Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic FZ300

On this page, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-PL2 and Panasonic FZ300, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the FZ300 (12MP) is relatively comparable but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and FZ300 (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL2 was launched 5 years before the FZ300 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise summary of how the E-PL2 scores vs the FZ300 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Panasonic FZ300 Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you are going to need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL2 has external measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ300 has specifications of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") having a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL2 and Panasonic FZ300 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have chosen during that time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL2 versus the FZ300.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL2 and FZ300 is 85 and 59 respectively.

Often, its hard to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements simply by checking out a spec sheet. The photograph underneath should offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL2 and FZ300.

Clearly, both of the cameras provide the same MP albeit different sensor measurements. The E-PL2 comes with the bigger sensor which should make achieving shallower DOF easier. The older E-PL2 will be behind in sensor technology.