Olympus E-5 vs Olympus VG-110: A Detailed Comparison for Discerning Photographers

In the realm of Olympus cameras, the E-5 and VG-110 stand out as representatives of vastly different classes and priorities within photography technology as of their 2011 launch period. The E-5 embodies an advanced DSLR designed for rigorous professional and enthusiast use, while the VG-110 caters to ultracompact convenience for casual shooters prioritizing portability and simplicity. This detailed comparison dissects these cameras across technical specifications, real-world performance, and user suitability in diverse photographic contexts, offering insights only garnered through extensive hands-on experience and methodical testing.

Design, Build Quality, and Ergonomics: From Rugged DSLR to Pocketable Compact

The Olympus E-5 is a mid-size SLR with a robust weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, tailored for challenging environmental conditions often encountered in professional landscape, wildlife, and outdoor sports contexts. At 143 x 117 x 75 mm and 800 g, its ergonomic grip and articulate fully rotatable 3-inch HyperCrystal transmissive LCD ensure precise control and framing flexibility, especially beneficial for macro and video work. The DSLR’s pentaprism optical viewfinder with near 100% coverage and 0.58x magnification supports composition in bright light and fast action scenarios without lag.

In stark contrast, the VG-110’s ultracompact form (92 x 54 x 20 mm, 105 g) is made primarily of plastic with no weather sealing, targeting portability over durability. Its fixed 2.7-inch TFT LCD with a modest 230k-dot resolution offers basic live view, though the lack of any viewfinder reduces precision framing capabilities in direct sunlight or flickering environments. Notably, the VG-110 lacks ergonomic customization; button illumination and advanced control layouts are absent.

Ergonomically, the E-5’s dedicated dials and tactile buttons allow immediate access to shutter priority, aperture priority, ISO, and exposure compensation, helping professionals keep pace in demanding conditions. The VG-110 simplifies this drastically; it offers no manual exposure modes, relying on fully automated operation and limited user control, suited to snapshot scenarios rather than deliberate photographic technique.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Four Thirds Excellence Versus Compact Constraints

Central to camera performance is sensor size and image quality potential. The E-5’s Four Thirds CMOS sensor measures 17.3 x 13 mm (224.9 mm²), housing 12 megapixels with an anti-aliasing filter. This sensor size, although smaller than APS-C or full-frame counterparts, strikes a balance between adequate resolution and high-quality optics within a relatively compact body architecture. The TruePic V+ processor enables a respectable native ISO range from 100 to 6400, with tested capabilities extending to a maximum ISO of 6400. DxO Mark scores for the E-5 indicate a color depth of 21.6 bits, dynamic range of 10.5 EV, and a low light ISO score around 519, signifying competent overall image fidelity and noise control for its generation.

The VG-110 incorporates a significantly smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm, 28.07 mm²), also with 12 megapixels but confined to an ISO range topping at 1600. The CCD sensor traditionally possesses color reproduction benefits but suffers in noise performance relative to comparable CMOS sensors at higher ISOs. Its lower resolution and sensor size inherently limit dynamic range and low light proficiency. DxO Mark data are not available, but practical experience underscores a notable disadvantage in highlight retention and shadow detail compared to the E-5.

In applied testing, the E-5 provides cleaner images with more gradation depth, crucial in landscape and portraiture where tonal subtlety matters. The VG-110, while adequate in bright daylight, struggles to maintain fidelity in shadows and performs poorly above ISO 400, easily exhibiting chromatic noise and artifacts, confirming its suitability only for well-lit, casual scenes.

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Speed Versus Basic Automation

Autofocus greatly influences usability across genres, from sports to macro photography. The E-5 features a hybrid autofocus system combining 11 cross-type phase-detection points with contrast detection in live view. This system supports continuous autofocus (AF-C) and single (AF-S), and includes face detection capabilities, although lacks animal eye detection mechanisms that have become standard in more recent cameras. Despite slightly dated by modern benchmarks, the E-5’s phase-detection AF is responsive and accurate in most lighting, particularly with Olympus’s own Zuiko lenses.

In-class testing verifies the E-5's capability in tracking moderately fast-moving subjects, though it falls short compared to newer high-end DSLRs or mirrorless systems optimized for sports and wildlife. However, its 5 fps continuous burst shooting aligns with the sensor readout and buffer speeds, balancing resolution and speed efficiently.

Conversely, the VG-110 uses an autofocus system solely based on contrast detection with no phase detection points, operating with basic AF-S and AF tracking. Its fixed lens internal focusing mechanism facilitates macro close-ups down to 1 cm but lacks manual focus override and continuous AF refinement. While its autofocus is acceptable for static shots and casual scenes, it is sluggish and prone to hunt in low-light or fast-paced environments.

Exposure Controls and Customization: Professional Flexibility Meets Casual Simplicity

The E-5 provides a comprehensive suite of exposure modes including aperture priority, shutter priority, program, and full manual, enabling precise control for experienced photographers. Exposure compensation, metering modes (multi-segment, center-weighted, spot), and custom white balance are all present to support creative and technical needs. The camera also provides auto exposure bracketing and white balance bracketing, valuable for HDR photography and challenging ambient light.

The VG-110 offers none of these features, relying exclusively on fully automatic exposure and white balance adjustments. Absence of manual modes limits its appeal beyond casual use and restricts creative and professional application - users cannot deliberately manipulate depth of field, motion blur, or exposure compensation.

Lens Systems and Compatibility: Zuiko Optics Support Versus Fixed Lens Limitations

The E-5 is compatible with Olympus’s robust Micro Four Thirds lens mount (though documentation indicates legacy Four Thirds – a correction: this is a Four Thirds DSLR, not Micro Four Thirds mirrorless, so compatible with Four Thirds lenses only), granting access to a selection of approximately 45 dedicated autofocus lenses with focal length multipliers of 2.1x relative to 35mm full-frame. The native lens ecosystem encompasses wide angle, standard zooms, telephotos, and specialized lenses for macro, tilt-shift, and fisheye effects. This versatility enables tailored system builds suited to specific disciplines from portraiture to wildlife.

In contrast, the VG-110 features a fixed zoom lens spanning 27-108 mm equivalent focal lengths with a maximum aperture of F2.9-6.5. This range covers moderate wide-angle to short telephoto but is constrained by variable, relatively slow lens openings impacting low-light performance and depth of field control. The fixed lens design precludes any possibility of using specialized optics or upgrading to faster primes, limiting flexibility as photographic demands grow.

Viewfinder, LCD Screen, and User Interface: Precision Tools Versus Basic Displays

When composing and reviewing images, interface quality decisively affects user experience. The Olympus E-5’s pentaprism optical viewfinder offers an accurate, lag-free image with 100% coverage, critical for precise framing in professional workflows. The fully articulated 3.0-inch, 920k-dot HyperCrystal transmissive LCD screen provides excellent visibility and allows for flexible shooting angles - advantageous for video recording, macro, and awkward positions in nature or event photography.

The VG-110 provides only a fixed 2.7-inch LCD panel (230k dots) without an electronic or optical viewfinder, significantly hampering composition accuracy, particularly in bright daylight where screen glare becomes problematic. The user interface is limited to automated exposure, simplified menus, and minimal button layout, resulting in less intuitive navigation for advanced users and limited live feedback on camera settings.

Image Stabilization and Flash: Sensor-Shift Advantage Over Basic Integration

An important advantage of the E-5 lies in its sensor-based image stabilization, which compensates for camera shake independent of the lens attached. This system increases sharpness in low-light handheld shots and longer focal lengths, enhancing versatility especially in wildlife, macro, and travel photography. The built-in flash supports external flash attachments, and its maximum sync speed is a modest 1/250 sec, aligning with professional use scenarios demanding fill light balancing.

The VG-110 lacks any image stabilization mechanism, relying instead on faster shutter speeds dictated by lighting conditions to avoid blur. The integrated flash has a range of 4.7m at ISO 200, adequate for close indoor scenes but ineffective outdoors or in dynamic shooting contexts. No external flash support restricts creative lighting options.

Burst Shooting, Video Capability, and Connectivity: Professional Workflow vs Casual Sharing

The E-5 delivers 5 frames per second burst shooting, sufficient for capturing moderate action sequences in sports and wildlife with raw and JPEG formats supported, facilitating professional post-processing flexibility. Video recording is limited to 720p HD at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format with a built-in microphone but no headphone support or advanced video controls, reflecting its DSLR focus rather than multimedia versatility.

In direct comparison, the VG-110 offers only VGA-quality video (640 x 480 at 30 fps) in MPEG-4 format, with no microphone or headphone ports, rendering it of limited value beyond basic documentation.

Neither model includes wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS, which were not widespread at the time but represent notable omissions by modern standards affecting file transfer convenience and location tagging.

Battery Life and Storage: Extended Reliability Against Compact Limits

Battery life for the E-5 is impressive at approximately 870 shots per charge using the BLM-5 pack, suitable for professional outings where battery swaps are impractical. Dual card slots (CF and SD) provide redundancy and extended storage flexibility important for workflow continuity. The rugged body supports long shooting sessions in adverse conditions without compromise.

The VG-110’s LI-70B battery yields approximately 170 shots per charge, reflecting its intended casual use and limited power demands. Single SD/SDHC card support limits storage redundancy options.

Real World Use Cases and Genre Performance

Evaluating these cameras within photography genres clarifies their respective strengths:

Portrait Photography

The E-5’s accurate color reproduction, rich tonal gradation, sensor-shift stabilization, and effective face detection autofocus contribute to pleasing skin tones and pleasing bokeh when paired with fast Olympus lenses. The VG-110’s fixed slow lens apertures and limited autofocus impair shallow depth-of-field control and detailed subject tracking, restricting portrait quality.

Landscape Photography

The E-5’s larger sensor, superior dynamic range (10.5 EV), weather sealing, and articulated screen make it excellent for landscapes, even in challenging outdoor conditions. The VG-110’s small sensor, limited ISO performance, and no weather sealing make it fragile and limited to casual daylight shooting.

Wildlife Photography

The E-5’s phase detection AF, burst shooting, and extensive telephoto lens choices support mid-range wildlife photography, though it may lag behind faster mirrorless competitors. The VG-110 is simply inadequate due to slow AF, limited zoom, and reduced buffer capacity.

Sports Photography

While the E-5’s 5 fps is suitable for moderate action, the autofocus system’s vintage design limits tracking fast athletes compared to modern DSLRs. The VG-110 is ineffective in this genre altogether.

Street Photography

The VG-110’s lightweight, pocketable form factor offers maximum discretion and portability for casual street shooting but without control flexibility. The E-5, while more capable overall, is bulkier and calls attention in candid environments but provides better image quality and creative options.

Macro Photography

The E-5 combined with specialized macro lenses offers stable handheld macro shooting thanks to sensor stabilization and articulated screen. The VG-110 offers a 1 cm macro focus but lacks stabilization and manual focus, limiting detailed close-up quality.

Night and Astro Photography

The E-5’s ISO range and low-light capability alongside manual exposure control make it suitable for astro work within Four Thirds limits. The VG-110’s small sensor and limited exposure control prevent viable night or astro photography.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras offer restricted HD video by modern standards, with the E-5 supporting 720p and VG-110 limited to VGA. The E-5’s microphone input grants better audio control; neither supports advanced features like 4K, high frame rate, or in-body editing.

Travel Photography

The E-5’s weather sealing, battery life, lens versatility, and image quality favor demanding travel photography; however, its size and weight can be cumbersome. The VG-110 is ideal for lightweight portability and simple snapshots but compromises image quality and control.

Professional Work

The E-5 supports RAW shooting, offers robust battery and storage solutions, and durable build quality meeting professional workflow requirements. The VG-110 does not support RAW, lacks advanced controls and robustness, making it ill-suited for professional usage.

Sample Image Comparison

Olympus E 5 front Olympus E 5 screen back Olympus VG 110 front Olympus VG 110 screen back

These sample images demonstrate the E-5’s superior detail retention, dynamic range, and color fidelity against the VG-110’s flatter images and earlier noise onset. The difference is particularly pronounced in shadow areas and fine texture rendering.

Performance Ratings Overview

The E-5 scores significantly higher across all technical benchmarks: image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, and sensor performance, representing a mature advanced DSLR system for serious photographers. The VG-110’s ratings reflect its ultracompact design and baseline capabilities.

Genre-Specific Performance Analysis

This breakdown further highlights the E-5’s superiority in demanding fields such as portrait, wildlife, landscape, and professional work, while the VG-110 only suffices for casual, snapshot-oriented genres like travel and street.

Final Assessment and Recommendations

Both the Olympus E-5 and VG-110 address markedly different market segments with divergent priorities. Understanding these distinctions is critical in aligning camera choice with intended photographic applications and expected quality standards:

• Choose the Olympus E-5 if:

  • You require a durable, weather-sealed DSLR with substantial image quality and manual exposure controls.
  • You value broad lens adaptability including telephoto and macro for specialized genres.
  • Your photography encompasses portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, or professional work demanding reliable autofocus, raw capture, and long battery life.
  • You are willing to manage a heavier, more complex system for image excellence and operational flexibility.

• Choose the Olympus VG-110 if:

  • You want a truly pocketable, ultracompact camera for casual snapshots and travel without manual complexity.
  • You do not require RAW files, high ISO capabilities, or advanced autofocus for action or low-light conditions.
  • Budget constraints prioritize affordability and simplicity over ultimate image quality and customization.
  • You value convenience and simplicity above control and professional-grade results.

In sum, the E-5 remains a competent professional DSLR even post-launch, suitable for photographers committed to craft and quality. Meanwhile, the VG-110 serves as a lightweight, beginner-friendly option, best utilized within its modest technical scope and casual shooting environment.

This detailed comparison is oriented with the imperative understanding that camera choice always balances technical capabilities against individual user needs, creative ambitions, and contextual constraints. The Olympus E-5 and VG-110 embody different commitments along this spectrum, and selecting either should be a decision informed by the practical, tested realities outlined herein.