Panasonic L1 vs Panasonic LZ20

Following is a extensive assessment of the Panasonic L1 vs Panasonic LZ20, former is a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both manufactured by Panasonic. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the L1 (7MP) and LZ20 (16MP) and the L1 (Four Thirds) and LZ20 (1/2.3") possess different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The L1 was revealed 6 years before the LZ20 which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic L1 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a brief overview of how the L1 scores vs the LZ20 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20. The full galleries are available at Panasonic L1 Gallery & Panasonic LZ20 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic L1 comes with external dimensions of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") and a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) while the Panasonic LZ20 has measurements of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic L1 vs Panasonic LZ20 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are employing at that moment. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the L1 versus the LZ20.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the L1 and LZ20 is 65 and 71 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to picture the difference between sensor sizes merely by reviewing a spec sheet. The image here will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the L1 and LZ20.

As you can see, both of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The L1 with its larger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic LZ20 will offer extra detail because of its extra 9MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The more aged L1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.