Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic LZ20

Here, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-PL9 and Panasonic LZ20, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the LZ20 (16MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and LZ20 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL9 was manufactured 5 years later than the LZ20 and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going straight to a detailed comparison, here is a quick overview of how the E-PL9 grades vs the LZ20 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery and Panasonic LZ20 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera often, you have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL9 comes with outer measurements of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") having a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) while the Panasonic LZ20 has dimensions of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") along with a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL9 and Panasonic LZ20 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the E-PL9 and the LZ20.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL9 and LZ20 is 85 and 71 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizing merely by looking at technical specs. The photograph here may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL9 and LZ20.

As you have seen, both cameras come with the identical megapixel count albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E-PL9 provides the bigger sensor which should make achieving shallow DOF easier. The younger E-PL9 is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.