Olympus E-520 vs Olympus FE-5020

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-520 vs Olympus FE-5020, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are offered by Olympus. The resolution of the E-520 (10MP) and the FE-5020 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the E-520 (Four Thirds) and FE-5020 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-520 was announced 11 months prior to the FE-5020 so they are of a similar generation. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-520 being a Compact SLR camera and the Olympus FE-5020 being a Compact camera.

Before delving through a full comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the E-520 scores versus the FE-5020 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-520 and Olympus FE-5020. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-520 Gallery and Olympus FE-5020 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to travel with your camera regularly, you will want to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-520 offers exterior dimensions of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") with a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) whilst the Olympus FE-5020 has sizing of 93mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 137 grams (0.30 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-520 vs Olympus FE-5020 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at that time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the E-520 vs the FE-5020.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-520 and FE-5020 is 68 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to visualise the gap between sensor dimensions merely by looking at technical specs. The image underneath might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-520 and FE-5020.

As you can tell, both of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-520 having a bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Olympus FE-5020 will resolve extra detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged E-520 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.