Olympus E-300 vs Olympus E-PL1

Here, we will be comparing the Olympus E-300 vs Olympus E-PL1, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are sold by Olympus. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the E-300 (8MP) and E-PL1 (12MP) but both cameras provide the identical sensor sizes (Four Thirds).

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The E-300 was brought out 6 years earlier than the E-PL1 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-300 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a full comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the E-300 grades vs the E-PL1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-300 & Olympus PEN E-PL1. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-300 Gallery & Olympus E-PL1 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-300 features physical dimensions of 147mm x 85mm x 64mm (5.8" x 3.3" x 2.5") and a weight of 624 grams (1.38 lbs) and the Olympus E-PL1 has proportions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-300 vs Olympus E-PL1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the E-300 vs the E-PL1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-300 and E-PL1 is 67 and 86 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to imagine the difference between sensor sizing just by reading through specs. The visual underneath might offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-300 and E-PL1.

All in all, both of the cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different megapixels. You can expect the Olympus E-PL1 to resolve more detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures way more aggressively. The older E-300 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.