Olympus E-PL1 vs Panasonic FZ300

Below, we are analyzing the Olympus E-PL1 and Panasonic FZ300, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the FZ300 (12MP) is very well matched but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and FZ300 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL1 was launched 6 years before the FZ300 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight into a thorough comparison, below is a brief overview of how the E-PL1 matches up against the FZ300 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Panasonic FZ300 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera often, you will want to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1 offers outside measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ300 has dimensions of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") having a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL1 and Panasonic FZ300 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL1 compared to the FZ300.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and FZ300 is 86 and 59 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to visualise the difference between sensor measurements merely by reading through technical specs. The photograph here may provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1 and FZ300.

As you have seen, both of those cameras have got the exact same megapixel count but not the same sensor measurements. The E-PL1 contains the larger sensor which will make achieving shallower DOF easier. The older E-PL1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.