Olympus E-1 vs Panasonic FZ100

Here, we are analyzing the Olympus E-1 vs Panasonic FZ100, former being a Pro DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizable difference among the image resolutions of the E-1 (5MP) and FZ100 (14MP) and the E-1 (Four Thirds) and FZ100 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-1 was unveiled 7 years prior to the FZ100 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-1 being a Large SLR camera and the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going into a full comparison, here is a quick view of how the E-1 grades versus the FZ100 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-1 Gallery & Panasonic FZ100 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera frequently, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-1 provides outer dimensions of 141mm x 104mm x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2") along with a weight of 735 grams (1.62 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ100 has specifications of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") along with a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-1 vs Panasonic FZ100 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you select at that time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the E-1 versus the FZ100.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-1 and FZ100 is 59 and 67 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to see the difference in sensor sizing simply by viewing specs. The photograph underneath should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-1 and FZ100.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-1 having a larger sensor will make shooting bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic FZ100 will render greater detail having an extra 9MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos way more aggressively. The older E-1 will be behind in sensor technology.