Olympus E-420 vs Panasonic FZ300

Here, we will be contrasting the Olympus E-420 and Panasonic FZ300, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-420 (10MP) and the FZ300 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the E-420 (Four Thirds) and FZ300 (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizing.

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The E-420 was brought out 8 years prior to the FZ300 and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-420 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the E-420 scores versus the FZ300 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-420 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-420 Gallery and Panasonic FZ300 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera, you will need to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-420 has physical dimensions of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") and a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ300 has proportions of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") and a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-420 and Panasonic FZ300 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you select at that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-420 versus the FZ300.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-420 and FZ300 is 77 and 59 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to picture the gap between sensor sizing merely by looking at specs. The photograph below should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-420 and FZ300.

All in all, both of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-420 because of its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Panasonic FZ300 will give more detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots way more aggressively. The older E-420 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.