Olympus FE-5020 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill

Below, we will be comparing the Olympus FE-5020 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Sigma. The sensor resolution of the FE-5020 (12MP) and the DP2 Merrill (15MP) is relatively similar but the FE-5020 (1/2.3") and DP2 Merrill (APS-C) possess different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FE-5020 was unveiled 3 years earlier than the DP2 Merrill which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus FE-5020 being a Compact camera and the Sigma DP2 Merrill being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go in to a thorough comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the FE-5020 matches up versus the DP2 Merrill in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus FE-5020 & Sigma DP2 Merrill. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus FE-5020 Gallery & Sigma DP2 Merrill Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera often, you'll need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus FE-5020 comes with outer dimensions 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 Sigma DP2 Merrill has measurements of 122mm x 67mm x 59mm (4.8" x 2.6" x 2.3") having a weight of 330 grams (0.73 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus FE-5020 vs Sigma DP2 Merrill in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the FE-5020 and the DP2 Merrill.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FE-5020 and DP2 Merrill is 95 and 83 respectively.

Sometimes, its tough to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions simply by reviewing a spec sheet. The image here might provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the FE-5020 and DP2 Merrill.

Clearly, each of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The FE-5020 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Sigma DP2 Merrill will offer you extra detail having an extra 3MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more aged FE-5020 is going to be behind in sensor technology.