Olympus FE-5020 vs Olympus PEN E-P2: A Hands-On Comparison for Serious Shooters and Casual Snap-Happy Folks

When you’re hunting for “that next camera” – the one that suits your style, budget, and creative ambitions – it pays to look beyond the spec sheets and marketing fluff. I’ve spent countless hours testing / breaking in gear from tiny compacts to pro mirrorless rigs. Today, let’s dive into a very interesting face-off between two Olympus cameras from slightly different eras and user camps: the pocket-sized Olympus FE-5020 and the retro-styled mirrorless Olympus PEN E-P2.

At first glance, you might think these two are apples and oranges, and to a degree, that's true. But I find that comparing cameras with such varying designs/intentions can shine a light on where each model shines and stumbles -- especially if you’re torn between “simple ease” and “creative control.” So buckle up for some hands-on insights, practical results, and a few honest pro/cons as we trek through image quality, usability, video chops, and everything in between.

Size & Ergonomics: Compact Convenience Meets Retro Charm

The FE-5020 is an ultra-compact fixed-lens shooter weighing just 137g and measuring a svelte 93x56x25mm. This baby slides quietly into pretty much any pocket or tiny bag. It screams “point and shoot,” with a very minimal grip and controls optimized for grab-and-go moments. It’s unpretentious: no clubs for thumbs here – just a small camera you can whip out without hesitation.

The PEN E-P2, meanwhile, is a much chunkier 355g and sized more like a traditional rangefinder – 121x70x36mm. This is not a pocket camera. But its grip is firm, controls plentiful, and while it lacks overt weather sealing, it feels like a serious tool. With dedicated dials, a larger body to balance bigger lenses, and the option for an electronic viewfinder, it’s built for photographers who want more control without lugging a DSLR. The vintage design isn’t mere eye candy either – it’s ergonomic in a tactile, enjoyable way.

If portability is your top priority and your shooting is casual snapshots, the FE-5020 wins hands down. But if you crave something that feels like a camera and works like one, the PEN E-P2’s chunkier, feature-rich body justifies its size.

Body Control and Interface: Basic Squad vs Menu Warlord

Looking down on these two reveals their different design philosophies: the FE-5020 is stripped to essentials – a mode dial is missing, so exposure options like shutter or aperture priority don’t exist, and most settings hide in a menu. The buttons are small, fixed, and straightforward. It’s about rapid point-and-shoot use, no messing about.

The PEN E-P2, in contrast, has multiple physical dials and buttons for shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, and shooting modes – including manual. There's no touchscreen, but the button layout is well thought-out and intuitive with minimal menu diving. These tactile controls are especially welcome in the field when you want to change settings without lifting your eye from the viewfinder or screen.

For those who love manual exposure play, the PEN is the clear choice. But if you prefer zero-fuss shooting without thinking about settings, the FE-5020 will keep things extremely simple.

Sensor Size & Image Quality: Small Sensor vs Micro Four Thirds Battle

Here’s where the leap between the two cameras truly widens. The FE-5020 uses a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring just about 28.07mm², whereas the PEN E-P2 packs a Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor with a surface area of approximately 224.90mm² – nearly eight times larger.

What does that mean in practice?

• The FE-5020’s smaller sensor inherently limits image quality. It achieves 12 megapixels, which is respectable, but expect noisy images at anything above ISO 400 and limited dynamic range. The fixed lens has a useful 24-120mm equiv. zoom, but the modest aperture (F3.3-5.8) means poorer low-light shots and shallower bokeh.

• The PEN E-P2’s larger sensor delivers better image quality with improved dynamic range, depth of field control, and cleaner images up to ISO 1600 and beyond (max native is ISO 6400). Also, it supports RAW shooting, which is a godsend for post-processing flexibility. The Micro Four Thirds mount means access to a broad arsenal of Olympus and third-party lenses (I tested both primes and zooms, and the results varied from punchy portraits to landscapes with fine detail).

So, if pure image quality is a priority - particularly for portraits and landscapes requiring wider dynamic range and better noise control - the E-P2 wins hands down. The little FE-5020 is fine for social snaps and travel memories, but don’t expect artful low-light or rich tonal range.

Display and Viewfinder: Eye Candy and Visibility in Sunlight

The FE-5020 sports a 2.7-inch fixed LCD with 230k dots - usable but uninspiring. Given there’s no viewfinder, you rely entirely on the screen for composing, which is less comfortable in sunlight. Plus, no touchscreen means slower menu navigation.

The PEN E-P2 offers a larger 3-inch HyperCrystal LCD screen (also 230k dots, but with an anti-reflective coating). Not blazing bright by today’s standards, but noticeably easier to see outdoors. It also supports live view as you’d expect. Optional third-party electronic viewfinders (EVFs) can be added, enhancing usability in bright outdoor scenes or for precise focusing.

If you shoot outdoors a lot or like the option of a viewfinder, the PEN’s display and EVF support are significant advantages.

Autofocus and Focusing Systems: Snappy or Sluggish?

The FE-5020 uses contrast-detection autofocus with just a single AF mode (center point only) and no face or eye-detection. It’s adequate for static subjects but can struggle tracking moving targets, and macro focus is manual by button but not very speedy. Continuous autofocus and live tracking are completely absent.

The PEN E-P2 upgrades with an 11-point contrast-detection system including face detection, plus selective AF area modes which bring added precision when composing complex scenes or portraits. It supports single and continuous AF modes (3 fps burst speed), allowing better capture of action or wildlife, though not blazing fast compared to modern cameras.

For wildlife or sports photographers, the PEN won't match pro-tier cameras, but comfortably beats the FE-5020 in focus speed and accuracy. If your subjects are slow-moving and you want point and shoot simplicity, FE-5020 can do the job.

Shooting Experience: Burst Rates, Shutter Speeds, and Stability

The FE-5020 caps its shutter speed range at 1/500s (min 4s) with no continuous shooting modes or electronic shutter - pretty basic and limiting for action or creative exposure control.

The PEN improves significantly with shutter speeds from 60s (!) to 1/4000s, enabling long exposures and freezing fast action. It offers 3 fps continuous shooting which is modest but sufficient for many casual sports or street scenarios.

Although the FE-5020 lacks image stabilization, the PEN features sensor-based image stabilization, a crucial advantage when shooting handheld in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Video Capabilities: Basic vs Semi-Functional

The FE-5020 shoots regrettably low-res video – VGA 640x480 at 30fps, using Motion JPEG – pretty much a basic webcam alternative by today’s standards. No external microphone input or advanced controls.

The PEN E-P2 upgrades to 720p HD video (1280x720 at 30fps), also Motion JPEG, lacking advanced codecs but serviceable for casual video. There is no microphone input or headphone jack, so audio remains limited to the built-in mic.

For serious videographers, neither camera will meet modern needs, but the PEN’s HD video quality gives it a bit more longevity and versatility for casual multimedia use.

Lens Ecosystem: Fixed vs Expansive Flexibility

This might be the biggest philosophical divide: the FE-5020 has a single fixed 24-120mm (equiv.) zoom lens - lightweight and simple but constrained in creative choices.

The PEN E-P2 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, offering access to a vast, mature ecosystem of over 100 lenses from Olympus and third parties like Panasonic, Sigma, and others. These range from ultra-wide to telephoto, primes with wide apertures for portraits, and specialty lenses like macros and fisheyes.

If you want to explore different genres - change lenses for landscapes or wildlife, or invest in fast primes for bokeh-rich portraits - the PEN is the superior platform.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durable? Sort-Of

Olympus FE 5020 front Olympus FE 5020 screen back Olympus E P2 front Olympus E P2 screen back

Strangely, despite the FE-5020’s ultra-budget status, Olympus claims it is "environmental sealed" against dust and moisture – an unusual feature for such a small compact. That said, it’s not fully weatherproof or shockproof. It feels less robust overall due to its tiny size and plastic body.

The PEN E-P2 doesn’t feature weather sealing either, though its solid retro-style metal body instills confidence in durability through everyday use. For serious rough weather, neither is ideal.

Battery Life and Storage: Ready for a Day Out?

The FE-5020 uses a proprietary Lithium-ion battery (LI-42B), but Olympus doesn’t publish official battery life figures, which usually translates to limited battery stamina given the small size and lack of power-hungry features.

The PEN E-P2 uses a larger BLS-1 battery pack rated for roughly 300 shots per charge - decent, but less than modern mirrorless counterparts. It accepts SD/SDHC cards, while the FE-5020 sticks with xD-Picture Card and microSD, both of which are increasingly hard to find.

For extended shooting days, carry spares, especially with the PEN if you’re out hiking or shooting events.

Connectivity: Analog Era vs Entry-Level Digital

Neither camera offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS connectivity, which is understandable given their vintage origins. Both rely on USB 2.0 for image transfer. The PEN adds HDMI output, offering direct playback on TVs, useful for reviewing images with friends or clients.

Price vs Performance: What Do You Get for Your Money?

At launch, the FE-5020 was priced around $160, while the PEN E-P2 carried a $799 MSRP, a significant jump. For those reasons alone, they serve different markets.

• FE-5020: An affordable, simple, easy-to-carry camera for casual shooters and cheapskates who just want something convenient for snapshots and travel.
• PEN E-P2: An entry-level mirrorless aimed at enthusiasts who want a compact but capable camera with manual controls, interchangeable lenses, and quality RAW files.

If budget is tight and your demands are casual, the FE-5020 offers basic functionality in a tiny package. If you value image quality, manual control, and future-proofing, investing in the PEN and its ecosystem is a smarter bet.

How Each Camera Handles Different Photography Genres

Portraits

• FE-5020: Modest 5x zoom lens with narrow aperture range F3.3-5.8 means limited bokeh and shallow depth of field. No face detection autofocus compounds the challenge. Images can look soft in low light.
• PEN E-P2: Larger sensor and fast prime lenses yield creamy bokeh and better skin tone rendition. Face detection aids focusing on eyes. A clear winner for portraits.

Landscapes

• FE-5020: Resolution (12MP) is passable, but dynamic range is limited by sensor size. Good for casual travel shots in good light.
• PEN E-P2: Superior dynamic range, can shoot RAW for richer tonal adjustments. Interchangeable primes excel at landscapes. Considerably better.

Wildlife and Sports

• FE-5020: AF is slow and single point; no continuous shooting makes capturing action a gamble.
• PEN E-P2: 3 fps burst and improved AF deliver usable results in moderate action. Not pro sports grade but solid for amateurs.

Street Photography

• FE-5020: Ultra-portable and discreet, but limited speed and controls.
• PEN E-P2: Larger but still discreet, fast enough for street candids, manual settings for creative looks.

Macro Photography

• FE-5020: Very close macro focus of just 1cm is a feature. However, lack of stabilization hampers handheld sharpness.
• PEN E-P2: Depends on lens choice, but stabilization helps, plus more precise focus modes.

Night / Astro

• FE-5020: Limited ISO 1600 max, noisy images, no long exposures beyond 4 seconds.
• PEN E-P2: Up to 60-second shutter speeds, ISO 6400, sensor stabilizer – offers better creative freedom.

Video

• Both cameras are basic shooters video-wise, with the PEN’s 720p HD a clear upgrade.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

I’ve always believed camera choice should be person-specific - not just what looks good on paper or trendy on YouTube. The Olympus FE-5020 is a charming little snapshot machine for cheapskates and casual shooters. It’s pocketable, intuitive, and perfect if your idea of “photography” is capturing family gatherings, travel souvenirs, or quick social media snaps without fuss.

The Olympus PEN E-P2, though aging, remains remarkably capable for photographers stepping up from compacts, wanting creative control, higher image quality, and a path to better optics. It’s affordable on the used market, with an ecosystem still going strong, making it a solid investment for budding enthusiasts or semi-pros on a budget.

If you want:

• Simplicity and pocket portability: FE-5020
• Manual controls, RAW, interchangeable lenses: PEN E-P2
• Portrait and landscape quality shots: PEN E-P2 hands down
• Basic snapshots with ease, no frills: FE-5020

A final set of sample shots from both cameras in various conditions may help visualize the qualitative difference:

Olympus FE 5020 front Olympus FE 5020 screen back Olympus E P2 front Olympus E P2 screen back

Choose wisely, and happy shooting!

If you want me to test one of these cameras for a specific use case or require detailed workflow tips, just shout - I love geeking out over gear.

Note: Specs and hands-on impressions reflect models as tested circa mid-2020s. Neither camera supports modern connectivity or advanced video codecs standard in today’s market.