Olympus E-3 vs Olympus FE-5020

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Olympus E-3 versus Olympus FE-5020, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are built by Olympus. The resolution of the E-3 (10MP) and the FE-5020 (12MP) is relatively close but the E-3 (Four Thirds) and FE-5020 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-3 was brought out 17 months before the FE-5020 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus FE-5020 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a in-depth comparison, below is a brief summary of how the E-3 grades versus the FE-5020 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-3 and Olympus FE-5020. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-3 Gallery and Olympus FE-5020 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera regularly, you have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-3 features external measurements of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") having a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) whilst the Olympus FE-5020 has dimensions of 93mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 137 grams (0.30 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-3 versus Olympus FE-5020 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the E-3 versus the FE-5020.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-3 and FE-5020 is 56 and 95 respectively.

Typically, its hard to visualise the difference in sensor sizing merely by researching a spec sheet. The visual here should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-3 and FE-5020.

Clearly, each of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-3 featuring a bigger sensor will make shooting bokeh easier and the Olympus FE-5020 will result in greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots a little more aggressively. The older E-3 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.