Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic FZ1000

In this write-up, we are matching up the Olympus FE-5020 and Panasonic FZ1000, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a large difference between the image resolutions of the FE-5020 (12MP) and FZ1000 (20MP) and the FE-5020 (1/2.3") and FZ1000 (1") come with totally different sensor sizes.

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The FE-5020 was launched 5 years prior to the FZ1000 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus FE-5020 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ1000 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going straight into a complete comparison, below is a brief view of how the FE-5020 scores versus the FZ1000 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus FE-5020 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000. The complete galleries are available at Olympus FE-5020 Gallery & Panasonic FZ1000 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus FE-5020 provides exterior dimensions of 93mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 137 grams (0.30 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ1000 has specifications of 137mm x 99mm x 131mm (5.4" x 3.9" x 5.2") having a weight of 831 grams (1.83 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus FE-5020 and Panasonic FZ1000 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the FE-5020 compared to the FZ1000.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the FE-5020 and FZ1000 is 95 and 55 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to envision the gap between sensor sizing purely by going over specs. The photograph underneath might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the FE-5020 and FZ1000.

As you can plainly see, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The FE-5020 because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Panasonic FZ1000 will deliver extra detail utilizing its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images a little more aggressively. The older FE-5020 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.