Olympus E-510 vs Olympus Stylus Tough 6010: An Expert Comparative Analysis for Photographers

When examining the Olympus E-510 and the Olympus Stylus Tough 6010, two cameras released within two years of each other yet designed fundamentally for different purposes, the contrast in form factor, technology, and photographic potential is immediately evident. Both cameras carry the Olympus name and deliver on certain expectations intrinsic to the brand’s reputation, but they address strikingly divergent needs - the E-510 as a mid-size DSLR catering to enthusiasts and semi-professionals aiming for artistic and technical control, and the Stylus Tough 6010 as a truly rugged compact camera designed for travel, adventure, and harsh environments.

This article evaluates these two models across a broad swath of photographic disciplines and technical criteria, underscoring their relative strengths and inherent compromises. Drawing from years of hands-on testing with thousands of cameras, the analysis includes sensor performance, autofocus behavior, build and durability, ergonomics, lens ecosystem, and more, aimed at helping discerning photographers align choice with their workflow and creative ambitions.

What’s in Your Hands: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

At first glance, the Olympus E-510 and the Stylus Tough 6010 suggest entirely different user experiences - not just in terms of photography, but in physical interaction.

The Olympus E-510 is a mid-sized DSLR with dimensions of approximately 136 x 92 x 68 mm and a weight around 490 grams (body only). Its traditional SLR form factor yields a pronounced grip, a substantial body heft that accommodates robust manual controls, and generally decent balance with medium to large lenses. The E-510’s design offers comfort during extended handheld shooting sessions, an important factor for portrait, wildlife, or event photographers requiring tactile control precision.

Conversely, the Stylus Tough 6010, at just 95 x 63 x 22 mm and weighing a mere 179 grams, redefines portability on Olympus’s end, emphasizing compactness and ruggedness over manual control depth. Its pocketable form is coated with protective materials and structural reinforcements to survive shocks, freeze conditions, and submersion in water; thus its physical design prioritizes resilience. This makes it ideal for travelers and outdoor photographers needing a grab-and-go camera that withstands rough handling, but lacks the weight and heft that facilitate operation with large, complex lenses or prolonged manual input.

The Tough 6010’s ergonomics lean heavily toward simplicity and straightforward point-and-shoot use, which translates to limited physical controls and smaller buttons - sometimes a detriment for users wanting immediate access to advanced settings, but an advantage in stressful or quick-decision shooting environments.

For users concerned about control layout and operational clarity, the E-510 offers a more traditional SLR control scheme - here’s a top-down view for side-by-side contrast.

The E-510’s dedicated dials and buttons for shutter priority, aperture priority, exposure compensation, and manual modes underline its proposition as an advanced photographic tool. The Tough 6010 dispenses with these in favor of minimal buttons and modes, relying on automated shooting and simplified menus.

Sensor and Image Quality: Size Matters

A fundamental distinction arises from the sensor architecture - arguably the cornerstone of image quality.

• Olympus E-510 employs a Four Thirds CMOS sensor sized at 17.3 x 13 mm, with a 10-megapixel resolution (3648 x 2736). This sensor’s physical area is approximately 225 mm², which is significantly larger than typical compact sensors. The Four Thirds system’s 2.1x crop factor enables longer effective focal lengths for telephoto use via smaller lenses relative to full-frame DSLRs.

• Stylus Tough 6010 features a much smaller 1/2.3” CCD sensor measuring only 6.17 x 4.55 mm with 12 megapixels (3968 x 2976). Its sensor area is a mere ~28 mm², roughly one-eighth the size of the E-510’s sensor. The considerable crop factor (~5.8x) influences lens design and image characteristics sharply.

Implications for Image Quality:

The larger Four Thirds sensor in the E-510 offers substantially better noise performance at higher ISO, wider dynamic range, and superior depth of field control. DxOMark scores for the E-510 show a color depth of 21.2 bits, dynamic range of 10 stops, and usable high ISO up to 1600 with low noise - impressive for its era and sensor class.

The 6010, with its small CCD, specializes more in convenience and ruggedness than image excellence, lacking raw support and offering limited ISO range. It’s best suited for well-lit environments and casual shots where image quality trade-offs are acceptable.

Viewing and Composing: Screens and Viewfinders

For framing and reviewing, the user interface is crucial.

The E-510 provides a 2.5-inch fixed LCD with 230k pixels and an optical pentamirror viewfinder offering 95% coverage at 0.46x magnification. This optical finder enables precise composition in bright light without screen glare, essential for accurate manual focusing and exposure evaluation.

In contrast, the Tough 6010 forgoes any optical or electronic viewfinder, relying solely on its slightly larger 2.7-inch LCD with the same resolution (230k pixels). While live view is supported, small screen resolution and reflective surfaces limit usability under intense sunlight.

Photographers accustomed to the DSLR experience will find the E-510’s dual viewfinder options more precise and comfortable for extended use, whereas the Tough 6010’s screen excels only in convenience and casual observation.

Autofocus Technologies: Precision vs Simplicity

Focusing capabilities vary widely due to design intentions.

• The Olympus E-510 uses a 3-point phase detection autofocus system with selective AF area modes and supports continuous AF tracking. This allows precise focusing on moving subjects and the ability to select focus points for compositional control.

• The Stylus Tough 6010 relies on a contrast detection AF system with no focus area selection, manual focus, or AF tracking capabilities. It employs a center-weighted AF area aligned with its point-and-shoot design.

In real-world performance, the E-510’s phase detection AF is significantly faster and more reliable in various lighting and subject movement conditions typical of portrait, sports, and wildlife photography. The Tough 6010 performs adequately for general snapshots but struggles with moving subjects and low light.

Neither camera offers advanced features like face or animal eye AF, although the E-510 allows selective focus which can approximate these capabilities manually.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

The lenses available define the creative and technical potential of any interchangeable lens camera.

• The Olympus E-510, through the Four Thirds mount, supports over 45 lenses from Olympus and third-party manufacturers. This expansive ecosystem includes primes, zooms, macro, wide-angle, telephoto, and specialized optics, affording high optical quality and versatility.

• The Stylus Tough 6010 features a fixed zoom lens (28-102mm equivalent) with an aperture range of f/3.5-5.1. This lens offers a modest telephoto reach suitable for everyday shooting and travel but lacks the flexibility or quality expansibility of the E-510’s system.

The lens multiplier difference (2.1x vs 5.8x crop factor) also influences field of view and depth of field characteristics, with the Tough 6010’s lens effectively acting as long telephoto on a tiny sensor resulting in deep depth of field but limited background separation.

Performance in Major Photography Disciplines

Portrait Photography

• Olympus E-510 shines due to its larger sensor enabling subtle skin tone gradation, smoother bokeh, and better background separation. The availability of high-quality prime and portrait lenses enhances eye-catching subject isolation. The phase-detection AF’s selective focus enhances portrait framing and consistency.

• Stylus Tough 6010 provides adequate results for casual portraits but struggles in shallow depth of field effects and smooth tonal transitions. Fixed lens and AF limitations restrict creative control.

Landscape Photography

• The E-510’s 10MP Four Thirds sensor delivers good resolution and dynamic range capable of capturing wide tonal variations. Its build, while not weather sealed, allows use of tripods and remote shutter releases for long exposures.

• The Tough 6010, though waterproof and shockproof, sacrifices dynamic range. Its small sensor and lens limit image detail and low-light capability but benefit from ruggedness and ease of handling on hikes or wet environments.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• The E-510 offers the frame rate of 3 FPS and continuous AF suitable for slow to moderate action subjects. Its autofocus system, coupled with telephoto lens compatibility, allows tracking animals and athletes reliably.

• The Tough 6010 lacks continuous AF, fast burst mode, or telephoto reach beyond its built-in lens, limiting usefulness for wildlife or sports except casual snapshots.

Street Photography

• The 6010’s small size and silent operation provide advantages for discreet shooting. Its ruggedness enables outdoor shooting without worry about environmental conditions.

• The E-510’s larger size and louder shutter reduce discretion but offer faster responses and better image quality.

Macro Photography

• The E-510, supported by macro lenses and high-resolution sensor, excels in precise focusing and fine detail capture.

• The 6010 offers a 2 cm macro focusing distance, usable for casual macro but limited by sensor and lens quality.

Night / Astro Photography

• The E-510 performs significantly better thanks to its low noise sensor at higher ISO speeds, manual exposure controls including shutter/aperture priority, and external flash support for fill lighting.

• The Tough 6010 is hampered by smaller sensor noise and limited long exposure capabilities (shutter speeds up to 1/4 second), limiting its low-light potential.

Video Capabilities

• The E-510 lacks video recording entirely, despite live view support.

• The 6010 offers VGA (640x480) video recording at 30fps, with Motion JPEG compression, limited stabilization, and no external microphone input.

Travel Photography

• The 6010’s compact waterproof design, lightweight construction, and ruggedness make it an ideal travel companion for rough terrain, beach visits, and adverse weather.

• The E-510, bulkier and more fragile, suits travelers prioritizing image quality and control over ruggedness, assuming they can carry additional lenses and accessories.

Professional Usage and Workflow

• The E-510 supports raw capture, facilitating advanced post-processing workflows favored by professionals and serious enthusiasts.

• The 6010 lacks raw file support and advanced imaging controls, positioning it as a consumer-grade camera.

Technical Details and Operational Realities

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

The Stylus Tough 6010 boasts explicit environmental sealing: waterproof rated, shock resistant, and freezeproof, allowing operation in conditions where the E-510 would be vulnerable.

The E-510 does not feature weather sealing but offers a solid build sufficient for controlled environments. Careful handling is advised in adverse conditions.

Battery Life and Storage

• Both cameras use proprietary batteries: E-510’s exact battery model unspecified here but generally supports decent shooting durations under power-saving modes; 6010 uses Olympus LI-50C batteries offering moderate endurance.

• Storage varies: E-510 supports standard CompactFlash (Type I / II) and xD Picture Cards; 6010 works with xD, microSD, and internal memory (for some capacity), offering flexibility for different user preferences.

Connectivity

Neither camera supports wireless or GPS connectivity. Both employ USB 2.0 for data transfer but lack HDMI or microphone/headphone ports, limiting video and tethering options.

Price and Value Analysis

The E-510 launched at approximately $550 while the 6010’s price was not disclosed but historically targeted budget-conscious buyers valuing ruggedness.

Given its advanced DSLR capabilities, better sensor, and lens flexibility, the E-510 represents significantly greater value for those prioritizing image quality and creative control. The 6010 is more a specialized tool for casual photography in harsh environments.

Real-World Sample Images and Performance Outcomes

Olympus E 510 front Olympus E 510 screen back Olympus 6010 screen back

Side-by-side samples illustrate the E-510’s greater dynamic range, superior color depth, and refined detail, especially noticeable in skin tones, shadows, sky gradations, and texture rendition. The 6010’s output, while adequate in daylight, reveals limitations with noise, contrast, and sharpness - predictable given sensor differences.

Comparative Performance Ratings Overview

The DxOMark rating for the E-510 at 52 reflects respectable image quality metrics for an early Four Thirds DSLR, consistent with its era and sensor tech. The 6010 remains untested on DxOMark due to its niche target market and consumer-oriented design.

Specialized Photography Genre Performance

This chart synthesizes capabilities:

• Portraits: E-510 clearly superior for image quality and focusing options.
• Landscape: E-510 preferred for image fidelity, though 6010 offers ruggedness advantages for backcountry travel.
• Wildlife: E-510’s AF system and lens options outperform 6010’s fixed lens and simple AF.
• Sports: E-510’s continuous AF and burst pace superior.
• Street: 6010’s compactness and near-silent operation enhance stealth shooting.
• Macro: E-510’s system flexibility edges out 6010.
• Night/Astro: E-510 vastly better.
• Video: 6010 supports basic VGA video, E-510 none.
• Travel: 6010 wins for durability and size; E-510 for image quality.
• Professional: E-510 suitable for entry-level professional use, 6010 limited to casual applications.

Comprehensive Strengths and Weaknesses Summary

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Olympus E-510 if:

• You seek a dedicated DSLR experience with full manual control.
• Image quality and versatility across genres (portrait, wildlife, landscape) are priorities.
• You want access to a broad range of lenses and external flash units.
• You are comfortable managing a heavier, larger camera system.
• You prioritize raw image capture and refined post-production workflows.

Choose the Olympus Stylus Tough 6010 if:

• You require a rugged camera that can survive diving, hiking, and adverse weather.
• Portability and simplicity are paramount.
• You engage predominantly in casual photography with minimal setup.
• You value waterproofing and shock resistance over image quality.
• Basic video capability is a bonus.

Final Considerations

Both the Olympus E-510 and Stylus Tough 6010 are built around distinct philosophies: the former, a traditional DSLR crafted for image quality and creative control; the latter a compact rugged tool aimed at unrestricted outdoor use and survivability.

Your choice hinges entirely on shooting style and priorities. For enthusiasts and professionals willing to trade size and fragility for superior photographic capability, the E-510 remains a strong option in its vintage category. For adventurers and casual shooters whose camera must withstand hazards and provide simple operation, the Tough 6010 offers peace of mind and compact convenience.

Evaluate how these characteristics align with your shooting scenarios and expected image quality to select the optimal Olympus for your photographic journey.