Olympus E-300 vs Panasonic GF1

Below, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-300 versus Panasonic GF1, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-300 (8MP) and GF1 (12MP) but they use the exact same sensor size (Four Thirds).

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The E-300 was introduced 5 years earlier than the GF1 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-300 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight into a complete comparison, below is a brief overview of how the E-300 grades vs the GF1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-300 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-300 Gallery and Panasonic GF1 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-300 provides physical 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 GF1 has measurements of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") having a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-300 versus Panasonic GF1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the E-300 and the GF1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-300 and GF1 is 67 and 85 respectively.

Often, its difficult to see the difference in sensor sizes only by looking through a spec sheet. The image here may provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-300 and GF1.

Clearly, the two cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same MP. You should count on the Panasonic GF1 to provide you with more detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more aged E-300 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.