• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 600.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Panasonic FZ300 advantages over Olympus E-PL8

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/4000 vs 1/250 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    12.3 fps vs 8.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Olympus E-PL8 advantages over Panasonic FZ300

  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.75 vs 1.54 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Thinner
    38 mm vs 117 mm
    Thinner
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

  • Good image quality for its class; Improved ergonomics; Impressive new EVF and rear display; Versatile 24-600mm equivalent f/2.8 lens; Faster autofocus performance; 4K video and 4K Photo features.

  • Bulky camera body; Excessive default noise reduction applied at lower ISOs; Continuous autofocus performance is inconsistent.

  • Read our Panasonic FZ300 Review

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm HS30EXR

Panasonic FZ300
Fujifilm HS30EXR
  • $473
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $468
  • 1/2 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Panasonic FZ300 vs Fujifilm HS30EXR

Olympus E-PL8
Fujifilm HS30EXR
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $468
  • 1/2 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PL8 vs Fujifilm HS30EXR

Compared to Panasonic FZ200

Panasonic FZ300
Panasonic FZ200
  • $473
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $890
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Panasonic FZ300 vs Panasonic FZ200

Olympus E-PL8
Panasonic FZ200
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $890
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic FZ200

Compared to Fujifilm S8200

Panasonic FZ300
Fujifilm S8200
  • $473
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $325
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic FZ300 vs Fujifilm S8200

Olympus E-PL8
Fujifilm S8200
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $325
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PL8 vs Fujifilm S8200

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Panasonic FZ300
Panasonic GX85
  • $473
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic FZ300 vs Panasonic GX85

Olympus E-PL8
Panasonic GX85
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Olympus E-PL8 vs Panasonic GX85

Compared to Olympus E-PL9

Panasonic FZ300
Olympus E-PL9
  • $473
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic FZ300 vs Olympus E-PL9

Olympus E-PL8
Olympus E-PL9
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Olympus E-PL8 vs Olympus E-PL9

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