Olympus E-P1 vs Panasonic FZ300

On this page, we will be comparing the Olympus E-P1 versus Panasonic FZ300, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the E-P1 (12MP) and the FZ300 (12MP) is pretty comparable but the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and FZ300 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-P1 was manufactured 7 years earlier than the FZ300 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple summary of how the E-P1 scores versus the FZ300 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Panasonic FZ300 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus E-P1 enjoys outer measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ300 has sizing of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") with a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-P1 versus Panasonic FZ300 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the E-P1 and the FZ300.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-P1 and FZ300 is 86 and 59 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to envision the difference in sensor sizes purely by seeing specifications. The image here should give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P1 and FZ300.

Plainly, the two cameras provide the same megapixels albeit not the same sensor sizes. The E-P1 has the bigger sensor which should make achieving shallow DOF less difficult. The more aged E-P1 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.