Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic GF5

Its time to take a closer look at the Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic GF5, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the FE-5020 (12MP) and the GF5 (12MP) is relatively close but the FE-5020 (1/2.3") and GF5 (Four Thirds) offer different sensor dimensions.

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The FE-5020 was launched 3 years earlier than the GF5 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus FE-5020 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going into a in depth comparison, here is a simple summation of how the FE-5020 scores versus the GF5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus FE-5020 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus FE-5020 Gallery and Panasonic GF5 Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera frequently, you will need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus FE-5020 has got external measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 137 grams (0.30 lbs) and the Panasonic GF5 has proportions of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") and a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic GF5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose during that time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the FE-5020 and the GF5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FE-5020 and GF5 is 95 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions only by looking through technical specs. The pic below will offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the FE-5020 and GF5.

As you have seen, both cameras provide the same megapixels albeit different sensor dimensions. The FE-5020 features the smaller sensor which should make obtaining shallow DOF harder. The more aged FE-5020 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.