Olympus E-M10 vs Panasonic FZ100

Let's look more in depth at the Olympus E-M10 and Panasonic FZ100, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-M10 (16MP) and the FZ100 (14MP) is relatively close but the E-M10 (Four Thirds) and FZ100 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor dimensions.

Body cameras now worn by bakery staff to deter stealing

The E-M10 was revealed 3 years later than the FZ100 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-M10 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting into a complete comparison, here is a concise overview of how the E-M10 scores against the FZ100 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus OM-D E-M10 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M10 Gallery and Panasonic FZ100 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-M10 has physical measurements of 119mm x 82mm x 46mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 1.8") with a weight of 396 grams (0.87 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ100 has sizing of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") with a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-M10 and Panasonic FZ100 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the E-M10 and the FZ100.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-M10 and FZ100 is 82 and 67 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizing simply by viewing technical specs. The graphic below will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-M10 and FZ100.

As you have seen, both of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-M10 with its bigger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field simpler and the Olympus E-M10 will render greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures way more aggressively. The more recent E-M10 will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.