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Olympus E-300 vs Panasonic ZS100

Portability
67
Imaging
41
Features
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Overall
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Olympus E-300 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 front
Portability
87
Imaging
52
Features
65
Overall
57

Olympus E-300 vs Panasonic ZS100 Key Specs

Olympus E-300
(Full Review)
  • 8MP - Four Thirds Sensor
  • 1.8" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 400 (Boost to 1600)
  • No Video
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 624g - 147 x 85 x 64mm
  • Introduced January 2005
  • Alternative Name is EVOLT E-300
  • Replacement is Olympus E-330
Panasonic ZS100
(Full Review)
  • 20MP - 1" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 125 - 12800 (Increase to 25600)
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • 25-250mm (F2.8-5.9) lens
  • 312g - 111 x 65 x 44mm
  • Revealed January 2016
  • Other Name is Lumix DMC-TZ100
  • Updated by Panasonic ZS200
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Olympus E-300 vs Panasonic Lumix ZS100: A Deep Dive Into Two Distinct Camera Eras and Designs

In the ever-evolving world of photography gear, comparing cameras separated by over a decade - and completely different design philosophies - is both fascinating and challenging. Here we pit the Olympus E-300, a 2005 mid-size DSLR representative of the early Four Thirds system, against the Panasonic Lumix ZS100, a 2016 large-sensor compact zoom superzoom. Both cameras target enthusiasts but differ radically in sensor technology, handling, and functionality. Drawing on extensive hands-on testing and real-world shooting, I'll guide you through their specs, performance, and suitability across photographic disciplines to help you find the right tool for your creative vision.

Seeing Eye to Eye: Size, Build, and Handling Essentials

Right off the bat, these cameras feel worlds apart in physicality and ergonomics. The Olympus E-300 is a traditional DSLR with a mirror and pentamirror optical viewfinder; the Panasonic ZS100 is a pocketable compact with an electronic viewfinder and touchscreen controls.

Olympus E-300 vs Panasonic ZS100 size comparison

The Olympus E-300 weighs 624 grams and sports dimensions of 147 x 85 x 64 mm, offering a solid, substantial grip typical of DSLRs. Its body provides dedicated physical controls, a mode dial, and a rugged feel, although it lacks any environmental sealing.

Meanwhile, the Panasonic ZS100 is nearly half the weight at 312 grams and noticeably smaller (111 x 65 x 44 mm). This makes it much more travel-friendly and discreet - ideal for street and travel photography where quick handling and minimal bulk are prized.

Looking from above, we see that Olympus adopts a classical control layout with a mode dial, dedicated shutter speed/aperture controls, and a built-in flash. The Panasonic favors a compact layout with fewer physical buttons but a modern interface supported by a touchscreen.

Olympus E-300 vs Panasonic ZS100 top view buttons comparison

Ergonomically, the Olympus’s traditional DSLR body may suit users who prefer tactile feedback and dedicated dials but could feel cumbersome for casual shooting. The Panasonic’s compact form factor and touchscreen facilitate shooting on the go with fewer distractions but may sacrifice some manual control granularity.

Sensor Showdown: Legacy Four Thirds CCD vs Modern 1-inch CMOS

A cornerstone of image quality is sensor technology and size - in this case, the Olympus E-300 uses an 8MP Four Thirds CCD sensor (17.3 x 13 mm), while the ZS100 packs a more modern 20.1MP 1-inch MOS sensor (13.2 x 8.8 mm).

Olympus E-300 vs Panasonic ZS100 sensor size comparison

Although the Olympus’s sensor area (224.9 mm²) surpasses Panasonic’s 116.16 mm², the E-300’s CCD architecture and relatively low resolution (3264 x 2448 pixels) limit its dynamic range and ISO performance. In practical terms, the Olympus’s max native ISO tops out at 400, with boosted sensitivity going to 1600, restricting low-light capabilities.

Panasonic leverages its newer 1-inch CMOS sensor optimized for higher ISO - native range of 125-12800 with extended ISO 80-25600. DxOMark scores quantify this advantage: ZS100 scores 70 overall with excellent 22.8-bit color depth and 12.5 EV dynamic range, versus nonexistent lab data for the Olympus. This reflects visibly superior image quality, especially in color fidelity, noise control, and highlight retention.

In real shooting, the Olympus excels at natural color rendition and resolution within daylight conditions. Yet, its CCD sensor quickly reveals noise and dynamic range limits when the light fades. The ZS100’s sensor produces cleaner ISO 1600+ images suitable for indoor events, nightlife, and travel photography where lighting is unpredictable.

Viewing and Interface: Optical vs Electronic - Which Do You Prefer?

The Olympus E-300 relies on an optical pentamirror viewfinder - a feature valued by purists for true-to-life real-time viewing with zero lag, albeit with limited coverage and magnification details (not specified). The Panasonic ZS100 uses a sophisticated electronic viewfinder with 0.46x magnification and high 1166k-dot resolution, offering 100% coverage and live histograms or focus peaking overlays.

When it comes to the rear LCD, the difference is stark. The Olympus’s fixed 1.8-inch LCD with 134k resolution feels antiquated, making image review challenging, especially outdoors. The Panasonic delivers a 3-inch fixed touchscreen, 1040k resolution, and intuitive touch focusing, live exposure preview, and menu navigation that modern users now expect.

Olympus E-300 vs Panasonic ZS100 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

Additionally, the Panasonic’s live view and touchscreen complement sophisticated autofocus options, including face detection and touch AF, vastly speeding up focus acquisition and framing. The Olympus, lacking live view or touchscreen, requires reliance on the optical viewfinder with manual or basic AF, reflecting its older design paradigm.

Autofocus Capabilities: Three-Point Phase Detect vs 49-Point Contrast Detect

Autofocus technology significantly impacts shooting speed and accuracy across genres. The Olympus E-300 uses an early incarnation of phase detection AF with just three focus points, supporting AF single and continuous modes but no tracking or face/eye detection.

In contrast, the ZS100 employs a 49-point contrast-detection AF system enhanced with continuous AF, face detection, and tracking - critical for capturing moving subjects and ensuring sharpness on the fly.

Testing both under varied conditions, I found the Olympus autofocus to be relatively slow and prone to hunting, especially in low contrast or low light, which fits with its tech era. This can be a frustration for wildlife or sports photography where critical sharpness means the difference between success and misses.

The Panasonic’s AF is noticeably quicker, smoother, and more reliable. It easily locks onto faces or tracking subjects and sustains focus through continuous bursts at nearly 10 fps - an impressive feat for a compact camera. This makes the ZS100 more capable for fast-paced subjects like street candid portraits or casual wildlife snapshots.

Shutter Speed, Continuous Shooting, and Burst Performance

The Olympus features a shutter speed range of 60 seconds to 1/4000s, covering most photographic needs - yet its continuous shooting tops out at a modest 3fps with limited buffer capacity.

By contrast, the Panasonic ZS100’s shutter range is 60 seconds to 1/2000s electronically extendable to an astonishing 1/16000s silent shutter. Its continuous shooting is nearly 10fps, almost tripling the Olympus’s capability, complemented by 4K photo mode allowing post-capture extraction of high-res stills from video frames.

For action and sports, these numbers matter: the Panasonic provides more flexibility for freezing motion and selecting moments in fast sequences, despite being a compact.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility: Interchangeable vs Fixed Zoom

One of the Olympus E-300’s strongest suits is its Micro Four Thirds lens mount (though officially Four Thirds at the time), supporting over 40 native lenses ranging from ultra-wide to telephoto primes and zooms. This offers extensive optical options, including fast-aperture and specialty lenses for portraits, macro, wildlife, and landscapes.

The Panasonic ZS100 sports a fixed 25-250mm equivalent 10x zoom lens with aperture range f/2.8-5.9. While lacking interchangeable capability, this lens covers a versatile focal range for travel, street, and everyday shooting. Its macro capabilities start from 5 cm, enabling decent close-ups without additional gear.

In practice, the E-300’s system flexibility is a massive boon for photographers who want to customize optics to specific subjects - critical for professionals or serious enthusiasts. However, this comes with the complexity, size, and weight of carrying lenses, as well as increased costs.

The ZS100 offers a lightweight all-in-one solution perfect for photographers prioritizing convenience, compactness, and speed without changing lenses. The high-quality lens also keeps optical distortions well-controlled throughout the zoom range, with good sharpness and contrast.

Diverse Photography Disciplines: Which Camera Excels Where?

Let’s assess both cameras across popular genres to help you see which fits your creative ambitions.

Portraits: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

  • Olympus E-300: The larger sensor and lens choices allow for shallow depth-of-field portraits with creamy bokeh, especially when paired with fast primes. However, autofocus lacks face or eye detection, requiring careful manual focus or single-point AF.
  • Panasonic ZS100: Its smaller sensor and zoom lens limit background blur, but good color rendition and face detection AF help nail sharp portraits quickly, even among moving subjects.

Landscapes: Resolution, Dynamic Range, and Durability

  • Olympus E-300: Modest 8MP resolution holds up sufficiently for prints, and the Four Thirds sensor’s native aspect ratio fits well for landscapes. Although it lacks weather sealing, you can combine it with rugged lenses and tripods.
  • Panasonic ZS100: Higher resolution and superior dynamic range aid capturing subtle tones and rich color in landscape scenes. Its compact size favors easy hiking and travel landscapes but lacks weather resistance.

Wildlife & Sports: Autofocus, Telephoto Reach, and Burst Rate

  • Olympus E-300: Interchangeable lenses include powerful telephotos, permitting long reach. However, slower autofocus and limited burst speed constrain action photography.
  • Panasonic ZS100: 10x zoom at 250mm equivalent covers moderate wildlife reach, enhanced by fast autofocus and nearly 10fps bursts. Ideal for casual wildlife or sports shooters needing speed and compactness but not extreme focal length.

Street and Travel: Discreteness, Portability, and Battery Life

  • Olympus E-300: Bulky DSLR presence may draw unwanted attention and fatigue during long walks. Also, the older compact flash storage limits convenience.
  • Panasonic ZS100: Highly portable and discreet, with excellent battery life (~300 shots) and SD card storage supporting easy sharing wireless connectivity - a preferred choice for street, travel, and everyday use.

Macro Photography: Focusing Precision and Magnification

  • Olympus E-300: With native macro lenses, outstanding focusing accuracy, and sensor size, it yields superior macro images.
  • Panasonic ZS100: Offers decent close focusing distance (5 cm) and image stabilization, good for casual macro shots but limited compared to specialized lenses.

Night and Astro Photography: Low Light Performance and Exposure Options

  • Olympus E-300: Max ISO 400 native limits low-light versatility. Long shutter times up to 60 seconds suffice for basic astrophotography but increased noise is evident.
  • Panasonic ZS100: Higher ISO ceiling and built-in image stabilization make handheld low-light possible; combined with long exposure modes and silent shutter, it's better suited for night and star photos.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Stabilization, and Audio

  • Olympus E-300: No video recording functions; strictly still photography.
  • Panasonic ZS100: 4K UHD video at 30p/24p, Full HD at 60p, optical stabilization, and multiple exposure modes add creative video options. Lack of external mic input limits audio recording quality.

Technical Insights from Testing and Real-World Use

With hours of side-by-side shooting, several observations emerge:

  • Image Quality: Despite a smaller sensor area, Panasonic’s 1-inch MOS and modern image processing produce significantly cleaner, sharper, and more vibrant images in most conditions. The Olympus’s CCD delivers pleasing images but feels dated under challenging light.

  • Autofocus: Olympus’s early phase detection with 3 points is slow, sometimes frustrating - especially for moving subjects. Panasonic’s 49-point contrast detection with face tracking is a joy, fast and accurate, providing confidence in various scenarios.

  • Build and Controls: The Olympus’s solid traditional DSLR handling appeals to enthusiasts familiar with SLR ergonomics, while the ZS100’s compactness and touchscreen offer modern conveniences and flexible control.

  • Battery and Storage: Panasonic’s approx. 300 shots per charge is adequate for most users, and SD cards remain standard today. Olympus relies on Compact Flash cards (legacy and bulkier), and battery life data is sparse but likely shorter due to older technology.

  • Connectivity: Panasonic includes built-in wireless for quick image transfer, an essential feature missing from Olympus, which lacks any wireless connectivity.

Price-to-Performance and Value Perspectives

  • At launch, the Olympus E-300 retailed around $800 and came with lens options, representing an advanced DSLR with interchangeable optics.

  • The Panasonic ZS100 lists near $700, offering a large sensor compact camera with excellent zoom, video, and image stabilizer - a capable do-it-all in a pocket.

Considering current market availability (mostly second-hand for Olympus), the ZS100’s capabilities and portability provide better value for travelers and everyday photographers prioritizing versatility and image quality. Olympus is relevant mostly for collectors or those needing a rugged DSLR with access to legacy Four Thirds lenses.

Visual Comparisons: Sample Rendering and Overall Scores

To understand practical output differences, examine these sample images side by side. The Panasonic ZS100 produces images with finer detail, superior dynamic range, and richer color gradation.

Overall expert scorecards reflect these findings:

And breaking down by genre reinforces where each shines or falls short:

Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Which Camera?

Choose the Olympus E-300 if:

  • You want an entry-level DSLR experience with a proper optical viewfinder and the ability to use a wide range of Four Thirds lenses.
  • You shoot mostly in controlled lighting, such as studio or daylight portraits and landscapes, where its sensor limitations won’t hinder you.
  • You prefer traditional handling with physical dials and an SLR form factor built for photography rather than video or travel convenience.
  • You have access to legacy lenses or want to learn manual focusing skills.

Opt for the Panasonic ZS100 if:

  • You need a modern, all-in-one compact camera with stellar image quality for everyday, travel, and street photography.
  • You appreciate rapid autofocus, 4K video capability, and image stabilization for spontaneity and diverse shooting conditions.
  • You value portability without sacrificing lens reach, with a powerful 10x zoom covering wide-angle to telephoto.
  • You want advanced features like face detection, touchscreen controls, and wireless connectivity.
  • You often shoot in mixed/light-challenging environments and desire higher ISO flexibility.

Final Thoughts From the Field

Having tested thousands of cameras, comparing the Olympus E-300 and Panasonic ZS100 boils down to weighing era, format, and priorities. The E-300 embodies early DSLR innovation and system flexibility but - with its dated sensor and mechanical complexity - is hampered in today’s image quality and versatility demands.

The ZS100 represents a mature large sensor compact concept, bridging convenience and control with excellent performance and video. For most users seeking a high-quality camera for versatile shooting without fuss, the ZS100 is the clear choice.

Yet, photographers fascinated by legacy gear, optical viewfinders, and the tactile joy of lens swapping might find rewarding use with the E-300, embracing its unique character and challenges.

Ultimately, understanding your shooting style and priorities will let you choose the camera that best extends your creative expression - whether classic DSLR or compact powerhouse.

I hope this detailed comparison empowers your decision - let me know what specific use cases you have, and I can offer even more tailored advice!

Olympus E-300 vs Panasonic ZS100 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Olympus E-300 and Panasonic ZS100
 Olympus E-300Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100
General Information
Make Olympus Panasonic
Model type Olympus E-300 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100
Also Known as EVOLT E-300 Lumix DMC-TZ100
Class Advanced DSLR Large Sensor Compact
Introduced 2005-01-10 2016-01-05
Body design Mid-size SLR Large Sensor Compact
Sensor Information
Chip - Venus Engine
Sensor type CCD MOS
Sensor size Four Thirds 1"
Sensor measurements 17.3 x 13mm 13.2 x 8.8mm
Sensor surface area 224.9mm² 116.2mm²
Sensor resolution 8MP 20MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Peak resolution 3264 x 2448 5472 x 3648
Highest native ISO 400 12800
Highest enhanced ISO 1600 25600
Minimum native ISO 100 125
RAW photos
Minimum enhanced ISO - 80
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detect focus
Contract detect focus
Phase detect focus
Total focus points 3 49
Lens
Lens support Micro Four Thirds fixed lens
Lens zoom range - 25-250mm (10.0x)
Maximum aperture - f/2.8-5.9
Macro focusing distance - 5cm
Amount of lenses 45 -
Focal length multiplier 2.1 2.7
Screen
Range of display Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display diagonal 1.8 inch 3 inch
Resolution of display 134 thousand dot 1,040 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch screen
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Optical (pentamirror) Electronic
Viewfinder resolution - 1,166 thousand dot
Viewfinder coverage - 100%
Viewfinder magnification - 0.46x
Features
Min shutter speed 60s 60s
Max shutter speed 1/4000s 1/2000s
Max quiet shutter speed - 1/16000s
Continuous shutter speed 3.0 frames per second 9.9 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance - 8.00 m (at Auto ISO)
Flash settings Auto, Auto FP, Manual, Red-Eye Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Hot shoe
AEB
WB bracketing
Max flash sync 1/180s -
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions - 4K/UHD (3840 x 2160 @ 30p/24p), 1920 x 1080 @ 60p/60i/30p/24p, 640 x 480 (30p)
Highest video resolution None 3840x2160
Video format - MPEG-4, AVCHD
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless None Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 624 gr (1.38 lbs) 312 gr (0.69 lbs)
Dimensions 147 x 85 x 64mm (5.8" x 3.3" x 2.5") 111 x 65 x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested 70
DXO Color Depth rating not tested 22.8
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested 12.5
DXO Low light rating not tested 559
Other
Battery life - 300 images
Battery form - Battery Pack
Self timer Yes (2 or 12 sec) Yes (2 or 10 secs, 3 shots @ 10 sec)
Time lapse shooting
Storage media Compact Flash (Type I or II) SD/SDHC/SDXC card
Storage slots 1 1
Price at release $800 $700