Olympus E-M10 vs Panasonic FZ300

Let's take a closer look at the Olympus E-M10 and Panasonic FZ300, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a crucial difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-M10 (16MP) and FZ300 (12MP) and the E-M10 (Four Thirds) and FZ300 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-M10 was announced 16 months prior to the FZ300 which makes them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-M10 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going straight to a thorough comparison, here is a short summation of how the E-M10 matches up vs the FZ300 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M10 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-M10 Gallery and Panasonic FZ300 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera often, you should take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M10 offers physical dimensions of 119mm x 82mm x 46mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 1.8") with a weight of 396 grams (0.87 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ300 has proportions of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") having a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-M10 and Panasonic FZ300 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the E-M10 against the FZ300.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the E-M10 and FZ300 is 82 and 59 respectively.

Often, it is very hard to see the contrast between sensor sizing purely by looking at specifications. The graphic below may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-M10 and FZ300.

Plainly, the two cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-M10 using its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Olympus E-M10 will give you more detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots way more aggressively. The older E-M10 is going to be behind in sensor tech.