Olympus PEN-F vs Panasonic Lumix LX100 II: An Expert Comparative Review for Photography Aficionados

When evaluating advanced mirrorless and large-sensor compact cameras, two stalwarts that frequently emerge in serious discussions are the Olympus PEN-F and the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II. Both announced within a couple of years of each other, each appeals to enthusiasts craving quality, portability, and excellent image results. However, these cameras reflect distinct philosophies: the PEN-F is a mirrorless system camera offering lens interchangeability alongside retro-inspired ergonomics, while the LX100 II is a large sensor compact with an integrated, fast zoom lens intended for ultimate pocketability and convenience.

Drawing on over a decade and a half of methodical, hands-on camera testing, including lab measurements and field trials, this comparison dissects their physical design, sensor and image quality, autofocus behavior, handling, and suitability across varied photographic disciplines. By the end, readers will gain an authoritative understanding of which model better aligns with their creative needs and shooting preferences.

First Impressions: Design, Size, and Handling Dynamics

When delving into camera ergonomics and physical user experience, factors such as body size, weight, control layout, and screen articulation significantly influence daily usability, particularly over extended shoots.

Size & Ergonomics

Physically, both cameras occupy different classes. The Olympus PEN-F adheres to a classic rangefinder-style mirrorless design, featuring a notably slim and angular profile. The Panasonic LX100 II, in contrast, is a compact with a fixed, protruding zoom lens, resulting in a chunkier silhouette albeit still highly portable.

The PEN-F measures roughly 125×72×37 mm and weighs 427 grams with battery, while the LX100 II is 115×66×64 mm, tipping the scales slightly lighter at 392 grams (including lens and battery). This subtle difference is felt in hand grip: the PEN-F’s flatter body necessitates conscious positioning of fingers, though its dedicated grip area affords reasonable hold, whereas the LX100 II’s thicker lens assembly doubles as a natural hand rest, lending ergonomic comfort despite its bulk.

Control Layout and Top View Assessment

Inspecting their top-panel designs reveals divergent approaches targeting different user handlings. Olympus integrates dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and mode selection, catering to photographers who prefer tactile control and quickly adjusting parameters without diving into menus. Panasonic’s LX100 II opts for a more streamlined upper control surface with function buttons and a combined dial layout reflecting compact design constraints.

Moreover, the PEN-F’s knobs and buttons are sculpted with distinct clicks, enhancing confidence during operation. The LX100 II’s controls, though less numerous, are thoughtfully arranged to accommodate swift access. Both cameras lack illuminated buttons, meaning usability in darkness depends on operator familiarity.

Imaging Heart: Sensor Technology and Image Quality Factors

Fundamental imaging performance starts with sensor size, resolution, and processor capabilities, all closely tied to output fidelity, dynamic range, and sensitivity.

Sensor Specifications and Image Metrics

Remarkably, both cameras employ a Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3×13 mm with an active area around 225 mm², sharing a focal length multiplier of 2.1×. However, the PEN-F pushes a marginally higher resolution (20 megapixels) against the LX100 II’s 17 megapixels - still comparable enough to produce high-quality images but impacting detail rendering slightly.

Olympus’s PEN-F is powered by the TruePic VII processor, which interfaces with its 20MP CMOS sensor for fast readout and refined image processing algorithms, delivering excellent color depth of 23.1 bits and a dynamic range measuring approximately 12.4 EVs in controlled tests. The highest usable ISO is about 25600, with practical low-light performance rated around ISO 894 by DxOMark’s low-light ISO score, indicating its capacity for clean images at moderately elevated ISOs.

In contrast, the Panasonic LX100 II harnesses the Venus Engine backend coupled with its slightly larger sensor pixels (due to lower resolution), aiding in noise control and color accuracy. Though untested by DxOMark, user experience and third-party benchmarks frequently commend its high ISO cleanliness and vibrant output, especially considering the fast f/1.7-2.8 lens that facilitates better light-gathering in everyday shooting.

Antialias Filter and Image Artifacts

Both models retain an antialiasing (AA) filter over the sensor, minimizing moiré but at a slight cost to maximum sharpness. This aligns with their intent to balance detail with artifact suppression in varied shooting scenarios.

LCD Screen, Viewfinder, and User Interface

Visual feedback directly influences framing precision and exposure confidence, so LCD and EVF quality are critical.

Articulating vs Fixed Screen

The PEN-F sports a fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen with 1,037k-dot resolution that supports touch-to-focus and menu navigation, vital for creative angles and selfie-friendly framing. The articulation mechanism is robust and accommodates multiple tilt directions.

By contrast, the LX100 II features a fixed 3-inch screen with a higher 1,240k-dot resolution, offering slightly sharper images but lacking flexibility in movement options, limiting shooting angles but benefiting from a sturdier frame for rapid grab-and-go shooting.

Electronic Viewfinder Specifications

The electronic viewfinders (EVFs) reveal a clear distinction: the PEN-F includes a 2,360k-dot EVF with 0.62× magnification covering 100% frame, while the LX100 II elevates the experience with a higher 2,760k-dot EVF at 0.7× magnification - meaning images appear slightly larger and more detailed in the latter.

The higher EVF resolution on the LX100 II enhances critical manual focus accuracy and subject tracking, though the PEN-F’s eye-level finder remains extremely usable, especially with its retro-style manual focus clutch lever complementing its rangefinder legacy.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Performance in Varied Situations

Autofocus (AF) capability is paramount for any shooting discipline where capturing decisive moments and optimal sharpness is necessary.

Focus Point Coverage and Detection Technology

Both cameras rely solely on contrast-detection AF systems without phase-detect sensors. The PEN-F offers 81 AF points covering a larger area, while the LX100 II offers 49, focusing primarily around the center but with reasonable spread.

Both implement face detection and a touch-based AF interface. However, neither supports animal eye AF, an important omission given trends in photographing pet and wildlife.

Real-World AF Speed and Tracking

Testing reveals the PEN-F’s AF is quick under adequate lighting and performs satisfactorily in continuous tracking, maintaining focus on moderately fast subjects such as street or portrait sessions. However, its contrast-based system can lag in low light or when shooting fast-moving wildlife or sports.

The LX100 II benefits from a more modern AF engine with touch-enabled single-point AF and subject tracking improvements. Since the lens is fixed and optimized, AF acquisition is swift and consistent in good lighting, sometimes surpassing the PEN-F marginally in burst continuity.

Both cameras support focus bracketing and stacking - a boon for macro work - though the LX100 II includes post-focus functionality, enabling users to select focus points after capturing, a modern convenience absent on the PEN-F.

Burst Shooting, Shutter Speeds, and Silent Operation

Sports, wildlife, and dynamic event photography demand high frame rates and shutter flexibility.

Continuous Shooting Rates

The PEN-F offers a solid 10 fps continuous shooting rate with mechanical shutter, and its electronic shutter can reach up to 1/16,000s with silent operation, beneficial in discretion-required scenarios.

The LX100 II boasts a slightly higher 11 fps rate but maxes out mechanical shutter speeds around 1/4,000s, somewhat limiting in very bright conditions unless neutral density filters are used or electronic shutter engaged at 1/16,000s as well.

Shutter Mechanisms and Quiet Use

The PEN-F’s electronic shutter is virtually silent, ideal for wedding, concert, and street photographers seeking unobtrusive capture. The LX100 II lacks a silent mechanical shutter but compensates with fast electronic shutter modes.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility

Lens options and compatibility profoundly influence the camera’s overall flexibility and image outcome potential.

Olympus PEN-F: Micro Four Thirds Lens System

Utilizing the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mount, the PEN-F benefits from the largest third-party lens ecosystem, including over 100 native lenses ranging from high-quality primes to versatile zooms. This flexibility supports all genres from macro to wildlife, with stabilized lenses complementing the PEN-F’s 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization system.

Panasonic LX100 II: Fixed Zoom Lens with Fast Aperture

The LX100 II is equipped with a high-grade fixed 24-75mm (equivalent) zoom lens with an aperture range of f/1.7-2.8. This fast glass is one of the principal strengths, delivering excellent background separation (bokeh) and superior low-light capability in a compact form factor. However, its zoom range, while versatile for travel and general photography, cannot match the depth of field control or reach that an interchangeable lens array offers.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Both cameras sit within the enthusiast category but do not provide robust weather sealing or ruggedness certifications, limiting outdoor use in harsh environments without protective gear.

The Olympus PEN-F features a sturdy metal body that feels premium in hand, with no official dust or moisture resistance despite its retro styling.

Similarly, the Panasonic LX100 II has a quality build with magnesium alloy components but lacks environmental sealing, consistent with its compact segment positioning.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Stabilization, and Processing

While not primarily video cameras, many users expect hybrid capabilities these days.

The LX100 II’s ability to shoot genuine 4K video is a significant advantage over the PEN-F’s max 1080p output, offering sharper footage with better cropping flexibility. The LX100 II also supports 4K photo mode, extracting high-res stills from video streams, beneficial for action moments.

Both rely on optical or sensor stabilization for handheld shooting. The PEN-F’s 5-axis IBIS is highly effective for video and stills, while the LX100 II’s optical stabilization compensates primarily for lens shake.

Battery Performance and Storage Options

Endurance is another practical consideration for long photo sessions or travel.

The Olympus PEN-F uses a BLN-1 lithium-ion battery delivering approximately 330 shots per charge, a respectable figure but slightly below current mirrorless averages.

The LX100 II features around 340 shots per charge, marginally better, likely benefiting from more efficient power management given its integrated lens and compact circuitry.

Both utilize single SD card slots supporting SDHC and SDXC standards, with the LX100 II compatible with faster UHS-I cards enhancing buffer and write speeds for 4K video.

Connectivity and Extra Features

Wireless connectivity is essential for modern workflows and sharing.

The PEN-F offers built-in Wi-Fi but lacks Bluetooth and NFC, limiting pairing convenience.

Conversely, the LX100 II includes both built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, facilitating easier connection to smart devices and remote control via apps, an advantage for integrating into fast, mobile digital workflows.

Neither model includes GPS functionality or advanced environmental sensors.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Disciplines

Synthesizing all technical attributes, let’s examine the cameras’ suitability for specific photographic genres.

Portraits: Color Reproduction and Bokeh Quality

The PEN-F’s 20MP sensor combined with Micro Four Thirds lenses enables excellent skin tone rendition and intricate bokeh, especially paired with Olympus’s high-quality primes. Its feature set includes facial and eye detection AF, aiding sharp focus on subjects’ eyes - a boon for portrait sessions.

The LX100 II’s fast 24-75mm zoom (f/1.7-f/2.8) excels in smooth background separation, and its precise electronic viewfinder assists framing portraits on the fly, especially street portraiture. However, fixed lens length constrains compositional freedom compared to interchangeable lenses.

Landscape Photography: Resolution, Dynamic Range, and Stability

While the PEN-F edges ahead in resolution (20MP vs 17MP) and offers class-leading dynamic range, enabling richly detailed landscape captures with wide tonal gradation, the LX100 II remains a competent performer, particularly in high-contrast scenes thanks to its sensor and processing pipeline.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, so hikers and outdoor landscape photographers must remain cautious in harsh conditions. Additionally, the PEN-F’s fully articulating screen aids composition from challenging angles like low or high perspectives.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst Shooting

Sports and wildlife photographers benefit from rapid AF and high frame rates. Here, both cameras provide competitive burst speeds (~10-11 fps), but neither boasts phase-detect AF or advanced subject tracking seen in recent flagship models.

The PEN-F’s larger AF point count and superior burst buffer lean it slightly ahead for wildlife, complemented by MFT telephoto lenses, but subject acquisition speed lags compared to dedicated APS-C or full-frame sports bodies.

Street and Travel Photography: Portability and Discretion

The LX100 II’s integrated zoom and compact footprint make it ideal for street and travel photographers desiring minimal gear without sacrificing image quality. Its silent electronic shutter and quick startup further enhance candid shooting.

The PEN-F, while slightly larger, appeals to users valuing creative lens swaps and classic shooting aesthetics, although its tactile bulk could be a hindrance during extended handheld use.

Macro and Close-Up: Focus Bracketing and Stabilization

Both cameras support focus bracketing and stacking, useful for macro photographers requiring extended depth of field.

The PEN-F’s 5-axis in-body stabilization markedly aids steady macro shots, especially when paired with specialized macro lenses. The LX100 II’s optical stabilization performs well but is somewhat less versatile.

Night and Astrophotography: High ISO and Noise Control

In night photography scenarios, clean high ISO performance is crucial. The PEN-F’s tested low-light ISO and sensor design yield respectable noise control up to ISO 3200-6400, making it practical for night scenes.

The LX100 II’s lower resolution sensor with larger pixels tends to handle noise similarly, while its fast lens aperture (f/1.7) grants additional exposure latitude.

Neither camera is optimized for long-exposure astrophotography, lacking built-in intervalometers or advanced noise reduction modes some specialized models offer.

Sample Image Quality Visuals

To concretize theoretical discussion with practical evidence, examine real-world capture samples illustrating color fidelity, sharpness, and dynamic range from both contenders.

Olympus PEN F front Olympus PEN F screen back Panasonic LX100 II front Panasonic LX100 II screen back

Overall Scoring and Genre-Specific Ratings

Taking a holistic view of specifications, lab scores, and real-world assessments yields the following performance rankings.

These rankings show the PEN-F excelling moderately in portrait and landscape, while the LX100 II dominates in video and travel photography niches.

Summary and Purchase Recommendations

Who Should Choose the Olympus PEN-F?

• Enthusiasts who prioritize rangefinder-style control, the joy of interchangeable lenses, and a larger variety of creative options.
• Portrait and landscape photographers valuing high-resolution output and a superior articulated touchscreen.
• Users who desire 5-axis sensor stabilization across different lenses.
• Photographers comfortable with mid-range continuous AF and still shooting speeds.

Who Should Opt for the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II?

• Travelers and street shooters seeking compactness combined with a versatile zoom and bright lens.
• Hybrid shooters requiring 4K video capture and advanced video features.
• Users valuing modern wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, and immediate accessibility through touch controls.
• Photographers preferring a high-resolution EVF and modest frame rates for general-purpose use.

Final Thoughts

Both the Olympus PEN-F and Panasonic LX100 II occupy compelling spots in their respective categories, balancing portability and quality for enthusiasts and professionals alike. The PEN-F shines as an artistic mirrorless system camera steeped in analog sobriety and modern tech, while the LX100 II merges large sensor performance and fast optics into a genuinely pocketable powerhouse suitable for versatile everyday use.

Given the very close price points around $1,000, your choice should hinge on primary photographic goals: system expandability and manual control (PEN-F) versus compact convenience and video capabilities (LX100 II).

Hopefully, this detailed comparison provides clarity from a trusted expert perspective, guiding confident and well-informed camera investments.