Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic LZ30: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Entry-Level Cameras

Choosing your next camera can feel overwhelming, especially when options vary greatly in design, features, and target audience. Today, we take an expert, hands-on look at two very different contenders popular among enthusiasts and beginners alike: the Olympus PEN E-PM1, a mirrorless Micro Four Thirds system camera introduced in late 2011, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30, a 2013 superzoom bridge camera with a fixed lens and small sensor. Both lightweight and affordable, each carves a unique niche that’s worth exploring in depth.

Our goal is to guide you through their technical foundations, real-world usability, and suitability across popular photography genres. We'll unpack sensor technologies, autofocus systems, ergonomics, and video capabilities to help you figure out which camera aligns best with your creative needs and budget.

Design and Handling: Portability vs Practical Bulk

Starting with physical attributes, the E-PM1 boasts a compact, rangefinder-style mirrorless body measuring just 110 x 64 x 34mm and weighing a mere 265g. It feels mini but solid in hand, and its simplicity suits on-the-go shooting. In contrast, the Panasonic LZ30 is a much larger SLR-style superzoom with dimensions of 124 x 84 x 92mm and a bulkier 552g weight, owing largely to its built-in zoom mechanism and AA batteries.

For street and travel photographers prioritizing unobtrusiveness and pocketability, the E-PM1's size and weight are definite advantages, allowing longer carrying comfort and discretion. The LZ30’s size feels substantial but offers rugged grip and control benefits, especially with a big zoom range demanding steadiness.

Ergonomics insights:

• Olympus E-PM1: Minimalist control layout, no viewfinder by default (optional EVF accessory), fixed rear LCD
• Panasonic LZ30: Integrated flash, no viewfinder or touch controls, physical zoom lever for quick focal adjustment

The LZ30’s SLR-like body design affords familiar handling for point-and-shoot enthusiasts transitioning into higher zoom options. Meanwhile, the E-PM1’s stripped-back retro styling is a hit with creative users keen on a pure photography experience unencumbered by bulk.

Sensor Technologies and Image Quality: Four Thirds vs Small Sensor CCD

The heart of any camera lies in its sensor, and here the differences are stark.

The E-PM1’s Four Thirds CMOS sensor is significantly larger (roughly eight times in surface area) than the LZ30’s tiny 1/2.3" CCD chip. This size difference cannot be overstated: it greatly affects dynamic range, noise performance, and depth of field control.

Testing real-world image quality with both cameras yielded the following:

• Dynamic Range: The E-PM1 captures richer tonal gradations in shadows and highlights, thanks to its superior sensor and TruePic VI image processor.
• Low-Light: High ISO performance is markedly better on the Olympus, with usable noise levels up to ISO 3200-6400, whereas the LZ30’s images degrade quickly past ISO 400.
• Resolution and Sharpness: Though the LZ30 offers 16MP versus 12MP, pixel density is much higher, often leading to increased noise and less detail retention, while the E-PM1 balances resolution with larger pixels more effectively.

These sensor advantages equip the Olympus for more demanding scenarios like landscape, portrait, and night photography, where subtle gradations and noise control matter deeply.

Display and Interface: What You See is What You Get

Both cameras feature a 3" fixed LCD screen at 460k-dot resolution. However, the E-PM1 uses Olympus’s anti-reflective HyperCrystal LCD, which delivers superior visibility under direct sunlight, a boon for outdoor photographers.

The LZ30’s TFT LCD lags slightly in brightness and viewing angle accuracy, sometimes hindering composition clarity in bright environments.

Neither camera includes touchscreens or built-in electronic viewfinders (EVF), the former available optionally on the E-PM1 via accessories, the latter missing entirely on the LZ30.

The Olympus lays out manual control dials and buttons cleanly, while the Panasonic leans heavily on on-screen menus and zoom ring manipulation, reflecting their differing target users.

Autofocus and Performance: Contrast Detection vs Basic AF

Autofocus performance set the two apart in speed and sophistication:

The E-PM1’s autofocus array and face detection capabilities yield more reliable subject acquisition and tracking - important for portraits, wildlife, and sports - whereas the LZ30’s AF is average, slower, and sometimes struggles in low contrast or low light.

Burst rates also favor the Olympus, empowering you to capture sequences in sports or wildlife settings. The LZ30 feels sluggish in comparison.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

Understanding how these cameras behave in different genres offers insight into who they will serve best.

Portraits: Rendering Skin Tones and Bokeh

• Olympus E-PM1:

  • Larger sensor and compatible Micro Four Thirds lenses enable smoother background blur and precise eye detection autofocus.
  • Accurate color rendition and pleasing skin tone reproduction thanks to TruePic VI processor.
  • Manual aperture control on lenses allows creative depth-of-field shaping.

• Panasonic LZ30:

  • Fixed, variable aperture lens (f3.0-5.9) limits bokeh quality.
  • Face detection absent, autofocus less predictable for portraits.
  • Skin tones are passable, but small sensor and JPEG processing affect max image quality.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range and Resolution

• E-PM1’s superior dynamic range makes it suitable for high-contrast scenes.
• Weather sealing is lacking on both but the Olympus is lighter for hiking.
• Higher resolution and RAW file support on Olympus enable extensive post-processing.

Wildlife: Autofocus Speed and Tele Zoom

• Panasonic LZ30 shines with its 25-875mm (35mm equivalent) lens - massive reach ideal for distant subjects without lens changes.
• However, slower AF and single-frame burst rates compromise rapid action capture.
• Olympus, with interchangeable lenses (up to 107 Micro Four Thirds options), provides telephoto primes and zooms. AF is faster and more precise, courtesy of advanced contrast detection and face recognition.

Sports: Tracking and Low Light

• Olympus's 6 fps continuous shooting and AF tracking give it the upper hand.
• Higher ISO usability translates to better indoor or dusk captures.
• Panasonic struggled to keep up here.

Street Photography: Stealth and Speed

• Compact, quiet Olympus beats bulkier Panasonic for candid shots.
• Absence of EVF on both is a minor downside.
• Olympus's selectable exposure modes boost creative flexibility.

Macro: Magnification and Focus Precision

• Panasonic’s fixed lens offers a close minimum focus of 1cm, great for macro newbies.
• Olympus can achieve similar focus distances with appropriate lenses and benefits from precise manual focus options and focus peaking (added on newer models but absent here).
• Lens ecosystem advantage is clear on Olympus.

Night and Astro: Sensitivity and Exposure

• E-PM1’s higher native ISO and RAW support open creative doors for astrophotography and long exposures.
• LZ30’s limited ISO and JPEG-only constrain quality under these challenging conditions.

Video: Resolution and Stability

E-PM1 offers superior 1080p video at smooth 60fps, enabling better slow motion and clarity, whereas LZ30 caps at 720p.

Both lack audio supervision ports, a limitation for serious vloggers. Olympus’s sensor stabilization helps handheld video steadiness but audio features remain basic.

Travel: Versatility, Battery, and Weight

• Panasonic LZ30 requires 4 AA batteries, which can be convenient on the road but adds weight (over twice E-PM1’s).
• Olympus uses a proprietary Lithium Ion battery (BLS-5), lighter and rechargeable but requires carrying a dedicated charger.
• Lens interchangeability on Olympus adds versatility but packing multiple lenses may limit ultralight travel.
• Panasonic’s massive zoom and integrated lens system promote “one and done” travel simplicity at the cost of image quality.

Olympus E PM1 screen back Panasonic LZ30 front Panasonic LZ30 screen back

Above: Side-by-side comparison shots show Olympus E-PM1’s superior detail in portraits and landscapes vs Panasonic LZ30’s strong telephoto reach but reduced low-light clarity.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing or ruggedized protections like shockproof or freezeproof capabilities.

• Olympus E-PM1’s metal and polycarbonate body feel sturdy given its compact size.
• Panasonic LZ30’s plastic-heavy build adds bulk but offers durability for casual use.

Both are designed primarily for indoor or fair weather shooting rather than harsh conditions.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Many photographers gravitate toward systems with broad lens support. Here, the Olympus wins hands down.

• Olympus E-PM1: Fully compatible with Micro Four Thirds lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third parties - covering primes, zooms, fisheyes, macros, and specialty optics.
• Panasonic LZ30: Fixed lens limits future investment to accessories like filters.

Lenses equate to creative control. The Olympus’s system flexibility offers more growth potential.

Connectivity and Storage

Modern wireless features are missing in both cameras, unsurprising given their release dates.

• Olympus uses USB 2.0 and HDMI out; Panasonic offers USB 2.0 only.
• No built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, or NFC.
• Both support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; Panasonic includes internal storage; Olympus does not.

Future-conscious buyers might find these limitations a drawback compared to newer models, but it’s manageable for casual transfers via cables.

Battery Life and Durability

Battery life ratings:

• Olympus E-PM1: Approx. 330 shots per charge (CIPA)
• Panasonic LZ30: Approx. 380 shots (using 4 AA batteries)

Though the LZ30 edges out here, AA batteries add bulk and cost over time, while the Olympus’s dedicated battery is lighter and rechargeable but requires backup charging solutions.

Performance Summary and Ratings

Our comprehensive side-by-side testing and lab measurements position the Olympus E-PM1 as a camera with superior image quality, faster autofocus, greater shooting flexibility, and better video specs. The Panasonic LZ30 carves a niche as a budget-friendly, long-zoom travel camera with simplicity but notable performance trade-offs.

Genre-by-Genre Performance Breakdown

Which One is Right for You?

Pick the Olympus PEN E-PM1 if…

• You want higher image quality with RAW support and better color fidelity.
• Interchangeable lens versatility excites you - offering scope to grow creatively.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, or night scenes and need greater dynamic range.
• Video matters: Full HD at 60fps with sensor IS delivers better footage.
• You value portability and prefer mirrorless over bulkier designs.
• You’re happy investing in system lenses and accessories.

Choose the Panasonic Lumix LZ30 if…

• You prioritize superzoom convenience with a powerful 35x optical zoom out of the box.
• You prefer an all-in-one travel solution with no need to swap lenses.
• Budget is a key concern - the LZ30 generally costs less.
• You want simple operation without worrying about interchangeable lenses or technical complexity.
• You’re mainly shooting casual family, travel, and telephoto distant subjects in good lighting.
• Battery availability (AAs) is a plus for your usage.

Final Thoughts: Context is Everything

Extensive hands-on experience testing thousands of cameras has shown us that no single model fits all needs perfectly. The Olympus E-PM1 offers a robust, flexible, and technically superior photographic platform for expanding enthusiasts and artists. The Panasonic LZ30 trades advanced features and image grunt for simplicity and reach.

Both cameras have limitations today compared to newer releases but remain instructive examples of two entry-level extremes: compact mirrorless vs superzoom bridge.

Explore them in a local store or rent if possible. Bring your own scenarios, try out controls, and check images yourself. Pair your choice with recommended lenses and accessories to unleash its full potential.

Happy shooting, and may your next camera inspire your best creative work yet!