Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic L1

Below is a detailed analysis of the Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic L1, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a noticeable difference among the resolutions of the FE-5020 (12MP) and L1 (7MP) and the FE-5020 (1/2.3") and L1 (Four Thirds) posses different sensor size.

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The FE-5020 was revealed 2 years later than the L1 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus FE-5020 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic L1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving into a detailed comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the FE-5020 scores vs the L1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus FE-5020 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1. The full galleries are available at Olympus FE-5020 Gallery & Panasonic L1 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera frequently, you need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus FE-5020 provides exterior measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 137 grams (0.30 lbs) while the Panasonic L1 has dimensions of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs).

Compare the Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic L1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the FE-5020 and the L1.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the FE-5020 and L1 is 95 and 65 respectively.

Often, it is tough to picture the gap in sensor measurements just by viewing specifications. The visual here will give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the FE-5020 and L1.

Plainly, the two cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FE-5020 using its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Olympus FE-5020 will render more detail because of its extra 5MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures more aggressively. The newer FE-5020 provides a benefit with regard to sensor technology.