Olympus E-PL9 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30: A Thorough Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When exploring your next camera purchase, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of options - from entry-level mirrorless cameras to compact superzoom bridge models. Today, we dive deep into two such distinct cameras: the Olympus PEN E-PL9 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30. Each serves very different purposes, sporting radically different designs, technologies, and user experiences. Our goal is to unpack their strengths and weaknesses across various photographic disciplines, technical performance, and real-world usability, so you can confidently decide which camera suits your creative journey.

First Impressions: Physical Design, Ergonomics, and Handling

The Olympus E-PL9 sports a classic rangefinder-style mirrorless design, while the Panasonic LZ30 adopts an SLR-style bridge camera look with a hefty zoom lens extending from the front.

Size and Ergonomics Comparison

• Olympus E-PL9 dimensions: 117 x 68 x 39 mm, weight 380g
• Panasonic LZ30 dimensions: 124 x 84 x 92 mm, weight 552g

The Olympus E-PL9 is notably smaller and lighter, with a slimmer body profile. Its sleek design makes it exceptionally pocketable, especially when paired with compact Micro Four Thirds lenses. Hand-holding for extended periods will be less fatiguing, thanks to its improved grip and minimal bulk.

The Panasonic LZ30, while larger and heavier, feels more substantial and sturdy in hand, reminiscent of traditional DSLR ergonomics. The built-in zoom lens extends further, making it front-heavy, but it offers convenience with its massive zoom range (roughly 25-875mm equivalent focal length).

Control Layout and Top Design

Olympus opts for a simple top panel with a mode dial, shutter release, and power button, maintaining a clean interface. While it doesn’t feature a built-in viewfinder, the optional external EVF can be attached for eye-level shooting.

In contrast, the Panasonic LZ30 lacks an electronic viewfinder entirely. The control layout focuses on intuitive zoom toggles and a simplified set of buttons due to its fixed-lens design and intended ease of use for casual shooters.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Micro Four Thirds vs Small Sensor Superzoom

One of the most critical aspects to consider is image quality, which hinges largely on sensor size, technology, and processing algorithms.

Sensor Size and Resolution

The Olympus E-PL9’s Micro Four Thirds sensor is roughly 8 times larger in surface area than the Panasonic’s 1/2.3 inch sensor. This size advantage generally translates into better image quality, improved noise control at high ISO, and greater dynamic range. The Olympus utilizes a TruePic VIII processor, enabling sophisticated noise reduction and color fidelity.

The Panasonic’s CCD sensor is relatively small, favoring compactness and extended zoom capability but sacrificing low-light performance and fine detail reproduction. CCD sensors typically excel at color reproduction but tend to lag behind CMOS counterparts in speed and noise control.

Real-world Image Quality Comparisons

Olympus E PL9 front Olympus E PL9 screen back Panasonic LZ30 front Panasonic LZ30 screen back

In practical shooting scenarios:

• Olympus E-PL9 delivers punchy, crisp images with natural skin tones, wide dynamic range preserving shadow and highlight detail, and vibrant colors. Its 16MP sensor provides ample resolution for landscape and portrait prints up to A3 size with sharpness to spare.
• Panasonic LZ30 produces decent daylight images but struggles with fine details and noise appearing faster at ISO above 400. The dynamic range is limited, causing blown highlights in bright scenes and washed shadows in darker areas. Resolution suffices for casual sharing but falls short for professional use.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: Speed and Accuracy in Action

Autofocus determines how quickly and reliably you can capture fleeting moments. Let’s see how the two compare.

Olympus’s sophisticated 121-point contrast detection AF includes face detection, enhancing portrait accuracy and tracking subjects reliably. It supports continuous autofocus for tracking moving subjects, making it well-suited for casual wildlife or sports photography. The 8.6 frames per second (fps) burst rate ensures good coverage of fast action sequences.

The Panasonic LZ30 simplifies autofocus with a less precise system lacking face or eye detection. Its single frame per second burst speed limits capturing rapid sequences, making it less useful for sports or wildlife photography. This model focuses on ease and reach rather than high-speed performance.

Photography Genres: Strengths and Appropriate Use Cases

To help you decide where each camera fits best, let’s examine their performance by popular photography disciplines.

Portrait Photography

Olympus excels at portraits due to flexible interchangeable lenses and reliable face detection AF. Its sensor size and lens options allow smooth background separation to isolate subjects artistically. If skin tone realism and creative control are your priorities, the E-PL9 is a better choice.

The Panasonic’s fixed lens and small sensor limit depth of field (DOF) control, resulting in less satisfying background blur.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photographers often seek resolution, dynamic range, and weather durability.

The Olympus offers better image quality and flexibility with an array of wide-angle and specialty lenses perfect for sweeping vistas. Its sensor and RAW support allow extensive post-processing latitude.

The Panasonic offers a versatile focal range, but image quality compromises make it less ideal for landscape enthusiasts who demand top-notch detail.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Such disciplines demand fast autofocus, quick burst shooting, and long reach.

Olympus E-PL9 is at an advantage here with:

• Fast burst at 8.6 fps
• Continuous AF with face and multi-point tracking
• Compatibility with long telephoto Micro Four Thirds lenses (up to 600mm focal length TLS equivalent with in-body stabilization)

Panasonic LZ30’s 36x zoom (25-875 mm equivalent) provides exceptional reach out-of-the-box but lags behind on focusing speed and burst shooting, restricting its ability to capture fast-moving wildlife or sports action effectively.

Street Photography

For street photography, discretion and portability count highly.

The Olympus E-PL9 wins hands down:

• Compact, lightweight body
• Quiet electronic shutter up to 1/16000s enables stealth capture
• Touchscreen interface for quick exposure tweaks

The bulkier, zoom-laden Panasonic is less discreet and harder to carry comfortably on the street.

Macro Photography

A specialized niche where focusing precision and magnification matter.

• Panasonic LZ30 can focus down to 1cm, making it handy for macro snaps without extra lenses.
• Olympus E-PL9, reliant on compatible close-focusing lenses, offers greater quality and control but requires investing in macro optics.

Night and Astrophotography

Low light prowess is about sensor size, ISO performance, and exposure flexibility.

• Olympus supports ISO up to 25600 with RAW shooting and manual exposure modes, ideal for night skies.
• Panasonic maxes at ISO 6400 but suffers from noise quickly; fixed aperture lens and lack of advanced exposure modes limit astrophotography potential.

Video Capabilities

Olympus’s 4K video support and in-body stabilization appeal to new videographers and vloggers aiming for sharp, stable footage. Panasonic’s limited 720p output restricts creative options.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Neither camera offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or shockproofing, so users should exercise caution in harsh conditions.

The Olympus’s metal-like finish hides a plastic chassis, while the Panasonic is predominantly plastic but robust enough for casual use.

User Interface, Screen, and Viewfinder

The Olympus E-PL9 sports a fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen with 1.04 million dots resolution, excellent for creative framing and selfie-friendly angles (though lacks a dedicated selfie mode).

In contrast, the Panasonic’s screen is fixed, non-touch, and has lower 460K dot resolution, limiting usability and interactive control.

Neither includes a built-in viewfinder; Olympus offers an optional accessory, a valuable addition for bright outdoor shooting.

Lens Ecosystem and Expansion Possibilities

The Olympus utilizes the highly respected Micro Four Thirds lens mount, offering over 100 native lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma, and others.

The Panasonic LZ30 has a fixed lens, so no upgrade path or system expansion is available.

Battery Life and Storage Options

• Olympus E-PL9: 350 shots per charge using a proprietary battery; supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (UHS-I).
• Panasonic LZ30: Runs on 4x AA batteries, yielding about 380 shots; supports internal and SD card storage.

AA battery use adds portability benefits but increases ongoing costs and weight, whereas Olympus’s rechargeable battery is more compact but requires access to power.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Olympus shines with wireless options, enabling remote shooting through smartphone apps, image transfer, and social sharing. Panasonic LZ30 lacks all wireless connectivity.

Price-to-Performance: What Does Your Budget Buy?

At roughly double the price, Olympus offers a far more versatile camera system with superior image quality, autofocus, video, connectivity, and growth potential. Panasonic caters to tight budgets needing ultra-zoom reach and simple ease of use.

Overall Performance and Scores

Olympus E-PL9 scores highly on image quality, autofocus, video, and system flexibility. Panasonic LZ30 scores mainly on zoom versatility and affordability.

Olympus leads in portrait, landscape, street, and video. Panasonic achieves moderate scores in travel and macro due to zoom and close-focusing capabilities.

Summing Up: Which One Matches Your Photography Lifestyle?

Choose the Olympus PEN E-PL9 if you:

• Aim for professional-level quality in portraits, landscapes, and travel photography
• Want a lightweight, portable system with access to excellent lenses
• Value fast autofocus, 4K video, and wireless connectivity
• Intend to grow and explore different photography styles and techniques
• Need a camera that balances creative control with approachable operation

Opt for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30 if you:

• Are on a tight budget and want maximum zoom range without lens changing
• Desire a simple, all-in-one point-and-shoot with SLR-style grip
• Shoot mostly in daylight where high ISO noise is less critical
• Prefer AA batteries for replaceability during travels without charger access
• Are casual users focused on family snapshots, vacations, and macro close-ups

Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Photography with the Right Tool

Choosing between these two cameras boils down to your specific needs and ambitions:

• The Olympus E-PL9 is a true entry-level mirrorless camera that offers robust features, superior image quality, and the ability to grow with your skills. It’s a great investment for enthusiasts who want a balance between portability and performance.
• The Panasonic LZ30 serves as a no-frills superzoom with impressive reach, perfect for casual photographers prioritizing convenience and affordability over technical excellence.

We encourage you to think carefully about your shooting preferences and which technical qualities matter most for your creative vision. Whenever possible, try to handle these cameras in person, test shooting samples, and envision how they fit into your photographic lifestyle.

Happy shooting!

If you found this comparison helpful, explore our guides on getting started with Micro Four Thirds systems and tips for maximizing your superzoom camera’s potential. Your photographic journey awaits!