Panasonic FZ300 vs Panasonic GM1

Below is a in-depth analysis of the Panasonic FZ300 and Panasonic GM1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and they are both built by Panasonic. There exists a huge gap between the image resolutions of the FZ300 (12MP) and GM1 (16MP) and the FZ300 (1/2.3") and GM1 (Four Thirds) use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The FZ300 was brought out 20 months later than the GM1 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a comprehensive comparison, below is a short summation of how the FZ300 scores versus the GM1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ300 Gallery and Panasonic GM1 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera often, you'll need to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic FZ300 features outer measurements of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") having a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs) while the Panasonic GM1 has sizing of 99mm x 55mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.2") having a weight of 204 grams (0.45 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FZ300 and Panasonic GM1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at that time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the FZ300 against the GM1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FZ300 and GM1 is 59 and 93 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to see the gap between sensor measurements only by checking specifications. The visual below might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ300 and GM1.

To sum up, both of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FZ300 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh harder and the Panasonic GM1 will give greater detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The newer FZ300 is going to have an edge in sensor tech.