Olympus E-600 vs Panasonic FZ100

Here is a extended review of the Olympus E-600 and Panasonic FZ100, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-600 (12MP) and the FZ100 (14MP) is very well matched but the E-600 (Four Thirds) and FZ100 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-600 was introduced 10 months before the FZ100 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-600 being a Compact SLR camera and the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting straight to a full comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the E-600 scores vs the FZ100 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-600 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-600 Gallery and Panasonic FZ100 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-600 has physical dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 60mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.4") having a weight of 515 grams (1.14 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ100 has proportions of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") and a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-600 and Panasonic FZ100 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the E-600 versus the FZ100.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-600 and FZ100 is 71 and 67 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to see the gap between sensor sizing purely by looking at technical specs. The photograph underneath should give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-600 and FZ100.

As you can tell, both of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-600 using its larger sensor will make getting bokeh simpler and the Panasonic FZ100 will resolve more detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older E-600 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.