Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, we are going to illustrate the Panasonic FZ300 and Olympus E-5 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Panasonic FZ300 has external dimensions of 132 x 92 x 117 mm (5.2 x 3.62 x 4.61″) and weighs 691 g (including batteries). Olympus E-5 has external dimensions of 143 x 117 x 75 mm (5.63 x 4.61 x 2.95″) and weighs 800 g (1.76 lb / 28.22 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Panasonic FZ300 and the Olympus E-5. Panasonic FZ300 is 11mm narrower and 25mm shorter than Olympus E-5 but it is also 42mm thicker. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Panasonic FZ300 has a built-in lens but Olympus E-5 doesn't. Once you put a lens on E-5, its thickness will increase significantly.
Here is the back view size comparison of the Panasonic FZ300 and Olympus E-5.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Panasonic FZ300 and Olympus E-5.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Panasonic FZ300 is 109g lighter than the Olympus E-5 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.
Again, this comparison may not be very useful in real life as we are comparing the weight of a camera with a built-in lens to the body-only weight of an interchangeable lens camera. Once you put a lens on E-5, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Both the FZ300 and the E-5 have weather sealings in their bodies, making them resistant to water and dust.
LCD Screen Size and Features
Panasonic FZ300 and Olympus E-5's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.00 inches.
Both cameras feature
Fully Articulating screens where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over-the-head levels. Fully articulating screens are also useful for taking Selfies and video.