Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic FZ300

On this page, we are comparing the Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic FZ300, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There is a huge difference between the resolutions of the E-PM2 (16MP) and FZ300 (12MP) and the E-PM2 (Four Thirds) and FZ300 (1/2.3") have different sensor sizing.

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The E-PM2 was announced 3 years earlier than the FZ300 which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PM2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a short overview of how the E-PM2 matches up vs the FZ300 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PM2 Gallery and Panasonic FZ300 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry around your camera, you have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PM2 offers outside measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ300 has measurements of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") along with a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PM2 vs Panasonic FZ300 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is a front view scale comparison of the E-PM2 against the FZ300.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-PM2 and FZ300 is 89 and 59 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes purely by looking at a spec sheet. The pic here might offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PM2 and FZ300.

Clearly, the 2 cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-PM2 with its larger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF easier and the Olympus E-PM2 will give you more detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-PM2 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.