Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic LX5

Here is a extensive overview of the Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic LX5, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FE-5020 (12MP) and the LX5 (10MP) is relatively well matched but the FE-5020 (1/2.3") and LX5 (1/1.63") provide different sensor dimensions.

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The FE-5020 was manufactured 3 years before the LX5 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a short view of how the FE-5020 grades vs the LX5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus FE-5020 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. The entire galleries are available at Olympus FE-5020 Gallery & Panasonic LX5 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera often, you will want to factor its weight and size. The Olympus FE-5020 offers physical measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 137 grams (0.30 lbs) and the Panasonic LX5 has specifications of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Look at the Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic LX5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the FE-5020 compared to the LX5.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FE-5020 and LX5 is 95 and 88 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to visualize the gap between sensor sizing just by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph below will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the FE-5020 and LX5.

As you can see, both of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FE-5020 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Olympus FE-5020 will give you extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs more aggressively. The older FE-5020 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.