Olympus E-300 vs Panasonic FP5

Lets look much closer at the Olympus E-300 vs Panasonic FP5, former is a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a noticeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the E-300 (8MP) and FP5 (14MP) and the E-300 (Four Thirds) and FP5 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizing.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The E-300 was brought out 7 years earlier than the FP5 which is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-300 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic FP5 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go into a full comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the E-300 matches up against the FP5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-300 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP5. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-300 Gallery & Panasonic FP5 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera, you will need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus E-300 provides outer 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 Panasonic FP5 has specifications of 101mm x 59mm x 18mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 0.7") with a weight of 141 grams (0.31 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-300 vs Panasonic FP5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the E-300 against the FP5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-300 and FP5 is 67 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, it's hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes just by researching technical specs. The pic here will give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E-300 and FP5.

As you can tell, each of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-300 because of its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic FP5 will render greater detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged E-300 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.