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Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic ZS40

Portability
95
Imaging
35
Features
20
Overall
29
Olympus FE-5020 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 front
Portability
90
Imaging
43
Features
58
Overall
49

Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic ZS40 Key Specs

Olympus FE-5020
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 64 - 1600
  • 640 x 480 video
  • 24-120mm (F3.3-5.8) lens
  • 137g - 93 x 56 x 25mm
  • Released July 2009
  • Also referred to as X-935
Panasonic ZS40
(Full Review)
  • 18MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 100 - 3200 (Expand to 6400)
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 24-720mm (F3.3-6.4) lens
  • 240g - 111 x 64 x 34mm
  • Announced January 2014
  • Also Known as Lumix DMC-TZ60
  • Older Model is Panasonic ZS35
  • Refreshed by Panasonic ZS45
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Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic ZS40 Overview

Here, we are evaluating the Olympus FE-5020 versus Panasonic ZS40, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the FE-5020 (12MP) and ZS40 (18MP) but both cameras have the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The FE-5020 was released 5 years prior to the ZS40 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting right into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the FE-5020 grades against the ZS40 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Photography Glossary
	
	

Reasons to pick Olympus FE-5020 over the Panasonic ZS40

 FE-5020 ZS40 

Reasons to pick Panasonic ZS40 over the Olympus FE-5020

 ZS40 FE-5020 
AnnouncedJanuary 2014July 2009Fresher by 54 months
Manually focus Very precise focusing
Display size3"2.7"Larger display (+0.3")
Display resolution920k230kCrisper display (+690k dot)

Common features in the Olympus FE-5020 and Panasonic ZS40

 FE-5020 ZS40 
Display typeFixed Fixed Fixed display
Selfie screen Neither includes selfie screen
Touch friendly display Neither includes Touch friendly display

Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic ZS40 Physical Comparison

When you are intending to carry your camera, you will need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus FE-5020 features exterior dimensions 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 ZS40 has specifications of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Check the Olympus FE-5020 versus Panasonic ZS40 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose during that time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the FE-5020 versus the ZS40.

Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic ZS40 size comparison

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the FE-5020 and ZS40 is 95 and 90 respectively.

Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic ZS40 top view buttons comparison

Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic ZS40 Sensor Comparison

Usually, it can be hard to imagine the difference in sensor sizing simply by seeing specs. The photograph here should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FE-5020 and ZS40.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras come with the identical sensor size but different MP. You should expect to see the Panasonic ZS40 to produce greater detail as a result of its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The older FE-5020 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.

Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic ZS40 sensor size comparison

Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic ZS40 Screen and ViewFinder

Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic ZS40 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Olympus FE-5020 Portrait photography highlights
Panasonic ZS40 Portrait photography highlights
21
no manual focus
manual exposure not available
no external flash support
resolution not great (12MP)
small sensor (1/2.3")
does not have RAW support
52
manual focus
resolution is good (18 megapixels)
provides face detect focusing
saves RAW files
external flash not possible
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
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Street Comparison

Olympus FE-5020 Street photography details
Panasonic ZS40 Street photography details
60
weather proof
lighter than competition (137g)
fixed screen
lack of image stabilization
small sensor (1/2.3")
does not have RAW support
69
built in image stabilization (Optical)
saves RAW files
lighter than others (240g)
no articulating screen
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
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Sports Comparison

Sports photography with Olympus FE-5020
Sports photography with Panasonic ZS40
24
weather proof
max shutter speed is low (1/500 seconds)
lack of shutter priority mode
lack of image stabilization
resolution not great (12 megapixels)
small sensor (1/2.3")
does not have phase detect autofocus
54
excellent zoom range (24-720mm 30.0 x zoom)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
resolution is good (18 megapixels)
provides tracking focus
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
lack of phase detect AF
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Travel Comparison

Olympus FE-5020 as a Travel photography camera
Panasonic ZS40 as a Travel photography camera
65
lighter than competition (137g)
weather proof
has built in flash
fairly wide (24mm)
missing Timelapse recording
resolution not great (12MP)
does not posses selfie friendly display
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
69
lighter than others (240 grams)
resolution is good (18 megapixels)
built-in flash
quite wide (24mm)
long zoom (720mm)
no Timelapse function
display isn't selfie friendly
slow max aperture (f3.3)
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Landscape Comparison

Olympus FE-5020 Landscape photography highlights
Panasonic ZS40 Landscape photography highlights
31
fairly wide (24mm)
weather proof
no manual focus
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
screen is somewhat small (2.7 inch)
manual exposure not available
lack of image stabilization
resolution not great (12MP)
small sensor (1/2.3")
does not have RAW support
missing Timelapse recording
56
manual focus
quite wide (24mm)
screen size is good (3 inches)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
resolution is good (18 megapixels)
saves RAW files
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
slow max aperture (f3.3)
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
no Timelapse function
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Vlogging Comparison

Olympus FE-5020 Vlogging advice
Panasonic ZS40 Vlogging advice
28
fairly wide (24mm)
lighter than competition (137 grams)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
does not posses selfie friendly display
lack of image stabilization
low res video (640 x 480 pixels)
missing external microphone support
34
quite wide (24mm)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
provides face detect focusing
high quality video (1920 x 1080 pxls)
lighter than others (240g)
slow max aperture (f3.3)
display isn't selfie friendly
no microphone jack
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Olympus FE-5020 vs Panasonic ZS40 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Olympus FE-5020 and Panasonic ZS40
 Olympus FE-5020Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40
General Information
Manufacturer Olympus Panasonic
Model Olympus FE-5020 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40
Also Known as X-935 Lumix DMC-TZ60
Class Small Sensor Compact Small Sensor Superzoom
Released 2009-07-22 2014-01-06
Body design Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Processor TruePic III Venus Engine
Sensor type CCD CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor measurements 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor area 28.1mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 12 megapixels 18 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 4:3 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Maximum resolution 3968 x 2976 4896 x 3672
Maximum native ISO 1600 3200
Maximum boosted ISO - 6400
Min native ISO 64 100
RAW images
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Touch focus
AF continuous
Single AF
Tracking AF
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
AF live view
Face detect AF
Contract detect AF
Phase detect AF
Number of focus points - 23
Lens
Lens mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range 24-120mm (5.0x) 24-720mm (30.0x)
Max aperture f/3.3-5.8 f/3.3-6.4
Macro focus distance 1cm 3cm
Crop factor 5.8 5.8
Screen
Display type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Display size 2.7" 3"
Display resolution 230k dot 920k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Display tech - TFT LCD with AR coating
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder None Electronic
Viewfinder resolution - 200k dot
Viewfinder coverage - 100 percent
Features
Slowest shutter speed 4 seconds 4 seconds
Maximum shutter speed 1/500 seconds 1/2000 seconds
Continuous shooting speed - 10.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation - Yes
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range 4.10 m 6.40 m
Flash settings Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
External flash
AEB
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) 1920 x 1080 (60p/60i/30p), 1280 x 720 (60p/30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
Maximum video resolution 640x480 1920x1080
Video format Motion JPEG MPEG-4, AVCHD
Microphone input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless None Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None BuiltIn
Physical
Environment seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 137 gr (0.30 pounds) 240 gr (0.53 pounds)
Physical dimensions 93 x 56 x 25mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0") 111 x 64 x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3")
DXO scores
DXO All around score not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth score not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range score not tested not tested
DXO Low light score not tested not tested
Other
Battery life - 300 photos
Battery format - Battery Pack
Battery model LI-42B -
Self timer Yes (12 seconds) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse recording
Storage media xD-Picture Card, microSD SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Storage slots 1 1
Retail price $160 $450