Panasonic FZ300 vs Panasonic L1

Following is a thorough analysis of the Panasonic FZ300 versus Panasonic L1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR and both of them are built by Panasonic. There exists a significant gap between the resolutions of the FZ300 (12MP) and L1 (7MP) and the FZ300 (1/2.3") and L1 (Four Thirds) enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

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The FZ300 was introduced 8 years after the L1 which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic L1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving in to a full comparison, below is a simple overview of how the FZ300 scores vs the L1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ300 Gallery and Panasonic L1 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera frequently, you will want to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ300 offers outer measurements of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") accompanied by a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs) and the Panasonic L1 has specifications of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") with a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FZ300 versus Panasonic L1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the FZ300 against the L1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FZ300 and L1 is 59 and 65 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to see the gap between sensor sizes simply by looking at a spec sheet. The picture below should provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ300 and L1.

Clearly, both the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FZ300 having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic FZ300 will give you greater detail using its extra 5 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop pics much more aggressively. The younger FZ300 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.