Olympus FE-5020 vs. Olympus PEN E-PL2: An In-Depth Comparison for Every Photographer’s Journey

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when offerings like the Olympus FE-5020 and the Olympus PEN E-PL2 come into play. Both hail from a brand revered for innovation and crafted for photographers ranging from casual shooters to serious enthusiasts. In this comparison, we’ll unravel how these two cameras match up across critical features, real-world performance, and how each fulfills different photography needs.

As someone who has personally tested thousands of cameras, I’ll guide you through every major discipline - from portraits to astrophotography - helping you find the model that elevates your image-making while fitting your style and budget.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics and Handling

How a camera feels in hand has an outsized impact on your photographic enjoyment and creativity. The Olympus FE-5020 breaks the mold with an ultra-compact, pocket-friendly body, while the Olympus PEN E-PL2 adopts a mirrorless design favoring manual control and lens versatility.

• Olympus FE-5020:

  • Dimensions: 93 x 56 x 25 mm
  • Weight: 137g
  • Compact, lightweight, and minimalist with fixed lens.
  • Ideal for grab-and-go photography, travel, or backup camera use.

• Olympus PEN E-PL2:

  • Dimensions: 114 x 72 x 42 mm
  • Weight: 362g
  • Larger, more robust and built to accommodate interchangeable lenses with a Micro Four Thirds mount.
  • Offers greater grip and handling comfort during extended shoots.

For travel and everyday street photography, FE-5020 stands out for its portability. However, if you value tactile dials, extensive controls, and adaptable ergonomics, the PEN E-PL2 offers a palpable advantage, especially for serious shooting sessions.

Up Close: Control Layout and User Interface

Photography is as much about interaction as it is about image quality. The control layout influences your speed and spontaneity when capturing moments.

• FE-5020:

  • Very basic controls due to its compact design - no manual exposure modes or priority options.
  • No swivel or touchscreen; fixed 2.7-inch screen with low resolution (230k dots).
  • Limited buttons, emphasizing simplicity but at the cost of creative flexibility.

• PEN E-PL2:

  • Extended control set with shutter, aperture, and manual exposure capabilities.
  • Fixed 3-inch HyperCrystal LCD with anti-reflective coating and higher resolution (460k dots) enhances monitoring and image review.
  • External flash hot shoe compatible with various Olympus strobes and third-party units.
  • USB and HDMI ports allow tethered shooting and direct viewing.

This clear difference demonstrates the FE-5020 is tailored to those prioritizing ease-of-use and compactness, while the PEN E-PL2 caters to photographers who require more hands-on control and versatility.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Photography

The sensor defines a camera’s core imaging performance - resolution, noise handling, dynamic range, and color reproduction. Here, the disparity between these cameras is stark.

Analysis:

• The FE-5020’s small CCD sensor severely limits dynamic range and low-light performance. Expect noticeable noise beyond ISO 400 and moderate shadow clipping.
• The PEN E-PL2 boasts a much larger Four Thirds CMOS sensor - around 8x the surface area. This translates to greater detail retention, cleaner images at higher ISO, and better handling of challenging lighting conditions.
• Thanks to raw file support on the PEN E-PL2, photographers can push exposure and color corrections extensively in post, unlike the FE-5020’s limited JPEG-only workflow.

For photographers serious about image quality - especially for portraits, landscapes, or any discipline requiring editing headroom - the PEN E-PL2 clearly holds the advantage.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capture Every Moment

Autofocus performance and shooting speed define your camera’s confidence in action and wildlife scenarios.

• FE-5020: Struggles with moving subjects due to single-area, single-shot contrast-detect AF. It can be sluggish in low light and lacks tracking capabilities.
• E-PL2: Employs improved AF algorithms with tracking and multi-area focus. The inclusion of face detection helps portrait and event photographers nail sharp focus more reliably.

While neither model is designed for high-speed sports photography, the PEN E-PL2’s 3 fps burst and superior AF afford more compositional flexibility and higher keeper rates in dynamic shooting environments.

Built Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Reliability over time and in various conditions is critical for professional and travel photographers.

• FE-5020:

  • Surprisingly has some environmental sealing, but no official waterproof, dustproof, or freezeproof certification.
  • Compact build is less robust but easily pocketable.

• PEN E-PL2:

  • Classic mirrorless chassis, lacking weather sealing.
  • More robust materials and stronger build intended for everyday use and varied conditions.

Neither camera is ruggedized for extreme conditions. If you shoot outdoors frequently, consider additional protective gear or higher-end Olympus models with comprehensive weather sealing.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: Framing and Reviewing Shots

Both models lack traditional optical viewfinders, instead relying on LCD screens with optional electronic viewfinder for the PEN E-PL2.

• FE-5020: Fixed 2.7-inch screen, 230k dots - functional but not ideal under bright sunlight or for detailed image review.
• PEN E-PL2: Larger, sharper 3-inch HyperCrystal LCD screen with superior viewing angles and clarity. Optional electronic viewfinder (sold separately) can be attached, significantly aiding outdoor shooting and precise focusing.

The PEN’s interface also supports manual mode shooting with detailed exposure feedback, making experimenting and learning easier.

Lenses and Flexibility: Fixed vs. Interchangeable

A key dividing line in your photographic potential.

• FE-5020: Fixed 24-120 mm equivalent lens (5x zoom) with aperture range F3.3-5.8. Limited creative control with no option to change lenses.

  • Macro focusing capability down to 1 cm is a nice feature for close-up shots within its limitations.

• PEN E-PL2: Micro Four Thirds mount offers access to over 100 native lenses, from ultra-fast primes, wide-angle, telephoto zooms to dedicated macro optics.

  • Allows customized setups for specialized needs: wildlife telephotos, portrait fast lenses, and macro glass.

If you want room to grow and experiment across genres, the PEN’s adaptability is invaluable.

Battery Life and Storage

• FE-5020: Uses a lithium-ion LI-42B battery with no specified shot capacity. Small compact cameras usually offer moderate battery life fitting casual use. Storage via xD-Picture Card or microSD cards - formats that are largely obsolete and less convenient to source today.
• PEN E-PL2: Uses BLS-5 battery rated for approx. 280 shots per charge, typical for mirrorless cameras of this era. Takes standard SD/SDHC cards widely available and performant.

The PEN’s battery capacity and storage format conveniences make it more practical for heavier shooting schedules and travel.

Connectivity: Sharing and Workflow Integration

• FE-5020: Limited to USB 2.0 only, no wireless or HDMI output.
• PEN E-PL2: USB 2.0 and HDMI port enable high-res image review on compatible screens. No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, but the physical connections are helpful for transferring images and tethering.

If image sharing on-the-go and wireless workflow integration are priorities, neither camera excels natively, but the PEN’s HDMI output lends itself better to studio use and presentations.

Video Capabilities

When considering video features:

• FE-5020: Records at VGA resolution (640 x 480) up to 30 fps, Motion JPEG codec - basic at best; suitable for short clips or casual use. No external mic input or advanced recording controls.
• PEN E-PL2: Shoots HD video at 1280 x 720 at 30 fps, also using Motion JPEG. Slightly better resolution and more stable exposure control. Though limited compared to modern standards, it’s a significant step up over the FE-5020.

Neither camera targets serious videography, but the PEN provides a more versatile platform if video is an occasional supplement to still imagery.

Putting It All Together: Real-World Application and Sample Images

Olympus FE 5020 front Olympus FE 5020 screen back Olympus E PL2 front Olympus E PL2 screen back

We shot identical scenes with both cameras to compare detail, exposure latitude, and color fidelity:

• Portraits:
  The PEN E-PL2 delivers softer skin tones with richer gradations, thanks to its larger sensor and raw processing ability. FE-5020 portraits look thinner, with harsher edges and less pleasing bokeh.

• Landscapes:
  The PEN’s wider dynamic range captures shadow and highlight detail effectively, while the FE-5020 clips more easily and exhibits lower resolution in fine textures.

• Macro and Close-ups:
  FE-5020’s 1 cm macro focus range provides impressive magnification for its class but lacks optical stabilization to steady hand-held shots, an area where the PEN shines if paired with stabilized lenses.

• Low Light / Night:
  PEN comfortably shoots clean images at ISO 1600 and above; the FE-5020 is noisy beyond ISO 400 and sluggish autofocus further hampers usability in dim scenarios.

• Action and Sports:
  Both cameras struggle with fast-moving subjects, but the PEN’s continuous AF and burst mode give it a clear edge.

How These Cameras Score on Core Performance Metrics

Tailored Scores Across Photography Genres

Who Should Choose the Olympus FE-5020?

The Olympus FE-5020 is ideal for:

• Photographers on a tight budget who want an intuitive, no-fuss compact camera.
• Casual users who prioritize portability above all else: slipping easily in a pocket or purse.
• Those seeking a simple macro camera for close-up snapshots without additional lenses or settings to manage.
• Travelers who want a lightweight companion for casual snapshots rather than serious photography.

Remember though, its outdated small sensor limits image quality and creative control.

Who Should Opt for the Olympus PEN E-PL2?

The Olympus E-PL2 is more suitable if you:

• Desire a bridge between beginner and enthusiast level featuring manual controls and raw capability.
• Want to explore creative photography with interchangeable lenses tailor-made for portraits, landscapes, or macro work.
• Require better autofocus and image quality performance in diverse conditions.
• Shoot in low-light or need subtle exposure adjustments.
• Appreciate a camera system that grows with you via lenses and accessories.

This camera remains relevant for enthusiasts exploring mirrorless systems on a budget, providing a versatile platform that rewards skill development.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Your Needs and Budget

Choosing between the Olympus FE-5020 and PEN E-PL2 boils down to your photography ambitions and workflow preferences.

• If you value simplicity, portability, and casual shooting without the need for manual modes or interchangeable lenses, the FE-5020 is a competent pocket camera that fits the bill.

• If you seek superior image quality, professional file flexibility, and expandable creative options, the PEN E-PL2 is your gateway into mirrorless photography with real-world benefits in all major genres.

In my years of field testing, the PEN E-PL2’s image quality, autofocus versatility, and lens ecosystem decisively place it above the FE-5020 for anyone aspiring to elevate their photography. However, the FE-5020 shines as a low-cost, easy-to-use travel companion that excels when minimalism is your priority.

Getting Started With Your Chosen Olympus

No matter which you pick, here are some tips:

• For the FE-5020, maximize close-up potential by practicing steady hand positions and shooting in good light. Experiment with the built-in flash modes for better portraits.

• For the PEN E-PL2, try out a fast prime lens such as the Olympus 45mm f/1.8 to unlock beautiful portrait bokeh and sharper images. Also, explore manual exposure modes to gain creative control.

Both cameras can spark your photographic creativity - explore their strengths hands-on, seek out community support forums, and dive into your own projects.

Choosing the right camera is the first step on a rewarding creative journey. Whether it’s the pocket-sized FE-5020 or the versatile PEN E-PL2, Olympus offers options with solid heritage and a commitment to your photographic growth. Check them out at your nearest retailer or online to experience firsthand which model complements your vision best.

Happy shooting!