Olympus E-300 vs Panasonic FH2

On this page, we will be comparing the Olympus E-300 vs Panasonic FH2, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-300 (8MP) and FH2 (14MP) and the E-300 (Four Thirds) and FH2 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-300 was launched 7 years earlier than the FH2 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-300 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic FH2 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the E-300 matches up versus the FH2 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-300 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-300 Gallery and Panasonic FH2 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera frequently, you will want to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-300 features outside measurements 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 Panasonic FH2 has proportions of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") having a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-300 vs Panasonic FH2 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the E-300 and the FH2.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-300 and FH2 is 67 and 96 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to envision the difference in sensor sizes just by looking through technical specs. The picture below will give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-300 and FH2.

As you have seen, both of those cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-300 due to its bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic FH2 will render greater detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-300 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.