Olympus E-300 vs Panasonic Lumix GH5: A Thorough Comparison from an Expert’s Perspective

Choosing the right camera is a deeply personal decision shaped by one’s style, technical needs, and budget. With the Olympus E-300 and Panasonic GH5, we’re looking at two Micro Four Thirds system cameras separated by over a decade of technological evolution and targeted at very different photographic audiences. Drawing on fifteen years of hands-on testing experience, this article delivers a comprehensive, side-by-side analysis of these two models, taking a close look at their core features, performance across multiple genres, and real-world usability to help you decide which might be right for your photography or video needs.

Quick Overview: Olympus E-300 and Panasonic GH5 at a Glance

Before diving deep, let’s set a baseline understanding. The Olympus E-300 is a mid-size DSLR first announced in 2005, notable for being among Olympus's early DSLRs embracing the Four Thirds sensor format with an 8MP CCD sensor, optical pentamirror viewfinder, and a traditional DSLR ergonomics approach. In contrast, the Panasonic GH5 launched in 2017 as a professional-grade mirrorless camera leveraging a 20MP CMOS sensor, advanced autofocus, high-resolution electronic viewfinder, and a large articulated touchscreen, all optimized heavily towards hybrid photo/video creation.

Even at a glance, the E-300’s classic DSLR body shape contrasts with the modern mirrorless contours of the GH5. Size differences are quite apparent, with the GH5 being more substantial but ergonomically refined.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Then and Now

The sensor is the beating heart of any camera, setting the foundation for image quality. The Olympus E-300 uses an 8MP CCD sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, the classic Four Thirds sensor size giving a 2.1x crop factor. This sensor excels in delivering punchy colors and good image quality relative to its era, but its limited resolution (3264x2448 pixel max) and narrow native ISO range (100-400, boost to 1600) constrain low-light capability and cropping flexibility.

Panasonic’s GH5 features a far more advanced 20MP Live MOS CMOS sensor of identical size but benefits from newer fabrication and processing techniques, significantly improving resolution (5184x3888 pixels), dynamic range, and high ISO usability (200-25600 native). Notably, the GH5 eschews an anti-aliasing filter, boosting sharpness at the risk of some moiré in complex patterns.

In practice, the GH5 delivers markedly better image detail and tonal gradation - as confirmed by DxO’s industry-standard metrics scoring the GH5 with a 77 overall score vs no equivalent score available for the E-300, its older technology predating such detailed testing. Low light performance is a key differentiator: the GH5's ISO 800+ usability eclipses the E-300’s ISO 400 limit, making it more versatile in dim conditions and night photography.

Autofocus Systems: Precision, Speed, and Tracking

Autofocus systems have seen the most dramatic improvements in the past decade, and this is reflected starkly when comparing these models.

The E-300’s autofocus relies on a modest 3-point phase-detection system, suitable for general focusing but limited in speed, accuracy, and tracking capabilities. It lacks modern face or eye detection, live view autofocus, and offers no continuous autofocus tracking in advanced ways – all of which hamper action and wildlife photography where fast, reliable tracking is paramount.

The GH5, on the other hand, packs a sophisticated 225-point contrast-detection autofocus with touch functionality and face detection, providing excellent continuous autofocus and tracking, especially in well-lit environments. This allows confident capture of fast-moving wildlife, sports action, and complex subject movement, matched with manual focus aids such as focus peaking, focus bracketing, and even post-focus features.

Build Quality, Ergonomics, and Control Layouts

While the Olympus E-300 features a traditionally molded mid-size DSLR body with a solid grip and pentamirror optical viewfinder, it lacks weather sealing and feels relatively light at 624g. Controls include shutter and aperture priority modes with manual exposure options, and a fixed 1.8-inch LCD screen with very low resolution by current standards (134k dots).

Conversely, the Panasonic GH5 integrates a more robust SLR-style mirrorless body with magnesium alloy chassis and extensive environmental sealing – dust and splash resistant but not waterproof. It weighs slightly more at 725g and incorporates modern ergonomic touches, notably a larger 3.2-inch fully articulating touchscreen with 1.62 million dots, touch AF, and customizable buttons.

This physical comparison highlights a world of difference in user interface sophistication: the GH5’s layout is designed for rapid access to professional-level controls, while the E-300’s design reflects early DSLR ergonomics without live view or touchscreen capability. This difference significantly affects usability in fast-paced environments and during video shooting.

Rear Screen and Viewfinder: Optical versus Electronic

One of the hallmarks of the transition from DSLR to mirrorless cameras lies in the viewfinder technology and rear display options.

The Olympus E-300 includes a pentamirror optical viewfinder, which offers the tactile immediacy and zero lag favored by many photographers but suffers from limited brightness and accuracy in framing (no coverage percentage specified) and no information overlay. Meanwhile, its fixed rear LCD is small and dim, serving predominantly for image preview.

The Panasonic GH5 replaces the optical finder with a high-resolution 3,680-dot OLED electronic viewfinder, offering 100% coverage and 0.76x magnification for precise composition. Along with the fully articulating and much larger touchscreen LCD, the GH5 facilitates flexible shooting angles, detailed live previews including focus peaking, and real-time exposure simulation.

For video shooters and still photographers who rely heavily on live view, the GH5’s electronic viewfinder and screen represent a major usability leap.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Both cameras employ the Micro Four Thirds mount, which was initially developed by Olympus and Panasonic. The E-300, however, is an early Four Thirds system camera and uses the original Four Thirds mount, meaning that native lens availability is from an older lineup with limited modern autofocus lenses.

Panasonic’s GH5, by contrast, boasts compatibility with over 100 native Micro Four Thirds lenses, including fast primes, macro, wide-angle, and super-telephoto options from Panasonic, Olympus, and third-party manufacturers such as Sigma and Tamron - thus, opening far greater versatility.

This expansive lens ecosystem combined with the GH5’s superior autofocus and image stabilization capabilities makes it more adaptable for a variety of photographic disciplines.

Battery Life and Storage Solutions

The Olympus E-300 uses Compact Flash cards, a now largely obsolete medium with speed and capacity constraints by modern standards. Battery specifications are unlisted, but typical E-300 users reported average durability suitable for short to medium sessions.

The Panasonic GH5 uses dual UHS-II SD cards for fast data transfer, supporting professional shooting workflows including simultaneous backup or overflow recording. Battery life ratings are robust, with approximately 410 shots per charge (CIPA standard), and enough capacity for extended video recording sessions aided by quick USB 3.1 charging.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Connectivity on the E-300 is limited to basic USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec), with no wireless or Bluetooth support; this restricts modern tethering, remote control, or quick image transfer options.

The GH5 incorporates built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless wireless image transfer and remote control, as well as HDMI output for external monitors and professional video workflows. This reflects modern standards and caters directly to hybrid shooters demanding integration with mobile and desktop platforms.

Performance across Photography Genres

An effective camera comparison must address practical usage across multiple common photographic genres. Here we analyze strengths and weaknesses of both cameras in disciplines ranging from portraits to video.

Portrait Photography

Portraiture demands precise skin tone rendition, attractive bokeh, and reliable eye detection to ensure tack-sharp eyes.

• Olympus E-300: With its 8MP CCD sensor, skin tones render warmly but lack the fine detail and dynamic range of modern sensors, resulting in flatter images under challenging lighting. Bokeh quality depends entirely on chosen lenses. Autofocus is limited to 3 points without eye detection, making critical focusing on eyes laborious.

• Panasonic GH5: With 20MP resolution, clean high ISO performance, and excellent color depth (23.9 bits DxO color depth), the GH5 produces detailed and natural portraits. Its advanced autofocus with face and eye detection facilitates sharp focus on subjects even in motion, paired with subtle background separation thanks to its sensor and lens selection.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters seek broad dynamic range, high resolution, and durability for outdoor conditions.

• The E-300’s CCD sensor offers modest dynamic range and moderate resolution, adequate in good light but limited in pushing shadows or highlights.

• The GH5 delivers robust 13 EV dynamic range, high resolution for large prints, and weather sealing, enabling confident shooting in diverse environmental conditions.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Speed and tracking performance are critical here.

• The E-300 struggles with its slow 3 fps burst and rudimentary autofocus, hindering fast action capture.

• The GH5 shines with 12 fps continuous shooting, sophisticated AF tracking, and buffer capable of lengthy bursts, critical for unpredictable wildlife and sportive moments.

Street and Travel Photography

Portability, discretion, and battery life matter when shooting in urban or travel scenarios.

While the E-300 is comparatively lightweight, its bulkier DSLR design and lack of quiet shutter modes reduce discretion. The GH5 is larger but benefits from silent electronic shutter options, high battery capacity, and flexible touch controls ideal for travel shooting.

Macro and Night/Astro Photography

• The E-300 lacks in-body stabilization, limiting macro work ease, and its ISO ceiling limits night shooting.

• The GH5 includes 5-axis sensor stabilization, focus stacking, and a higher ISO ceiling, better supporting macro and astrophotography, as well as timelapse recording.

Video Capabilities: The GH5’s Stronghold

The E-300 offers no video capability whatsoever, limiting it to stills applications.

The GH5 is a landmark in hybrid camera design, with internal 4K recording up to 60 fps, advanced video codecs (MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264), microphone and headphone ports for professional audio monitoring, and strong in-body stabilization.

Real-World Image Galleries and Comparative Scores

Below is a selection of sample images from both cameras across various genres, highlighting their practical output differences in texture, noise, and tonal rendering.

Olympus E 300 screen back Panasonic GH5 front Panasonic GH5 screen back

Evaluation via standardized benchmarks shows the GH5’s superior scores in all key image quality categories.

When broken down by photography type, the GH5 consistently outranks the E-300 across portrait, landscape, sports, and video categories.

Who Should Consider the Olympus E-300?

The Olympus E-300, now heavily dated, appeals most to collectors or beginners seeking an affordable introduction to DSLR photography with a classic feel. Its system lens support is limited, low ISO ceiling restricts low-light usage, and no video capabilities mean it is narrowly focused on traditional still photography without modern conveniences.

Who Benefits from the Panasonic GH5?

The GH5 caters to enthusiasts and professionals looking for a true hybrid camera, excelling in video production while providing advanced still capabilities. Its cutting-edge autofocus, sensor stabilization, professional connectivity, and robust build make it ideal for demanding disciplines including sports, wildlife, portraiture, and documentaries.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The technological gulf between the Olympus E-300 of 2005 and the Panasonic GH5 of 2017 illustrates the rapid evolution of digital camera technology. While the E-300 may hold nostalgic or introductory appeal, the GH5 presents a well-rounded powerhouse that remains relevant in today’s market, especially for creators needing serious video functions merged with high-quality stills.

For casual enthusiasts or collectors, the Olympus E-300 remains a unique piece. However, photographers or videographers aiming towards professional results, versatility across genres, and future-proof features should consider investing in the Panasonic GH5, which offers not only superior hardware and software but also a vast lens and accessory ecosystem.

This detailed comparison underscores how camera technology advances translate into practical shooting advantages for users, enabling informed decisions grounded in firsthand experience and technical rigor.

If you want to explore further into customizing camera setups for specific genres or need advice on lenses to pair with these bodies, feel free to reach out or follow upcoming reviews where we amplify the lens ecosystem and workflow integration for each system.