Olympus E-300 vs Panasonic S1

The following is a extended analysis of the Olympus E-300 and Panasonic S1, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference among the resolutions of the E-300 (8MP) and S1 (24MP) and the E-300 (Four Thirds) and S1 (Full frame) posses totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-300 was launched 15 years before the S1 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-300 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic S1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summary of how the E-300 grades vs the S1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-300 and Panasonic Lumix DC-S1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-300 Gallery and Panasonic S1 Gallery.

If you are aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-300 has got physical dimensions of 147mm x 85mm x 64mm (5.8" x 3.3" x 2.5") along with a weight of 624 grams (1.38 lbs) and the Panasonic S1 has measurements of 149mm x 110mm x 97mm (5.9" x 4.3" x 3.8") accompanied by a weight of 1021 grams (2.25 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-300 and Panasonic S1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilising during that time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the E-300 vs the S1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the E-300 and S1 is 67 and 54 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to envision the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by going through technical specs. The picture underneath should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-300 and S1.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-300 featuring a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Panasonic S1 will show greater detail utilizing its extra 16MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs more aggressively. The more aged E-300 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.