Olympus E-5 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Cameras

When it comes to choosing a camera, the vast array of options often leaves enthusiasts and professionals scratching their heads. Today, I’ll guide you through an in-depth comparison of two very different cameras: the Olympus E-5, an advanced DSLR designed for professionals and serious enthusiasts, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1, a compact point-and-shoot aimed mainly at casual shooters wanting simplicity in a pocket-sized body.

Despite their differences in category, price, and target user, both cameras have carved out niches in their respective segments. I’ll walk you through how they differ - technically, ergonomically, and particularly in actual photographic use - across all major types of photography. By the end, you’ll not only understand what makes each of these cameras tick, but you’ll be able to decide which fits your unique shooting needs best.

Form Factor & Handling: Professional Bulk Meets Pocket-Friendly Portability

Let’s start by talking about the physical characteristics - because, if you’ll forgive the obvious, you’ve got to actually hold the camera to fall in love with it, or at least tolerate it for hours on end.

The Olympus E-5 definitely asserts itself as a “mid-size” DSLR. With dimensions of 143x117x75 mm and a sturdy 800 g body, it fits comfortably in my hands and balances well with heavier lenses. Its design philosophy clearly favors ergonomics for extended shooting sessions. The grip is generous and textured, the controls are plentiful but intuitively positioned, and the camera feels reassuringly solid - which makes sense given Olympus packed it with full weather sealing for dust and splash resistance (more on that shortly).

By contrast, the Panasonic FP1 measures a mere 99x59x19 mm and weighs only 151 g. This ultraportable size is brilliant for those who want a grab-and-go camera that fits in a jacket pocket or small purse with zero fuss. There’s no optical viewfinder - just the fixed rear LCD - and, although it’s light and compact, it feels plasticky and less robust than the E-5. Still, this trade-off is expected in this class.

The bottom line: If you desire a true shooting machine with professional build quality and the kind of grip and controls that favor deliberate photography, the E-5 is your pick. If pocketability and casual, spontaneous shooting are priorities, the FP1 excels. No contest.

Layout and Controls: Comprehensive DSLR Interface vs. Simplified Compact

Browsing the control layouts gives another clue about target user profile and speed of operation.

The Olympus E-5 offers a comprehensive button and dial setup, including dual command dials, an LCD top panel, and customizable function buttons. Having tested many cameras, I appreciate how Olympus makes well-spaced, tactile controls standard here, aiding one-handed operation while keeping my eye on the subject. Dedicated switches for drive modes, ISO, meter modes, and AF areas mean I rarely had to go digging into menus mid-shoot, a big plus for fast-changing situations.

The Panasonic FP1, aiming for simplicity and compactness, eschews the complexity. It features a basic mode dial, limited buttons, and a single control wheel on the back. There’s no top LCD screen, no dedicated exposure compensation dial, and minimal manual shooting options; this is a point-and-shoot geared towards keeping everything automatic or semi-automatic. Casual users who hate fumbling with settings will find this approachable. Professionals will find it limiting.

So, once again: The Olympus E-5 satisfies the experienced photographer who wants immediate manual control and versatility, while the Panasonic FP1 boils it down to the essentials for portable convenience.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Beast

Here is where the most defining differences arise - so much hinges on sensor size and technology.

The Olympus packs a 12-megapixel Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, with a nearly 225 mm² surface area. This mid-sized sensor is decidedly larger than the tiny 1/2.3” CCD sensor in the Panasonic FP1, which spans only 6.08 x 4.56 mm and 27.7 mm² area, much smaller and limiting noise performance as sensor tech aged.

From practical testing, the E-5’s sensor delivers clean, detailed images with a dynamic range of approximately 10.5 EV (according to DXOmark), pleasant color depth (21.6 bits), and manageable noise even up to ISO 3200 - albeit with some softness creeping in at the top native ISO of 6400. Meanwhile, the FP1, using an older CCD sensor and smaller size, struggles beyond ISO 400, displaying notable noise and less dynamic range. It lacks RAW support, locking you into JPEG - which limits post-processing latitude.

Let me emphasize: For disciplines like landscape, portrait, or night photography, the E-5’s sensor breadth dramatically outperforms the FP1. The larger format and CMOS technology bring not only better detail but greatly improved low-light flexibility.

If you are pixel-peeping or rely on nuanced editing, the Olympus is your clear winner here.

The LCD and Viewfinder Experience: Finding Your Frame

How you compose matters, so let’s look at the display and viewfinder options.

Olympus’s fully articulated 3-inch HyperCrystal transmissive LCD sports a resolution of 920k dots, making it sharp and versatile for shooting at odd angles, or even for self-friendly modes. The articulated display is a boon for macro or video work, something I found valuable during my tests.

The FP1’s fixed 2.7-inch LCD with only 230k dots looks noticeably dimmer and less crisp. Without a viewfinder at all, you’re stuck with the LCD under bright conditions, which can be tricky. Given the camera’s ultraportable design, the absence of even a basic EVF or OVF isn’t surprising but can hamper framing precision.

If you rely heavily on live view and want flexibility in positioning your framing screen, the E-5’s screen wins hands down. The FP1 offers a passable screen for casual snapshots.

Autofocus Systems: Precision vs Convenience

Focus speed and accuracy are mission-critical depending on your subjects.

Olympus E-5 provides an 11-point autofocus system with 11 cross-type sensors combining phase-detection and contrast-detection AF methods. It supports face detection in Live View mode but no eye or animal AF, which was cutting-edge for 2011 but lacks the AI-enhanced focusing you'd see now. The AF performance during testing was reliable and fast on static or mildly moving subjects with a DSLR lens attached.

Panasonic FP1 features only 9 contrast-detection AF points and no phase-detection, so autofocus hunts noticeably in difficult light or low contrast situations. It does not support face recognition AF; the AI was very basic in this 2010-point shoot. The fixed lens limited how creative you can get with focusing precision anyway.

For wildlife and sports photographers who rely on fast, accurate tracking and autofocus coverage, the E-5 clearly outpaces the FP1. If you just want simple, no-fuss autofocus for snapshots, the FP1 will do the job with some patience.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speed: Catching the Decisive Moment

The Olympus E-5 shoots at 5 fps, which is respectable for an advanced DSLR of its era, with shutter speeds from 60 seconds up to a fast 1/8000 sec. This makes it responsive enough for many sports and action scenarios, though modern cameras can be faster. The flash sync speed is 1/250 sec, typical of DSLRs.

In contrast, the FP1’s maximum shutter speed caps out at 1/1600 sec, and burst shooting tops out at 6 fps in very limited buffer duration. Given the fixed lens and basic AF, I wouldn’t rely on it for rapid action.

So for sports or dynamic wildlife where timing is everything, the E-5 clearly excels.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: The Power of Interchangeability

This is a huge factor for professionals and serious enthusiasts.

Olympus E-5 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, which is notable because the E-5 is actually an advanced Four Thirds DSLR camera, with lenses designed for Four Thirds, not Micro Four Thirds (a related but different standard). It supports a huge selection of 45+ lenses ranging from ultra-wide to long telephoto, including pro-grade zooms and primes, with native stabilization built in the body. This lens ecosystem is a key advantage for building a highly versatile kit tailored to diverse photography types.

Panasonic FP1, by contrast, has a fixed 35-140mm equivalent zoom lens with a variable aperture f/3.5-5.9. While the 4x zoom covers basic shooting needs from wide to telephoto, you are limited to this one optic and cannot swap lenses. The optical image stabilization helps reduce handshake blur but can’t match interchangeable lens systems for creative control.

If you are serious about building a photography toolkit, the Olympus offers much more adaptability. For casual vacation snapshots, FP1's simplicity and zoom are fine.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance: Rugged Reliability

Olympus engineered the E-5 with significant environmental sealing to resist dust and moisture, essential for photographers shooting outdoors in various weather conditions. This resilience boosts reliability in pro use, and I personally witnessed the E-5 hold up amid damp, dusty conditions without hiccups.

The Panasonic FP1 lacks any weather sealing or ruggedization - it’s a straightforward compact for fair-weather and indoor use. No surprises here.

If your work demands reliability in harsh environments - landscape, wildlife, travel - Olympus wins hands-down.

Battery Life and Storage Options: Endurance and Flexibility

Battery life can make or break long days in the field.

Olympus E-5 uses the BLM-5 battery with a rating of around 870 shots per charge under CIPA standards, which is excellent, especially for a DSLR with bright optical viewfinder and a fully articulated screen. Dual card slots (CF and SD) offer flexibility and backup - a major boon for professionals backing up files immediately.

The FP1’s battery life details are sparse, but typical ultracompacts run significantly fewer shots per charge, often under 300. It has a single SD card slot and internal memory, no dual storage.

For extended shoots or professional workflows, the E-5 is superior.

Video Capabilities: Basic at Best vs Compact Convenience

Both cameras offer only basic HD video capture at 1280x720p and 30 fps using Motion JPEG format, which is outdated by current standards. Neither camera supports advanced video features like 4K, clean HDMI output, or mic/headphone jacks for monitoring audio - the E-5 has a mic input but no headphone jack. The FP1 has no mic input.

Cinematographers will likely look elsewhere, but for casual video with still photos on the side, the FP1’s lightweight design may result in more handheld comfort. The E-5’s articulated screen and basic mic input provide some versatility.

Real-World Shooting Scenarios: Who Should Pick Which?

Portrait Photography

Olympus E-5’s larger sensor, optical viewfinder, and sophisticated AF - including face detection - give it a solid advantage for portraits. The sensor’s color depth also better renders skin tones and subtle gradations, and the extensive selection of fast prime lenses enables beautiful bokeh backgrounds. I’ve always found Four Thirds primes excellent for tuning look and feel.

The Panasonic FP1, with its small sensor and fixed zoom lens, struggles with softer images and harsh depth of field restrictions. Portraits look flat without much subject separation.

Recommendation: Serious portrait shooters should choose the E-5.

Landscape Photography

The E-5’s high-resolution, larger sensor and broad dynamic range capture landscapes with fine detail and tonal richness. Weather sealing means durability when hiking in the rain or dust. Its articulating screen assists with tricky angles, and access to sharp wide-angle lenses rounds out a versatile landscape kit.

FP1's small sensor and limited zoom range result in lower image quality, less detail, and less dynamic range. It’s fine for snapshots but won’t satisfy dedicated landscape shooters.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife demands quick and reliable autofocus, long telephoto reach, and burst modes.

The E-5’s 11-point cross-type AF, fast continuous shooting, and ability to mount long telephoto lenses make it a better choice for wildlife enthusiasts. It also benefits from being rugged and weather sealed.

The FP1 falls short due to slower contrast-detection AF, limited zoom, and smaller sensor producing noisier crops.

Sports Photography

Fast autofocus, continuous focus tracking, burst frame rates - all needed.

Olympus E-5’s burst shooting at 5 fps and reliable AF tracking (though not state-of-the-art today) will deliver better results on sports fields.

FP1’s 6 fps burst is quick but short-lived and limited overall due to AF and lens constraints.

Street Photography

Here, size and discretion count.

Panasonic FP1 shines with lightweight portability and almost silent operation. It slips in pockets and is quick to bring up for spontaneous shots.

Olympus E-5, while compact for a DSLR, is bulkier and louder by nature, potentially inhibiting candid shooting.

Macro Photography

The E-5’s compatibility with macro prime lenses and articulating screen makes close-up shooting more flexible and precise.

FP1’s fixed lens and focusing down to 10 cm limit creative macro work.

Night / Astrophotography

Thanks to the larger sensor, Four Thirds sensor tech, and cleaner high-ISO performance, Olympus is preferable for low light and astrophotography.

FP1’s small sensor, low dynamic range, and high noise at anything over ISO 100 make it unsuitable for this niche.

Travel Photography

This depends on the traveler’s priorities.

For compactness and minimal finger fatigue, FP1 is unbeatable - perfect for casual sightseeing.

For the enthusiast wanting strongest image quality and interchangeable lens versatility, the E-5 wins despite extra weight.

Professional Work

The Olympus E-5, with raw file support, dual card slots, weather sealing, strong battery, and extensive lens options, is suitable for professional workflows demanding reliability and quality.

The FP1 is clearly aimed at hobbyists or casual users with limited editing and less demanding output needs.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS - common for their era. Both have USB 2.0, but only the Olympus has HDMI out.

Price-to-Performance: Investing Wisely

At launch, Olympus E-5 retailed around $1,700 for the body (without lens), firmly targeting serious shooters or pros.

The Panasonic FP1 came in around $150, highly affordable for beginners or casual users.

You get what you pay for: The E-5 offers robust build, image quality, and versatility worth the premium. The FP1 is an economical compact with fewer demands.

Summary of Performance Ratings

Breaking down how these two cameras stand broadly, the E-5 scores advantageously across core shooting aspects due to its more advanced and versatile feature set.

Genre-Specific Strengths Illustrated

From this chart, you can see the Olympus E-5 excels broadly, from portraits to landscapes to wildlife and professional use, while the Panasonic FP1 is best suited to casual, street, and travel shooting.

Sample Images to Visualize Quality Differences

Olympus E 5 front Olympus E 5 screen back Panasonic FP1 front Panasonic FP1 screen back

Here you can observe the Olympus E-5’s sharper detail, better dynamic range, natural skin tones, and overall cleaner results compared to the FP1’s comparatively softer and noisier images.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Each and Why

• Choose the Olympus E-5 if you are:

  • A professional or advanced enthusiast wanting full manual control, lens interchangeability, and reliability in diverse shooting scenarios.
  • Shooting portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, macro, or night photography.
  • Demanding superior image quality and needing robust weather sealing.

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix FP1 if you are:

  • A casual shooter or traveler needing a small, lightweight camera for snapshot photography.
  • Prioritizing portability and simplicity over technical control or image quality.
  • On a budget, just wanting a capable point-and-shoot camera for general use.

My Personal Take

Having spent numerous hours behind both cameras, I appreciate the Olympus E-5 as an unsung workhorse of its generation. It feels like a tool crafted with photographers’ needs front and center. The FP1 feels more disposable - a pocket companion that does its small task reliably but without ambition.

For anyone serious about photography, the Olympus’ advantages in sensor size, manual control, and build are worth the investment. That said, it can't compete with the sheer convenience of the FP1 for casual snaps - niches matter!

To wrap up: your photography goals, shooting style, and budget will determine whether the E-5’s power and versatility or the FP1’s simplicity and portability serve you best. Both have their place - and now you know exactly where.

If you’re considering one of these cameras, I hope my firsthand insight helps you make an informed choice that inspires your best photographic moments. Happy shooting!