Olympus 550WP vs Panasonic FZ300

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Olympus 550WP vs Panasonic FZ300, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the 550WP (10MP) and the FZ300 (12MP) is relatively well matched and they feature the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The 550WP was unveiled 7 years prior to the FZ300 and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus 550WP being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick overview of how the 550WP grades against the FZ300 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus 550WP and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300. The full galleries are provided at Olympus 550WP Gallery and Panasonic FZ300 Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus 550WP enjoys external measurements of 94mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") and a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FZ300 has measurements of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") having a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs).

Compare the Olympus 550WP vs Panasonic FZ300 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing during that time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the 550WP and the FZ300.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the 550WP and FZ300 is 94 and 59 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to see the difference between sensor measurements only by reading through a spec sheet. The photograph here should offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the 550WP and FZ300.

As you can see, both of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You should count on the Panasonic FZ300 to give extra detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older 550WP is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.