Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic LZ30

In this article, we will be matching up the Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic LZ30, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL9 (16MP) and the LZ30 (16MP) is relatively close but the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and LZ30 (1/2.3") possess different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL9 was released 5 years later than the LZ30 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LZ30 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting through a complete comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the E-PL9 matches up against the LZ30 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL9 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery & Panasonic LZ30 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera frequently, you will need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL9 has got outer dimensions of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") having a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) and the Panasonic LZ30 has measurements of 124mm x 84mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic LZ30 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the E-PL9 vs the LZ30.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL9 and LZ30 is 85 and 66 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizing purely by looking through specifications. The graphic here may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL9 and LZ30.

Plainly, the two cameras offer the same exact megapixels albeit different sensor sizing. The E-PL9 provides the bigger sensor which is going to make achieving bokeh simpler. The younger E-PL9 should have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.