Olympus FE-4000 vs Olympus E-PL2

On this page, we will be reviewing the Olympus FE-4000 versus Olympus E-PL2, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are offered by Olympus. The image resolution of the FE-4000 (12MP) and the E-PL2 (12MP) is pretty comparable but the FE-4000 (1/2.3") and E-PL2 (Four Thirds) offer different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FE-4000 was announced 18 months before the E-PL2 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus FE-4000 being a Compact camera and the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a short summation of how the FE-4000 grades against the E-PL2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus FE-4000 & Olympus PEN E-PL2. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus FE-4000 Gallery & Olympus E-PL2 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera, you'll have to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus FE-4000 provides physical measurements of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) and the Olympus E-PL2 has measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs).

Compare the Olympus FE-4000 versus Olympus E-PL2 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the FE-4000 and the E-PL2.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the FE-4000 and E-PL2 is 95 and 85 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements just by checking out a spec sheet. The graphic below will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the FE-4000 and E-PL2.

Clearly, each of the cameras provide the same resolution albeit different sensor measurements. The FE-4000 has got the smaller sensor which should make achieving shallow DOF more challenging. The older FE-4000 will be behind in sensor tech.