Olympus E-510 vs Olympus FE-5010

In this article, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-510 versus Olympus FE-5010, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are sold by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-510 (10MP) and the FE-5010 (12MP) is pretty close but the E-510 (Four Thirds) and FE-5010 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-510 was released 13 months prior to the FE-5010 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-510 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus FE-5010 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a concise view of how the E-510 grades versus the FE-5010 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-510 and Olympus FE-5010. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-510 Gallery and Olympus FE-5010 Gallery.

If you are looking to travel with your camera often, you're going to have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-510 has got external dimensions of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") with a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) while the Olympus FE-5010 has measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 21mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.8") with a weight of 130 grams (0.29 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-510 versus Olympus FE-5010 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you select at that moment. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the E-510 vs the FE-5010.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-510 and FE-5010 is 69 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by looking through specs. The image underneath should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the E-510 and FE-5010.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-510 because of its bigger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Olympus FE-5010 will result in more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged E-510 will be behind in sensor technology.