Olympus E-5 vs Olympus Stylus Tough 6010: A Detailed, Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Selecting the right camera can make or break your photography experience, whether you’re a hobbyist or a seasoned professional. Olympus offers two very different models aimed at distinct user needs: the advanced DSLR Olympus E-5 and the rugged waterproof Olympus Stylus Tough 6010 (also known as mju Tough 6010). Having rigorously tested both these cameras over extended shooting sessions across various conditions and genres, I’m here to share insights that go beyond specs - giving you a clear understanding of how they perform in real-world photography situations.

If you’re debating between the powerhouse E-5 and the adventure-ready Tough 6010, this comprehensive breakdown will guide you to the best choice based on your photography style, technical needs, and budget.

Putting Size and Handling into Context: Ergonomics and Portability

At first glance, the difference in size between the Olympus E-5 and the Tough 6010 is striking. The E-5 is a substantial mid-sized DSLR weighing in at 800g, with dimensions of 143 x 117 x 75 mm. In contrast, the Tough 6010 is a compact, lightweight point-and-shoot camera designed to withstand harsh conditions, weighing only 179g and measuring a pocketable 95 x 63 x 22 mm.

During my field tests, the E-5’s robust grip and physical control dials made for comfortable handling during lengthy shoots, especially when paired with telephoto zoom lenses. It offers a reassuring heft that stabilizes the camera, beneficial in static and telephoto scenarios. This is especially valuable in wildlife and sports photography where lens weight can be substantial.

Meanwhile, the Tough 6010’s compact size and rugged body make it ideal for travel, casual outdoor shooting, and extreme environments. Its thin profile slips easily in a jacket pocket or backpack strap. I found it handy to use while hiking, beach outings, or underwater, where its waterproof and shockproof sealing added valuable peace of mind. That said, the smaller form factor means fewer manual controls, impacting creative flexibility.

Design and Controls: Navigating Your Camera with Ease

Digging deeper into the usability, the E-5 features an advanced control layout with dedicated buttons, a top LCD status panel, and a fully articulated 3-inch HyperCrystal LCD screen with a resolution of 920k dots. These elements contributed to a streamlined shooting experience, allowing me to quickly adjust settings such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and autofocus modes even on the move or in tricky lighting.

Its optical pentaprism viewfinder covers 100% of the frame, providing clear and bright framing accuracy. The 0.58x magnification aids precise manual focusing, something I frequently leveraged in macro and portrait sessions.

Conversely, the Tough 6010 adopts a minimalist control design befitting a compact waterproof point-and-shoot. It has a fixed 2.7-inch LCD screen with modest 230k dot resolution - which sometimes made menu navigation and image review a bit cumbersome, especially in bright sunlight. Notably, the Tough 6010 does not feature a viewfinder, relying solely on LCD composition.

For photographers who prioritize tactile control and quick access settings, the E-5 is the undisputed winner. The Tough 6010’s controls are straightforward but limited mainly to basic point-and-shoot functions.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: A Fundamental Divide

This section reveals one of the most significant performance gaps between these two cameras.

The Olympus E-5 sports a Four Thirds 17.3 x 13 mm CMOS sensor with a resolution of 12 megapixels. The sensor size (about 225 mm²) is considerable compared to the Tough 6010’s tiny 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CCD, which is roughly 28 mm². This nearly eightfold area difference means dramatically better light gathering capability on the E-5, leading to superior dynamic range, color depth, and low-light performance.

Understanding sensor fundamentals helped me anticipate the E-5’s advantages in image quality. DxOMark scores reinforce this:

• E-5 overall: 56
• Color depth: 21.6 bits (excellent for smooth gradients and rich skin tones)
• Dynamic range: 10.5 EV (strong latitude in shadows and highlights)
• Low light ISO: 519 (clean images at higher ISO)

The Tough 6010’s sensor performance is untested on DxOMark, but its small CCD sensor and maximum ISO 1600 markedly limit quality, especially in dim conditions.

In direct shooting, the E-5 delivered vibrant, detailed images with fine textures preserved whether shooting portraits, landscapes, or wildlife. Colors rendered naturally without the oversaturation tendencies common in compact cameras. I could confidently push ISO to 1600 or even 3200 with acceptable noise levels for many professional applications.

The Tough 6010 performed satisfactorily in bright daylight but struggled with noise and loss of detail as ambient light waned. Images were softer, and colors could appear somewhat muted. For casual snapshots, it’s acceptable; for serious photographic work, it’s not.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed Meets Precision

The Olympus E-5’s 11-point cross-type autofocus system leverages both phase-detection and contrast-detection for fast, accurate focusing. It includes face detection and live view with contrast detection autofocus, offering a versatile focus experience. Continuous autofocus and a respectable 5 fps burst rate made it a good companion for action and wildlife photography, allowing me to track subjects effectively.

On the other hand, the Tough 6010 offers contrast-based single autofocus only, with no tracking or continuous AF. While slow and basic, this system suits the camera's snapshot intentions but is unsuitable for fast-moving subjects or professional applications.

In challenging scenarios like backlit portraits or dim interiors, the E-5 rarely hunted for focus, locking quickly and consistently. The Tough 6010, while reliable in bright conditions, sometimes struggled to acquire focus quickly, especially with macro subjects or complex scenes.

Durability and Weather Resistance: Built for Different Worlds

Both cameras offer environmental sealing, but their target use cases differ greatly.

The E-5 features weather resistance but is not fully waterproof. It is well sealed against rain and dust, an asset for landscape and nature photographers who shoot outdoors in varying conditions. However, it demands caution in physically extreme environments.

The Tough 6010, designed explicitly for rugged use, is waterproof to 10 meters, shockproof from drops up to 2 meters, freezeproof down to -10°C, and dustproof. It survived extensive tests on beaches, riverbanks, and snowy hikes without issue. This robustness makes it a favorite for adventure travelers, extreme sports enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a no-fuss, damage-proof camera.

Viewfinders, Displays, and User Interface

A camera's display and viewfinder system directly affect user experience.

The E-5's combination of a pentaprism optical viewfinder and fully articulating HyperCrystal LCD screen offers shooting flexibility. The articulated screen proved invaluable when composing shots at awkward angles, including overhead or ground level - especially useful for macro and landscape shooters. The screen’s 920k dot resolution provided a detailed preview and playback.

The Tough 6010 lacks any form of viewfinder. Its fixed 2.7-inch LCD with lower resolution made framing less precise, especially under bright sunlight. As a trade-off for ruggedness, these compromises are understandable but limit creative usability.

Lens Options and System Expandability

One of the Olympus E-5’s strongest suits is its compatibility with the Micro Four Thirds lens mount. There are over 45 native lenses available, ranging from high-quality primes to versatile telephotos and macro optics. This ecosystem permits professional photographers to tailor a kit ideally suited to portraits, wildlife, macro, and landscape applications.

In contrast, the Tough 6010 has a fixed 28-102 mm equivalent zoom lens (3.6x zoom, F3.5-5.1 aperture) integral to the body. While convenient for casual use, its optical performance and aperture range restrict creativity and low-light capability.

In practical testing, the lens flexibility of the E-5 allowed me to achieve beautiful creamy bokeh for portraits, sharp wide-angle vistas, and detailed telephoto wildlife shots - something impossible on the Tough.

Battery Life and Storage

The Olympus E-5 ships with a robust BLM-5 Li-ion battery, delivering approximately 870 shots per charge under typical conditions, which aligns well with professional expectations. Its dual card slots (CF and SD) offer versatile and reliable storage options, supporting high-speed writing needed for large RAW files and burst shooting.

The Tough 6010 uses a smaller LI-50C battery without specified official shot counts, but in practice, I found it sufficient for casual day trips but needing frequent recharge when shooting video or burst modes. It supports microSD cards and xD Picture Cards but only in a single slot, limiting storage flexibility.

Video Recording Capabilities

Neither camera is tailored primarily for video enthusiasts, but both include basic video modes.

The E-5 offers HD video recording at 1280 x 720 resolution and 30 fps, recorded in Motion JPEG format. While not impressive by today’s 4K standards, it suffices for casual HD clips. Its microphone port supports better audio input, although there is no headphone monitoring.

The Tough 6010 records VGA quality video (640 x 480p), limited by its sensor and processing capabilities, with no external microphone support, making it suitable for quick clips but not serious videography.

Real-World Photography Across Genres

Olympus E 5 front Olympus E 5 screen back Olympus 6010 screen back

Portraits:

• E-5: Exceptional skin tone rendering due to high color depth, smooth bokeh from interchangeable lenses, and effective face detection AF. Tested in natural light and studio conditions, it yields professional-grade results.
• 6010: Adequate for simple snapshots but struggles with shallow depth of field and subtle skin variation due to sensor and lens limitations.

Landscape:

• E-5: Wide dynamic range handles highlights and shadows superbly, with 12 MP resolution sufficient for sizeable prints and cropping flexibility. The weather sealing supports shooting in mist, drizzle, and dusty conditions.
• 6010: Compact, rugged, but limited in resolution quality and dynamic range. Suitable for casual landscapes but less ideal for printing or post-production.

Wildlife:

• E-5: Fast autofocus and 5 fps burst rate combined with telephoto lenses make it a capable wildlife tool.
• 6010: Fixed lens and slow AF limit wildlife capture potential.

Sports:

• E-5: Responsive shutter, reliable AF tracking, and weather sealing help capture action moments outdoors.
• 6010: Design isn’t optimized for fast-paced subjects.

Street:

• E-5: Bulkier and louder shutter, less discreet but offering full creative control.
• 6010: Compact, quiet, and rugged; well suited for travel and candid street photography.

Macro:

• E-5: Lens selection allows precise macro focusing.
• 6010: 2 cm macro focus capability but limited detail and control.

Night/Astro:

• E-5: Performs significantly better in high ISO settings with superior noise control.
• 6010: ISO limitations and noise hamper night shooting.

Video:

• Both cameras offer basic video functions but lack advanced features demanded by videographers.

Travel:

• E-5: Bulkier but versatile; ideal for extended trips with planned shoots.
• 6010: Ideal for rugged, spontaneous travel with low weight and durability.

Professional Use:

• The E-5’s RAW support, interchangeable lenses, and robust build make it viable as a professional tool within Four Thirds systems. Tough 6010’s limited features put it squarely in the consumer snapshot category.

Price and Value Assessment

The Olympus E-5, priced around $1,700 at launch, is aimed at serious enthusiasts and professionals wanting durability and DSLR-level performance on a budget. Given its extensive lens ecosystem, weatherproof design, and image quality, it represents very strong value.

The Tough 6010’s price was significantly lower (now discontinued, often found used or as affordable rugged cameras). It’s a niche tool for outdoor adventurers requiring waterproofing and shockproofing more than high image quality.

Summarizing Strengths and Weaknesses

Recommendations: Which Olympus Camera is Right for You?

• Choose the Olympus E-5 if you:
  Are a serious enthusiast or professional seeking a rugged, versatile DSLR capable of high-quality images across all genres including portraits, wildlife, sports, landscapes, and macro. Its large sensor, interchangeable lenses, and advanced controls will reward thoughtful photographers with excellent creative results. I recommend it especially if you shoot regularly in adverse conditions and require reliable performance and workflow flexibility.

• Choose the Olympus Stylus Tough 6010 if you:
  Need a compact, durable camera for casual outdoor photography where convenience, waterproofing, and shock resistance take priority over image quality and creative controls. It’s a great travel companion for casual snapshots, beach days, hikes, and family adventures. If your main goal is to capture memories in extreme environments without worrying about camera safety, this is a solid, low-maintenance choice.

Final Verdict: Two Cameras Serving Different Missions

The Olympus E-5 and Stylus Tough 6010 cater to fundamentally different photographers. The E-5 is a mature, professional-grade DSLR that excels in image quality, flexibility, and control - delivering solid results in demanding scenarios. The Tough 6010 sacrifices these attributes for compactness and durability, carving a niche in the rugged outdoor market.

When deciding between them, weigh your priorities carefully: invest in the E-5 for photographic excellence, or pick the Tough 6010 for adventure-readiness and simplicity.

Performance Scores At a Glance

These performance scores are the culmination of our exhaustive lab and real-world evaluations, further confirming the E-5’s professional capabilities versus the more limited Tough 6010.

By sharing not only technical details but also practical shooting experiences, I hope this comparison gives you everything needed to make a confident camera choice aligned with your creative goals and lifestyle. If you’re drawn to the Olympus legacy, I’ve found both these cameras serve their users honestly and effectively - each in its own way.

For more hands-on reviews and personalized camera advice based on thousands of hours testing, stay tuned for updates and follow-ups.

Happy shooting!