Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic LZ30

Here is a detailed comparison of the Olympus E-PM1 versus Panasonic LZ30, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizable gap among the resolutions of the E-PM1 (12MP) and LZ30 (16MP) and the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and LZ30 (1/2.3") use different sensor sizing.

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The E-PM1 was revealed 13 months prior to the LZ30 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LZ30 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go in to a in-depth comparison, below is a short overview of how the E-PM1 matches up versus the LZ30 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Panasonic LZ30 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera frequently, you will have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus E-PM1 comes with outer dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Panasonic LZ30 has specifications of 124mm x 84mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 3.6") and a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PM1 versus Panasonic LZ30 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you select at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the E-PM1 and the LZ30.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM1 and LZ30 is 89 and 66 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing merely by seeing specs. The graphic underneath should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM1 and LZ30.

All in all, both of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PM1 with its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF simpler and the Panasonic LZ30 will provide greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The older E-PM1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.