Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic LF1

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Olympus FE-5020 and Panasonic LF1, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the FE-5020 (12MP) and the LF1 (12MP) is pretty similar but the FE-5020 (1/2.3") and LF1 (1/1.7") use totally different sensor sizes.

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The FE-5020 was launched 5 years before the LF1 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a thorough comparison, below is a short highlight of how the FE-5020 matches up against the LF1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus FE-5020 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus FE-5020 Gallery & Panasonic LF1 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera often, you have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus FE-5020 comes with outer measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 137 grams (0.30 lbs) while the Panasonic LF1 has proportions of 103mm x 62mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus FE-5020 and Panasonic LF1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you select during that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the FE-5020 vs the LF1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FE-5020 and LF1 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it can be difficult to see the contrast between sensor measurements simply by going over specs. The photograph below will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the FE-5020 and LF1.

As you can plainly see, both cameras offer the same exact megapixels albeit not the same sensor measurements. The FE-5020 comes with the tinier sensor which should make obtaining shallower depth of field more difficult. The older FE-5020 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.