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Olympus FE-5020

 
Olympus FE-5020 front
 
  • 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
  • Revealed July 2009
  • Alternative Name is X-935
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
95
Imaging
35
Features
20
Overall
29

Olympus FE-5020 overview

Olympus FE-5020 is Olympus's Small Sensor Compact camera first announced on July of 2009. It has a 12 MegaPixel, CCD 1/2.3" size sensor with a maximum resolution of 3968 x 2976. The camera is also known as "X-935" in some regions.

The FE-5020 is scored #197 out of 261 in Small Sensor Compact cameras and all round #1150 out of 1465 for cameras in our collection. Remember to check our Advanced camera search to see camera results based on your customized requirements.

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The following is a graph of specific criteria used in the scoring system.

Olympus FE-5020 family

The Olympus FE-5020 is part of a family of products. You can read the full list underneath.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Olympus-FE-4030 front thumbnailOlympus FE-4030
FE-5020 vs FE-4030
26-105mm
F2.6-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2010
Olympus-FE-47 front thumbnailOlympus FE-47
FE-5020 vs FE-47
36-180mm
F3.5-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2010
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Olympus-FE-4000 front thumbnailOlympus FE-4000
FE-5020 vs FE-4000
26-105mm
F2.6-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2009
Olympus-FE-5020 front thumbnailOlympus FE-502024-120mm
F3.3-5.8
12MP1/2.3"2009
Olympus-FE-45 front thumbnailOlympus FE-45
FE-5020 vs FE-45
36-108mm
F3.1-5.9
10MP1/2.3"2009
Olympus-FE-5010 front thumbnailOlympus FE-5010
FE-5020 vs FE-5010
36-180mm
F3.5-5.6
12MP1/2.3"2009
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Olympus FE-5020 Pros and Cons

Here is a checklist of advantages and drawbacks of the Olympus FE-5020 based on criterias which are often viewed as essential in a camera.

built-in flash
decently wide (24mm)
good zoom range (24-120mm 5.0 x zoom)
lighter than average (137g)
very good min ISO (64)
weather proof
can't use external flash
display isn't selfie friendly
does not have image stabilization
lack of aperture priority mode
lacks phase detect AF
lacks RAW files
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
low maximum shutter speed (1/500 seconds)
low resolution screen (230 thousand dot)
manual exposure not available
manual focus not available
missing external microphone port
missing HDMI port
missing headphone port
missing Timelapse mode
no shutter priority
resolution not great (12 megapixels)
screen is fixed
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
sluggish at long end (f5.8)
sluggish max aperture (f3.3)
small screen (2.7 inches)
video res low (640 x 480 pxls)
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Olympus FE-5020 Sensor information

The Olympus FE-5020 is powered by the TruePic III chip. The sensor measurement in the Olympus FE-5020 is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor has the ability to resolve 3968 x 2976 pixels using aspect ratios of 4:3.

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The CCD sensor boasts 12 megapixels and has a native ISO range of 64 - 1600. Unfortunately, RAW files are not supported which means that the user has less margin for error.

The graphic underneath shows the FE-5020's sensor size in comparison to other common sizes. The FE-5020 sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.8 and is outlined in green.

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To get an understanding of specific aspect ratios, you should refer to the visual below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Olympus FE-5020 dimensions

Olympus FE-5020 weighs around 0.30 lbs (137 gr / 4.83 oz) and features outside size of 93mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0"). The weight of normal Small Sensor Compact camera is 174 gr so the Olympus FE-5020 is lighter as compared to other rivals.

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Down below is a picture of the Olympus FE-5020 alongside a soda to help you have a sense of its size.

Olympus FE-5020 dimensions scale

The top view underneath will provide the button arrangement on the FE-5020.

Olympus FE-5020 topview buttons dials

Olympus FE-5020 Lens information

The FE-5020 comes with a fixed lens offering a focal range of 24-120mm making it a 5.0 x zoom which won't be huge but it is going to be helpful in some circumstances.

At it's widest 24mm, the lens offers an aperture of f3.3 and that is very sluggish and not great in low light situations and you will find it hard to capture good bokeh. You could also have to boost your ISO setting resulting in noisy pictures. At the long end, 120mm comes with f5.8 which is pretty slow and you will have to use slow shutter speeds.

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Olympus FE-5020 Connectivity

The FE-5020 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes

Cameras that consist of NFC and Bluetooth compatibility can easily be used wirelessly through smartphones. You can copy photos and oftentimes change settings with no need to connect physically with the camera.

A few apps also enable a Liveview and click the shutter whenever you aren't near the camera. If the camera boasts a HDMI out, it could be hooked up to an external monitor. Virtually all cameras enable you to recharge the battery with the USB socket.

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Olympus FE-5020 Video information

The maximum video resolution in the Olympus FE-5020 is 640 x 480 and it can record in Motion JPEG format. 480p is low by today's standards. You should target a minimum 1080p resolution for video recording. The body doesn't feature a mic and headphone socket which means you get absolutely no control over your audio. It is perhaps best to shop for an alternative model in case you need better audio in your video clips.

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Olympus FE-5020 Weather Sealing

Olympus FE-5020 has got weather sealing making it a good choice to use during rough locations. This is particularly handy when you are unsure about the elements you might encounter during outdoor photography.

Olympus FE-5020 Display and Viewfinder

The Olympus FE-5020 has a 2.7 inch fixed display screen having a resolution of 230 thousand dots.

Unfortunately the display screen is not a touch screen.

Olympus FE-5020 screen and viewfinder C500 Mark II gets new Cinema RAW Light modes from Canon

The View Finder specifications regarding Olympus FE-5020 are below:

  • ViewFinder None

Viewfinders are quite useful during sunny outdoor situations which will make the camera display washed out and very difficult to view.

Olympus FE-5020 Shutter information

The max shutter speed is 1/500 sec.

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Olympus FE-5020 Flash and Hot shoe information

Olympus FE-5020 includes just built in flash lacking external flash ability.

Olympus FE-5020 Autofocusing information

Olympus FE-5020 includes only Contrast Detect Autofocus and is missing Phase Detect Autofocus. Phase Detection focusing is a lot snappier & precise as compared to Contrast Detect focusing.

Olympus FE-5020 has no manual focus. Manual focus ability is good during low light situations or you want more precise control on focus.

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Olympus FE-5020 Battery life

The general Small Sensor Compact camera battery life is 241. Fujifilm X30 features the highest possible (470) battery life within this type of cameras.

Following is a list of Small Sensor Compact cameras which have the highest battery life:

Olympus FE-5020 for varying kinds of photography

The following diagram presents a analysis of the Olympus FE-5020 for varying kinds of photography. To understand more, go to the specific paragraph underneath.

Olympus FE-5020 Portrait photography highlights

The Olympus FE-5020 has a rating of 21 which is awful, meaning that it is not appropriate to use for portrait images. Shooting portraits favors heavily to sensor resolution, RAW support together with the option to use external lighting.

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lack of manual focus
manual exposure not possible
no external flash support
megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
has no RAW support

Olympus FE-5020 Street photography highlights

With a moderate score of 60, the Olympus FE-5020 is reasonably appropriate to buy for street photography. A good street photography camera features a good balance of image quality and portability.

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weather sealing
lighter than competitors in class (137 grams)
screen is fixed
lack of image stabilization
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files

Olympus FE-5020 Sports photography info

A awful sports photography points tally of 24 indicates the Olympus FE-5020 is not appropriate for taking pictures of sports. A camera needs to have good tracking and shutter speeds for sports photography.

OM System OM-1 Set to Enhance Autofocus
weather proof
low max shutter speed (1/500 seconds)
no shutter priority mode
does not have image stabilization
megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
has no phase detect autofocus

Olympus FE-5020 Travel photography advice

Portability is very crucial when picking a travel camera. On the whole, the Olympus FE-5020 gets a nice 65 as a travel camera which is a very decent choice for your holidays.

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lighter than competition in class (137 grams)
weather proof
flash built-in
reasonably wide (24mm)
no Time Lapse function
MP count low (12 megapixels)
doesn't feature selfie friendly screen
slow max aperture (f3.3)

Olympus FE-5020 as a Landscape photography camera

For anybody looking to purchase a digital camera for landscape photography, the most critical factor is going to be image quality. The Olympus FE-5020 and it's awful score of 31 for a landscape camera is not appropriate in the current marketplace.

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reasonably wide (24mm)
environment proof
focusing manually not possible
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.3)
small screen (2.7")
manual mode not available
does not have image stabilization
MP count low (12MP)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
has no RAW files
doesn't have Timelapse function

Olympus FE-5020 as a Vlogging camera

A vlogging camera ought to offer a articulating screen, mic input and if possible IBIS. Taking everything in to account, the Olympus FE-5020 is not appropriate for vlogging as it gets a awful score of 28.

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relatively wide (24mm)
lighter than average (137g)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.3)
doesn't offer selfie friendly display
does not have image stabilization
video quality not great (640 x 480 resolution)
missing external mic socket

Olympus FE-5020 Alternatives

If you are in the market for alternatives to the FE-5020, below is a list of the highest placed cameras that fall in to the family of Small Sensor Compact.

The chart down below offers you a summary of the FE-5020 vs it's highest ranking competitors shown previously.

These are some more cameras you may take a look at as alternative options. To review a comprehensive comparison, click the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Brand
Olympus
Model
Olympus FE-5020
Alternative name
X-935
Type
Small Sensor Compact
Revealed
2009-07-22
Body design
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CCD
Powered by
TruePic III
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor measurements
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
12 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
4:3
Full resolution
3968 x 2976
RAW files
Max native ISO
1600
Minimum native ISO
64
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detect focus
Contract detect focus
Phase detect focus
Lens
Lens mounting type
fixed lens
Lens focal range
24-120mm (5.0x)
Highest aperture
f/3.3-5.8
Macro focus distance
1cm
Crop factor
5.8
Screen
Display type
Fixed Type
Display diagonal
2.7 inches
Display resolution
230 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
None
DXO scores
DXO All around score
not tested
DXO Color Depth score
not tested
DXO Dynamic range score
not tested
DXO Low light score
not tested
Features
Slowest shutter speed
4 seconds
Maximum shutter speed
1/500 seconds
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual exposure
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash range
4.10 m
Flash settings
Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in
External flash
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions
640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps)
Max video resolution
640x480
Video format
Motion JPEG
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
137 grams (0.30 lb)
Dimensions
93 x 56 x 25mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 1.0")
Other
Battery model
LI-42B
Self timer
Yes (12 seconds)
Time lapse shooting
Storage media
xD-Picture Card, microSD
Storage slots
1
Price at launch
$160