Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic XS1

Here is a in depth overview of the Olympus FE-5020 and Panasonic XS1, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap between the resolutions of the FE-5020 (12MP) and XS1 (16MP) but both cameras offer the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The FE-5020 was announced 4 years prior to the XS1 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting straight to a detailed comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the FE-5020 matches up vs the XS1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus FE-5020 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus FE-5020 Gallery and Panasonic XS1 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus FE-5020 comes with outside measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 137 grams (0.30 lbs) whilst the Panasonic XS1 has measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") along with a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus FE-5020 and Panasonic XS1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the FE-5020 vs the XS1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FE-5020 and XS1 is 95 and 97 respectively.

Normally, its tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing just by checking technical specs. The photograph below may offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the FE-5020 and XS1.

As you have seen, both of these cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same megapixels. You should count on the Panasonic XS1 to give you extra detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older FE-5020 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.