Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic LZ20

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic LZ20, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the LZ20 (16MP) is relatively similar but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and LZ20 (1/2.3") use different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL5 was revealed 3 months later than the LZ20 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going in to a in depth comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the E-PL5 grades against the LZ20 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Panasonic LZ20 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera frequently, you'll need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL5 has outside measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Panasonic LZ20 has proportions of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") and a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL5 vs Panasonic LZ20 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have at that time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the E-PL5 and the LZ20.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL5 and LZ20 is 88 and 71 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to picture the difference between sensor sizing merely by going over a spec sheet. The photograph underneath might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL5 and LZ20.

As you can see, both the cameras enjoy the same exact resolution albeit different sensor sizing. The E-PL5 has got the bigger sensor which will make obtaining shallower DOF simpler.