Olympus E-420 vs Olympus FE-5010

On this page, we are reviewing the Olympus E-420 and Olympus FE-5010, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are created by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-420 (10MP) and the FE-5010 (12MP) is fairly well matched but the E-420 (Four Thirds) and FE-5010 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor size.

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The E-420 was unveiled 6 months before the FE-5010 and they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-420 being a Compact SLR camera and the Olympus FE-5010 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a thorough comparison, here is a short highlight of how the E-420 grades against the FE-5010 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-420 and Olympus FE-5010. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-420 Gallery and Olympus FE-5010 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you will need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-420 has exterior measurements of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") with a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) while the Olympus FE-5010 has dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.8") along with a weight of 130 grams (0.29 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-420 and Olympus FE-5010 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached at the time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the E-420 vs the FE-5010.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-420 and FE-5010 is 77 and 96 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizing purely by looking at technical specs. The photograph here may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-420 and FE-5010.

As you have seen, both the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-420 having a larger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus FE-5010 will resolve greater detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics more aggressively.