Olympus E-300 vs Panasonic FH7

On this page, we are reviewing the Olympus E-300 versus Panasonic FH7, former being a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a noticeable gap among the image resolutions of the E-300 (8MP) and FH7 (16MP) and the E-300 (Four Thirds) and FH7 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-300 was unveiled 7 years before the FH7 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-300 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic FH7 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a complete comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the E-300 grades versus the FH7 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-300 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH7. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-300 Gallery & Panasonic FH7 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-300 enjoys outside measurements of 147mm x 85mm x 64mm (5.8" x 3.3" x 2.5") having a weight of 624 grams (1.38 lbs) while the Panasonic FH7 has proportions of 95mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-300 versus Panasonic FH7 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the E-300 vs the FH7.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-300 and FH7 is 67 and 96 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizing merely by looking through technical specs. The photograph underneath might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-300 and FH7.

As you have seen, both cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-300 with its larger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic FH7 will render extra detail having an extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop images more aggressively. The older E-300 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.