Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic LZ30

Following is a detailed analysis of the Olympus E-PM2 versus Panasonic LZ30, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-PM2 (16MP) and the LZ30 (16MP) is fairly similar but the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and LZ30 (1/2.3") possess different sensor sizes.

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The E-PM2 was brought out 5 months after the LZ30 which means that they are of a similar age. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic LZ30 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go through a detailed comparison, below is a quick summary of how the E-PM2 matches up versus the LZ30 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PM2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery & Panasonic LZ30 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PM2 offers external dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Panasonic LZ30 has proportions of 124mm x 84mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 3.6") and a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PM2 versus Panasonic LZ30 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing during that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the E-PM2 vs the LZ30.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM2 and LZ30 is 89 and 66 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizes merely by reading technical specs. The pic below will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PM2 and LZ30.

As you have seen, the two cameras posses the exact same MP but different sensor sizes. The E-PM2 provides the larger sensor which will make obtaining shallower depth of field simpler.