Olympus 1 vs Sony A300

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Olympus 1 versus Sony A300, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the 1 (12MP) and the A300 (10MP) is pretty similar but the 1 (1/1.7") and A300 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The 1 was introduced 5 years later than the A300 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A300 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick overview of how the 1 grades vs the A300 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus 1 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A300. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus 1 Gallery and Sony A300 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera often, you should factor in its weight and size. The Olympus 1 comes with physical measurements of 116mm x 87mm x 57mm (4.6" x 3.4" x 2.2") accompanied by a weight of 402 grams (0.89 lbs) while the Sony A300 has specifications of 131mm x 99mm x 75mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 3.0") having a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Look at the Olympus 1 versus Sony A300 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the 1 and the A300.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the 1 and A300 is 79 and 64 respectively.

Often, it's tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reviewing specs. The graphic here may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the 1 and A300.

All in all, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The 1 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF tougher and the Olympus 1 will offer you more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The newer 1 will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.