Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic FZ300

The following is a in-depth overview of the Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic FZ300, former is a Pro Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a noticeable gap between the image resolutions of the E-M1 (16MP) and FZ300 (12MP) and the E-M1 (Four Thirds) and FZ300 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The E-M1 was brought out 20 months earlier than the FZ300 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving through a detailed comparison, below is a short introduction of how the E-M1 grades against the FZ300 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M1 Gallery & Panasonic FZ300 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera, you will want to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-M1 features exterior dimensions of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") accompanied by a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ300 has dimensions of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") with a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-M1 vs Panasonic FZ300 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have attached at the time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the E-M1 and the FZ300.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-M1 and FZ300 is 71 and 59 respectively.

Normally, it's tough to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions just by reviewing a spec sheet. The picture below might provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M1 and FZ300.

Clearly, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-M1 due to its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-M1 will offer greater detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots far more aggressively. The more aged E-M1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.