Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic LZ30

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Olympus E-PL8 and Panasonic LZ30, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the LZ30 (16MP) is relatively similar but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and LZ30 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL8 was unveiled 3 years after the LZ30 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LZ30 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the E-PL8 grades versus the LZ30 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Panasonic LZ30 Gallery.

If you are intending to travel with your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL8 provides exterior dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") with a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) while the Panasonic LZ30 has specifications of 124mm x 84mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL8 and Panasonic LZ30 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have at that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PL8 against the LZ30.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL8 and LZ30 is 86 and 66 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to envision the gap between sensor dimensions simply by reviewing technical specs. The picture here might give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL8 and LZ30.

As you can tell, both the cameras offer the same exact MP albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The E-PL8 provides the bigger sensor which will make getting shallow DOF easier. The younger E-PL8 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.