Olympus FE-4030 vs Panasonic G5

In this article, we will be comparing the Olympus FE-4030 and Panasonic G5, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the FE-4030 (14MP) and the G5 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the FE-4030 (1/2.3") and G5 (Four Thirds) feature different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The FE-4030 was brought out 3 years earlier than the G5 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus FE-4030 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the FE-4030 grades vs the G5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus FE-4030 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5. The entire galleries are available at Olympus FE-4030 Gallery & Panasonic G5 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera, you are going to need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus FE-4030 enjoys external dimensions of 93mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 146 grams (0.32 lbs) whilst the Panasonic G5 has proportions of 120mm x 83mm x 71mm (4.7" x 3.3" x 2.8") with a weight of 396 grams (0.87 lbs).

Examine the Olympus FE-4030 and Panasonic G5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the FE-4030 vs the G5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the FE-4030 and G5 is 95 and 74 respectively.

Oftentimes, its hard to imagine the difference in sensor sizing merely by seeing specifications. The graphic here will provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the FE-4030 and G5.

To sum up, both of those cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FE-4030 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Panasonic G5 will produce more detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older FE-4030 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.