Olympus E-PL7 vs Panasonic ZS20

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Olympus E-PL7 and Panasonic ZS20, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL7 (16MP) and the ZS20 (14MP) is fairly similar but the E-PL7 (Four Thirds) and ZS20 (1/2.3") feature different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL7 was manufactured 2 years after the ZS20 which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a full comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the E-PL7 grades vs the ZS20 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL7 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL7 Gallery & Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera often, you need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL7 features outside measurements of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") with a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS20 has dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL7 and Panasonic ZS20 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you select at that moment. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the E-PL7 vs the ZS20.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL7 and ZS20 is 86 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes just by reading technical specs. The image here might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL7 and ZS20.

As you can tell, each of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL7 because of its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF simpler and the Olympus E-PL7 will offer more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The newer E-PL7 should have a benefit in sensor tech.