Olympus FE-3010 vs Olympus E-PL5

Below is a comprehensive comparison of the Olympus FE-3010 versus Olympus E-PL5, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are manufactured by Olympus. There exists a huge gap between the resolutions of the FE-3010 (12MP) and E-PL5 (16MP) and the FE-3010 (1/2.3") and E-PL5 (Four Thirds) possess different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FE-3010 was revealed 4 years earlier than the E-PL5 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus FE-3010 being a Ultracompact camera and the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a in-depth comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the FE-3010 grades against the E-PL5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus FE-3010 and Olympus PEN E-PL5. The full galleries are available at Olympus FE-3010 Gallery and Olympus E-PL5 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus FE-3010 features exterior dimensions of 93mm x 56mm x 18mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 108 grams (0.24 lbs) and the Olympus E-PL5 has measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs).

Check the Olympus FE-3010 versus Olympus E-PL5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have during that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the FE-3010 and the E-PL5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FE-3010 and E-PL5 is 97 and 88 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to picture the contrast between sensor measurements only by looking at specs. The visual underneath might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the FE-3010 and E-PL5.

All in all, each of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FE-3010 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Olympus E-PL5 will give extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots far more aggressively. The older FE-3010 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.