Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic FZ100

Let's look closer at the Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic FZ100, former is a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-M1 (16MP) and the FZ100 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and FZ100 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor size.

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The E-M1 was released 3 years after the FZ100 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a simple view of how the E-M1 scores vs the FZ100 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-M1 Gallery & Panasonic FZ100 Gallery.

In case you're going to travel with your camera frequently, you will need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-M1 features physical measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") having a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ100 has specifications of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") along with a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic FZ100 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the E-M1 and the FZ100.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-M1 and FZ100 is 71 and 67 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions only by seeing specs. The image here should provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-M1 and FZ100.

All in all, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-M1 because of its bigger sensor will make getting bokeh less difficult and the Olympus E-M1 will produce extra detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more modern E-M1 is going to have an advantage in sensor technology.