Olympus E-PM1 vs Panasonic FZ300

Following is a extended assessment of the Olympus E-PM1 and Panasonic FZ300, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the FZ300 (12MP) is relatively comparable but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and FZ300 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PM1 was announced 4 years prior to the FZ300 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the E-PM1 scores against the FZ300 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Panasonic FZ300 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera regularly, you should consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PM1 enjoys outside measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ300 has dimensions of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") along with a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PM1 and Panasonic FZ300 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-PM1 compared to the FZ300.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PM1 and FZ300 is 89 and 59 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to see the difference in sensor sizes purely by going through technical specs. The pic below may give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PM1 and FZ300.

As you have seen, both of those cameras posses the exact same megapixel count albeit not the same sensor sizes. The E-PM1 comes with the bigger sensor which will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult. The more aged E-PM1 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.