Olympus FE-5020 vs Olympus E-PL2

Lets take a deeper look at the Olympus FE-5020 and Olympus E-PL2, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are sold by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the FE-5020 (12MP) and the E-PL2 (12MP) is relatively comparable but the FE-5020 (1/2.3") and E-PL2 (Four Thirds) provide totally different sensor dimensions.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The FE-5020 was unveiled 18 months earlier than the E-PL2 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus FE-5020 being a Compact camera and the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving into a full comparison, here is a brief view of how the FE-5020 grades versus the E-PL2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus FE-5020 and Olympus PEN E-PL2. The full galleries are available at Olympus FE-5020 Gallery and Olympus E-PL2 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera, you will want to think about its weight and size. The Olympus FE-5020 has external dimensions of 93mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 137 grams (0.30 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-PL2 has specifications of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs).

Examine the Olympus FE-5020 and Olympus E-PL2 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are employing during that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the FE-5020 against the E-PL2.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the FE-5020 and E-PL2 is 95 and 85 respectively.

Generally, its difficult to see the contrast in sensor sizing merely by going through technical specs. The graphic below should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the FE-5020 and E-PL2.

As you can tell, the two cameras have the same resolution albeit not the same sensor sizing. The FE-5020 has the smaller sensor which will make obtaining bokeh trickier. The older FE-5020 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.