dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Panasonic LZ20 has measurements of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL3 vs Panasonic LZ20 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the E-PL3 vs the LZ20.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and LZ20 is 88 and 71 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to visualise the gap in sensor measurements just by researching specs. The photograph underneath will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL3 and LZ20.

All in all, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-PL3 because of its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF simpler and the Panasonic LZ20 will render more detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures far more aggressively. The older E-PL3 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.